Let’s Dive into Safariland Als Guard Lh Black
The Safariland Als Guard Lh Black is a small but critical component often overlooked, yet it plays a significant role in ensuring the security of your firearm. Specifically designed to work with Safariland’s popular ALS (Automatic Locking System) holsters, this guard is intended to enhance the safety and retention capabilities of the holster system. I’ve spent years in the field, both recreationally and professionally, and seen firsthand the importance of secure firearm retention.
My primary concern was always preventing unauthorized access to my sidearm while ensuring a smooth and efficient draw when needed. The Safariland Als Guard Lh Black appeared to offer an additional layer of security without compromising the speed or ergonomics of my existing holster. First impressions were promising; the guard felt sturdy and well-made, suggesting a high degree of durability.
While I haven’t tested similar specific guards from other manufacturers, I’ve used various retention devices like thumb breaks and secondary locking mechanisms. I chose the Safariland Als Guard Lh Black because it integrates seamlessly with my existing Safariland 6378 holster, eliminating the need for a complete holster replacement. My initial excitement was tempered with a touch of skepticism; I was curious to see if this small piece could truly make a noticeable difference in real-world scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Als Guard Lh Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test environment was at a local shooting range during a practical pistol course. I focused on drawing and reholstering drills to assess the guard’s impact on my speed and efficiency. The weather was warm and dry, providing optimal conditions for assessing the guard’s performance without environmental interference.
The Safariland Als Guard Lh Black initially felt a bit different than my standard draw, requiring a slightly more deliberate motion to disengage. However, after just a few repetitions, the movement became natural, adding perhaps a fraction of a second to my draw time. The initial impression was positive, offering enhanced security with minimal compromise to draw speed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of weekly range visits and incorporating the holster system into my duty belt for search and rescue operations, the guard has proven its value. It continues to perform consistently. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the Safariland Als Guard Lh Black, suggesting its construction is robust and able to withstand frequent use.
Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth along with the rest of my holster after each use. It has significantly enhanced my peace of mind, knowing that my firearm is even more secure than before. It definitely outperforms my previous setup, which relied solely on the ALS system without the added guard.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Als Guard Lh Black
Specifications
The Safariland Als Guard Lh Black is designed specifically to integrate with Safariland ALS holsters, including models 6377, 6378, 6379, 6390, and 6395. It is molded from a durable polymer material in a matte black finish. Its primary function is to provide an additional layer of security by preventing unauthorized individuals from easily disengaging the ALS mechanism.
This is accomplished by partially covering the ALS release lever, requiring a more deliberate and intentional action to draw the firearm. The guard is designed for left-hand (Lh) shooters. This small addition provides a substantial increase in security, crucial for law enforcement, military personnel, and responsible armed citizens.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland Als Guard Lh Black significantly enhances the security of the ALS holster system. It requires a more conscious effort to disengage the locking mechanism, deterring accidental or unauthorized removal of the firearm. The only real weakness I’ve found is that it adds a slight complexity to the draw, potentially affecting speed in high-stress situations, although with practice, this is minimized.
Overall, it meets my expectations by providing enhanced security without overly hindering the speed of my draw. The enhancement to firearm security is absolutely worth it.
Design & Ergonomics
The guard is constructed from a high-quality, durable polymer, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use. The added bulk is minimal and doesn’t significantly impact the overall weight or balance of the holster system. The design is simple and functional, blending seamlessly with the existing holster.
There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s an intuitive addition to the ALS system. The Safariland Als Guard Lh Black simply enhances an already solid design.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its polymer construction and simple design, the Safariland Als Guard Lh Black is expected to last for years with proper care. It is very easy to maintain. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland Als Guard Lh Black is primarily designed as a standalone accessory to enhance existing Safariland ALS holsters. It does not typically require additional accessories or further customization. It’s intended as a simple “add-on” offering an additional layer of security. It works seamlessly with the Safariland holsters it’s designed for.
Pros and Cons of Safariland Als Guard Lh Black
Pros
- Provides an additional layer of security to prevent unauthorized firearm removal.
- Simple and easy to install on compatible Safariland ALS holsters.
- Made from durable polymer for long-lasting use.
- Minimal impact on draw speed with practice.
- Cost-effective way to enhance holster security.
Cons
- May slightly increase draw time initially.
- Only compatible with specific Safariland ALS holster models.
Who Should Buy Safariland Als Guard Lh Black?
The Safariland Als Guard Lh Black is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and responsible armed citizens who prioritize firearm security. It would be beneficial for anyone using a Safariland ALS holster in environments where firearm retention is paramount. Those focused on speed-draw competitions might find it adds unnecessary fractions of a second to their time.
There are no “must-have” accessories, but users should ensure they have a compatible Safariland ALS holster. Practice is recommended to master the draw with the added guard.
Conclusion on Safariland Als Guard Lh Black
Overall, the Safariland Als Guard Lh Black is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to enhance the security of their Safariland ALS holster. At $13.80, the price is more than justified for the added peace of mind and security it provides. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone using a compatible Safariland holster who prioritizes firearm retention.
If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to make your firearm even more secure, the Safariland Als Guard Lh Black is definitely worth considering. Add this inexpensive but important enhancement today.