What Makes Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-701-MS30 Stand Out?
In the world of duty-rated holsters, Safariland is a name synonymous with reliability and performance. The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-701-MS30 aims to continue that legacy, offering a secure and accessible platform for firearms equipped with red dot sights. Its open-top design, combined with the Automatic Locking System (ALS), promises a fast draw while maintaining Level I retention, a crucial balance for law enforcement and tactical professionals.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a duty holster that could adequately accommodate my Glock 17 equipped with a Trijicon RMR. Standard holsters often require significant modification or simply don’t offer the proper fit, leading to compromised security and draw speed. The promise of a holster specifically designed for red dot sights instantly piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing the Safariland 6390rds, my initial impression was one of robust quality. The SafariSeven™ nylon blend felt incredibly durable, and the overall construction exuded confidence. Its mid-ride height seemed ideal for comfortable carry without hindering movement.
Compared to my older Safariland 6378 (without RDS compatibility) and a Kydex holster from a smaller manufacturer, the 6390rds stood out for its refined design and specific attention to RDS-equipped firearms. While the Kydex offered a similar open-top design, it lacked the active retention of the ALS, making the Safariland a clear winner in security. The 6378, although reliable, simply wasn’t compatible with my red dot.
I was genuinely excited to put the 6390rds through its paces. The promise of a secure, RDS-compatible duty holster from a trusted manufacturer like Safariland held significant appeal, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-701-MS30 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Safariland 6390rds was at my local shooting range, where I dedicated a full day to drawing, reholstering, and running various drills. The weather was dry and relatively warm, providing ideal conditions for testing the holster’s accessibility and retention. The mid-ride position felt natural, and I immediately appreciated how close it rode to my body, enhancing concealment.
The draw stroke felt intuitive, requiring only a thumb release of the ALS followed by a smooth, upward motion. The internal locking system securely retained the weapon until deliberately deactivated, providing a significant sense of security. There were no immediate issues, although I did notice a slight learning curve in mastering the ALS release under pressure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use during training sessions and simulated duty scenarios, the Safariland 6390rds has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The SafariSeven™ nylon blend has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or cracking despite exposure to sun, rain, and dirt. The holster’s retention system remains secure and consistent, providing peace of mind in dynamic situations.
Maintenance is straightforward: a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. Compared to my previous leather holsters, which required regular conditioning, the 6390rds is significantly easier to maintain. Overall, the Safariland 6390rds has exceeded my expectations, offering a durable, secure, and highly functional platform for my duty firearm.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-701-MS30
Specifications
- Specifically Designed for Red Dot Sights (RDS): This is the holster’s primary selling point, accommodating firearms with mounted red dot optics without modification. The cutaway design allows for a clear sight picture and unobstructed draw.
- Automatic Locking System (ALS): The ALS is an internal locking device that secures the weapon in all directions without straps or snaps. It’s deactivated with a thumb release during the draw stroke, providing a fast and intuitive method of weapon presentation.
- Mid-Ride Belt Loop: The mid-ride belt loop positions the holster lower on the belt, offering a comfortable carry and enhanced concealment. This position allows for a natural draw stroke without compromising security.
- SafariSeven™ Construction: The holster is constructed from Safariland’s proprietary SafariSeven™ nylon blend, a highly durable and non-abrasive material. This material resists wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance in demanding environments.
- Level I Retention: The ALS provides Level I retention, offering a balance of security and accessibility. This level of retention is suitable for duty use while allowing for a quick and efficient draw under stress.
These specifications are crucial for professionals who rely on their firearms in high-pressure situations. The RDS compatibility ensures that users can take full advantage of their optic without sacrificing holster security. The ALS system provides a positive lock on the weapon, giving users confidence that it will remain secure until needed.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6390rds performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a duty holster for RDS-equipped firearms. The draw stroke is smooth and consistent, thanks to the intuitive ALS release and the open-top design. Retention is reliable, providing a secure hold on the weapon even during strenuous activity.
One of the strengths of this holster is its simplicity. The ALS is easy to learn and use, even under pressure. The build quality is outstanding, ensuring years of reliable service. A weakness could be that the ALS requires a deliberate action to disengage, which might take some getting used to for users accustomed to simpler retention systems.
The Safariland 6390rds meets and exceeds expectations for a Level I retention duty holster. It provides a secure, accessible, and durable platform for firearms equipped with red dot sights.
Design & Ergonomics
The 6390rds features a sleek and functional design, prioritizing both security and accessibility. The SafariSeven™ material provides a comfortable carry against the body while resisting abrasion. The mid-ride height is well-suited for most body types, offering a balance of concealment and ease of access.
The holster is user-friendly, requiring minimal adjustment or modification. The ALS is intuitive to operate with practice. The overall design reflects Safariland’s commitment to quality and attention to detail.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from SafariSeven™ nylon blend, the Safariland 6390rds is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The non-abrasive material resists wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance. The holster is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime.
With proper care, the 6390rds should provide years of reliable service. Its durable construction and simple design minimize the risk of mechanical failure.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6390rds is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including various belt loops and leg shrouds. While it doesn’t come with any optics or grip modifications, the open-top design allows for the use of firearms with aftermarket accessories. The holster is also compatible with popular weapon lights from manufacturers like SureFire and Streamlight.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-701-MS30
Pros
- RDS Compatibility: Designed specifically for firearms with red dot sights, eliminating the need for modification.
- Automatic Locking System (ALS): Provides secure Level I retention with a fast and intuitive thumb release.
- SafariSeven™ Construction: Extremely durable and non-abrasive material for long-lasting performance.
- Mid-Ride Belt Loop: Offers a comfortable carry and enhanced concealment.
- Proven Reliability: Backed by Safariland’s reputation for quality and performance.
Cons
- ALS Learning Curve: Requires practice to master the thumb release under pressure.
- Price Point: Slightly more expensive than some other duty holster options.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-701-MS30?
The Safariland 6390rds is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and tactical professionals who rely on firearms equipped with red dot sights. It’s also a great choice for competitive shooters seeking a secure and accessible holster for their RDS-equipped pistols. Anyone who prioritizes weapon security and a fast draw will appreciate the ALS system and the durable construction of this holster.
This holster might not be ideal for individuals who prefer simpler, non-retention holsters or those who don’t use red dot sights. Concealed carry users might find the mid-ride height less suitable for deep concealment.
A must-have accessory would be a quality duty belt to ensure the holster is properly supported and stable. Also, a weapon light compatible with the user’s firearm would be a useful addition.
Conclusion on Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-701-MS30
The Safariland 6390rds – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDS-832-701-MS30 is an outstanding duty holster that delivers on its promises. Its RDS compatibility, secure ALS system, and durable construction make it a top choice for professionals who demand the best. While the price is slightly higher than some competitors, the quality and reliability justify the investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 6390rds to anyone seeking a secure and accessible holster for their red dot-equipped firearm. Don’t compromise on your gear – invest in the Safariland 6390rds and experience the difference that quality makes. Upgrade your duty rig today!