Let’s Dive into Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard
The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is a seemingly simple, yet incredibly effective addition to any open-top Safariland Automatic Locking System (ALS) holster. This isn’t just another piece of polymer; it’s a carefully engineered solution to prevent unauthorized access and accidental release of your firearm. As someone who’s spent over a decade in tactical environments, I understand the importance of secure weapon retention without sacrificing speed and accessibility.
My primary need was to enhance the security of my duty holster without significantly impacting my draw speed. I’ve seen too many close calls where a suspect attempted to disarm an officer, and a level 1 holster just wasn’t cutting it. The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard promised an added layer of protection, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Upon receiving the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard, my initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. The polymer felt rugged, and the fit and finish were excellent. The design looked simple and functional, and there was no excess weight.
Compared to some other holster security add-ons I’ve tried – bulky thumb break straps or complicated locking mechanisms – the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard stood out for its sleekness and ease of installation. I had considered a full Level 2 or Level 3 holster replacement, but the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard offered a cost-effective and less drastic upgrade. My initial excitement was cautiously optimistic; I was ready to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard was at the local shooting range, simulating a duty-carry scenario. I ran several drills, focusing on drawing under pressure and re-holstering quickly and efficiently. The added hood guard definitely required a slightly different motion, but it quickly became intuitive.
I also tested it in various weather conditions. I ran drills in the rain, in the sun, and even after dropping it in the dirt (simulating a scuffle). The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard functioned flawlessly in all conditions, with no noticeable impact on the draw stroke after a short adjustment period. There were no malfunctions.
The initial adjustment to the hood guard required conscious effort to depress it properly before drawing. But after about an hour of practice, the motion became second nature. I was initially concerned it would slow me down, but the slight change in technique was quickly overcome.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard has proven to be incredibly durable. There are no signs of wear or tear, and the polymer still looks and feels like new. The mechanism continues to function smoothly.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps it in good condition. I’ve used it in both tactical training scenarios and daily concealed carry, and it has consistently performed reliably. I appreciate the added peace of mind it provides, knowing that my firearm is more secure.
Compared to my previous experience with a Level 1 holster alone, the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard offers a noticeable improvement in retention without a major sacrifice in speed. It’s a well-designed and durable upgrade that significantly enhances the security of a Safariland ALS holster.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard
Specifications
The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is designed specifically as an add-on to open-top Safariland ALS holsters. It consists of two main components: the hood guard itself, which rotates forward to allow the draw, and the ALS guard, which covers the ALS lever. The purpose of the ALS guard is to prevent accidental or unauthorized activation.
The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is available in black, brown, OD green, and foliage green to match various holster colors. The unit is constructed from a durable, injection-molded polymer. This material is known for its resistance to impact, abrasion, and extreme temperatures.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments. The robust polymer construction ensures durability, while the color options allow for seamless integration with existing gear. The design offers enhanced security without compromising accessibility.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard excels at providing an added layer of security to an ALS holster. The hood guard prevents a straight upward draw. The ALS guard prevents unauthorized or accidental release of the firearm.
The primary strength is the added retention. The design is simple and effective. The only weakness is that it adds a step to the draw cycle.
The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard easily meets my expectations, providing a noticeable increase in security without sacrificing speed. The level of security added is well worth the small adjustment to the draw stroke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is designed with a focus on functionality. The materials used, while not luxurious, are extremely durable and lightweight. The hood guard adds minimal bulk to the holster, maintaining a relatively low profile.
The design allows for a natural and intuitive draw stroke once the user becomes accustomed to the motion. There is a slight learning curve. It’s about learning to properly depress the hood guard with the thumb before drawing the weapon.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is built to last. I expect it to withstand years of use in demanding conditions. The durable polymer construction ensures resistance to wear and tear, even with frequent use.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options. The primary customization is selecting the appropriate color to match the holster.
It is designed to be compatible with all open-top Safariland ALS duty and tactical holsters. As a unit, the ALS guard is integrated into the hood and interacts directly with the ALS locking mechanism.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard
Pros
- Enhanced Weapon Retention: Provides an added layer of security, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access the firearm.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality polymer that can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use.
- Easy Installation: Can be quickly and easily installed on compatible Safariland ALS holsters.
- Minimal Impact on Draw Speed: With practice, the added step to the draw stroke becomes intuitive and doesn’t significantly slow down the user.
- Cost-Effective Upgrade: Offers a substantial increase in security compared to purchasing a completely new holster.
Cons
- Minor Draw Adjustment: Requires a slight modification to the draw stroke, which may take some time to master.
- Added Bulk: Adds a small amount of bulk to the holster, though it is still relatively low profile.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard?
The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who relies on a Safariland ALS holster for duty or tactical applications. It provides an extra level of security without significantly impacting draw speed. This is especially useful in high-risk environments.
Individuals who prioritize the absolute fastest draw time above all else may find the added step of depressing the hood guard to be a hindrance. Also, those who do not already own a compatible Safariland ALS holster would need to purchase one.
A must-have addition would be regular practice and training to master the modified draw stroke. It’s essential to become proficient in deploying the firearm quickly and efficiently with the added hood guard.
Conclusion on Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard
In summary, the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to enhance the security of their Safariland ALS holster. The unit provides enhanced security without sacrificing ease of access.
At a price of $18.60, the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard offers excellent value. It’s a cost-effective way to upgrade an existing holster and provide an additional layer of protection.
I would absolutely recommend the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard to anyone looking to improve the security of their Safariland ALS holster. If you value weapon retention and are willing to invest a little time in training, this is an upgrade you won’t regret.