Safariland ALS

July 27, 2024, 07:12 PM

RogueJSK

Their bulk is the only downside. They're the absolute best open carry/duty carry holsters out there. But ALS holsters are not a good option for concealed carry, unless you're planning to use it strictly in cold weather under a jacket or coat.

July 28, 2024, 02:33 AM

Jester814

I love my ALS holsters but as the other two have said, definitely not made for CC.

July 28, 2024, 08:32 PM

220-9er

I have several for my 365xl.
My method is to use just the shell and retaining mechanism inside a fabric shoulder holster that’s inside my shirt.
The shell adds little to the thickness and it’s much safer and more secure than just a fabric holster that doesn’t really protect the trigger.

July 30, 2024, 12:02 AM

gunsmoke92

Thanks, I figured they were good and all of you confirmed that for me. I'm picking one up for open carry and range use, as for concealed carry, I have a couple IWB holsters for that.

July 30, 2024, 12:26 AM

YooperSigs

Excellent holster. Mine dont play well with higher than OEM sights though. Otherwise, great holster.

July 30, 2024, 10:56 AM

CD228

I use 6 and 7 series ALS holsters for the SIG P320,365, Glock and M92. Great holsters, but the exception of the 737X model for the 365, they are all more bulky than a comparable leather holster (as noted above)

I personally recommend the 6XXX series with the synthetic suede, they are IMHO easier to draw from and I don't worry about the pistol's finish a much. They are more expensive then the newer 7 series holsters.

Check out the different mounting options, The different sizes of UBLs are pretty nice.

Did you check out the safariland holster finder to see what was available?

Also, when you order direct from Safariland it can take a little while. I usually can get the holsters quicker from dealers that stock them.

July 30, 2024, 11:20 AM

RogueJSK

quote:
Originally posted by CD228:
I personally recommend the 6XXX series with the synthetic suede, they are IMHO easier to draw from and I don't worry about the pistol's finish a much. They are more expensive then the newer 7 series holsters.

Also much more durable than the newer 7 Series. The 6 Series are made from one continuous sheet of polymer, wrapped around itself. Whereas the 7s are two halves, screwed together.

With strenuous use where bodyweight is applied to the holster, like dynamic shooting from urban prone, or defensive ground fighting, the 7 Series holsters will split along that middle seam, something you don't see with the 6s.

Safariland has recognized the issue with a couple bulletins, and does offer a reinforcing band that can be installed on the 7s, but it's still a slapdash "not-quite fix" for their less durable design.

For casual range or open carry use, the 7s are fine. But for serious LE/Mil duty use, there's no substitute for the older 6 Series.

July 30, 2024, 01:49 PM

CD228

quote:
Originally posted by RogueJSK:
quote:
Originally posted by CD228:
I personally recommend the 6XXX series with the synthetic suede, they are IMHO easier to draw from and I don't worry about the pistol's finish a much. They are more expensive then the newer 7 series holsters.

Also much more durable than the newer 7 Series. The 6 Series are made from one continuous sheet of polymer, wrapped around itself. Whereas the 7s are two halves, screwed together.

With strenuous use where bodyweight is applied to the holster, like dynamic shooting from urban prone, or defensive ground fighting, the 7 Series holsters will split along that middle seam, something you don't see with the 6s.

Safariland has recognized the issue with a couple bulletins, and does offer a reinforcing band that can be installed on the 7s, but it's still a slapdash "not-quite fix" for their less durable design.

For casual range or open carry use, the 7s are fine. But for serious LE/Mil duty use, there's no substitute for the older 6 Series.

I don't disagree with you, the 6004 was the gold standard in certain military circles for a long time.

Interestingly, big Army went with a 7360 a their new holster for the M17. I've got one, I'll keep an eye on it.

July 30, 2024, 07:02 PM

gunsmoke92

quote:
Originally posted by CD228:
I use 6 and 7 series ALS holsters for the SIG P320,365, Glock and M92. Great holsters, but the exception of the 737X model for the 365, they are all more bulky than a comparable leather holster (as noted above)

I personally recommend the 6XXX series with the synthetic suede, they are IMHO easier to draw from and I don't worry about the pistol's finish a much. They are more expensive then the newer 7 series holsters.

Check out the different mounting options, The different sizes of UBLs are pretty nice.

Read this and it made me go look at my order. We're good, ordered a 6378.

July 31, 2024, 04:48 PM

CD228

quote:
Originally posted by gunsmoke92:
quote:
Originally posted by CD228:
I use 6 and 7 series ALS holsters for the SIG P320,365, Glock and M92. Great holsters, but the exception of the 737X model for the 365, they are all more bulky than a comparable leather holster (as noted above)

I personally recommend the 6XXX series with the synthetic suede, they are IMHO easier to draw from and I don't worry about the pistol's finish a much. They are more expensive then the newer 7 series holsters.

Check out the different mounting options, The different sizes of UBLs are pretty nice.

Read this and it made me go look at my order. We're good, ordered a 6378.

Good to hear. I was messing around with 6390 when I wrote that post and it reminded me why I like the 6 series better.

August 05, 2024, 08:11 PM

gunsmoke92

The ALS arrived today. The paddle is very comfortable, but I'm having a problem releasing the gun from the holster. It locks in just fine, but the lock lever seems to bind on something. Do I need to spray some dry silicone in there to lube things up? I'm not seeing any retention adjustment and the directions don't address it.

August 05, 2024, 08:20 PM

RogueJSK

ALS holster can be a bit stiff when you first get them. Drawing and reholstering repeatedly will break it in. You shouldn't need to add any other lubrication.

In addition, make sure you are fully releasing the ALS mechanism before you attempt to draw. If you yank upwards on the pistol too early while working the ALS thumb lever, the mechanism can bind/drag, which may be what you're feeling. It just takes a little practice for it to be second nature.

So either way, doing some dry fire draw cycles should solve your issue.

August 05, 2024, 08:24 PM

gunsmoke92

Thanks for the reply, I'll give that a go.

August 06, 2024, 10:40 AM

CD228

+1 to what Rogue said.

Practice slow perfect draws until you can get it right every time. Pay attention to your thumb, it should drive the release to the same spot every time IOT release it. If you don't get the release to the right spot, the holster will retain the pistol.

Also, don't twist the pistol in the holster while you try and draw it.

I had a new 6 series and an oldish 7 series on the range all day Saturday without an issue.

What belt are you using?

August 06, 2024, 09:59 PM

gunsmoke92

I'm using a Nexbelt and a 5.11 59409 Tactical.

August 07, 2024, 08:39 AM

CD228

quote:
Originally posted by gunsmoke92:
I'm using a Nexbelt and a 5.11 59409 Tactical.

Good. If you were using a weak belt, that can interfere with the draw as well. As you have probably noticed, the Safariland is signifigantly more rigid then other holsters.

August 07, 2024, 11:26 AM

gunsmoke92

I've noticed the lining seems a bit tacky. I'm sure it will slick up with use. This is more of a range use holster anyway, so not an earth-shattering issue right now. On down the road I may use it for a boonies holster, you know huntin', fishin', foolin' around. It is comfortable, and that's a big plus.

August 07, 2024, 10:05 PM

CD228

That's probably the synthetic suede. I haven't had a problem with it, it protects the finish of your pistol. I'd just do a series of draws and see if it presents an issue.

To answer your earlier question, the tension adjustment screw is accessible through the hole in the bottom of holster (muzzle hole). Clock wise is to tighten (there should be instructions in your packaging). However, that screw dosen't connect the ejection port locking lever, it adjusts against the trigger guard. I've never had to adjust one.