Let’s Dive into Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8182-702
The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8182-702 is a purpose-built duty holster designed for professionals who rely on a red dot sight (RDS) equipped firearm. Crafted by Safariland, a trusted name in law enforcement and military gear, this holster promises a secure, fast, and intuitive draw, crucial in high-pressure situations. Its Automatic Locking System (ALS) offers Level I retention, a balance of security and speed that’s often sought after.
Years on patrol taught me the importance of a reliable holster. My previous holster, a Level II retention model from a different manufacturer, felt bulky and slow, especially when paired with an RDS. I needed something streamlined that wouldn’t hinder my draw, yet would securely retain my firearm during foot pursuits and scuffles.
The Safariland 6390rds arrived in typical Safariland packaging – functional and no-nonsense. My initial impression was of a well-made, robust piece of equipment; the STX finish felt durable, and the molded design appeared precise. The mid-ride height was immediately appealing; it promised a comfortable and accessible draw.
I considered the Safariland 7378RDS and the Blackhawk! T-Series L3D RDS. The 7378RDS seemed too similar to my existing holster in terms of bulk. The Blackhawk!‘s SERPA system wasn’t my preferred retention method due to concerns about fine motor skills under stress.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. I was excited about the potential for a faster, smoother draw, but also cautious, knowing that retention and reliability are paramount.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8182-702 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at the police department’s shooting range during our weekly qualification session. I paired the holster with my Glock 17 MOS equipped with a Trijicon RMR. The range environment provided a controlled yet realistic scenario for testing draw speed and retention.
The holster performed admirably in the sunny, dry conditions of the range. Drawing felt noticeably faster and more natural compared to my previous Level II holster. The ALS system was intuitive; a simple thumb swipe disengaged the lock, allowing for a straight-up draw.
Initially, I fumbled the draw a few times, needing to adjust my grip slightly to reliably disengage the ALS. However, after a few practice drills, it became second nature. The holster held the firearm securely during simulated foot pursuits, with no accidental releases.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of daily duty carry, the Safariland 6390rds has proven to be a reliable piece of kit. The holster shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with only slight scuffing on the STX finish from routine contact with my duty belt. The internal locking mechanism continues to function flawlessly.
The holster’s durability has been impressive. Even after a few rainy patrols and some accidental bumps against door frames, it has maintained its structural integrity. Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps it looking and functioning like new.
Compared to my previous holster, the Safariland 6390rds is a significant improvement. The ALS retention system offers a good balance of security and speed, and the mid-ride height is more comfortable during long shifts. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8182-702
Specifications
The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8182-702 is designed for firearms with mounted red dot sights. It features the Automatic Locking System (ALS) for Level I retention. The holster utilizes a mid-ride belt loop for comfortable carry.
The ALS ensures the firearm is securely retained until intentionally released, a critical feature for duty holsters. The mid-ride height positions the firearm for a smooth and efficient draw stroke, improving response time. The open-top design allows for quick target acquisition, especially with an RDS.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6390rds performs its job exceptionally well. The ALS provides secure retention without hindering draw speed, and the mid-ride height enhances comfort during extended wear. The intuitive design minimizes the learning curve, making it easy to adapt to.
The primary strength is the balance between security and speed offered by the ALS. A potential weakness is that users with smaller hands might find it slightly challenging to disengage the ALS quickly. Overall, the holster meets and even exceeds expectations for a duty-rated holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The holster boasts excellent build quality, utilizing durable materials and precise molding. Its weight is reasonable, contributing to comfort without sacrificing structural integrity. The mid-ride height and contoured design enhance comfort during extended wear.
The holster is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve for those familiar with ALS systems. The open-top design accommodates a wide range of red dot sights, improving versatility.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6390rds is built to last, constructed from robust materials designed to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Accessories and Customization Options
The holster comes with the mid-ride belt loop attachment. It’s designed to accommodate various red dot sights, providing some flexibility. While Safariland offers other attachments and accessories, the 6390RDS primarily focuses on RDS compatibility and secure retention.
The holster’s design is specifically tailored for RDS-equipped firearms. It may be compatible with some aftermarket slide releases or magazine extensions, but this largely depends on the firearm model.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8182-702
Pros
- Exceptional retention with the ALS system, offering Level I security without sacrificing draw speed.
- The mid-ride height provides a comfortable and natural draw stroke, reducing fatigue during extended wear.
- Durable STX finish resists scratches and abrasions, ensuring a professional appearance even after heavy use.
- The open-top design facilitates rapid target acquisition, especially with red dot sights.
- Intuitive operation minimizes the learning curve, making it easy to adapt to.
Cons
- The ALS release might be challenging for users with smaller hands to consistently disengage quickly.
- Limited customization options compared to some other holster systems.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8182-702?
The Safariland 6390rds is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and competitive shooters who prioritize a secure and fast draw with a red dot sight equipped firearm. It’s ideal for those who need a reliable duty holster that can withstand the rigors of daily use.
This product is not ideal for concealed carry due to its size and retention system. Individuals who prefer Level II or Level III retention might find the ALS system insufficient for their needs.
A must-have accessory is a quality duty belt that can properly support the weight of the firearm and holster. Regular practice with the ALS is crucial for developing muscle memory and ensuring a smooth and efficient draw.
Conclusion on Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8182-702
The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-8182-702 is a well-designed and reliable duty holster that excels in providing a balance of security and speed. Its ALS system, mid-ride height, and durable construction make it a solid choice for professionals who rely on a red dot sight equipped firearm.
At $198.20, the price is justified considering the quality of materials, construction, and performance. The improved draw speed and comfortable carry are worth the investment for anyone who values a reliable and efficient duty holster.
I would personally recommend the Safariland 6390rds to anyone seeking a high-quality Level I retention holster for duty or competition use with an RDS-equipped firearm. If you’re looking for a holster that won’t let you down in critical situations, give the 6390rds a serious look – you won’t regret it.