Safariland ALS holster system

[supernachos]

Hello all,

Can I have some comments on the Safariland ALS system?

I want an alternate to the current Blackhawk Serpa system I currently use but which is frowned upon by some training facilities due to the danger for accidental discharge while unholstering.

I looked at the Safariland ALS system because of it's price point and relative ease to unholster the weapon.

But by watching the Youtube review I have posted it looks like the thumb latch to unholster the pistol can be snagged or obstructed by loose clothing or even belt accessories like mags etc... unlike the Serpa system the latch system is fully unobstructed for easy access.

Can anybody care to chime in on my observation or is my concern unfounded?

[wckalijkd]

Supernacho,

Man, you're in luck. I just ordered a Safari holster for my G17.
I spent over 3 days researching their gear.
TOO many models, options, features.

Quick rundown.
Cobra hood: that hard plastic cover to prevent the bad guy from taking your gun away from U. Covers the SLS and ALS

SLS: "Self Locking System" The hood that covers the back of the slide. Push down and Forward to retrieve weapon.

ALS: "Auto Locking System" The thumb switch you see in the Youtube video you posted. Pull Rearward to retrieve weapon.

I purchased this last week. Single Strap. Rides higher than the Double strap leg shroud but sits lower than the hip holster. It'll accomodate my G17 w/ TLR-1s. This model has the Cobra hood, SLS & ALS. After taking Stan's Low Light class I realized my Serpa had alot of deficiencies. The Safari aint cheap @ $160 but this holster does every I want it to do and it'll last me years.

The ALS will retain your gun even WithOUT the light attached.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0048KCP88/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Factory specs: 6304-832-131

www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=6304

I also picked this up. The 6004-DFA, "Drop Flex Holster"
Unfortunately it doesn't ride as low as i like. I'm going back to the original strap that came with the holster. It has 3 sets of holes for 3 different heights.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038RNQ58/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also intend to get a Safari holster for my Sig 226. I need to look into the MLS and QLS system. Dont know why Safari makes 2 different designs. They both do the same thing. Quick Detach function.

If U do get a Safari, dont pay to much attention to this model# vs. that model #. It'll drive U crazy!!! Pick one that serves your needs. I spent days looking for the 6004 and I ended up getting the 6304.

Here's a video of Gomez with a Single Strap 6004 w/ SLS & Cobra hood.
Note he is using a DFA (which provides a lower ride than hip holster) and his holster is attached with a QLS.



One more note. During Pistol class or a combat environment you can keep the SLS down (for a quicker draw). And rely solely on the ALS to secure your weapon.

[wckalijkd]

This guy spent alot of $$$ experimenting with his Safari rig.

The Description has all the part numbers, etc.

[supernachos]

Thanks for the response wckalijkd.

Well after a bit more research I decided to re-utilize my Molle drop leg platform with the Safariland ALS holster 6378 for my new S&W M&P 9mm so the pistol rides lower to be clear of all the gear.

Since I am on a limited budget I just had to buy MLS15 to hook the holster up directly to the Molle on my drop leg platform.

I can buy the quick release connector later MLS16 and MLS17 at another date as I want to buy the same holster first for my H&K USP first so I can have the same retension system across the board and train with it.

I really do not like the retension system were I have to twist the pistol grip towards your body like the Uncle Mikes holster... I have had no many *fails* trying to un-holster in one of Stan's class it was embarrasing. I'm just going to trash it...

[serpenthammer]

Nachos,

Safariland was and still is the go to holster for go fast units, The Serpa is still used by big Army or Marine Units . there have been reports of ND , AD in the range during drills that have resulted in injury. there is even a caught on video of a Soup Sandwich Tac Instructor who shot himself when in the process of releasing the tension lock of the Serpa.

ALS leg rigs are great for keeping your secondary secure .The challenge however happens when you are deploying your weapon in vehicle during force protection missions or engagements. There is no end all be all for holsters however for range use of everyday EEC a custom kydex holster riding belt high would suffice. Ask Stan he knows of a custom kydex holster maker in his staff...

" Serpahammer"

[kayaker55]

I can't afford to spend tons of $$$ experimenting on any equipment. Last year I came across this custom kydex, leather-lined holster manufacturer. I know their holsters are pricier than others, but I quickly realized I'll probably never have to buy another one. They are a small mom& pop operation and answered every newbie question with patience. When I got my holster, I had a small issue with it. I called them and Shirley took care of it right away. No questions asked. Check it out.

garrettindustries.mybigcommerce.com/

[tmcguff]

I have a safari ALS for my glock 34. great holster but lately i have preferred my griffion ind. holster.

[wsmc27]

Though OP has made a decision, just to share further info...

We ran a 5.11 "Thumbdrive" retention holster (for Glock 34/35) Saturday evening at Stans' Low-Light class.

Have been very happy with it so far (approx 150 dry draws at home, 125 live rounds Saturday in class) to date, seems well-made (by Blade-Tech). We have a competiton holster for these pistols, but needed a retention holster for our Glocks. It retails at $60-65, we found ours on Amazon at just under $40 (belt w/paddle incl).

www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Accessories/Holsters/ThumbDrive-Holster.html#