Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness – OD Green, Left Hand 6305-560-562 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness – OD Green, Left Hand 6305-560-562

The Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness – OD Green, Left Hand 6305-560-562 isn’t just a holster; it’s a complete system designed for professionals who demand speed, security, and comfort in the field. Manufactured by Safariland, a trusted name in law enforcement and military gear, this holster boasts the Automatic Locking System (ALS) for secure weapon retention and a quick-release leg harness for comfortable carry. It’s built to withstand the rigors of tactical environments and offers a smooth, intuitive draw.

My need for this specific holster arose from a persistent search for a left-handed, weapon-light compatible, and secure platform to carry a railed 1911 during training and potential field operations. Existing holsters felt either too bulky, insufficiently secure, or incompatible with my specific firearm and accessories. The Safariland 6305 seemed to promise a solution that balanced retention, accessibility, and modularity.

Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was one of robust quality. The SAFARILAMINATE construction felt incredibly durable, and the stitching was clean and reinforced. The OD Green color provided a tactical aesthetic without being overly aggressive. The quick-release leg harness felt substantial and well-designed, inspiring confidence in its ability to distribute weight effectively.

Compared to similar holsters from Blackhawk and Galco, the Safariland 6305 stood out for its superior retention system and adjustable leg harness. While the Blackhawk Serpa offered a similar draw speed, its retention mechanism was sometimes criticized for accidental releases under stress. The Galco Miami Classic, while comfortable for concealed carry, lacked the security and tactical features needed for open carry in demanding environments. My choice ultimately came down to the balance of security, speed, and ruggedness that the Safariland 6305 promised.

My initial reaction was excitement mixed with a bit of apprehension. I was excited about the potential of a truly secure and accessible holster platform, but also aware that any new system takes time to master. The build quality and features were immediately impressive, but the real test would be in its performance under pressure.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness – OD Green, Left Hand 6305-560-562 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 6305 at an outdoor shooting range during a two-day tactical pistol course. The course involved various drills including drawing under pressure, moving and shooting, and engaging targets from unconventional positions. The weather conditions were mild, with sunny skies and a slight breeze.

The holster performed exceptionally well. The ALS system provided confident retention during dynamic movements, and the quick-release leg harness remained comfortable even after hours of wear. Drawing the weapon became smooth and intuitive after a short period of familiarization. The holster did not impede my movement or interfere with other gear.

There were no immediate issues or surprises after the first day of use. However, I did note that the height adjustment of the leg straps required fine-tuning to achieve optimal comfort and weapon accessibility.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use in training and on a few wilderness excursions, the Safariland 6305 has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no significant signs of wear and tear despite frequent use and exposure to different weather conditions. The SAFARILAMINATE construction has held up well against abrasion and impacts.

Maintenance has been minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use is generally sufficient to keep the holster clean. The ALS mechanism has continued to function smoothly with occasional lubrication using a dry lubricant.

Compared to previous holsters I’ve used, the Safariland 6305 significantly outperforms in terms of retention, comfort, and durability. It provides a level of confidence and accessibility that I have not experienced with other systems. This holster has set a new standard for my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness – OD Green, Left Hand 6305-560-562

Specifications

• Category: ALS Holsters. This defines it within Safariland’s product line as utilizing their Automatic Locking System for retention.
• Finish/Color: OD Green. Offers a tactical, non-reflective finish suitable for various environments.
• Fits: Kimber – 1911 w/rails: Gold Combat RL;Custom TLE/RLw/Surefire X200 or X300 light NOTE: Holster will not; Springfield Armory – 1911 w/rails: Operator w/Surefire X200 or X300 lightNOTE: Holster will not retain weapon without light attached; Wilson – 1911 w/rails: CQB w/Surefire X200 or X300 light NOTE: Holster will not retain weapon without light attached. It’s crucial to verify compatibility with your specific weapon and light combination as retention relies on the light.
• Type: Left Hand. Designed specifically for left-handed shooters.
• ALS (Automatic Locking System): Secures the weapon upon holstering and releases with a thumb-activated lever. This is the core of the holster’s retention capability, providing a secure hold and quick access.
• SLS (Self Locking System) Hood: Offers an additional layer of security and can be deactivated in conjunction with the ALS. Adds redundancy to retention and can be bypassed for faster draws with training.
• Hood Guard: Standard on 6305 holsters, protecting the SLS hood. This prevents accidental release or tampering with the SLS.
• Leg Shroud Assembly: Similar to the popular 6005 series, offering a stable and comfortable platform. Provides a secure and ergonomic base for the holster.
• Quick Release Leg Harness: Adjustable vertical leg strap with quick release. Allows for easy donning and doffing of the holster and provides a customizable fit.
• SAFARILAMINATE Construction: Thermal-molded construction that protects the handgun and sights. This provides exceptional durability and protection against the elements.

