subscribe features columns departments contacts links advertising search

Safariland's ALS Holsters

Gird Your Roscoe

   
   

No, That’s Not Dirty

Safariland’s Automatic Locking System (ALS) holsters are an excellent step forward in the progression of highly functional holsters for today’s cops. They’re rugged, sophisticated and professional. Quality thermal molded synthetic components like the Safari-Laminate finish, injection molded Universal Belt Loop, and imitation suede lining provides extreme durability.

Lately, I’ve been carrying my duty Glock 21 in Safariland’s new Model 6378 ALS Paddle Holster. I like the versatility of a paddle rig when not working a uniformed assignment. I’ve been wearing paddles for several years and have to say I’m really impressed with the 6378. At first, I fought with the paddle and thought it a little cumbersome. This paddle is a little larger than others, has a unique contour and a very tight fit between the paddle and the holster. I found it tough to get on and off and wasn’t too thrilled. After a few days of wear, its subtleties became apparent. It’s now my primary holster for the foreseeable future. The best part is the ALS itself. There’s plenty of security and zero loss of draw speed. It’s smooth and fast after relatively little practice.

  
   

ENGINEERING

The heart of the ALS mechanism is its lock system in your handgun’s ejection port when it is holstered. The release is activated simply and intuitively pressing of the thumb catch during a natural drawing motion. Many of the ALS models also incorporate Safariland’s SLS rotating hood retention system and their Hood Guard preventing unwanted release, in the event of an attempted takeaway. It’s a simple matter of pressing the thumb catch on the hood down and forward, then initiating the ALS thumb catch while drawing the gun. That may sound like a lot to do, but after a few practice draws it becomes smooth and fluid.

Like all retention holsters, you have to draw your gun hundreds of times to get the muscle memory needed to wear it in the field. I haven’t seen a retention holster yet that wouldn’t bind up once you start pulling your gun out before activating the release, whether it locks to the triggerguard, the ejection port or the frame. Putting pressure against the locking mechanism before trying to activate the release will bind the lock — every time — until pressure is released. This holster is no exception from others here — so practice.

    
   

Multi Use

The ALS holster line includes tactical, concealment and patrol models. Each is offered in several different finishes and the tactical models are available in black, foliage green and brown flat dark earth. Most of the ALS models are available for light-mounted guns too. For only one model of gun you have about 60 different iterations to choose from. Imagine covering 20 or more different models of handguns and you start to see the enormity of Safariland. I have a certain fondness for smaller companies, but I must admit when it comes to serving the needs of our profession, sometimes it’s the big guys who offer the options we need. Currently, Safariland offers ALS holsters for numerous makes and models of handguns including several Beretta, Glock, H&K, Sig Sauer, S&W and Springfield models and several 1911 models both with and without light rails.

For more information: www.safariland.com

 

  

 

First published in the July/August 2007 issue of American COP.

    
   
Home | Subscribe | Features | Columns | Departments | Contacts | Links | Advertising | Search
© 2005 All Rights Reserved -- Publishers Development Corporation
Site design by SutherlandDesign.com