Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-132-AG Review

What Makes Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-132-AG Stand Out?

In the world of duty-rated holsters, finding the perfect balance between retention, accessibility, and comfort can feel like searching for a unicorn. The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-132-AG aims to be that unicorn, specifically catering to law enforcement and security professionals who rely on red dot sights (RDS) on their firearms. It boasts the renowned Safariland Automatic Locking System (ALS), a mid-ride configuration for enhanced comfort, and a design optimized for RDS-equipped pistols.

Years spent working patrol taught me the critical importance of a reliable holster. I needed a duty holster that would accommodate my Glock 17 with a Trijicon RMR, offer rock-solid retention, and sit comfortably during long shifts. My old holster was slow on the draw and didn’t offer enough protection for my optic.

My first impression of the Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-132-AG was positive. The build quality felt robust, and the mid-ride height seemed like a good compromise between concealment and accessibility. Compared to a Blackhawk Serpa (which I’ve always disliked for its finger-actuated release) and a basic kydex holster (lacking active retention), the Safariland felt significantly more secure and purpose-built.

I was excited to see if the ALS lived up to its reputation and whether the mid-ride height would genuinely improve my comfort during extended wear. Hopefully, the Safariland 6390rds will replace my old holster in my setup.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-132-AG to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Safariland 6390rds at my local shooting range during a force-on-force training exercise. The weather was typical for a summer afternoon – hot and humid, which put the holster’s comfort and grip security to the test. The ALS system took a few draws to get accustomed to, but soon I became very confident in the holster.

The draw stroke became very intuitive when practiced. Even with sweaty hands, the grip remained secure, and the RDS didn’t snag during the draw. There were no malfunctions during the day which further gave me confidence in the design of the holster.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Safariland 6390rds has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. The holster shows minimal signs of wear, even after being exposed to rain, mud, and the general abuse of daily use. The finish has held up remarkably well, with only minor scuff marks.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to my previous open-top kydex holster, the Safariland offers superior weapon security and has eliminated any concerns about accidental dislodging. The retention system has consistently performed as intended.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-132-AG

Specifications

The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-132-AG is designed for firearms with mounted red dot sights. It utilizes Safariland’s Automatic Locking System (ALS) for Level I retention, offering a balance of security and ease of draw. The mid-ride belt loop positions the firearm for a comfortable draw and improved weight distribution.

The ALS is an internal locking device that secures the weapon in all directions, requiring only a thumb release to deactivate. Its mid-ride belt loop is designed to ride close to the body, which adds to the comfort of the user. The holster is contructed of a proprietary nylon blend from Safariland, known as SafariSeven, that is incredibly durable and non-abrasive to firearms.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6390rds excels in both performance and functionality. The ALS provides confident retention without sacrificing speed; once mastered, the draw is quick and fluid. The mid-ride height allows for a comfortable carry position, even during prolonged periods of standing or sitting in a patrol vehicle.

The holster’s design offers excellent clearance for red dot sights of various sizes, and the open-top configuration prevents any obstruction during the draw. The only minor drawback is the Level I retention which might not be sufficient for high-risk environments demanding higher levels of security. However, for most patrol and security applications, the balance is ideal.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6390rds features a well-thought-out design. The build quality is exceptional, and the materials feel durable and long-lasting. The mid-ride height positions the firearm comfortably on the hip, reducing strain on the lower back.

The ALS release is intuitive and easy to operate, even with gloved hands. The holster’s shape is contoured to the body, minimizing printing and maximizing comfort.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed from Safariland’s proprietary SafariSeven nylon blend, the 6390rds is built to withstand harsh conditions. The material is resistant to scratches, abrasions, and moisture, ensuring longevity. Maintenance is simple: cleaning dirt and debris with a damp cloth, as mentioned earlier, is sufficient.

The ALS mechanism itself is robust and reliable, requiring no specialized maintenance. Overall, the Safariland 6390rds is designed to last through years of demanding use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6390rds is compatible with a variety of Safariland belt loops and mounting accessories, allowing for personalized configuration. While no accessories come standard, users can purchase different belt loops for varying ride heights or mounting platforms for attaching the holster to MOLLE gear. The RDS compatibility is a major selling point, and the holster can accommodate most popular red dot sights on the market.

Other brands, such as True North Concepts and G-Code Holsters, offer compatible mounting solutions. This ensures widespread availability of aftermarket customization options.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-132-AG