What Makes Safariland 7395RDS 7TS ALS Low-Ride Level I – 1 out of 26 models Stand Out?
The Safariland 7395RDS 7TS ALS Low-Ride Level I – 1 out of 26 models is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and military professionals who require both secure weapon retention and rapid access, particularly when using a red dot sight. This model, manufactured by Safariland, combines their proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) with the durable 7TS construction, providing a holster that’s both rugged and functional. The low-ride design offers a comfortable carry position, and the compatibility with red dot sights makes it ideal for modern law enforcement.
For years, I’ve been searching for the perfect balance between security and speed in a duty holster, especially now that red dot sights are becoming standard issue. Holsters I’ve used in the past either lacked sufficient retention for my peace of mind, or required complicated release mechanisms that slowed down my draw. The promise of Safariland’s ALS system, combined with the optic compatibility, is what drew me to this particular model.
My first impression upon unboxing the holster was the obvious quality of construction. The 7TS nylon blend felt incredibly durable and rigid, while remaining surprisingly lightweight. The STX Plain finish in FDE Brown looked professional and blended well with my other gear.
Compared to my older Safariland SLS holster or a kydex holster I tried from Blade-Tech, the 7395RDS felt noticeably more refined. The ALS release was smoother and more intuitive than the SLS hood, and the low-ride position seemed to offer a better balance between accessibility and concealment compared to the higher-riding Blade-Tech. I chose the Safariland 7395RDS because it offered the best combination of retention, speed, and optic compatibility that I could find on the market.
Initial excitement was definitely the prevailing emotion. The holster felt solid and well-made, and I was eager to put it through its paces. The fact that it was specifically designed for red dot sights was a huge bonus, as I was tired of modifying existing holsters to accommodate my optic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 7395RDS 7TS ALS Low-Ride Level I – 1 out of 26 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Safariland 7395RDS was the local shooting range, during a series of duty drills. I ran through various scenarios, including drawing from different positions, engaging targets at varying distances, and performing reloads. The weather was relatively mild, but there was a slight drizzle, providing a minor test of the holster’s performance in wet conditions.
The holster performed flawlessly in the mild conditions, with smooth draws and secure re-holstering. The ALS system proved to be both fast and reliable, allowing for a natural and consistent draw stroke. I needed very little time to adjust to the ALS release, finding it to be much more intuitive than I originally anticipated.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight learning curve in consistently finding the ALS release under stress. After a few repetitions, muscle memory began to develop, and the draw became much smoother. No other problems arose during the initial range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Safariland 7395RDS has continued to impress me. I’ve worn it on multiple training exercises, including force-on-force simulations, and it has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear, even after repeated draws and re-holstering.
The 7TS nylon blend is incredibly durable and has resisted scratches and abrasions. The holster is easy to clean with just a damp cloth, and the ALS mechanism requires minimal maintenance. Compared to my previous kydex holster, which showed significant wear and tear after just a few months, the Safariland appears to be significantly more robust. It definitely outperforms previous holsters I’ve used in terms of durability and retention.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 7395RDS 7TS ALS Low-Ride Level I – 1 out of 26 models
Specifications
Model: 7395RDS-8972-552. This is the specific product identifier.
Retention Level: Level I. This means it offers a single level of retention, relying on the ALS system.
Retention System: ALS (Automatic Locking System). The ALS automatically secures the weapon upon holstering and is released with a simple thumb swipe.
Construction Material: 7TS (Proprietary Nylon Blend). This material is non-abrasive, and extremely resistant to heat and cold.
Finish: STX Plain. The STX Plain finish provides a clean, professional look.
Color: FDE Brown. This allows the holster to blend well with other tactical gear.
Hand Orientation: Left Hand. Indicates that the holster is designed for left-handed users.
Weapon Compatibility: Glock 47 MOS. This means the holster is molded specifically for a Glock 47 MOS (Modular Optic System) pistol.
Optic Compatibility: Red Dot Sight. Designed to accommodate a red dot sight mounted on the pistol slide.
Ride: Low-Ride. This design places the weapon lower on the hip for a more natural draw.
These specifications are crucial for a duty holster. The Level I retention with ALS provides a balance of security and speed, while the 7TS construction ensures durability in harsh conditions. The red dot compatibility and low-ride design cater to modern law enforcement needs.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 7395RDS excels in its primary function: securely holding and rapidly deploying a Glock 47 MOS equipped with a red dot sight. The ALS system works flawlessly, providing a confident level of retention without hindering the draw stroke. The low-ride position allows for a comfortable and natural grip on the weapon.
The strengths of this holster lie in its simplicity, reliability, and durability. The ALS system is easy to learn and use, even under stress. The 7TS construction is virtually indestructible, and the optic compatibility is a major plus. One area for potential improvement is the refinement of the ALS release; While smooth, the button could have more tactile feedback.
The Safariland 7395RDS meets and even exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of secure retention, rapid access, and optic compatibility, all in a durable and well-designed package.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 7395RDS features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and comfort. The 7TS nylon blend feels durable and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The low-ride design positions the weapon at a natural angle for drawing.
The holster is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The ALS release is intuitive and easy to operate, even with gloved hands. The design is streamlined and avoids unnecessary bulk.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 7395RDS is built to last. The 7TS nylon blend is incredibly tough and resistant to wear and tear. The holster has proven to be durable through weeks of regular use in demanding conditions.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The ALS mechanism is self-lubricating and requires no special maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 7395RDS is compatible with a range of Safariland accessories, including different belt attachments and leg shrouds. The holster is specifically designed to accommodate a red dot sight, allowing for seamless integration of optics. Further customization may be possible with different mounting options.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 7395RDS 7TS ALS Low-Ride Level I – 1 out of 26 models
Pros
- Exceptional Retention: The ALS system provides secure Level I retention without hindering draw speed.
- Red Dot Sight Compatibility: Designed specifically for pistols equipped with red dot sights.
- Durable Construction: The 7TS nylon blend is incredibly rugged and resistant to wear and tear.
- Comfortable Low-Ride Design: Positions the weapon at a natural angle for drawing.
- Easy to Maintain: Requires minimal cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- ALS Release: Can have a slight learning curve for consistent activation under stress.
- Limited Customization: Fewer options for modification compared to some other holster systems.
Who Should Buy Safariland 7395RDS 7TS ALS Low-Ride Level I – 1 out of 26 models?
Perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals who require a secure and reliable duty holster with red dot sight compatibility. Also ideal for competition shooters who prioritize speed and retention.
Those who prefer a higher level of retention (Level II or III) or those who do not use a red dot sight might consider other options.
A must-have accessory would be a compatible Safariland belt attachment to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. A weapon light attachment is also recommended for low-light conditions.
Conclusion on Safariland 7395RDS 7TS ALS Low-Ride Level I – 1 out of 26 models
The Safariland 7395RDS 7TS ALS Low-Ride Level I – 1 out of 26 models is a top-tier duty holster that delivers on its promises of secure retention, rapid access, and optic compatibility. The price is justified by the exceptional build quality, reliable performance, and durable construction.
I would highly recommend this holster to anyone looking for a dependable and versatile duty holster for their Glock 47 MOS with a red dot sight. If you value security, speed, and durability, the Safariland 7395RDS is an excellent choice. Upgrade your carry system today for confidence and peace of mind.