Top 3 SafariLand Holsters to Buy Now

Safariland is a tactical gear company that provides state-of-the-art holsters, communication equipment, gear, armor, and forensics gear.

As much as we write about gear and holsters, I can tell you that there are dozens of tactical companies claiming to be the best. In all honesty, I can’t tell a lot of them apart from each other because they use the same materials and technology.

Safariland uses many different types of technology, based on mission requirements. 

This blog will be the buyer’s guide to the top 3 holsters from Safariland (including one that I carry). I will focus on the top 3 holsters for most purposes, including law enforcement, EDC, competition, and red dot accessible. 

Model 6360 RDS ALS®/SLS Mid-Ride Duty Holster

This is my top choice for anyone in law enforcement with a level three retention system, which is perfect for those who need more security. This holster is specifically built to accept a red dot sight on your pistol. It’s built with a rigid and easy-to-grip Automatic Locking System (ALS®), which I just a thumb release because that’s how I was trained.

Regardless of what you call it, it helps ensure that no one can pull your pistol out of your holster without it catching the ALS. What makes this holster special is the Self Locking System (SLS) that locks your pistol inside the holster from every possible angle. Normally this type of holster would require you to twist the handle of the pistol to disengage the safety, but the Model 6360 allows for a clean pull every time. 

Which Gun Models Fit This Holster?

1. FN
2. Glock
3. Sig Sauer
4. Smith & Wesson
5. STI International Stacatto

Why Should I Buy The Model 6360?

The Model 6360 RDS accepts the majority of red dot sights and almost any model pistol that police officers carry. I know most officers around my location carry the Glock 23 or Glock 43. Regardless of the Glock model you have, this holster should fit it without any issues.

This holster also goes with the M&P Shield 2.0 very well in case you carry an American-made pistol. Level three retention gives you the best level of security without making it difficult to reach in a split-second encounter. Personally, I would keep a level three over a level 4 because that one added security measure could interfere with your response time. With police officers, we all know that a second late could be the difference between life and death. 

Model 5197 Open-Top Competition Holster

The model 5197 was specifically designed to be more compact with adjustable cant and be easier to travel with. One of the nuances of this holster is the ability to maintain its position even the belt and holster are a part. This holster operates by incorporating a design to allow your pistol to be rotated while in the lock position inside the trigger block.

In short, this allows you to avoid any rookie mishaps with your gun falling out of the holster as you run, jump, slide, and roll during competitions. To unlock the pistol from the holster all you have to do is pull the lever to the back and the trigger block will release the pistol. This holster is perfect for competition, but it’s not practical or safe for law enforcement or everyday carry pistols.

What Gun Models Fit The 5197 Holster?

1. Colt
2. CZ
3. Glock
4. Kimber
5. Para-Ordnance
6. Springfield Armory
7. STI Staccato

Why Should I Buy The 5197 Holster?

This holster is made from high-grade rigid aluminum for a durable and sturdy frame. It may seem like a lot to buy for 3-gun competition shooters, but if you want to beat the best, you’ll need the best gear.

An STI Stacatto is the smoothest pistol I’ve ever seen and features the best recoil system of any pistol I’ve shot. If you’re going to spend $2,000 on a pistol, you should spend $200 on your holster and get the best for quickdraws and minimal security mechanisms to slow you down. The adjustable cant provides the shooter with more control of the angle they draw in for a custom fit.

Model 6287 Concealment Holster

As I mentioned before, one holster on this list is a holster I use regularly as Everyday Carry (EDC). The Model 6287 fits everything I look for in a concealed holster, except it’s on the upper end of my budget ($100-$140). This holster sits low on my waist and doesn’t print at all in any shirt that I wear (might be different if you wear skin-tight clothing).

My biggest  3 concern with an EDC is how comfortable, how safe, and how practical it is. The retention system is the SLS rotating hood design with the 567 belt loop that accommodates up to a 1.75" belt. The SLS can only be released by being simultaneously pushed down and rotated forward and becomes more secure with an upward force. As you can see below, it fits almost every gun model you would ever conceal (except the PPS, which is a bummer).