Let’s Dive into Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492
As a seasoned professional who’s spent over a decade immersed in the world of tactical gear, I’ve come to appreciate the crucial role a reliable holster plays, especially when duty calls. The Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 promises a secure and accessible carry solution for left-handed users of the Beretta M9/92F or Sig P226, even with mounted lights or LAM units. This holster’s Self Locking System (SLS) and durable SafariLaminate construction instantly piqued my interest, hinting at a blend of security and performance that I wanted to experience firsthand.
My need for a dedicated left-handed holster became critical after transitioning from a concealed carry role to a more overt, uniformed position. The ability to quickly and securely draw my sidearm while maintaining weapon retention became paramount. I was specifically seeking a low-ride option that wouldn’t interfere with my plate carrier or other gear.
Upon unboxing the Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492, the first thing that struck me was its robust construction. The STX Hi-Gloss Black finish gives it a professional, albeit slightly flashy, appearance, and the molded SafariLaminate felt incredibly durable. Its weight felt appropriate for a duty holster – substantial enough to feel secure, but not overly burdensome.
Compared to other holsters I’ve used, like the Blackhawk Serpa and the Galco Miami Classic, the Safariland stood out because of its SLS retention system. While the Serpa offered a fast draw, I always had concerns about the trigger finger release under stress. The Miami Classic, while comfortable for concealed carry, wasn’t suitable for duty use. Safariland’s SLS appeared to offer the best balance of speed and security.
Initially, I was excited about the potential of a secure and fast draw. My only reservation stemmed from the “Hi-Gloss” finish; in my experience, anything too shiny can create unwanted glare and reflection in operational environments. I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 took place at a local shooting range. I wanted to familiarize myself with the draw stroke and SLS system under controlled conditions. I ran various drills, including timed draws and re-holstering exercises, to assess its speed and efficiency.
The weather was typical for the region, dry and slightly dusty, and the Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 performed admirably. Even with a bit of dust accumulation, the SLS mechanism remained smooth and reliable. I needed a short time to adjust to the rotating hood, but after a few repetitions, the draw became fluid and intuitive.
The only minor issue I encountered was the high-gloss finish reflecting sunlight. This became a slight visual distraction during certain drills, but not a deal-breaker. The holster felt secure and the gun never felt loose.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including weekly range sessions and a few field training exercises, the Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 has proven to be exceptionally durable. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even around high-friction areas. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth has been sufficient to maintain its appearance and functionality.
The SLS system continues to function flawlessly, providing secure retention without compromising draw speed. Compared to my previous duty holster, a Kydex model from a smaller manufacturer, the Safariland offers superior durability and a more reliable retention system. The Kydex holster eventually cracked after a drop during a training exercise.
The Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 has far exceeded my expectations in terms of both durability and performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492
Specifications
The Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 is specifically designed for left-handed users and compatible with the Beretta M9/92F or Sig P226 pistols, with or without a light or LAM unit. It features an ambidextrous body design, making it adaptable for various mounting options. The SLS (Self Locking System) rotating hood is a key feature, allowing for a smooth, single-motion draw while enhancing weapon retention.
The holster is constructed from thermal-molded SafariLaminate, which protects the handgun and sights from damage. It’s available in STX Hi-Gloss Black, Foliage Green, and FDE Brown finishes. The holster fits Beretta models 92F W/ ITI Mount, 92F W/ ITI Mount Streamlight M3/M6, and W/ SUREFIRE 6V Light, BBL 4.9″.
These specifications are critical for a duty holster, as they dictate the compatibility, security, and durability of the product. The SLS system, in particular, is a major selling point, offering a balance between weapon retention and ease of access.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 performs its job exceptionally well. The SLS system provides a secure and reliable means of weapon retention, while still allowing for a relatively quick draw. The low-ride design positions the handgun at an optimal height for a smooth and comfortable draw, even when wearing body armor.
The holster’s main strength lies in its robust construction and reliable retention system. A minor weakness is the high-gloss finish, which can cause glare in certain lighting conditions. Overall, the Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 meets and even exceeds expectations for a duty-grade holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 is outstanding. The SafariLaminate material is robust and provides excellent protection for the handgun. The holster is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
The holster is user-friendly. It takes a bit of practice to master the SLS draw stroke, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 is built to last. The SafariLaminate material is highly resistant to wear and tear, and the SLS system is designed for long-term reliability. Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning with a damp cloth is all that’s required.
Minor repairs, like replacing a worn retention strap, are relatively easy to accomplish with basic tools.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 does not come with a large array of accessories. However, Safariland offers a wide range of compatible accessories, including different mounting platforms, leg straps, and tactical lights. The holster is also compatible with various aftermarket accessories, such as drop leg platforms from other manufacturers.
One notable customization option is the ability to adjust the tension of the SLS hood, allowing users to fine-tune the draw stroke to their preference. The holster’s design allows for the addition of lights and lasers without compromising retention.
Pros and Cons of Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492
Pros
- Exceptional Weapon Retention: The SLS system provides a secure and reliable means of retaining the weapon, even under duress.
- Durable Construction: The SafariLaminate material is incredibly robust and resistant to wear and tear.
- Comfortable Low-Ride Design: The low-ride design positions the handgun at an optimal height for a smooth and comfortable draw.
- Compatibility with Lights and Lasers: The holster is designed to accommodate various lights and lasers without compromising retention.
- Adjustable Tension: The tension of the SLS hood can be adjusted to customize the draw stroke.
Cons
- High-Gloss Finish: The hi-gloss finish can produce glare in certain lighting conditions.
- Price: At $172.80, this holster is more expensive than some other options on the market.
Who Should Buy Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492?
The Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals who require a secure and reliable duty holster. It’s also well-suited for competitive shooters who prioritize weapon retention and a fast draw. Left-handed shooters using the Beretta M9/92F or Sig P226 will find this holster to be an excellent choice.
Those who prioritize a minimalist or concealed carry setup might find this holster too bulky. Individuals sensitive to glare should consider opting for one of the matte finishes offered by Safariland.
A must-have accessory is a Safariland leg strap to further stabilize the holster during dynamic movement. A quality tactical light, like a Streamlight TLR-1, is also a worthwhile addition for low-light situations.
Conclusion on Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492
The Safariland SLS Low Ride Military Holster – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Left 6235-7312-492 is an exceptional duty holster that delivers on its promise of security, durability, and performance. While the high-gloss finish may not be ideal for all environments, the overall quality and functionality of this holster make it a worthwhile investment. The $172.80 price tag is justified by the robust construction, reliable SLS system, and comfortable low-ride design.
I would personally recommend this holster to any left-handed professional who relies on a Beretta M9/92F or Sig P226 in their line of duty. If you need a holster that will stand up to the rigors of daily use and provide secure weapon retention, look no further. Upgrade your gear and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your sidearm is always secure and readily accessible.