Let’s Dive into Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster
The Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster is designed for those seeking a secure and easily concealable OWB (Outside the Waistband) carry option. Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and tactical gear, built this holster around its renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS), providing excellent retention while maintaining a smooth, intuitive draw. For anyone looking for a holster that balances security and speed, the 6377 appears to be a strong contender.
My journey to finding the Safariland 6377 began when I needed a reliable concealment holster for my Smith & Wesson. I wanted something more secure than a standard friction fit, particularly when moving dynamically during training scenarios. The promise of the ALS system and its reputation for both retention and a quick draw immediately piqued my interest.
My initial impression was positive right out of the box. The holster felt solid, constructed with what appeared to be high-quality Safarilaminate. The ALS system clicked into place with a satisfying sound, giving me confidence in its retention capabilities.
I considered several other holsters, including a Blackhawk Serpa and a Galco Cop 3 Slot. I chose the Safariland 6377 over the Serpa because I preferred the ALS thumb release to the Serpa’s finger release. Compared to the Galco, the 6377 offered superior active retention.
I was immediately impressed with the build quality and retention system of the Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster. I felt confident and excited to test it at the range and see how it performs during my defensive handgun courses.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Safariland 6377 was at an outdoor shooting range. I ran several drills focusing on drawing, shooting, and re-holstering. The weather was typical for that time of year – slightly humid with a light breeze.
The 6377 performed admirably under these conditions. The ALS system held my Smith & Wesson securely, and the thumb release was intuitive and easy to activate, even with gloves on. The draw was consistently smooth and fast after a bit of practice.
While the holster felt secure, I discovered that it took some practice to consistently deactivate the ALS system during the draw. I experienced one instance where I failed to fully deactivate the ALS, causing a slight delay. This highlighted the importance of consistent practice with the system.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Safariland 6377 has held up remarkably well. It has seen action in numerous training sessions, both at indoor and outdoor ranges, as well as during several force-on-force scenarios.
The holster shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The Safarilaminate has proven to be incredibly durable, and the ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly. It has been exposed to rain, mud, and dust without any noticeable degradation in performance.
Maintenance has been simple: I wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use and occasionally apply a silicone-based lubricant to the ALS mechanism. Compared to my previous leather holsters, the 6377 requires significantly less maintenance. The Safariland 6377 has far exceeded the retention and draw speed of previous concealment holsters that I have used, and provides more peace of mind knowing the pistol is locked in.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster
Specifications
- Gun Make: Specifically molded for Smith & Wesson (and other gun manufacturers) ensures a snug fit and proper ALS engagement. This is crucial for optimal retention and draw speed.
- Holster Type: Outside the Waistband (OWB) Belt Holster design provides easy access and a comfortable carry for many body types. OWB is often preferred for open carry or duty use.
- Accessory Attachment System: The Belt Loop accommodates belts of various widths (1.5″ to 2.25″), providing versatility and stability. A secure belt attachment is vital for a consistent draw.
- Finish: Plain Black finish offers a low-profile, professional appearance that blends well with most tactical gear. This can be important for maintaining a discreet presence.
- Application: Designed for Concealment, balancing security with comfort and accessibility. This makes it suitable for both on and off-duty carry.
- Additional Features: Adjustable belt loop allows for customizing cant angle and accommodating crossdraw carry. This adds to the holster’s versatility and user comfort.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6377 excels at its primary job: securely holding a handgun while allowing for a rapid draw. The ALS system provides a level of retention unmatched by most friction-fit holsters. Its intuitive thumb release makes for a smooth and consistently fast draw.
The primary strength is the excellent balance of security and speed offered by the ALS system. One minor weakness is that consistent practice is required to master the thumb release for a consistent and rapid draw. Overall, this holster meets and exceeds my expectations for a concealment-focused OWB holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Safariland 6377 is outstanding. The Safarilaminate material feels incredibly durable and offers excellent protection for the handgun. The holster’s weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to the overall carry.
The 6377 is reasonably user-friendly, although it does have a learning curve associated with the ALS system. The adjustable belt loop allows for customization of the cant angle, allowing a more comfortable carry. The suede lining helps to protect the gun’s finish.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, the Safariland 6377 is built to last. I expect it to withstand years of regular use without significant degradation.
Maintenance is straightforward: simply wipe down with a damp cloth and occasionally lubricate the ALS mechanism. The Safarilaminate material is resistant to scratches and abrasions, further enhancing its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6377 comes standard with an adjustable belt loop that accommodates various belt widths. It doesn’t come with many accessories, as its design is relatively simple. However, the belt loop can be swapped out for other Safariland attachments, such as a paddle or drop-leg platform.
While the 6377 itself doesn’t directly accommodate accessories like lights or lasers, it’s designed to work with handguns that have those attachments, provided you choose the correct model. The holster is compatible with various belt attachments and mounting options from Safariland and other brands, expanding its versatility.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster
Pros
- Exceptional Retention: The ALS system provides a high level of security, ensuring the handgun stays holstered even during strenuous activity.
- Fast and Smooth Draw: Once mastered, the ALS thumb release allows for a consistently fast and smooth draw.
- Durable Construction: The Safarilaminate material is incredibly robust and resistant to wear and tear.
- Concealable Design: The semi-hi-ride and forward cant allow for effective concealment under a cover garment.
- Adjustable Belt Loop: The belt loop accommodates various belt widths and allows for cant adjustment.
Cons
- Potential Learning Curve: Requires practice to consistently deactivate the ALS system during the draw.
- Minimal Accessories: Comes with limited accessories, requiring separate purchases for alternative carry methods.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster?
The Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster is perfect for:
- Law enforcement officers and security personnel who require a secure and reliable holster for duty or off-duty carry.
- CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) holders who prioritize security and want a more active retention system than standard friction holsters.
- Tactical shooters and firearms instructors who need a holster that can withstand rigorous training scenarios.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who prefer simpler, passive retention holsters with no active locking mechanisms.
- Users who require a holster that readily accommodates weapon-mounted lights or lasers without modification.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality gun belt is crucial for proper support and stability.
- Practice is essential to master the ALS draw stroke.
Conclusion on Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster
The Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster is an outstanding choice for those seeking a secure, concealable, and reliable OWB holster. The ALS system offers a significant advantage in retention without sacrificing draw speed. The quality materials ensure durability.
The price of $47.99 represents excellent value for the level of security and performance it provides. When compared to other holsters with active retention systems, the Safariland 6377 is very competitively priced.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 6377 – Als Belt Holster to anyone looking for a high-quality, secure, and concealable OWB holster. If you’re serious about personal defense or duty carry, invest in a Safariland 6377 and experience the difference. Train with it, trust it, and carry with confidence.