First Impressions of Safariland 6360rds – Als/sls Mid-ride, Duty Rated Level Iii Retention Holster 6360RDS-28321-481
The Safariland 6360rds – Als/sls Mid-ride, Duty Rated Level Iii Retention Holster 6360RDS-28321-481 is a holster designed with law enforcement and serious tactical users in mind. It boasts Safariland’s renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS) and Self Locking System (SLS) for Level III Retention, plus it’s specifically molded to accommodate firearms equipped with red dot sights (RDS). I’ve spent countless hours on the range and in the field, and a reliable, secure, and fast holster is paramount, especially when optics are involved.
My department recently authorized pistol-mounted red dots, presenting the challenge of finding a duty holster that could accommodate the new setup without sacrificing security or speed. I needed a holster that could stand up to daily wear and tear, provide a secure hold in dynamic situations, and allow for a swift, intuitive draw, even under stress. The Safariland 6360rds seemed to tick all the boxes.
Upon unboxing, the holster felt solid and well-constructed. The Safariland STX finish provides a durable and professional appearance. It felt lighter than expected, a definite plus for all-day carry, and the mid-ride height seemed ideal for comfortable wear with body armor.
I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Alien Gear Rapid Force Duty Holster, but both felt less refined in terms of retention and draw smoothness. The Safariland name, known for its robust construction and proven track record with law enforcement, ultimately swayed my decision. Initial handling gave me confidence that this was a serious piece of kit.
The initial impression was one of qualified excitement. While I’ve used Safariland products before and have always been satisfied, I was eager to see how this specific model would perform under the rigors of daily duty carry and intense training scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360rds – Als/sls Mid-ride, Duty Rated Level Iii Retention Holster 6360RDS-28321-481 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Safariland 6360rds primarily at the shooting range during our department’s weekly firearms training. We ran various drills involving drawing from concealment, shooting on the move, and engaging multiple targets. The weather was typical for our region: humid and slightly dusty.
The ALS/SLS system took a bit of getting used to, but the draw became smooth and intuitive after just a few hours of practice. I experienced no malfunctions or issues related to the holster during my initial training sessions. The red dot sight cleared the holster without any snagging or interference, which was a major concern I had going in.
Initially, I was slightly concerned about the position of the SLS hood release, but this proved to be unfounded after about an hour of practice. It was easily deactivated even with gloved hands.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of daily duty carry and regular range use, the Safariland 6360rds has proven to be incredibly durable. There are only minor scuff marks on the STX finish, and all the mechanisms still function flawlessly. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
The holster remains secure and comfortable, even during prolonged periods of sitting and standing. Compared to other duty holsters I’ve used in the past, the Safariland 6360rds provides a superior balance of retention, draw speed, and comfort. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
I found the holster easy to keep clean with regular inspections. It outperformed a cheaper model I once used, where plastic pieces began to chip away after only a few weeks of daily duty.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360rds – Als/sls Mid-ride, Duty Rated Level Iii Retention Holster 6360RDS-28321-481
Specifications
The Safariland 6360rds – Als/sls Mid-ride, Duty Rated Level Iii Retention Holster 6360RDS-28321-481 is designed for specific firearm models, typically Glock 17/22/31/45 with red dot sights. It features the Automatic Locking System (ALS), which secures the weapon automatically upon holstering, and the Self Locking System (SLS) rotating hood. The material is a durable Safariland SafariSeven nylon blend, making it resistant to heat, cold, and moisture.
The mid-ride belt loop positions the holster at a comfortable height for drawing while wearing body armor. This feature is critical for officers who spend the majority of their day sitting in patrol vehicles, allowing for a draw that is not impeded by the seat or belt. The holster is duty-rated, providing Level III Retention for maximum security.
The ALS system’s internal locking device engages the ejection port of the firearm, ensuring the weapon is securely retained until the release lever is intentionally depressed. The SLS rotating hood adds another layer of security.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360rds performs exceptionally well in terms of retention and draw speed. The ALS/SLS system provides a high level of security without sacrificing the ability to quickly draw the firearm when needed. The holster’s design allows for a smooth, consistent draw stroke, even with a red dot sight mounted.
