Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models Review

What Makes Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models Stand Out?

The Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who prioritize a balance of retention and rapid access to their firearm. Manufactured by Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the holster industry, this holster boasts the Automatic Locking System (ALS), a feature that secures the weapon until intentionally released. Its mid-ride height offers a comfortable carry and a smooth, intuitive draw, making it a popular choice among uniformed personnel.

I had been searching for a holster that offered both reliable retention and speed. Many Level II and Level III holsters felt too cumbersome and slow for everyday carry, while Level 0 holsters felt insecure. The Safariland 6390 ALS appeared to strike the perfect balance.

Upon unboxing, the holster felt robust and well-made. The SafariLaminate construction felt incredibly durable, promising resistance to the scratches and scrapes that inevitably come with duty use. The finish was clean and professional, and the ALS lever moved with a satisfying click, assuring me of its secure lockup.

Compared to a Blackhawk Serpa Level 2 and a Galco open-top holster, the Safariland 6390 ALS offered a superior blend of speed and security. The Serpa’s release mechanism felt awkward under stress, and the Galco lacked the active retention needed for high-risk environments. The Safariland immediately felt like the right choice.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. I was excited to test its performance in real-world scenarios. It felt like a professional piece of kit designed with serious users in mind.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 6390 ALS at the range during a LEOSA qualification. The holster performed exceptionally well during rapid-fire drills and movement exercises. Drawing the firearm was intuitive and quick, and re-holstering was equally smooth.

The Safariland 6390 ALS was also tested during a downpour. The firearm remained secure, and the draw stroke wasn’t noticeably affected by the wet conditions. The holster’s design ensured water didn’t pool around the trigger guard.

There was a slight learning curve with the ALS system, requiring some practice to consistently disengage the lever without fumbling. Once mastered, the draw was lightning fast. The mid-ride height also took a short while to get used to, being different from my usual hip-ride holsters, but it quickly became a preference.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 6390 ALS has proven to be exceptionally durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the SafariLaminate exterior. The ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly.

Maintenance involves occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. The ALS mechanism benefits from a periodic application of Safariland’s silicone lubricant. This ensures smooth operation.

Having used various duty holsters over the years, the Safariland 6390 ALS stands out for its superior balance of retention, speed, and durability. It has outperformed every other holster I’ve tried, making it my go-to choice for duty use.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models

Specifications

The Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models is designed to accommodate a wide range of firearms, with specific models tailored to individual handguns. The Automatic Locking System (ALS) is the core feature, providing Level I retention. This secures the firearm until the release lever is deliberately depressed.

The holster body is constructed from SafariLaminate, a proprietary Safariland material known for its exceptional durability and resistance to scratches and abrasions. The mid-ride belt loop positions the holster at a comfortable height on the hip. This facilitates a natural draw stroke. The open-top design allows for quick retrieval of the weapon, without any SLS (Self Locking System) hood hindering the draw.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6390 ALS excels in providing secure weapon retention while enabling a fast and efficient draw. The ALS system is intuitive and reliable, providing peace of mind knowing the firearm is secure. The mid-ride height makes for a comfortable carry and promotes a smooth draw.

The only potential drawback is the Level I retention, which, while fast, might not be sufficient for all operational environments. The ALS Guard, available separately, increases the retention to Level II. Overall, the holster meets and exceeds expectations for duty use.

Design & Ergonomics

The SafariLaminate construction is exceptionally durable and lightweight. The mid-ride height provides a comfortable and natural draw position. The ALS lever is easily accessible and intuitive to operate, even under stress.

There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the ALS release. A few practice draws are needed to develop a consistent and efficient technique. Once mastered, the draw becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

The SafariLaminate material is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. The holster is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. With minimal maintenance, the Safariland 6390 ALS should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The ALS mechanism should be lubricated periodically to ensure smooth operation. The holster is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

While the Safariland 6390 ALS is relatively simple in design, it is compatible with a range of Safariland accessories. The optional ALS Guard increases the retention level to Level II. Different belt loops and mounting platforms can be attached to adjust the ride height and carry angle.

The holster is compatible with various firearm-mounted lights, provided a corresponding model is selected. It works seamlessly with other Safariland duty gear, such as magazine pouches and radio carriers.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models

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Who Should Buy Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models?

The Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and private security contractors who require a balance of retention and speed. It’s ideal for those who work in environments where a Level I retention holster provides sufficient security.

Those who require a higher level of retention (Level II or III) due to specific operational needs should skip this product. Individuals who prefer simpler holster designs without active retention mechanisms might also want to consider other options.

A must-have accessory is the Safariland ALS Guard, which increases the retention to Level II. Regular cleaning and lubrication are also recommended to ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion on Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models

The Safariland Model 6390 ALS Mid-Ride Level I – 1 out of 39 models is an exceptional duty holster that offers a superior blend of retention, speed, and durability. The price of $155.99 is justified by the quality of construction and the reliable performance of the ALS system.

I personally recommend this holster to any law enforcement or security professional seeking a dependable and efficient duty holster. The Safariland 6390 ALS offers the perfect balance of security and accessibility. Consider adding this to your tactical gear and experience the Safariland difference.