These specifications are critical because they dictate the holster’s compatibility, security, and durability. The fit for specific 1911 models with weapon lights ensures proper retention, while the ALS and SLS systems provide a layered approach to security. The leg harness and SAFARILAMINATE construction contribute to comfort and longevity, essential for demanding tactical applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6305 performs its primary function of securely retaining and quickly deploying a handgun exceptionally well. The ALS system is intuitive and reliable, providing a smooth draw stroke once mastered. The leg harness distributes the weight of the weapon effectively, minimizing fatigue during extended periods of wear.

The strengths of this holster lie in its robust construction, secure retention, and comfortable carry. The ALS and SLS systems provide peace of mind knowing that the weapon is secure, while the quick-release leg harness allows for easy adjustment and removal. One area for potential improvement could be the addition of more granular height adjustment options for the holster body on the leg shroud.

Overall, the Safariland 6305 meets and exceeds expectations for a tactical thigh holster. It provides a level of security, accessibility, and comfort that is unmatched by many competing products.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Safariland 6305 is excellent. The SAFARILAMINATE material feels incredibly durable, and the stitching is clean and reinforced. The holster body is contoured to fit the specific 1911 models it is designed for, providing a snug and secure fit.

The holster is relatively lightweight for its size, thanks to the choice of materials and streamlined design. There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the ALS release, but once familiar, the draw stroke becomes smooth and intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the robust SAFARILAMINATE construction and high-quality hardware, the Safariland 6305 is expected to last for many years with proper care. The material is resistant to abrasion, moisture, and impacts.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism are sufficient to keep the holster in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6305 comes with the quick-release leg harness and a hood guard for the SLS system. The leg shroud features mounting holes for attaching optional accessories such as magazine pouches or medical kits.

The holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, allowing users to customize their setup to meet their specific needs. While specific accessory compatibility depends on the mounting system, the leg shroud design allows for cross-compatibility with many other brands that utilize similar mounting patterns.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness – OD Green, Left Hand 6305-560-562

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness – OD Green, Left Hand 6305-560-562?

The Safariland 6305 is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and private security contractors who require a secure and accessible holster for open carry in demanding environments. It’s also well-suited for competitive shooters who prioritize speed and reliability. The left-handed configuration caters specifically to left-handed shooters.

This holster might not be ideal for concealed carry due to its size and bulk. It may also be overkill for casual range shooters who do not require the level of security and durability it provides.

A must-have accessory is a Safariland accessory pouch or similar, to mount extra magazines on the leg shroud. This enhances the usability of the whole system.

Conclusion on Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness – OD Green, Left Hand 6305-560-562

The Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness – OD Green, Left Hand 6305-560-562 is a top-tier holster that delivers on its promise of security, accessibility, and durability. It’s a significant investment, but one that is justified by its performance and longevity. The value proposition is strong, especially for professionals who rely on their gear in high-stakes situations.

I would personally recommend this holster without hesitation to anyone who needs a reliable and secure platform for carrying a railed 1911 with a weapon light. It’s a well-designed and well-built piece of equipment that will serve you well for years to come. If you’re looking for a tactical thigh holster that you can depend on, look no further than the Safariland 6305.