The Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve been configuring and reconfiguring my tactical and duty rigs. The constant dance of holsters, magazine pouches, and other essential gear requires secure and adaptable mounting solutions. That’s why the Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal, with its promise of a Quick Locking System (QLS), immediately caught my eye. This kit offers a seemingly straightforward solution for quickly swapping out gear without the hassle of unscrewing and reattaching everything.
I’d been struggling with a holster setup on my go-bag that just wasn’t working. The old system required tools to switch holsters and that would take me about 10 minutes. This was too long to wait when you are in an emergency situation and time is of the essence. I needed a solution that offered more flexibility and speed.
Upon unboxing, the Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal components felt solid and well-made. The black polymer construction gave a professional and tactical look. The pieces felt substantial without being overly heavy. The kit includes one male and one female QLS platform, along with the necessary mounting hardware. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism.
I considered other mounting systems like Blade-Tech’s Tek-Lok and G-Code’s RTI system. However, I chose the Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal because of Safariland’s reputation for quality and the prevalence of their QLS system within law enforcement and military circles. It appeared to be a more standardized and readily available platform for future gear additions.
My first impressions were positive. I was eager to see if the kit lived up to its promise of quick and secure gear swaps. I hoped it would streamline my setup process and provide a reliable foundation for my tactical equipment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal at my local shooting range. I mounted the female QLS receiver to my thigh rig and the male QLS fork to my Safariland 7378RDS 7TS ALS holster. Installation was simple, using the included hardware and basic tools. The holster snapped into place with a satisfying click.
During several drills that involved drawing and re-holstering repeatedly, the QLS system felt surprisingly secure. It was easy to quickly detach and reattach the holster. There were no issues with wobble or play between the platforms. I tested it in relatively dry conditions.
The only minor issue was getting used to the release lever. It took a few repetitions to develop a smooth and efficient release motion.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal has proven to be a reliable addition to my gear. There are no signs of wear or tear on the polymer platforms. The locking mechanism continues to function smoothly. The black finish has held up well, resisting scratches and abrasions.
Cleaning and maintenance are minimal. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s usually needed. Compared to my previous holster mounting method, this system has significantly improved the speed and ease of swapping out gear.
It has exceeded my expectations. It’s offering a level of modularity and convenience that I didn’t think was possible.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal
Specifications
The Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal is designed as a Quick Locking System (QLS) platform. This is constructed from durable, injection-molded black polymer. It features one male and one female QLS platform. The kit includes the necessary mounting hardware.
These specifications are crucial for a secure and reliable holster mounting solution. The polymer construction provides lightweight durability, which is important for all-day carry. The QLS system allows for quick and easy holster swaps, adapting to different mission requirements.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a secure and stable mounting platform. It allows for rapid holster swaps. Its reliability and ease of use make it an invaluable addition to any tactical gear setup.
The strengths of this system are its speed, security, and ease of use. A potential area for improvement might be the tactile feedback of the release lever. It could be made more pronounced to ensure positive engagement in high-stress situations. Overall, it has exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal is excellent. The polymer material feels robust and well-made. The weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to the overall setup. The ergonomic design of the release lever makes it relatively easy to operate.
There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the release lever. But, with a little practice, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal is built to last. The durable polymer construction can withstand regular use and abuse in demanding environments.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to keep the system in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal itself is primarily a mounting platform. However, it is compatible with a wide range of Safariland holsters and accessories.
You can use it with different holster types, magazine pouches, and other gear. The QLS system is widely adopted. It will work with accessories from other brands that utilize the QLS standard. This offers a high degree of customization and adaptability.
Pros and Cons of Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal
Pros
- Rapid Holster Swaps: The QLS system allows for incredibly fast and easy holster changes.
- Secure Mounting Platform: The holster locks firmly into place, providing a stable and wobble-free carry.
- Durable Construction: The polymer material is strong and resistant to wear and tear.
- Wide Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of Safariland holsters and QLS-compatible accessories from other brands.
- Easy Installation: Simple to install with basic tools and the included hardware.
Cons
- Release Lever Requires Practice: Mastering the release lever takes a bit of practice to develop a smooth and efficient motion.
- Can Add Bulk: The QLS system adds a small amount of bulk compared to direct mounting.
Who Should Buy Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal?
The Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, competitive shooters, and anyone who needs to quickly and easily swap out their holsters or other gear. It’s a must-have for those who require a modular and adaptable tactical setup.
Those who should skip this product are users looking for the absolute lowest profile mounting solution, as the QLS system does add some bulk. It is also not necessary for those who only use one holster and have no need for quick changes.
A must-have accessory is a compatible Safariland holster or other QLS-compatible gear.
Conclusion on Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal
The Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal is a game-changer for anyone seeking a truly modular and adaptable tactical gear setup. Its ability to facilitate rapid holster swaps is a significant advantage in dynamic environments.
The price of $27.20 is justified given the quality, durability, and convenience it provides. It’s an investment that pays off in terms of increased efficiency and flexibility.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland Kit 1-2 Black Metal to anyone looking to streamline their gear setup. It is a well-designed and reliable system that delivers on its promise of quick and secure holster swaps. Upgrade your tactical setup today and experience the convenience of the Safariland QLS system!