The Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black Made a Bold First Impression
Having spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen holsters come and go, each promising the ultimate blend of security and speed. But the Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black, with its Automatic Locking System (ALS) and compatibility with weapon lights, immediately piqued my interest. This holster seemed to bridge the gap between open-top speed and Level I retention, a combination I desperately needed for my Sig P320 Compact.
I was seeking a holster that could handle the rigors of daily carry, range sessions, and potential tactical scenarios without sacrificing a smooth, rapid draw. My previous holsters, while functional, either lacked sufficient retention or were too cumbersome for comfortable all-day wear. The Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black promised a streamlined solution.
Unboxing the holster, the first thing that struck me was the quality of the SafariSeven nylon blend. It felt incredibly durable, yet surprisingly lightweight, and the black finish was clean and professional. The build quality appeared top-notch, with no visible flaws or imperfections.
Compared to my previous Kydex holsters, the SafariSeven material felt less abrasive and more forgiving on the firearm’s finish. I had also considered a similar holster from Blackhawk, but the Safariland‘s reputation for superior ALS retention and light compatibility ultimately swayed my decision. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping that it would live up to Safariland‘s reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first serious test of the Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black was at an outdoor shooting range during a practical pistol competition. The weather was typical for a spring day in the Midwest: alternating between sunshine and light drizzle. The holster performed flawlessly even with wet hands.
The ALS system was intuitive to use. A simple swipe of the thumb released the weapon smoothly, allowing for a consistent draw stroke. There were no hang-ups or fumbling, even under pressure.
After the first few draws, I was surprised at how natural the release became; it integrated seamlessly into my shooting grip. The paddle design also proved comfortable for extended wear and it stayed securely in place throughout the entire day.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including daily carry and multiple range sessions, the Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black has held up admirably. There are no noticeable signs of wear or tear on the SafariSeven material. The holster still looks and functions as new.
Maintenance is incredibly easy; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. Unlike some Kydex holsters, the SafariSeven material doesn’t seem to attract dust or lint. This holster vastly outperforms my previous nylon/leather hybrid.
The ALS system continues to function flawlessly, providing consistent retention and a smooth release every time. It has instilled a sense of confidence in both security and speed.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black
Specifications
Compatibility: Specifically designed for the Sig P320 Compact/Carry 9/40 with ITI M3, Surefire X200/X300/X300U weapon lights. This ensures a snug and secure fit with those specific light models, which is critical for reliable retention.
Material: Constructed from Safariland‘s proprietary SafariSeven nylon blend. This non-marking nylon is incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and temperature-resistant.
Retention: Features the Safariland Automatic Locking System (ALS). This intuitive system provides Level I Retention, securing the firearm automatically upon holstering.
Design: Open-top design for a fast, natural draw. The open-top design provides speed, while the ALS offers security.
Finish: Black finish for a professional and discreet appearance. The black finish provides a low visual signature.
Paddle Attachment: Includes a paddle attachment for comfortable and secure carry. The paddle is contoured to fit the body comfortably.
These specifications contribute directly to the holster’s performance and overall user experience. The light compatibility ensures secure retention, the SafariSeven material guarantees durability, and the ALS provides reliable security without sacrificing speed.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black excels in its primary function: securely and rapidly deploying a firearm. The ALS system is incredibly intuitive and reliable. It provides a smooth, consistent draw stroke every time.
One of the key strengths of this holster is its ability to balance security and speed. The ALS provides excellent retention, preventing accidental dislodging of the firearm, while the open-top design allows for a rapid draw. The only area that could be improved is the paddle’s retention on thicker clothing layers.
The holster definitely meets my expectations. It’s a reliable and functional holster that performs consistently.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The SafariSeven material feels incredibly durable and the holster is well-constructed. The holster sits close to the body.
The holster is user-friendly, but it does require some practice to master the ALS release. Once the user becomes familiar with the system, drawing is seamless and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The SafariSeven material is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. I expect this holster to last for many years with proper care. Maintaining the holster is easy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The holster comes standard with the paddle attachment. Safariland offers a wide range of compatible accessories, including belt loops and drop-leg platforms. I have also found that some aftermarket light-bearing holsters from companies like Streamlight also can be attached to this holster.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven BlackPros
- Superior Retention: The ALS system provides Level I retention, ensuring the firearm stays securely holstered until needed.
- Durable Construction: The SafariSeven material is incredibly durable and resistant to wear, weather, and temperature extremes.
- Light Compatibility: Designed to accommodate specific weapon lights, providing a secure and reliable fit.
- Fast Draw: The open-top design allows for a rapid and natural draw stroke.
- Comfortable Carry: The paddle attachment is contoured for comfortable all-day wear.
Cons
- Paddle Retention: The paddle attachment can sometimes slip on thicker clothing layers, requiring a tighter belt or alternative attachment method.
- ALS Learning Curve: Requires practice to master the ALS release, although it becomes intuitive with repetition.
Who Should Buy Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black?
Pros
- Superior Retention: The ALS system provides Level I retention, ensuring the firearm stays securely holstered until needed.
- Durable Construction: The SafariSeven material is incredibly durable and resistant to wear, weather, and temperature extremes.
- Light Compatibility: Designed to accommodate specific weapon lights, providing a secure and reliable fit.
- Fast Draw: The open-top design allows for a rapid and natural draw stroke.
- Comfortable Carry: The paddle attachment is contoured for comfortable all-day wear.
Cons
- Paddle Retention: The paddle attachment can sometimes slip on thicker clothing layers, requiring a tighter belt or alternative attachment method.
- ALS Learning Curve: Requires practice to master the ALS release, although it becomes intuitive with repetition.
This holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and responsible concealed carry holders who prioritize both security and speed. Anyone who carries a Sig P320 Compact/Carry with a compatible weapon light will find this holster to be an excellent choice. It is great for those looking for a reliable, durable, and comfortable holster.
Those who prefer simpler retention systems or who are not comfortable with an ALS release should skip this product. Also, if you are using a light not specifically listed, you may want to explore other options.
A sturdy belt is a must-have accessory to ensure proper support and retention. You may also consider alternative attachment methods, such as belt loops or a drop-leg platform, depending on your carry preferences.
Conclusion on Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black
The Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black is an exceptional holster that delivers on its promises of security, speed, and durability. The ALS system provides reliable retention without sacrificing a smooth draw, and the SafariSeven material is built to withstand the rigors of daily use. It offers great value for the price.
I wholeheartedly recommend this holster to anyone who carries a Sig P320 Compact/Carry with a compatible weapon light and who values both security and speed. The Safariland 73787502411 7378 ALS Paddle Sig P320 9/40 Compact w/Light SafariSeven Black is a worthwhile investment. Experience the difference that quality and innovation can make in your everyday carry setup!