Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster

The Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster is a duty-grade holster designed for professionals who rely on the Walther P99Q pistol, particularly those who also utilize a weapon-mounted light. This holster boasts Safariland’s renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS) for secure retention and a mid-ride belt loop for comfortable carry. It’s a piece of gear that promises both security and accessibility, qualities paramount in high-stakes situations.

After years spent trusting a mishmash of holsters that never quite ticked all the boxes, I realized I needed a dedicated duty holster for my Walther P99Q with a weapon light. The primary issue I needed to solve was finding a holster that provided rock-solid retention while still allowing for a fast, intuitive draw, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. The Safariland 6390 seemed to offer precisely that.

Out of the box, the Safariland holster feels robust and well-constructed. The SafariLaminate material exudes durability, and the suede lining is a thoughtful touch to protect the firearm’s finish. The weight feels appropriate for a duty holster, neither too heavy to be cumbersome nor too light to feel flimsy. The build quality appears top-notch, consistent with Safariland’s reputation.

I considered other holsters, including the Blackhawk! Serpa and the Blade-Tech Total Eclipse, but ultimately chose the Safariland due to its ALS retention system and compatibility with weapon lights. The Serpa’s trigger finger release felt less secure, and the Blade-Tech lacked the same level of active retention. The mid-ride height also appealed to me, striking a balance between concealment and ease of access.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential of the ALS system and the promised speed of draw, but I also knew that any retention holster requires practice to master. I was eager to get it onto my belt and see if it lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Safariland 6390 at my local shooting range, focusing on drawing and re-holstering drills. The range environment allowed me to safely and repeatedly practice manipulating the ALS system and refining my draw stroke. I also used it during a force-on-force training exercise to simulate real-world application.

The holster performed admirably in both dry and slightly wet conditions (simulated rain). The ALS system remained functional, and the draw remained consistent even with damp hands. I found the release button to be easily accessible and intuitive, even when wearing gloves.

The draw stroke felt natural after a brief period of familiarization. The ALS deactivated smoothly with thumb pressure, allowing for a clean, straight draw. My first few draws were a bit clunky, but after about an hour of practice, I was drawing and engaging targets with confidence.

The only initial issue I encountered was occasional difficulty re-holstering with the weapon light attached. It required a deliberate, firm push to ensure the pistol locked into place, but this was easily remedied with practice. This is where I also tested it with the Streamlight TLR-1, SureFire X300, SureFire X200, and Insight Technology M3 lights as listed in the product details.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Safariland 6390 has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. It has seen action at the range, in training scenarios, and during routine patrols. The holster continues to function flawlessly, providing consistent retention and a smooth draw.

The SafariLaminate material shows minimal signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to scrapes, bumps, and exposure to the elements. The suede lining has protected the firearm’s finish, preventing scratches and abrasions. The ALS mechanism remains smooth and reliable, showing no signs of degradation.

Maintenance is straightforward. I simply wipe down the holster with a damp cloth after each use and occasionally apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the ALS mechanism to ensure smooth operation. This is a simple duty to conduct that only takes seconds.

In comparison to previous holsters I’ve used, the Safariland 6390 significantly outperforms them in terms of retention, speed of draw, and overall durability. It provides a level of security and confidence that other holsters simply can’t match. It has easily exceeded all expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster

Specifications

The Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster boasts the following specifications:

• Manufacturer: Safariland. This signifies a legacy of quality and dependability in law enforcement and military gear.
• Color: Black. A professional, low-profile finish suitable for duty use.
• Gun Make: Walther. Specifically designed for the Walther platform.
• Gun Model: Walther P99QA. Ensures a precise fit and proper function.
• Holster Type: Belt Holster. For secure and accessible carry on a duty belt.
• Light/Laser Attachment: Streamlight TLR-1, SureFire X300, SureFire X200, Insight Technology M3. Offers compatibility with common weapon-mounted lights, enhancing versatility.
• Finish: STX Tactical. A durable, textured finish providing a secure grip and resistance to wear.
• Application: Duty. Designed for law enforcement, military, and security personnel.
• Retention Level: Level II. Provides a balance of security and speed of draw.
• Holster Finish: STX Tactical. The same durable finish as the standard finish.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the holster’s performance, reliability, and user experience. The precise fit ensures secure retention, the ALS system provides peace of mind, and the durable materials guarantee long-lasting performance in demanding environments. The weapon light compatibility is essential for tactical applications, and the mid-ride height allows for a comfortable and accessible carry position.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster excels in its primary function: securely retaining the weapon while allowing for a fast and intuitive draw. The ALS system provides a high level of retention, preventing accidental dislodgment of the firearm. This instills confidence in dynamic situations.

The holster’s strengths lie in its robust construction, reliable ALS retention, and comfortable carry. The weaknesses are minimal, perhaps the need for a break-in period and the deliberate re-holstering process required with the weapon light. The deliberate re-holstering process has been solved with more practice.

The holster meets and exceeds expectations. It provides a secure and accessible platform for carrying the Walther P99Q with a weapon light, offering peace of mind and improved performance in demanding situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6390 is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The SafariLaminate material is durable and lightweight, and the suede lining protects the firearm’s finish. The holster sits comfortably on the belt, distributing the weight of the pistol evenly.

The holster is relatively user-friendly, although the ALS system requires some practice to master. The release button is easily accessible and intuitive, and the draw stroke feels natural after a brief familiarization period.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6390 is built to last. The SafariLaminate material is highly resistant to wear and tear, and the ALS mechanism is designed for long-term reliability. With proper care, this holster should provide years of dependable service.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism are all that is required to keep the holster in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6390 comes with a hood guard to protect the release mechanism. An optional ALS Guard is available for Level II Retention upgrade.

The holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops and mounting options. It is also compatible with popular weapon lights from Streamlight, SureFire, and Insight Technology, enhancing its versatility.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster

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Who Should Buy Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster?

The Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who relies on the Walther P99Q with a weapon light for duty or personal defense. It’s also ideal for range training and force-on-force training exercises.

Those who are unwilling to invest time in mastering the ALS system or who prioritize maximum concealment may want to skip this product. The deliberate re-holstering process may also be a drawback for some users.

A must-have accessory is a quality duty belt that provides a stable and secure platform for the holster. Practicing with dummy rounds is also recommended to master the ALS system safely.

Conclusion on Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster

The Safariland Walther P99Q w/ Light 6390 Retention Holster is a top-tier duty holster that delivers on its promises. Its robust construction, reliable ALS retention, and comfortable carry make it an excellent choice for professionals who demand the best.

At $133.20, the price is justified given the holster’s quality, durability, and performance. It’s an investment in safety and confidence that will pay dividends in the long run.

I would personally recommend this holster to anyone who needs a secure and accessible platform for carrying the Walther P99Q with a weapon light. It’s a reliable and well-designed piece of gear that will serve you well in any situation. If you are a professional seeking a level II retention holster for your Walther P99Q with a Streamlight TLR-1, SureFire X300, SureFire X200, or Insight Technology M3, look no further than the Safariland 6390. Secure your firearm, train diligently, and be prepared to protect.