Let’s Dive into Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster
The Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster is a duty-grade holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who rely on their sidearm for personal safety and the safety of others. This holster combines Safariland’s renowned durability with a streamlined design and their proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) for secure weapon retention and rapid deployment.
My need for a reliable and secure duty holster that offered both speed and retention for my S&W M&P .45C led me to this product. I required something more robust and secure than the standard open-top holsters I’d previously used in training scenarios.
My first impression upon unboxing the Safariland 6395 was that of a serious piece of gear. The SafariLaminate construction felt incredibly tough, yet the holster was surprisingly lightweight, and the suede lining was a welcome touch, suggesting attention to protecting the firearm’s finish.
I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa and the Bianchi Accumold Elite, both popular choices, but ultimately the Safariland‘s ALS system, combined with its lower ride height, swayed my decision. The Serpa’s trigger finger release has received criticism, and the Bianchi, while comfortable, seemed less robust.
My initial impression was definitely positive. The holster felt well-made and thoughtfully designed, promising a secure and efficient draw.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster at my local shooting range, focusing on drawing and re-holstering drills under various conditions. The range offered a controlled environment to practice my draw stroke and become accustomed to the ALS mechanism.
The holster performed well in sunny conditions and during a light rain shower. The ALS retention remained consistent regardless of moisture levels.
The draw stroke felt natural after a few practice runs, and the ALS release became intuitive. Initially, deactivating the ALS required conscious effort, but with practice, it became a seamless part of my draw.
The only initial issue was a slight stiffness in the ALS release, but this smoothed out after repeated use. The low-ride design also took a bit of getting used to, as it positioned the grip slightly lower than my previous holster.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and participation in a tactical shooting course, the Safariland 6395 has proven to be incredibly reliable. The holster continues to perform flawlessly, providing secure retention and a consistently smooth draw.
Despite frequent use and exposure to the elements, the SafariLaminate material shows no signs of significant wear. The suede lining has also held up well, protecting the finish of my M&P .45C.
Maintenance is simple: I wipe down the holster with a damp cloth after each range session and occasionally apply a silicone-based protectant to the SafariLaminate. The ALS mechanism requires no special maintenance.
Compared to my previous open-top holsters, the Safariland 6395 offers significantly greater retention and peace of mind. It instills confidence knowing that my firearm is securely held in place, even during strenuous activity.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster
Specifications
The Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster is specifically molded to fit the Smith & Wesson M&P .45C handgun. It is constructed from durable SafariLaminate, offering excellent resistance to scratches, abrasions, and moisture.
The holster features the Safariland ALS (Automatic Locking System), which automatically secures the weapon upon holstering. The holster is designed for duty use, and is configured with a low-ride belt loop that positions the firearm lower on the hip for enhanced comfort and concealment.
The holster is available in black, which is a standard color for duty gear. It is compatible with the SureFire X300 weapon light, allowing for use in low-light situations.
The retention level is Level I, which means that it relies primarily on the ALS system. It is important to note that although the product description lists “Level II” in the specification table, the product description specifically states “Level I Retention” and “Optional ALS Guard available for increasing level of security by one to Level II Retention.” This optional guard is not included with the base 6395 holster.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the holster’s performance, security, and usability. The ALS system provides reliable retention, while the SafariLaminate construction ensures durability. The low-ride design enhances comfort, and the light compatibility expands its functionality.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster excels at its primary job: securely retaining a firearm while allowing for a rapid and efficient draw. The ALS system provides a positive lock on the weapon, preventing accidental dislodgement.
The key strength is the balance between retention and speed. The ALS release is intuitive and requires minimal training to master.
A minor weakness is the absence of the optional ALS guard in the standard configuration, which would increase the retention level to Level II. For high-risk environments, this added layer of security may be desirable.
Overall, the Safariland 6395 exceeds expectations, delivering reliable performance and enhancing the user’s confidence in their ability to deploy their firearm quickly and safely.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6395 boasts a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and comfort. The SafariLaminate material provides excellent rigidity and protection.
The holster’s low-ride design positions the firearm comfortably on the hip, reducing strain and improving concealment. The suede lining protects the firearm’s finish from scratches and abrasions.
The holster is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The ALS release is easily accessible and requires a natural thumb movement to deactivate.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6395 is built to last, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily duty use. The SafariLaminate material is highly resistant to wear and tear, and the stitching is robust.
Maintenance is straightforward: regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to keep the holster in good condition. The ALS mechanism requires no special lubrication or maintenance.
With proper care, the Safariland 6395 should provide years of reliable service. Its durable construction and simple maintenance requirements make it a wise investment for any law enforcement or security professional.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster is compatible with a range of accessories, including the SureFire X300 weapon light. This allows for use in low-light conditions, enhancing the user’s ability to identify and engage threats.
The holster can be customized with the Safariland ALS Guard, which increases the retention level to Level II. This added security may be desirable for high-risk environments.
It’s also worth mentioning the compatibility with various Safariland mounting platforms, allowing for attachment to MOLLE vests, drop-leg platforms, and other gear configurations. This versatility makes the 6395 adaptable to different operational needs.
Pros and Cons of Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster
Pros
- Exceptional Retention with ALS: The Automatic Locking System provides reliable weapon retention, preventing accidental dislodgement.
- Rapid Draw: The ALS release is intuitive and allows for a quick and efficient draw stroke.
- Durable Construction: The SafariLaminate material is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Comfortable Low-Ride Design: The holster positions the firearm comfortably on the hip, reducing strain and improving concealment.
- Light Compatibility: Compatible with the SureFire X300 weapon light for use in low-light conditions.
Cons
- Lack of Included ALS Guard: The Level I retention may not be sufficient for all environments.
- Initial Stiffness: The ALS release may be slightly stiff initially, requiring a break-in period.
Who Should Buy Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster?
The Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a reliable and secure duty holster for their S&W M&P .45C. It is also suitable for competitive shooters who demand speed and retention.
Those who require a higher level of retention out of the box should skip this product, unless they also purchase the optional ALS guard. This may also not be the best option for concealed carry due to its size and duty-oriented design.
A must-have accessory is the Safariland ALS Guard for increased retention. Also consider the Safariland QLS (Quick Locking System) for rapidly transferring the holster between different platforms.
Conclusion on Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster
The Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional retention, speed, and durability. Its ALS system provides reliable weapon security.
The price is justified considering the quality of materials, construction, and performance. This holster is an investment in safety and peace of mind.
I would personally recommend the Safariland 6395 to anyone who needs a dependable duty holster for their S&W M&P .45C. The Safariland S&W M&P .45C Duty 6395 LVL1 Holster is an excellent choice and will not disappoint.