Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is a name synonymous with quality and reliability in the law enforcement and tactical communities. Safariland, a renowned manufacturer of duty gear, has consistently delivered products that meet the rigorous demands of professionals. This particular model offers a blend of security, accessibility, and comfort, making it a popular choice for those who carry a firearm as part of their daily responsibilities.

I was seeking a holster that provided both secure retention and a fast, intuitive draw. Many retention holsters sacrifice speed for security, or vice versa. The Safariland 6390 promised a balance, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

My initial impression upon unboxing was that this holster felt incredibly solid. The SafariLaminate construction felt robust and durable, while the suede lining hinted at attention to detail. Its weight felt appropriate for a duty holster, and the hi-ride design seemed promising for comfortable carry.

I considered other holsters like the Blackhawk Serpa and the Safariland 7TS series. The Serpa, while popular, had some concerns surrounding its release mechanism under stress. The 7TS was a strong contender, but I preferred the traditional feel of the SafariLaminate and the proven track record of the ALS system.

Initially, I was impressed by the Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster’s build quality and intrigued by the ALS system. I was eager to see how it performed in live-fire drills. My hope was that it would deliver both security and speed.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster at my local shooting range. The range offered a controlled environment to practice drawing and re-holstering. I focused on speed and consistency.

The holster performed well in dry conditions. The ALS system was easy to disengage with my thumb, and the draw stroke felt natural and fluid. I then simulated rain by spraying the holster with water; the grip remained secure and the ALS still functioned flawlessly.

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster required a short familiarization period. Releasing the ALS became second nature after a few practice draws. My only initial concern was the positioning of the release lever, which required a slightly different grip than I was used to.

After my first range session, I was impressed with the Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster overall. The holster instilled confidence in its ability to secure my firearm. I felt motivated to continue practicing and refine my draw stroke with this new setup.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster has proven to be remarkably reliable. It has endured countless draws and re-holsters without any signs of malfunction. The holster performs just as well now as it did on day one.

The SafariLaminate has shown minimal signs of wear, even after being exposed to rain, dust, and the occasional bump. The suede lining remains in good condition. This indicates that it will continue to protect my firearm’s finish for the long term.

Maintenance is simple; I periodically wipe down the holster with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. I apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the ALS mechanism to ensure smooth operation. This routine keeps it functioning optimally.

Compared to my previous holsters, the Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is a significant upgrade. It provides a superior level of retention, faster draw speed, and greater comfort. My previous holsters were either less secure or less comfortable, making the Safariland 6390 a clear winner.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster

Specifications

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is crafted from SafariLaminate, a proprietary thermoformed material known for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear. Its Level I Retention is provided by the Automatic Locking System (ALS). It is designed for a wide range of handguns, including Glock, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson models.

The ALS is the heart of this holster. It secures the firearm upon holstering. A simple thumb release deactivates the lock. The hi-ride design positions the firearm close to the body for enhanced concealment and comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster excels at providing a secure and accessible platform for duty carry. The ALS system ensures that the firearm remains securely in place until needed. The open-top design allows for a rapid and intuitive draw stroke.

The primary strength of the Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is its balance between retention and speed. The ALS offers sufficient security without sacrificing draw speed. A minor weakness is the initial learning curve associated with the ALS release.

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster meets and exceeds my expectations for a duty holster. Its performance in real-world scenarios has been consistently impressive. It provides the confidence and security I need in a duty carry setup.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is exceptional. The materials used are top-notch, and the construction is robust. The holster feels solid and well-made.

The hi-ride design is comfortable for extended wear. The holster sits close to the body and doesn’t dig into the hip. There is a slight learning curve associated with the ALS release, but once mastered, it becomes intuitive and seamless.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is built to last. The SafariLaminate construction is highly resistant to wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, this holster should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism are essential. Fortunately, both are simple to perform and require minimal effort.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is compatible with a range of Safariland accessories. These include belt loops, leg shrouds, and various mounting options. An optional ALS Guard can be added to increase the retention level to Level II.

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster also works with popular holster mounting systems like the Safariland Quick Locking System (QLS). This allows users to easily transfer the holster between different platforms.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster

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Who Should Buy Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster?

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who requires a secure and accessible duty holster. It is also suitable for competitive shooters. It is designed to meet the rigorous demands of professionals.

Those who prioritize simplicity and minimal retention may want to consider other options. Likewise, if budget is a primary concern, cheaper alternatives are available.

Must-have accessories include a sturdy duty belt and the Safariland Quick Locking System (QLS). These are for enhanced versatility and ease of use. A weapon light compatible with the holster can be a worthwhile addition.

Conclusion on Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster

The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster is an outstanding duty holster. It delivers a winning combination of security, speed, and comfort. Its durable construction and compatibility with accessories make it a versatile and long-lasting investment.

The price is justified given the level of performance and quality it provides. The Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster has proven to be a reliable and valuable piece of gear.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 6390 ALS Hi-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster to anyone seeking a top-tier duty holster. Experience the security and performance for yourself. Upgrade your carry system today!