Let’s Talk About Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster, – 1 out of 13 models
The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster is a duty-grade, adaptable holster system designed for concealed carry with a strong emphasis on weapon retention and modularity. Manufactured by Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and military holsters, this AIWB (Appendix Inside the Waistband) rig combines their proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) with the innovative 7TS construction. The result is a holster that promises both speed and security, catering to professionals and armed citizens alike.
I was searching for a holster that offered a high degree of weapon retention without sacrificing speed of draw for my concealed carry setup. Many AIWB holsters prioritize concealment, but I wanted something that mirrored the security of my duty holster. The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster seemed to be a perfect fit, offering both features.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust feel of the Safariseven nylon blend. It’s clearly a durable material, far cry from some of the thinner, more flexible kydex AIWB holsters I’ve used. The ALS lever was intuitive to operate, and the overall construction felt solid and well thought out.
Compared to other AIWB holsters like the Raven Concealment Perun or the Vedder LightTuck, the Safariland stood out due to its active retention system. While those holsters rely on friction and adjustable tension, the ALS offered a more positive and secure lock on the weapon. I ultimately chose the Safariland for its peace of mind knowing my firearm was secured.
My initial impression was excitement tempered with a touch of apprehension. The size was larger than my usual AIWB setup, but the promise of Safariland-level retention in a concealed carry platform was worth exploring. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype in real-world use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster, – 1 out of 13 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster was at an outdoor shooting range. I focused on drawing and re-holstering drills, evaluating the speed and security of the ALS system. The holster was tested during both dry and live fire exercises.
Even with sweaty hands in the summer heat, the Safariseven material provided a secure grip. The ALS release was easy to manipulate with my thumb, resulting in a smooth and consistent draw. The initial draw stroke felt a little different than my friction fit holsters, but it quickly became intuitive after only a few practice runs.
There were no immediate issues, although I did find the holster a little bulky initially. The holster’s size required some adjustment to my carry position and clothing choices to maximize concealment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of daily concealed carry, the Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster has proven to be both durable and reliable. The Safariseven material shows no signs of wear, and the ALS system continues to function flawlessly. The holster became much more comfortable with use, as I learned the optimal adjustment and carry position.
The holster has seen use in a variety of environments, from humid summer days to light rain. The Safariseven material repels moisture well, preventing any issues with rust or corrosion on the firearm. The stand-off surfaces inside the holster seem to work as designed, as I’ve noticed less lint and debris accumulation on the gun compared to my other AIWB holsters.
Compared to my previous AIWB holsters, the Safariland offers a superior level of retention and durability. While it might not be the slimmest option on the market, the trade-off in security and peace of mind is well worth it. It has outperformed my expectations, becoming my new go-to AIWB holster.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster, – 1 out of 13 models
Specifications
The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance and functionality. It features ALS (Automatic Locking System) which secures the weapon until deliberately released. Constructed from Safariseven, a proprietary nylon blend, the holster is completely non-abrasive to a firearm’s finish.
The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster is structurally sound from 300 degrees F to -50 degrees F. The holster has matte finish designed to decrease reflection and can be maintained with a simple scouring pad. The kit includes single strap leg shroud with Quick Locking Receiver Plate (QLS 22) and a 568BL paddle attachment.
The kit also includes a 567BL injection molded belt loop with a Quick Locking Receiver Plate (QLS 22) attached. The 567BL has a 1 inch drop and can be modified to accommodate 1.5in, 1.75in, 2in, and 2.25in belt slots. These specifications are important as they directly influence the holster’s durability, security, and adaptability to various carry styles and environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster excels in its primary function: securely retaining a firearm while allowing for a quick and efficient draw. The ALS system provides positive retention, preventing accidental dislodgement of the weapon. The straight-up draw is intuitive and can be mastered with minimal practice.
The holster’s strength lies in its robust construction and reliable retention system. One minor weakness is its size, which can make concealment challenging for some body types or clothing styles. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-grade AIWB holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster is exceptional. The Safariseven material is both durable and lightweight, offering a comfortable carry experience. The holster’s design is well thought out, with the ALS lever positioned for easy manipulation.
While there is a slight learning curve associated with the ALS system, it quickly becomes second nature. The overall design is user-friendly, promoting a consistent and reliable draw stroke.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster is built to last, thanks to its rugged Safariseven construction. The material is resistant to abrasions, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. The holster’s lifespan should be extensive with proper care.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. The non-abrasive Safariseven material helps protect the firearm’s finish, reducing the need for frequent gun cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster comes with several accessories, including a single-strap leg shroud with a Quick Locking Receiver Plate (QLS 22) and a 568BL paddle attachment. The 567BL injection-molded belt loop provides adjustable ride height.
The QLS system allows for quick and easy swapping of the holster between different mounting platforms. While the holster itself does not offer extensive customization options, the QLS system enhances its versatility. The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster is also compatible with other Safariland accessories, such as different belt loops and mounting plates.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster, – 1 out of 13 models
Pros
- Superior Weapon Retention: The ALS system provides a secure lock on the firearm, preventing accidental dislodgement.
- Exceptional Durability: The Safariseven construction is resistant to abrasions, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
- Versatile Mounting Options: The QLS system allows for quick and easy swapping between different mounting platforms.
- Smooth and Consistent Draw: The ALS release is intuitive, promoting a consistent and reliable draw stroke.
- Non-Abrasive Material: The Safariseven material protects the firearm’s finish.
Cons
- Bulky Design: The holster’s size can make concealment challenging for some body types or clothing styles.
- Initial Learning Curve: The ALS system requires some practice to master.
Who Should Buy Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster, – 1 out of 13 models?
The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and armed citizens who prioritize weapon retention and durability in a concealed carry setup. Those who carry in demanding environments or require a high level of security will benefit most from this holster. It is especially well-suited for those transitioning from duty holsters and want a similar level of security in their concealed carry setup.
Those who prioritize maximum concealment and are willing to sacrifice some security for a slimmer profile should skip this product. Individuals with smaller body types may also find the holster too bulky for comfortable and effective concealment.
A quality gun belt is a must-have accessory for the Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster. Experimentation with different wedges and concealment aids may also be necessary to achieve optimal comfort and concealment.
Conclusion on Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster, – 1 out of 13 models
The Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster is a duty-grade concealed carry solution that delivers on its promise of security and durability. While it may not be the slimmest or most minimalist option on the market, its robust construction, reliable ALS system, and versatile mounting options make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize weapon retention. The price of $220.80 is justified considering the quality of materials and the level of security provided.
I would personally recommend the Safariland 7TS ALS Military Kit AIWB Holster to anyone seeking a high-quality, duty-grade AIWB holster with active retention. If you value security and durability above all else, this holster is an excellent choice. Invest in your safety and carry with confidence.