First Impressions of Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light
The Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light is a dedicated piece of kit designed for professionals and serious firearm enthusiasts who run a Glock 17 MOS (Modular Optic System) with a weapon-mounted light and a red dot sight. This holster promises secure retention, a fast draw, and compatibility with a wide range of popular lights and optics. Safariland is a name synonymous with quality in the law enforcement and military communities, and this holster aims to uphold that reputation.
My duty sidearm has evolved over the years, and recently I upgraded to a Glock 17 MOS with a Trijicon RMR and a Streamlight TLR-1 HL. I needed a duty-grade holster that could accommodate the optic and light without sacrificing security or draw speed. I previously used a level 2 retention holster from a different manufacturer, but it didn’t accommodate the red dot, and the light fit was incredibly tight.
Opening the box, the immediate impression is one of robust construction and thoughtful design. The holster feels solid and well-made, with a textured finish that provides a secure grip. The “7TS” designation indicates Safariland’s proprietary nylon blend, which is noticeably lighter than traditional Kydex but feels equally, if not more, durable.
Comparing this to other holsters on the market, such as the Blackhawk! Serpa or the Blade-Tech Total Eclipse, the Safariland offers a superior level of weapon retention and a more refined fit. The Serpa, while popular, has faced criticism for its finger-actuated release, and the Blade-Tech, while versatile, lacks the active retention system that I need for duty carry. The low-ride belt loop also appeared more comfortable and stable than the belt attachments on those other holsters.
My initial excitement stemmed from the promise of a secure, reliable, and comfortable duty holster specifically designed for my Glock 17 MOS with its red dot and light. This felt like a significant upgrade and a purpose-built solution for my evolving needs. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the Safariland name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light at my department’s training range during our monthly firearms qualification. The weather was typical for late summer – humid with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. I ran several drills, including drawing from concealment, shooting on the move, and engaging multiple targets.
The holster performed exceptionally well in the wet and humid conditions. The 7TS material didn’t become slippery, and the Automatic Locking System (ALS) provided a secure grip on the weapon even when my hands were sweaty. Drawing from the holster was smooth and consistent after a few practice repetitions. There was a bit of a learning curve to disengaging the ALS under pressure, but after a few dozen draws, it became second nature.
One pleasant surprise was the comfort of the low-ride belt loop. It positioned the handgun perfectly for a natural draw stroke and distributed the weight evenly across my hip. I experienced no discomfort or chafing, even after several hours of continuous wear. The holster also cleared my body armor effectively without any interference.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use, the Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable. I have worn it on patrol in all types of weather, from sweltering heat to freezing rain, and it has consistently performed without any issues. There are no signs of wear and tear on the holster body, and the ALS mechanism remains smooth and functional.
Maintenance is simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime. I occasionally apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the ALS mechanism to keep it operating smoothly. This holster far surpasses my previous duty holsters in terms of durability and reliability.
Compared to my old Kydex holster, the 7TS material is much more resistant to scratches and abrasions. It also doesn’t seem to retain heat as much, which is a welcome improvement during hot weather. The level of security and the ease of draw have also instilled a greater sense of confidence in my ability to respond effectively in a critical situation.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light
Specifications
The Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light is engineered for a specific purpose and boasts several key specifications:
- Weapon Compatibility: Glock 17 MOS with a red dot sight and weapon-mounted light. This precise fit is crucial for secure retention and smooth draw.
- Retention System: Automatic Locking System (ALS). This internal locking device secures the weapon in all directions and is deactivated with the thumb.
- Material: Safariland 7TS Nylon Blend. This material is lightweight, durable, and resistant to extreme temperatures.
- Ride: Low-ride belt loop. This positions the holster 1.5” lower than standard, offering a more comfortable and natural draw.
- Hand: Right-hand (as specified). Ensures proper compatibility for right-handed shooters.
- Accessory Attachment System: Belt. Designed for standard duty belts, providing stable and secure carry.
