Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light Review

First Impressions of Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light

The Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light arrives promising a secure, yet readily accessible carry solution for a specific breed of pistol: the S&W M&P 9L C.O.R.E. equipped with both a red dot sight and a tactical light. Safariland has long been a respected name in law enforcement and tactical circles, so my expectations were understandably high. This holster boasts the Automatic Locking System (ALS), renowned for its secure retention, coupled with a design specifically accommodating the increasingly popular combination of red dot optics and weapon-mounted lights.

My journey to finding this holster began with the frustrating realization that my existing holsters were simply not compatible with my upgraded M&P 9L C.O.R.E. I needed a holster that could accommodate the larger slide, the mounted Trijicon RMR, and the Streamlight TLR-1 HL without sacrificing concealability or draw speed. The unboxing experience was straightforward, the holster itself appearing robust and well-constructed. The Safarilaminate exterior felt durable, while the interior promised a gentler touch to my firearm’s finish.

Compared to a generic nylon holster and a custom Kydex option I had previously tried, the Safariland offered a distinctly more professional feel. I had considered a Blackhawk Serpa, but the ALS system of the Safariland felt inherently more secure and less prone to accidental release under stress. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The holster looked and felt the part, but the true test would be in its performance under real-world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light was at my local shooting range. I wanted to gauge its draw speed, retention, and overall comfort during a practical shooting session. The weather was moderately warm, and I was wearing a light cover garment.

The ALS system took a few practice draws to master, but the thumb release quickly became intuitive. The draw stroke was smooth and consistent, clearing the holster with ease, even with the added bulk of the optic and light. There were no initial issues with the holster rubbing or causing discomfort. The paddle conformed well to my body, and the holster stayed firmly in place during dynamic movement drills.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, including concealed carry during everyday activities and dedicated training sessions, the Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. There are only minor signs of wear on the exterior, primarily some slight scuff marks on the Safarilaminate finish. The Safarisuede interior remains gentle on my firearm’s finish.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is typically all that’s needed. Compared to my previous experiences with Kydex holsters, the Safariland offers a more comfortable and secure carry experience, particularly during extended periods. It definitely outperforms those earlier options in terms of both retention and draw speed, especially when accounting for the red dot and light.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light

Specifications

The Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light is designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson M&P 9L C.O.R.E. pistol, accommodating various red dot sights and weapon lights. Its construction features a durable Safarilaminate exterior and a Safarisuede-lined interior to protect the firearm’s finish. The holster employs Safariland’s Automatic Locking System (ALS) for secure retention.

The listed compatible lights include the Streamlight TLR-1, TLR-1 HL, Surefire X200, X300, X300U, and several Nightstick models, offering versatility. The red dot compatibility extends to Trijicon RMR, Leupold Deltapoint, Dr. Optic, J Point, Vortex Viper, and Burris Fastfire, demonstrating broad optic support. The paddle is designed for comfortable and secure concealed carry. The finish is an STX Plain black.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light is to provide secure retention and a smooth, reliable draw. The ALS system excels in this regard, offering Level I Retention. It secures the firearm until the release lever is deliberately activated with the thumb during the draw stroke. This system strikes a good balance between security and speed.

The holster accommodates a wide array of popular weapon lights and red dot sights, increasing its versatility. However, the specificity to the S&W M&P 9L C.O.R.E. does limit its use with other firearms. The holster meets my expectations and has proven to be a valuable asset for concealed carry and range use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light features a well-thought-out design. The Safarilaminate offers rigidity and durability, while the Safarisuede lining protects the firearm’s finish. The paddle is contoured to enhance comfort and stability.

The paddle design is comfortable for extended wear, although it can be bulky under very tight-fitting clothing. The ALS release is intuitively placed and easy to activate with the thumb. The holster does require some initial practice to master the draw stroke efficiently.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light is constructed from durable materials and is designed to withstand daily use. The Safarilaminate and Safarisuede materials are resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is relatively simple: wipe down the holster with a damp cloth and occasionally clean the ALS mechanism to ensure smooth operation. No specialized tools or cleaning solutions are required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light itself doesn’t come with additional accessories beyond the paddle. However, the paddle can be swapped out for other Safariland mounting options, such as a belt loop or drop leg platform, offering some versatility. The holster is designed to accommodate a wide range of red dot sights and weapon lights, as listed in the specifications.

It is compatible with various Safariland accessory mounts, allowing users to customize the carry style to their preferences. While it doesn’t directly accept accessories from other brands in terms of mounting, the firearm itself can be customized with aftermarket triggers, barrels, and other parts to further enhance performance.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light

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Who Should Buy Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light?

The Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and responsible armed citizens who carry an S&W M&P 9L C.O.R.E. with a red dot sight and weapon light. It is ideal for individuals who prioritize secure retention, reliable draw speed, and comfortable concealed carry. Competitive shooters who use the M&P 9L C.O.R.E. in practical shooting sports could also benefit from this holster.

Individuals who do not own an S&W M&P 9L C.O.R.E. or who do not plan to carry a weapon light or red dot sight should skip this product. A must-have modification is ensuring that the chosen weapon light and red dot sight are on Safariland’s compatibility list to guarantee a proper fit. Some users may prefer to swap the paddle for a belt loop attachment, depending on their carry style.

Conclusion on Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light

The Safariland Model 6378rds Als Concealment Paddle Holster For Smith & Wesson M&p 9l C.o.r.e. W/ Light is a well-designed and reliable holster that delivers on its promises. The ALS system provides excellent retention, while the red dot and light compatibility make it a versatile option for modern pistol setups. While the specificity to the S&W M&P 9L C.O.R.E. limits its use, it excels within its intended purpose.

The price of $120.60 is justified considering the quality of materials, the secure retention system, and the proven Safariland reputation. I would personally recommend this holster to anyone carrying an S&W M&P 9L C.O.R.E. with a red dot sight and weapon light. Invest in your safety and carry with confidence; this holster is a solid choice!