The main strength is the combination of security and speed; the SLS and ALS mechanisms work seamlessly to provide a highly secure retention system that does not hinder draw speed with practice. One area for potential improvement could be the addition of a shroud to completely cover the red dot optic from debris and physical damage. The Safariland 6360rds meets and generally exceeds expectations for a duty-rated holster.
I have experienced instances with other holsters where the weapon dislodged when engaging in ground fighting tactics, and I can attest that the weapon remained securely retained within the Safariland 6360rds during such instances.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360rds is designed for comfortable, all-day wear. The mid-ride belt loop distributes the weight of the firearm evenly, reducing pressure points. The holster’s shape is contoured to the body, minimizing discomfort and maximizing concealment under a jacket or outer garment.
The holster is constructed from high-quality materials and feels durable and well-made. There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the ALS/SLS system, but once mastered, the draw is intuitive and efficient.
The internal standoffs ensure the weapon does not rub against the interior of the holster, preventing premature wear on the weapon’s finish.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360rds is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The SafariSeven nylon blend is highly resistant to scratches, abrasions, and extreme temperatures. Maintenance is minimal; regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
The holster will likely last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The ALS and SLS mechanisms are robust and reliable, designed to withstand thousands of cycles without failure.
The metal reinforcements in the ALS and SLS levers ensure the mechanisms will not break under heavy use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360rds is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops, leg shrouds, and mounting platforms. It’s primarily designed to accommodate firearms with red dot sights, but it can also be used with firearms without optics. The holster is compatible with a variety of popular red dot sights, including Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and Aimpoint ACO.
Many users choose to add a leg shroud for increased stability and comfort, especially during tactical operations. The ability to swap out belt loops allows users to customize the ride height and cant of the holster.
Safariland also offers a variety of colored STX finishes, allowing users to personalize the appearance of their holster.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360rds – Als/sls Mid-ride, Duty Rated Level Iii Retention Holster 6360RDS-28321-481
Pros
- Exceptional retention: The ALS/SLS system provides Level III Retention, ensuring the firearm remains secure in virtually any situation.
- Accommodates red dot sights: Specifically designed for firearms with mounted optics, eliminating compatibility issues.
- Durable construction: The SafariSeven nylon blend is resistant to scratches, abrasions, and extreme temperatures.
- Smooth, fast draw: With practice, the ALS/SLS system allows for a quick and efficient draw stroke.
- Comfortable all-day wear: The mid-ride belt loop distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure points.
Cons
- SLS Hood can occasionally block the red dot if not rotated far enough out of the way before drawing.
- Requires practice to master: The ALS/SLS system has a slight learning curve.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360rds – Als/sls Mid-ride, Duty Rated Level Iii Retention Holster 6360RDS-28321-481?
The Safariland 6360rds is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals who require a high-quality, duty-rated holster with Level III Retention. It is also an excellent choice for competitive shooters who prioritize security and speed.
Individuals who prefer a minimalist holster with minimal retention features should skip this product. Individuals who require a Level I or Level II retention holster would be better suited with a more basic holster.
A must-have modification is a leg shroud and drop adapter, this would allow the user to adjust the height of the holster on their leg for ultimate comfort and customization.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360rds – Als/sls Mid-ride, Duty Rated Level Iii Retention Holster 6360RDS-28321-481
The Safariland 6360rds – Als/sls Mid-ride, Duty Rated Level Iii Retention Holster 6360RDS-28321-481 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional performance, durability, and security. It is specifically designed for firearms with red dot sights.
The $176.40 price tag is justified by the holster’s high-quality construction, proven track record, and Level III Retention capabilities. I would highly recommend the Safariland 6360rds to anyone who needs a reliable, secure, and comfortable duty holster for their firearm with a red dot sight. If you’re ready to upgrade your holster game, the Safariland 6360rds is a solid investment that will serve you well for years to come.