Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster Review

First Impressions of Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster

The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster promises a blend of speed, security, and durability for firearm carry, particularly for those utilizing red dot optics. Coming from Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in law enforcement and tactical gear, the holster immediately piques interest. Its Automatic Locking System (ALS) and Safariseven construction suggest a reliable and robust solution for everyday carry or duty use.

My search for a new holster stemmed from a growing frustration with kydex models that scratched my slide finish and lacked active retention. I needed a holster that offered both protection and secure carry, especially when training in dynamic shooting scenarios. The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster, with its promise of minimizing wear and positively locking the firearm upon reholstering, seemed like the ideal solution.

Unboxing the Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster, I was immediately impressed by the heft and feel of the Safariseven material. It felt incredibly solid, almost like a hard polymer, but with a smoother, more tactile surface than typical kydex. The paddle itself felt robust and well-contoured, suggesting a comfortable and secure fit against the body.

Compared to the Blackhawk Serpa (which I found overly complex) and the Blade-Tech Total Eclipse (lacking active retention), the Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster offered a compelling middle ground. It balanced intuitive operation with positive retention, making it appear much safer and practical. My initial excitement was high, hoping this holster would live up to the Safariland name and solve my carry concerns.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test with the Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster was at my local outdoor shooting range during a training session focused on rapid target acquisition and transitions. The weather was sunny and mild, ideal for drawing and firing drills. I paired the holster with my Glock 19 MOS equipped with a Trijicon RMR.

The draw stroke with the ALS system was surprisingly intuitive. Simply disengaging the thumb lever as I established my grip allowed for a smooth and natural draw. Reholstering was equally effortless; the firearm locked into place with a reassuring click, confirming the ALS engagement. No learning curve was experienced, as operation was natural.

The only initial issue was the paddle’s grip on my pants; it sometimes shifted slightly during aggressive movements. However, adjusting my belt tension seemed to alleviate this problem.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and participation in a two-day tactical pistol course, the Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the Safariseven material, despite repeated draws and reholstering. The finish on my Glock 19 also remains pristine.

Maintenance is incredibly simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove any dirt or grime. The ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly, providing consistent and reliable retention. Compared to my previous experience with kydex holsters that required constant tightening and adjustment, the Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster has been a revelation in terms of dependability. It has exceeded my initial expectations, becoming my go-to holster for both training and everyday carry.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster

Specifications

The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster is constructed from Safariland’s proprietary Safariseven material, a high-performance nylon blend. The holster features the Automatic Locking System (ALS) for secure retention. It is designed to accommodate handguns with red dot optics. The holster offers a straight-up draw and an open-top design without SLS (Self Locking System) for quick firearm retrieval.

The holster is available in black with a plain finish. Its key feature is the ALS, an internal locking device that secures the firearm in all directions upon reholstering. The paddle attachment is designed for comfortable and secure carry on a belt. These specifications combine to deliver a holster that is both secure and fast, suitable for a wide range of applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster excels in its primary function: securely retaining a firearm while allowing for a rapid and efficient draw. The ALS system provides positive retention, preventing accidental dislodgement of the weapon. The thumb-activated release is intuitive and easily mastered with practice. The holster’s open-top design facilitates a quick draw without the added complexity of a hood or other secondary retention devices.

The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster is a top performer. Its one weakness can be its reliance on proper belt tension for optimal paddle stability. It certainly exceeds expectations in terms of retention, durability, and ease of use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster boasts a well-thought-out design, focusing on both functionality and user comfort. The Safariseven material is surprisingly lightweight yet incredibly strong, offering excellent protection to the firearm without adding unnecessary bulk. The paddle is ergonomically shaped to conform to the body, providing a comfortable and secure fit for extended wear. The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster has great build quality.

The holster features a mid-ride height, positioning the firearm at an optimal level for a smooth and natural draw stroke. The ALS thumb lever is easily accessible and requires minimal effort to disengage. There is virtually no learning curve with this holster.

Durability & Maintenance

Thanks to its Safariseven construction, the Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster is exceptionally durable and resistant to the elements. The material is impervious to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, ensuring reliable performance in any environment. With proper care, the holster should last for many years of regular use.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. The ALS mechanism is robust and requires no lubrication or special maintenance. The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster is designed for long-term reliability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster comes standard with the paddle attachment. Safariland offers a variety of other mounting options, including belt loops, drop leg platforms, and MOLLE adapters.

While the holster itself offers limited customization options in terms of external modifications, its compatibility with red dot optics allows for significant customization of the firearm it carries. The holster is designed to accommodate a wide range of popular red dot sights.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster

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Who Should Buy Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster?

The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and armed citizens who prioritize firearm security and rapid access. It’s also well-suited for competitive shooters who demand a reliable and durable holster for training and competition. Anyone who wants a holster that protects their gun, this holster is for them.

Individuals who prefer minimalist kydex holsters or those on a very tight budget might want to explore other options. Users should skip this product if they need strong concealability. A must-have modification might be upgrading to a different mounting system (belt loop, MOLLE adapter) depending on the user’s specific needs and carry style.

Conclusion on Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster

The Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster is a top-tier holster that delivers on its promise of security, durability, and speed. While the price may be slightly higher than some competitors, the quality of construction and the reliability of the ALS system justify the investment. It truly provides good value.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster to anyone seeking a dependable and high-performing holster for their firearm. If you value security, durability, and a smooth draw stroke, this holster is an excellent choice. Invest in your peace of mind – get the Safariland 7ts Als Paddle Holster today.