Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 Review

First Impressions of Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991

In the world of duty-rated holsters, the Safariland name is synonymous with quality and reliability, and the Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 aims to continue that legacy. This holster is specifically designed for firearms equipped with red dot sights, a feature increasingly vital for modern law enforcement and tactical applications. It promises quick access, secure retention, and comfortable carry, all wrapped in a durable package.

As a seasoned gear specialist with over a decade in the field, I’ve seen countless holsters come and go, each promising to be the next best thing. I needed a duty holster for my Glock 17 with a Holosun 507C mounted, and the open top design of the RDSO series appealed to me compared to the models with the flip-up dust covers that I found cumbersome. I was looking for something that offered a blend of speed and security, without sacrificing comfort during long shifts.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the holster’s robust construction. The Safariland SafariSeven™ nylon blend felt incredibly durable and well-made, promising resistance to the elements and the daily grind of duty use. The mid-ride belt loop seemed perfectly positioned for a comfortable and accessible draw, something I always look for.

I had been considering a Blackhawk! Serpa and a Blade-Tech Total Eclipse, but I ultimately chose the Safariland for its proven track record in law enforcement and its ALS (Automatic Locking System). My initial impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism – could this holster truly deliver on its promises?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test of the Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 was at the local shooting range, under controlled conditions. I wanted to get a feel for the draw stroke and retention system before trusting it in a more demanding environment. The range offered a variety of scenarios, from rapid target acquisition to precision shooting at distance.

The holster performed exceptionally well, even in the Nevada desert climate. The ALS disengaged smoothly with a natural thumb movement, allowing for a fast and consistent draw stroke. There was no grit in the mechanism, even with fine sand blowing around.

The holster required almost no break-in period, which was a pleasant surprise. After just a few practice draws, it felt like second nature. My only initial concern was the slight wobble of the firearm within the holster body; however, this didn’t seem to affect draw speed or retention.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and participation in force-on-force training scenarios, the Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 has proven its mettle. The SafariSeven™ material has shown no signs of cracking, fading, or deformation, despite exposure to extreme temperatures and rough handling. The molded stand-off surfaces create air space around the weapon to allow dirt and moisture to quickly clear any contact with the firearm.

The ALS remains consistently reliable, providing secure Level I retention without hindering draw speed. Cleaning is a breeze – a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I’ve found that a silicone-based lubricant helps maintain the smooth operation of the locking mechanism.

Compared to previous holsters I’ve used, the Safariland significantly outperforms them in both durability and retention. My old leather duty holster required constant maintenance and never felt as secure, especially when running or grappling. The molded design fits the firearm like a glove.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991

Specifications

The Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 is specifically designed for duty use with firearms equipped with red dot sights. It is constructed from Safariland‘s proprietary SafariSeven™ nylon blend, a high-strength, heat-resistant material. This specific model is configured for a mid-ride belt loop, placing the firearm at an optimal height for comfortable carry and a quick draw.

The holster features the Automatic Locking System (ALS), a Level I retention mechanism that secures the firearm until manually disengaged by the user’s thumb. The ALS is intuitively placed for a natural draw stroke. Importantly, the RDSO variant features an open pocket that protects the red dot optic without using a flip-up dust cover.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 excels in its primary function: securely carrying and rapidly deploying a firearm. The ALS provides ample retention for most situations. Drawing is smooth and consistent, with minimal resistance once the locking mechanism is disengaged.

Its key strengths are its durability, reliable retention, and comfortable carry. One area for potential improvement is the slight wobble I noticed initially, which could be addressed with tighter tolerances in the molding process. Overall, the holster meets and even exceeds expectations for a duty-rated Level I retention holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The holster’s design is clearly focused on functionality and durability. The SafariSeven™ material is robust and resistant to scratches and abrasions. The mid-ride height is comfortable for all-day wear and doesn’t interfere with body armor or other gear.

The holster is designed around the firearm and the red dot optic, providing ample clearance without unnecessary bulk. The intuitive ALS release makes the holster very user-friendly, even with minimal training.

Durability & Maintenance

Thanks to the SafariSeven™ construction, the Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 is built to last. It is resistant to heat, cold, and moisture, ensuring reliable performance in diverse environments. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the locking mechanism.

Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, I expect this holster to provide years of dependable service. Replacement parts are also readily available from Safariland should the need arise.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 is compatible with a wide range of Safariland belt mounts and accessories. The mid-ride belt loop can be easily swapped for a low-ride UBL or a thigh rig, depending on the user’s preference and mission requirements. The holster body itself is not designed for extensive customization, focusing instead on providing a secure and reliable platform for the firearm.

It’s compatible with most red dot sights that mount directly to the slide. It’s worth noting that some larger or non-standard optics may require minor modifications to the holster.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991

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Who Should Buy Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991?

The Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and tactical shooters who rely on a red dot sight and require a secure and reliable duty holster. It’s also a good choice for competitive shooters who prioritize speed and consistency.

This holster might not be ideal for concealed carry due to its size and duty-oriented design. Individuals who prefer a more modular holster system with extensive customization options may also want to consider alternatives.

A quality duty belt is a must-have accessory to ensure proper support and weight distribution. A Safariland QLS (Quick Locking System) fork and receiver plate can further enhance the holster’s versatility, allowing for rapid attachment and detachment from different platforms.

Conclusion on Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991

In summary, the Safariland 6390rdso – Als Mid-ride Duty Rated Level I Retention Holster 6390RDSO-1582-D991 is a well-designed and exceptionally durable duty holster that delivers on its promises. The price of $198.20 is justified given the holster’s quality, reliability, and specialized features.

I would definitely recommend this holster to anyone seeking a dependable and comfortable way to carry a firearm with a red dot sight. If you are looking for a duty-grade holster that offers Level I retention, red dot optic compatibility, and all-day comfort, the Safariland 6390rdso is an excellent choice. Invest in your safety and performance – you won’t regret it.