Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster Review

The Truth About Using the Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster

For anyone prioritizing secure and rapid firearm access, the Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster presents a compelling option. This holster combines a familiar high-ride profile with Safariland’s advanced Automatic Locking System (ALS), designed for efficiency and security. I’d been grappling with the balance between accessible carry and dependable retention, especially after a close call with a less secure setup on a previous detail. My existing holsters, while functional, felt cumbersome for swift deployment when seconds count. After a decade of field use, I’ve learned to appreciate designs that streamline critical actions without compromising safety. This Safariland holster promised a more intuitive and robust solution. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid construction; the polymer felt robust and the finish was professional. I briefly considered a competitor’s strap-based retention system, but the allure of a single-action thumb release for drawing was strong. The immediate feeling was one of confident security, a welcome relief from previous concerns.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

I primarily tested this duty holster during extensive range sessions and during my daily shift, which involves significant movement and varying environmental conditions. The holster was mounted on a standard duty belt, and the initial setup was straightforward, requiring no specialized tools. The ALS retention mechanism felt surprisingly natural from the first draw; the thumb sweep required to disengage the lock became muscle memory within a few repetitions. There were no significant initial issues, but I did notice the hi-ride cant was slightly higher than some I’d used, which took a moment to adjust to physically.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent daily use, the holster has proven remarkably durable and reliable. The Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster shows minimal signs of wear, even after being subjected to dust, sweat, and occasional accidental bumps against doorways and vehicle interiors. The polymer has not shown any signs of cracking or becoming brittle, and the ALS mechanism continues to function with the same crispness as day one. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional application of a polymer-safe lubricant to the ALS detent keeps it performing optimally. Compared to some softer Kydex holsters I’ve used that developed play or looseness over time, this Safariland unit feels significantly more rigid and consistent.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster

Specifications

The Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster is designed for a specific set of firearms equipped with red dot sights, indicated by the “RDS” in its name. It features a Level-I retention system, meaning it offers one point of active retention beyond passive friction. The Automatic Locking System (ALS) is the core of its security, engaging a lever within the holster that is deactivated by the user’s thumb during the draw stroke. This mechanism is key to its secure yet accessible design.

The holster accommodates various red dot optics, including the J Point, Dr. Optic, Burris FastFire, Vortex Viper, Leupold Deltapoint PRO, and Trijicon RMR. This broad compatibility is a significant advantage for users running these popular sighting systems. The hi-ride position places the firearm higher on the belt, which can be beneficial for concealment under a jacket or for comfort when seated for extended periods. The open-top design facilitates a natural, straight-up draw once the ALS is disengaged.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this holster is to securely retain a firearm while allowing for a rapid and unhindered draw. The ALS system excels at this, providing a positive lock that prevents unintended firearm release, yet it disengages smoothly with a practiced thumb motion. The straight-up draw eliminates any need for complex wrist movements, which can be critical under stress.

Strengths:

• Secure ALS Retention: The Automatic Locking System provides excellent retention without the need for a secondary thumb break or strap, minimizing complexity.
• Red Dot Sight Compatibility: Its design explicitly accommodates popular red dot optics, a crucial feature for modern duty or competition firearms.
• Intuitive Draw: The straight-up draw stroke combined with the ALS release is very natural and efficient.
• Robust Construction: The durable polymer build feels solid and ready to withstand hard use.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Firearm Fit: This specific model is designed for firearms equipped with RDS, limiting its versatility for those without one.
• Level-I Retention: While sufficient for many duty applications, users requiring higher levels of retention (e.g., Level-II or Level-III) will need to look at other Safariland models.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster is clearly geared towards law enforcement and tactical professionals. The high-ride cant positions the grip of the firearm at a comfortable angle for drawing from a duty belt. The molded polymer contours are precisely shaped to fit specific firearms, ensuring a snug and secure hold.

The ALS lever is strategically placed to fall under the thumb during a natural grip, making its operation almost instinctive. The lack of external straps or buckles reduces snag points, contributing to a cleaner profile. The texturized interior surfaces within the holster help maintain passive retention even when the ALS is not fully engaged, offering an extra layer of security.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended testing, this holster is built for long-term durability. The Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster is constructed from a rigid, impact-resistant polymer that is known for its longevity in demanding environments. I anticipate it will last for many years of active duty without significant degradation in performance or structural integrity.

Maintenance is blessedly simple. A quick rinse with water and a mild soap solution, followed by air drying, is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. For the ALS mechanism, a very light application of a silicone-based lubricant on the detent can ensure continued smooth operation. There are no complex parts to disassemble or reassemble, making upkeep straightforward.

Accessories and Customization Options

While the Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster itself is a specialized piece of equipment, its compatibility with belt attachments offers a degree of customization. It is typically designed to work with Safariland’s UAB (U.S. Duty Belt Adapter) system, allowing it to be mounted on various belt widths or even plate carriers. This means you can adapt it to different carrying platforms as needed.

The primary “accessory” is, of course, the firearm it’s designed to carry. The crucial aspect is ensuring your firearm is equipped with one of the supported red dot optics for this specific model. If your firearm lacks an RMR cut or you prefer irons, this particular holster would not be suitable. However, Safariland offers a vast array of holsters in different retention levels and configurations for firearms without optics.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster

Who Should Buy Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster?

This holster is ideally suited for law enforcement officers, military personnel, or competitive shooters who carry a duty-style pistol equipped with a red dot optic. If your firearm has an RMR, Deltapoint, or similar optic mounted and you require a holster with secure retention and a fast draw, this model is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who value the efficiency of an ALS system over strap-based retention.

Individuals who do not use a red dot sight on their duty firearm, or who require a higher retention level (Level-II or Level-III), should look at other Safariland offerings. This is not a holster for concealed carry in the traditional sense for most users, given its duty-oriented design and hi-ride position. For those who will carry a firearm without an optic, a different Safariland model would be more appropriate.

Conclusion on Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster

The Safariland Model 6392RDS ALS Hi-Ride Level-I Duty Holster is a testament to Safariland’s continued innovation in firearm retention solutions. It masterfully blends the security of their ALS system with the practical needs of modern firearm configurations featuring red dot sights. The build quality is exceptional, the draw is exceptionally fast and intuitive, and the retention is reliable for its intended use.

Considering its price point of $150.40, it represents a solid investment for professionals who demand dependable gear. While it’s specialized for RDS-equipped firearms and offers Level-I retention, within those parameters, it performs outstandingly. I can confidently recommend this holster to any duty-bound individual looking for a high-quality, efficient, and secure way to carry their optic-equipped sidearm.