These specifications are critical for ensuring proper fit, secure retention, and a comfortable draw. The ALS system is a key feature, providing Level 1 retention without the need for straps or snaps. The 7TS material provides exceptional durability and weather resistance, making this holster suitable for demanding environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light excels in its primary function: securely retaining and quickly deploying a Glock 17 MOS with a red dot sight and light. The ALS system provides a confident level of retention without hindering the draw stroke. Disengaging the ALS becomes instinctive with practice.
The holster’s strengths lie in its robust construction, secure retention, and comfortable carry. The low-ride belt loop distributes weight effectively and positions the firearm for a natural draw. One area for potential improvement is the initial learning curve associated with the ALS system.
Overall, the holster meets and exceeds my expectations for a duty-grade holster. It provides the security, reliability, and comfort that I need in a demanding profession. The smooth draw stroke and consistent retention instill confidence in its ability to perform under pressure.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light is built with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out design. The 7TS nylon blend is both lightweight and durable, providing a comfortable carry without sacrificing strength. The holster’s weight is well-distributed.
The holster’s design is intuitive and user-friendly, although mastering the ALS system requires some practice. The low-ride belt loop positions the handgun comfortably and allows for a smooth and natural draw stroke. The textured finish provides a secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light is built to last. The 7TS nylon blend is incredibly resistant to scratches, abrasions, and extreme temperatures. After months of daily use, there are no signs of wear and tear on the holster body.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. Periodic lubrication of the ALS mechanism with silicone lubricant will ensure smooth and consistent operation. With proper care, this holster should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light comes standard with the low-ride belt loop attachment. While it doesn’t offer extensive customization options like some other holsters, its compatibility with a wide range of Glock 17 MOS configurations is a significant advantage.
The holster is specifically designed to accommodate popular weapon-mounted lights such as the Streamlight TLR-1/TLR-1 HL, Surefire X300/X300U, and Inforce APL. It also works seamlessly with various red dot sights, including the Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and Vortex Viper. This compatibility ensures that users can configure their Glock 17 MOS with their preferred accessories without compromising holster fit or function.
Pros and Cons of Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light
Pros
- Superior Weapon Retention: The ALS provides excellent security without sacrificing draw speed.
- Exceptional Durability: The 7TS nylon blend is resistant to scratches, abrasions, and extreme temperatures.
- Comfortable Carry: The low-ride belt loop distributes weight effectively and positions the firearm for a natural draw.
- Light and Optic Compatibility: Designed to accommodate popular weapon-mounted lights and red dot sights.
- Proven Reliability: Safariland is a trusted name in law enforcement and military communities.
Cons
- ALS Learning Curve: Mastering the ALS requires practice.
- Limited Customization Options: Offers fewer adjustment options compared to some other holsters.
Who Should Buy Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light?
The Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals who carry a Glock 17 MOS with a red dot sight and weapon-mounted light. It is also well-suited for serious firearm enthusiasts who demand a secure, reliable, and comfortable holster for duty or competition use.
Individuals who prefer a more traditional holster design or who do not require active retention may want to consider other options. Shooters who are not using a Glock 17 MOS with a red dot sight and weapon-mounted light will need to choose a different holster model.
A high-quality duty belt is a must-have accessory to ensure proper holster function and weight distribution. Also, investing in some training time to master the ALS system will maximize the holster’s effectiveness.
Conclusion on Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light
In summary, the Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light is an outstanding duty holster that delivers on its promises. The secure retention, exceptional durability, and comfortable carry make it an excellent choice for professionals and serious firearm enthusiasts.
The price of $181.99 is justified by the quality of materials, the thoughtful design, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your firearm is securely retained. The cost also includes the assurance that Safariland products are built to last.
I would highly recommend the Safariland Model 7395rds 7ts Als Low-ride Duty Holster For Glock 17 Mos W/ Light to anyone who needs a top-tier duty holster for their Glock 17 MOS with a red dot sight and weapon-mounted light. If you value security, reliability, and comfort, this holster is a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your carry setup today and experience the Safariland difference!