Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262

The Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 is a duty holster designed for left-handed law enforcement and security professionals who require a secure and reliable method of carrying their sidearm. Safariland is a trusted name in the industry, known for their durable and innovative holster designs. This particular model boasts Level II retention, a mid-ride height for comfortable carry, and a professional-looking nylon-look finish.

I needed a new holster for my Smith & Wesson 5906, as the leather one I had been using for years was starting to show its age and wasn’t offering the retention I desired. I wanted something more secure and with a modern aesthetic, while still maintaining ease of access when needed. The Safariland holster seemed to be the perfect blend of security, accessibility, and professional appearance.

The holster arrived in a simple cardboard box, and upon opening it, my initial impression was positive. The nylon-look finish gave it a clean and professional appearance, and the build quality seemed robust. It felt solid in my hand without being overly bulky.

I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite, but ultimately chose the Safariland due to its reputation for durability and the proven SLS (Self Locking System). Plus, I liked the mid-ride height, which seemed like a good compromise between concealment and accessibility. I was excited to try it out and see if it lived up to the Safariland name.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 was at the shooting range during a training session. I was running drills involving drawing and re-holstering my S&W 5906, and I immediately noticed the difference in retention compared to my old holster. The SLS system required a deliberate motion to release, giving me confidence that the firearm wouldn’t be accidentally dislodged.

The weather was dry and moderately warm, and the holster performed flawlessly. The draw stroke was smooth and consistent once I became accustomed to the SLS release. There were no unexpected snags or issues during the first range session.

It took some practice to master the SLS release motion, but after about an hour, it became second nature. The mid-ride height was comfortable, allowing for a natural draw stroke without feeling like I was reaching too high or too low. The initial stiffness of the holster softened slightly after the first use, making the draw even smoother.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable. It has seen duty in both warm and cold weather, as well as dusty conditions, and it has held up remarkably well. The nylon-look finish still looks new, with no noticeable wear or scratches.

I’ve noticed only minor signs of wear on the inside of the holster, where the firearm comes into contact with the material. The SLS system continues to function flawlessly, providing consistent retention and a smooth release. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a wipe-down with a damp cloth.

Compared to my previous holsters, the Safariland has far exceeded my expectations in terms of durability, retention, and overall performance. I feel confident relying on it for duty use, knowing that my firearm is secure and accessible when needed. It is a significant upgrade over previous models I’ve used.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262

Specifications

• Level II Retention: The SLS (Self Locking System) provides a secure Level II retention, preventing unauthorized removal of the firearm. This ensures the weapon stays put during rigorous activity.
• Mid-Ride Position: The mid-ride height allows for a comfortable and accessible draw stroke while providing adequate weapon protection. This balance makes it suitable for various body types and duty roles.
• Top Draw and Straight Drop Cant: The top draw and straight drop cant offer a natural and efficient draw stroke. This helps facilitate quicker target acquisition.
• Gun Fit: Specifically designed for Smith & Wesson 4003TSW, 4006TSW (manufacturing date of 4603), 4043TSW, 4046TSW(with rails), BBL 4.00″, 4006, BBL 4.00″, 4043, BBL 4.00″, 4046, BBL 4.00″, 5903, BBL 4.00″, 5903TSW, 5906TSW (manufacturing date of 4603), 5943TSW, 5946TSW(with rails), BBL 4.00″, 5904, BBL 4.00″, 5906 short round trigger guard, BBL 4.00″, 5943 short round trigger guard, BBL 4.00″, 5944 short round trigger guard, BBL 4.00″, 5946 short round trigger guard, BBL 4.00″. Ensure your weapon is compatible to avoid fitment issues.
• Nylon-Look Finish: The durable nylon-look finish provides a professional appearance and resists scratches and abrasions. This helps maintain a clean and presentable look on duty.
• Left-Handed Design: Designed specifically for left-handed users, ensuring proper fit and function. This caters to a specific demographic of users.
• Level III/IV Upgradeable: Can be upgraded to Level III or IV retention with optional Sentry installed and tension screw adjustment. Provides flexibility to increase security based on your needs.

These specifications are important because they contribute directly to the holster’s performance, security, and user experience. The Level II retention provides peace of mind, while the mid-ride height and cant allow for a comfortable and efficient draw. The durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of duty use.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 excels in its primary function: securely retaining a firearm while allowing for a quick and efficient draw. The SLS system is intuitive once mastered, and the mid-ride height is comfortable for all-day wear.

The holster’s strengths lie in its retention capabilities, durability, and comfortable carry. One area for improvement is the initial stiffness of the SLS hood, which requires a break-in period to smooth out. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a duty holster in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and solid construction. The nylon-look finish is both professional and resistant to wear and tear. The mid-ride height strikes a good balance between concealment and accessibility.

There is a slight learning curve associated with the SLS system, but it becomes second nature with practice. The holster is comfortable to wear for extended periods and doesn’t cause excessive rubbing or discomfort. It’s a very user-friendly design overall.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 is built to last and withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The durable materials and solid construction ensure a long service life.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. There are no complicated mechanisms or parts that require specialized care. This ensures ease of maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular model doesn’t come with any accessories, but it is compatible with various Safariland belt loops and attachments. The tension screw allows for minor adjustments to the draw stroke.

While there are limited customization options specific to this holster, the compatibility with other Safariland accessories allows users to tailor the setup to their individual needs. The ability to upgrade to level III or IV with the sentry is also a great feature.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262

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Who Should Buy Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262?

The Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 is perfect for left-handed law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who requires a secure and reliable method of carrying a Smith & Wesson 4003TSW, 4006TSW, 4043TSW, 4046TSW, 4006, 4043, 4046, 5903, 5903TSW, 5906TSW, 5943TSW, 5946TSW, 5904, 5906 short round trigger guard, 5943 short round trigger guard, 5944 short round trigger guard or 5946 short round trigger guard. This model is ideal for anyone needing secure level II retention.

Those who own firearms other than the specified Smith & Wesson models should skip this product. Also, individuals who prefer a minimalist or concealed carry holster might find this model too bulky. The sentry upgrade may also be useful.

Conclusion on Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262

In summary, the Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 is a well-built and reliable duty holster that provides excellent retention and comfortable carry for left-handed users. The price is justified considering the quality of construction and the level of security it provides.

I would personally recommend this holster to anyone who needs a secure and professional-looking duty holster for their specified Smith & Wesson firearm. If you’re looking for a duty-ready holster that will stand up to the rigors of daily use, the Safariland Level II Retention, Mid-Ride – Nylon-Look, Left 6280-140-262 is an excellent choice.