The Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless holsters come and go, each promising faster draws, superior retention, and unmatched comfort. But the Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type immediately stood out for its straightforward design and the promise of Safariland’s renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS). I was intrigued to see if this holster could truly deliver on its claims of speed, security, and concealability for my S&W 6946.
I had been searching for a more secure and comfortable holster for my S&W 6946, something that offered both retention and a relatively easy draw. Open-carry wasn’t always an option, and I needed something concealable for off-duty carry and training.
The holster arrived in typical Safariland packaging – functional and no-nonsense. My initial impression was favorable: the black thermoplastic construction looked robust, and the paddle seemed well-designed for comfortable carry. The ALS system felt positive and secure during dry-fire practice.
I was considering the Blackhawk Serpa and a Galco leather holster, but the Safariland offered a better combination of security and draw speed than the Galco. The Serpa system had some negative press regarding negligent discharges, so I wanted to avoid that system. My previous experience with Safariland products gave me the confidence to choose the 6378 ALS Paddle.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The holster felt solid, and the ALS seemed intuitive, but I needed to put it through its paces to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type was at an IDPA match. The scenarios involved drawing from concealment under time pressure, and I was eager to see how the ALS performed. The draw was surprisingly smooth and fast, and the ALS released reliably every time with minimal practice.
The match was held on a fairly warm day, and the thermoplastic material didn’t become overly uncomfortable against my skin. There was some dust from the range that accumulated on the holster, but it didn’t seem to affect the functionality of the ALS. I did need to adjust my grip slightly to consistently deactivate the ALS, but that became second nature after a few practice runs.
There was an initial learning curve associated with deactivating the ALS naturally. Initially, I experienced some fumbling under pressure but, after dedicated practice, the draw stroke became instinctive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type continues to perform admirably. The thermoplastic has held up well with no signs of cracking or significant wear, and the ALS mechanism remains smooth and reliable. Cleaning the holster is simple – a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
The holster has seen action during several training courses, range sessions, and even a few hikes. The injection-molded paddle remains secure and comfortable, even during extended periods of wear. Compared to other paddle holsters I’ve used, the Safariland offers a more secure and stable platform.
This holster definitely outperforms any generic nylon or leather holsters I’ve used in the past. The positive retention of the ALS gives me peace of mind, while the smooth draw allows for quick target acquisition.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type
Specifications
The Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type is specifically designed for the S&W 6946 handgun. It is constructed from a durable black thermoplastic material and features Safariland’s Automatic Locking System (ALS). The holster comes with an injection-molded paddle for comfortable and concealable carry, and also includes the 567BL belt loop for attachment to belts ranging from 1.5 to 1.75 inches wide.
These specifications directly contribute to the holster’s functionality and performance. The thermoplastic provides durability and weather resistance, while the ALS ensures secure retention. The paddle and belt loop options provide versatility in carry methods.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type excels in providing secure retention and a smooth, fast draw. The ALS system positively locks the handgun in place, preventing accidental dislodgement. Deactivation of the ALS with the thumb allows for a natural and efficient draw stroke.
The holster’s primary strength lies in its balance of security and speed. The ALS offers excellent retention, while the holster design facilitates a relatively quick draw. The design could benefit from slightly smoother edges for enhanced comfort.
The Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle absolutely meets my expectations for a duty-style holster adapted for concealed carry. It offers a level of security and reliability that I haven’t found in other holsters in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type features a simple and functional design. The thermoplastic construction is relatively lightweight and comfortable against the body. The holster’s slightly forward weapon cant aids in concealability.
The holster’s paddle design is relatively user-friendly. Some users might require some time to adjust to the ALS release.
Durability & Maintenance
The thermoplastic construction of the Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type is designed for long-term durability. With proper care, this holster should last for many years.
Maintenance is minimal, generally requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The suede lining helps protect the gun’s finish and also requires occasional cleaning to remove any accumulated debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type comes standard with the 567BL belt loop. While customization options directly related to the holster itself are limited, it is compatible with various Safariland accessories, such as different belt mounts and leg shrouds.
Safariland offers various other mounting options that will work with the 6378 holster body. These aftermarket options provide greater versatility in carry style.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type
Pros
- Exceptional Retention: The Automatic Locking System (ALS) provides a secure and reliable method of retaining the firearm, preventing accidental dislodgement during strenuous activity.
- Smooth and Fast Draw: Once the ALS is deactivated, the draw stroke is smooth and efficient, allowing for quick target acquisition.
- Durable Construction: The thermoplastic material is resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance in various environments.
- Concealable Design: The paddle design and slight forward cant aid in concealing the handgun, making it suitable for off-duty carry.
- Versatile Mounting Options: Comes standard with both a paddle and a belt loop attachment, offering flexibility in carry style.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Requires some practice to master the ALS deactivation for a smooth and consistent draw, especially under pressure.
- Limited Customization: Customization options directly related to the holster itself are limited.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type?
The Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and responsible citizens who prioritize secure firearm retention and a smooth, fast draw. It’s also well-suited for those who need a concealable holster for off-duty carry or training.
This holster may not be ideal for individuals who prefer a minimalist or low-profile holster, or those who are unwilling to invest time in mastering the ALS system. Those with a different handgun model should obviously seek a holster specifically designed for their firearm.
A quality gun belt is a must-have accessory to ensure comfortable and stable carry. Practice with the ALS is also essential to develop a smooth and consistent draw stroke.
Conclusion on Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type
Overall, the Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type is an excellent holster that delivers on its promises of security, speed, and durability. The ALS system provides peace of mind knowing that your firearm is securely retained, while the smooth draw allows for quick target acquisition.
At a price of $56.00, the Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle offers exceptional value for money. The quality of materials and construction, combined with the innovative ALS system, make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who carries a S&W 6946.
I would highly recommend the Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle S&W 6946 Thermoplastic Black – Black Color, Thermo Plastic Material, Paddle Holster Type to anyone looking for a secure, concealable, and reliable holster for their S&W 6946. Don’t just take my word for it – experience the Safariland difference for yourself.