Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry Review

Getting My Hands on the Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry

The Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry is a seemingly simple addition to an existing Safariland holster, promising an upgrade in security. Safariland, a name synonymous with duty and tactical gear, aims to provide an extra layer of retention with this small piece of hardware. Its purpose: converting select Safariland SLS (Self Locking System) holsters to Level III or IV retention. I was looking to enhance the security of my duty holster, especially in scenarios where weapon retention was paramount.

My initial experience was less “unboxing” and more “unpackaging a tiny part.” The Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry arrived in a small plastic bag. The component itself felt solid, albeit simple, construction. It’s a small piece of molded polymer; build quality felt adequate for the intended purpose.

There weren’t really direct competitors. However, alternatives for upgrading holster security often involve entire new holster systems. I picked this because it was a cost-effective add-on to a system I already trusted, rather than replacing a perfectly good holster.

I was cautiously optimistic. This promised a relatively easy upgrade to existing gear, rather than a complete overhaul. My main hope was a noticeable improvement in retention without drastically affecting my draw stroke.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry primarily at the range, focusing on weapon draw and re-holstering drills. I also integrated it into some light force-on-force training scenarios. The weather was variable, ranging from dry and sunny to a light drizzle.

The Sentry definitely added a noticeable degree of resistance to the draw. It required a more deliberate and forceful downward movement to disengage the SLS hood. I needed a decent amount of repetitions to establish a smooth and consistent draw.

Initially, re-holstering was slightly awkward. It took a conscious effort to ensure the Sentry properly engaged, and there was a distinct “click” when fully secured. However, there weren’t any significant issues besides the increased draw time.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of cracking or significant wear on the polymer. The mechanism continues to function as intended.

The finish has remained intact with only minor scuff marks. Maintenance is essentially nonexistent. It doesn’t require any lubrication or cleaning beyond what’s typically done for the holster itself.

It performs as advertised; it makes my duty holster more secure. The draw time, while initially a concern, has become almost negligible with consistent practice. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for the added peace of mind.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry

Specifications

• Designed Accessory Protection: The Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry is specifically designed to work with the existing SLS mechanism. Its primary purpose is to add an additional layer of security, not replace the core function.

• Holster Compatibility: It’s compatible with a wide range of Safariland holsters, including Models 6004, 6005, 6280, 6281, 6285, 6518, 6270, 6275, 6074, 6274, 6078, 6278, 6295, and 62955. This versatility makes it a useful upgrade for various duty and tactical setups.

• Security Level Upgrade: It converts 6270 and 6275 holsters to Level III security. Additionally, it upgrades 6070, 6075, 6295, and 62955 holsters to Level IV security.

• Material: The Sentry is constructed from a durable molded polymer. This keeps it lightweight and resistant to impacts and environmental factors.

These specifications are important because they define the security upgrade path. The security upgrade will be determined by your existing Safariland holster model. It is a simple, effective, and economical means of improving duty-grade retention.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry performs its job adequately. It increases the retention level of compatible Safariland holsters. This provides a noticeable increase in weapon security.

The main strength is enhanced retention. It gives greater peace of mind in environments where weapon security is paramount. The primary weakness is a slight increase in draw time.

It meets expectations; it enhances the retention of my existing holster. The added security is worth the minimal increase in draw time, especially after dedicated practice.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry is constructed of durable molded polymer. The weight is negligible. It adds virtually no bulk to the holster.

It is reasonably user-friendly, although there’s a slight learning curve. Initial installation is simple. Consistent practice is required to master the modified draw stroke.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry should last a reasonable amount of time. It is constructed of strong molded polymer. It requires virtually no maintenance beyond that of the holster itself.

It’s easy to maintain because it needs almost no maintenance. No special tools or cleaning agents are required. It can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry is a standalone accessory. It does not come with any additional components beyond what’s needed for installation. There aren’t any specific customization options beyond the compatible holsters.

It works seamlessly with standard Safariland mounting options. These include belt loops, drop legs, and MOLLE adapters. No modifications are needed to integrate it into existing setups.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry

Who Should Buy Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry?

Perfect for: Law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone requiring enhanced weapon retention in potentially combative environments. This is a must-have for those already using compatible Safariland holsters seeking a cost-effective security upgrade.

Who should skip this product? Those unwilling to dedicate time to practice the modified draw stroke or users who prioritize speed over absolute retention. If a lightning-fast draw is paramount, the added security may not be worth the trade-off.

Must-have accessories or modifications? None are absolutely necessary. However, consistent training is essential to master the modified draw stroke. A shot timer can be useful for tracking progress and optimizing technique.

Conclusion on Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry

The Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry offers a practical and economical solution. It enhances the security of existing Safariland holsters. It provides a noticeable upgrade in weapon retention without breaking the bank. The slight increase in draw time is a minor inconvenience.

The price is absolutely justified, considering the enhanced security it provides. It’s a fraction of the cost of a new Level III or IV holster. It represents excellent value for money.

I would absolutely recommend it to anyone needing increased weapon retention. It is a simple, effective, and affordable upgrade. It enhances the security of compatible Safariland duty holsters.

For those seeking an extra layer of security for their sidearm without replacing their entire holster system, the Safariland 6001 SLS Sentry is a worthwhile investment. Practice your draw, stay safe, and carry confidently.