Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black Review

First Thoughts on the Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black

The Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black holster is a piece of gear that promises both speed and security, a delicate balance often sought but not always achieved in the world of tactical equipment. Manufactured by Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and military-grade holsters, this model boasts the Automatic Locking System (ALS) paired with a weather-resistant SafariSeven construction. The promise of a rapid draw alongside dependable retention immediately piqued my interest.

My search for this holster stemmed from a need for a reliable and quick-access option for my Sig P320, especially when carrying with a weapon-mounted light. I was specifically looking for something that wouldn’t scratch the firearm’s finish, offered a secure lock, and was comfortable enough for all-day wear. I recall countless range days where I struggled with inferior holsters that either lacked adequate retention or snagged during the draw.

Upon receiving the Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle, the first thing I noticed was its lightweight yet robust feel. The SafariSeven material felt different from the Kydex I was accustomed to, offering a smoother, almost self-lubricating texture. The paddle attachment seemed sturdy, and the ALS thumb release was intuitively placed.

Compared to a standard Kydex paddle holster and a leather thumb-break holster I own, the Safariland 7378 offered a compelling combination of features. The Kydex was fast but noisy and abrasive, while the leather was comfortable but slow. The Safariland promised to bridge the gap.

My initial reaction was a blend of excitement and cautious optimism. The reputation of Safariland preceded it, but I needed to see if the holster lived up to the hype in real-world applications.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test with the Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black was at an outdoor shooting range during a moderately humid summer day. I ran several drills focusing on drawing speed and re-holstering under pressure. The ALS system proved incredibly intuitive. The thumb release felt natural, and the pistol cleared the holster smoothly every time.

The conditions were slightly damp from a morning shower, which often affects grip and holster performance. However, the SafariSeven material held its own, providing a secure hold even with slightly wet hands. The paddle design, while comfortable, did require a slight adjustment to my belt position to prevent any printing.

There were no significant issues during the first use, but I did notice that the ALS mechanism required a firm push to fully engage during re-holstering.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and occasional open carry during hunting trips, the Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the holster body, and the ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly. The SafariSeven material has resisted scratches and abrasions, keeping the holster looking new.

Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each range session is sufficient to remove any dirt or debris. Unlike leather holsters, the SafariSeven material does not require any special conditioning or treatment.

Compared to my previous holsters, the Safariland 7378 has significantly outperformed in terms of retention, draw speed, and overall comfort. It’s a noticeable upgrade.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black

Specifications

The Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black holster is designed specifically for the Sig P320 chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W, equipped with a Streamlight ITI M3, Surefire X200, X300, or X300U weapon light. The holster is constructed from SafariSeven, a proprietary nylon blend that is non-abrasive and resistant to extreme temperatures and moisture. It features Safariland’s Automatic Locking System (ALS), which secures the weapon upon holstering and releases with a thumb swipe.

The holster has a black finish and is available in right-hand configuration only. It offers both a paddle and belt slide mounting option for versatility. The holster’s design incorporates raised interior stand-offs to allow dirt and moisture to clear quickly, preventing corrosion and maintaining a smooth draw.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the holster’s performance, durability, and compatibility with the intended firearm. The ALS ensures secure retention, while the SafariSeven material guarantees longevity and protection for the firearm’s finish.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black excels in its primary function: providing secure and rapid access to the firearm. The ALS system offers excellent retention, preventing accidental dislodgement while still allowing for a lightning-fast draw with minimal training.

The holster’s strength lies in its balance of speed and security. The only weakness is the requirement of a firm push to fully seat the firearm during re-holstering. Overall, it exceeds expectations for a duty-style holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is exceptional, with the SafariSeven material providing a lightweight yet robust structure. The holster is comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to the paddle design that distributes weight evenly.

The ALS thumb release is intuitively positioned, allowing for a natural and efficient draw stroke. There is a slight learning curve in mastering the re-holstering technique, but it is quickly overcome with practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The SafariSeven material is incredibly durable, resisting scratches, abrasions, and the damaging effects of moisture and extreme temperatures. I expect the Safariland 7378 to last for many years with proper care.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only a wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. The holster does not require any special lubricants or treatments.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black comes with a paddle attachment and a belt slide, providing versatile mounting options. While the holster itself doesn’t offer extensive customization, its compatibility with Streamlight and Surefire weapon lights allows for enhanced functionality.

The Safariland mounting system allows for compatibility with other Safariland accessories like drop leg platforms or other belt attachments.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 w/Light SafariSeven Black