Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster Review

First Impressions of Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster

The Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster isn’t just another piece of tactical gear; it’s a statement. It represents a commitment to security, speed, and adaptability, especially in an era where red dot sights (RDS) are becoming increasingly prevalent on duty and personal defense firearms.

For years, I relied on a standard Level III retention holster, but the increasing popularity of RDS optics demanded a change. My aging setup simply couldn’t accommodate the optic without significant modification, and I wasn’t willing to compromise on retention or draw speed. The Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster promised to solve this problem directly.

Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was one of ruggedness and quality. The Safariland 7TS material felt incredibly durable, noticeably tougher than the standard STX finish on some of my older holsters. The ALS (Automatic Locking System) and SLS (Self Locking System) mechanisms operated smoothly and positively, instilling confidence that my firearm would remain secure under duress.

Compared to a Safariland 6354DO (a similar ALS/SLS holster without RDS compatibility), the 7304rds was slightly bulkier, owing to the widened channel to accommodate the optic. A Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 also came to mind, but its polymer construction felt less robust, and the push-button release was arguably less secure than the Safariland’s thumb-activated ALS. Ultimately, I chose the Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster for its proven track record, robust construction, and superior retention system. I was immediately excited to put it through its paces.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster was at the range, during a force-on-force training scenario. The temperature was a balmy 95 degrees, with humidity hanging heavy in the air. The holster was paired with my Glock 17 equipped with a Trijicon RMR.

Drawing from the holster under pressure was surprisingly intuitive. The ALS and SLS disengaged smoothly with practice, allowing for a rapid and consistent presentation. Even with sweaty hands, the grip was secure, and the draw stroke felt natural. There were no malfunctions or snags during the entire session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use in training and at various shooting competitions, the Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster has proven to be incredibly durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being subjected to harsh conditions, including rain, mud, and dust.

Cleaning the holster is relatively straightforward. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient, and the locking mechanisms require only occasional lubrication with a dry lubricant. Compared to some of my older leather holsters, the 7TS material is significantly less prone to absorbing moisture and dirt. It noticeably outperforms other polymer holsters I’ve used in terms of long-term durability and resistance to the elements.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster

Specifications

• The Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster is designed for firearms equipped with red dot sights. Its primary function is to provide secure retention and rapid access to a sidearm.
• It incorporates the ALS (Automatic Locking System), which secures the weapon upon holstering, operable with the thumb during draw. The SLS (Self Locking System) rotating hood adds an additional layer of retention, further preventing unintentional removal. The quick-release double leg strap allows for a low-profile carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster excels in its primary role: secure firearm retention and rapid deployment. The ALS and SLS systems work in concert to provide multiple layers of security, while still allowing for a surprisingly fast draw. The widened channel for the RDS is well-designed and accommodates a variety of optic sizes without issue. It certainly meets expectations and stands up to the abuse I have put it through.

One minor weakness is that the double leg strap can sometimes shift during rigorous activity, requiring occasional adjustment.

Design & Ergonomics

The holster is constructed from Safariland’s 7TS injection-molded nylon blend, making it incredibly durable and resistant to heat, cold, and abrasion. Despite its robust construction, the holster is surprisingly lightweight, and the low-ride design keeps the firearm from interfering with movement. There is a moderate learning curve associated with mastering the ALS/SLS release, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

The 7TS material is remarkably durable, showing no signs of cracking, warping, or fading after months of heavy use. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the locking mechanisms. Given its construction, the holster should last for years, even under demanding conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

While the Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster doesn’t come with a wide array of accessories, it is compatible with Safariland’s extensive line of mounting platforms. This allows users to customize the holster’s ride height and cant angle, as well as adapt it to different carry positions. Additionally, the holster is compatible with various leg straps and drop-down platforms from other manufacturers. The holster’s open-top design allows for the use of suppressors or threaded barrels without modification.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster

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Who Should Buy Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster?

The Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and private security professionals who rely on a red dot-equipped firearm. It’s also an excellent choice for competitive shooters who demand a secure and rapid draw. Anyone seeking a highly durable and reliable holster with superior retention will find this product to be a worthwhile investment.

Individuals primarily focused on concealed carry or those on a very tight budget might find this holster to be overkill. While it can be adapted for concealed carry, its size and retention features are better suited for open carry or duty use.

A quality belt and potentially a different leg strap (depending on personal preference) would be must-have modifications.

Conclusion on Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster

The Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster is a top-tier holster that delivers on its promises of security, speed, and durability. While the price may seem steep, the peace of mind knowing that your firearm is securely retained and readily accessible is well worth the investment. I wholeheartedly recommend this holster to anyone who relies on a red dot-equipped firearm and demands the best in performance and reliability. If you’re ready to upgrade your carry system, the Safariland 7304rds / 7ts Als/sls Holster is an excellent choice.