Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6287-619-131 Review

Worth the Money? My Take on the Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6287-619-131

For years, the pursuit of a reliable and discreet method for carrying a sidearm has been a constant in my professional life. My work frequently demands a balance between accessibility and low profile, especially when moving between various field sites, workshop environments, and controlled lab settings. It was during one such transition, where my existing holster proved too bulky for a more sensitive client interaction, that the need for a sleeker, more adaptable solution became critical. I began looking for a holster that offered robust retention without the aggressive profile of some duty-grade options, something that could practically disappear under a jacket or loose shirt. This search ultimately led me to the Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6287-619-131.

First impressions upon receiving this holster were decidedly positive. The STX Tactical Black finish has a matte, non-reflective quality that hints at its tactical purpose without being overtly tactical in appearance. The material felt substantial yet not overly rigid, striking a good balance for both durability and comfort. I considered a few other brands, looking for something with a similar SLS (Self Locking System) mechanism, but Safariland’s reputation for build quality and their specific design for concealment stood out. Holding it, there was an immediate sense of confidence in its construction, a subtle reassurance that it was built for serious, everyday use.

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this Safariland holster focused on its primary function: discreet carry. I fitted it with a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm, a common platform for personal defense and one that I have extensive experience with. The STX Tactical material, while appearing rugged, was surprisingly smooth against clothing, facilitating a clean draw. I tested it primarily in urban environments, moving through various public spaces and into office-like settings, always mindful of how it presented.

The real test came during a week-long field deployment that involved transitioning between a dusty outdoor workshop and indoor research facilities. This required frequent donning and doffing of the holster as I moved between different work zones. Despite the exposure to fine dust and varying temperatures, the SLS mechanism remained consistently smooth, and the holster held its form. The semi-hi-ride position and slightly forward cant proved to be a sweet spot for concealment, allowing the firearm to sit closer to my body than many other belt holsters.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent daily carry, the Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster has proven its worth. It has seen everything from brisk walks to extended periods of sitting in vehicles and at desks. Despite the constant friction and exposure to sweat, the STX Tactical finish shows minimal wear, maintaining its intended appearance.

The SLS retention system, which is activated by a thumb push and rotation, has become second nature. It offers a level of security that inspires confidence, and I’ve never experienced an accidental disengagement. Compared to simpler thumb-break designs I’ve used in the past, the SLS offers a more robust and deliberate method of weapon access. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional light application of silicone lubricant to the rotating hood have kept it functioning perfectly. There have been no cracks, stiffness, or noticeable performance degradation.

Specifications

The Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6287-619-131 is designed with a clear purpose: discreet weapon retention. Its unique rotating hood design is the cornerstone of its concealment capability, allowing it to sit closer to the body. This holster accommodates a range of belt widths, fitting 1.50″, 1.75″, 2.00″ and 2.25″ belt loops, a versatility that’s invaluable. It comes standard with a combination loop for 1.50″ & 1.75″ belts, ensuring immediate compatibility with most common duty or casual belts.

The holster features an adjustable tension device, allowing the user to fine-tune the level of retention. This is crucial for balancing security with the speed required for a dynamic draw. The STX Tactical finish is a proprietary material designed for durability and a non-reflective surface, which is important for maintaining a low profile. For my specific pistol, a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm with a thumb safety, it provides a precise fit, ensuring the weapon is both secure and readily accessible.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of any holster is to securely hold a firearm and allow for a swift, controlled draw. The Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster excels in this regard. The SLS system, while requiring a deliberate action, is fast once mastered. My Smith & Wesson M&P fits snugly, with no unnecessary play, and the adjustable tension device allows for personalized draw resistance.

The holster’s ability to keep the firearm concealed is its strongest suit. The semi-hi-ride position and slightly forward cant are meticulously engineered to minimize printing under clothing. While it doesn’t disappear entirely, it offers a significant improvement over bulkier holsters, making it suitable for plainclothes or plain sight assignments where discretion is paramount. The only minor critique is that, like many holsters designed for concealment, the draw stroke is marginally more involved than an open-top design due to the SLS hood.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this Safariland holster is immediately apparent. The STX Tactical polymer feels robust, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use without becoming brittle. The design is clean and functional, prioritizing utility over aesthetics, although the matte black finish does give it a professional appearance.

Ergonomically, the semi-hi-ride position strikes a good balance between accessibility and concealment. The slight forward cant naturally positions the grip for a comfortable and effective draw. There was a slight learning curve with the SLS mechanism itself – mastering the precise thumb placement and rotational motion for a fluid draw took a few practice sessions. However, once learned, it becomes an instinctive part of the drawing process.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, this holster is built to last. The STX Tactical material has proven resistant to scuffs and impact, and the internal retention mechanism shows no signs of wear. The rotating hood operates smoothly even after repeated exposure to dust and grime.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove debris that could impede function. A quick rinse with water and a soft brush, followed by air drying, is usually sufficient. I found applying a small amount of silicone lubricant to the SLS rotating parts annually helps maintain the smooth operation. There are no obvious potential failure points in the design that concern me for long-term use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster primarily comes with the combination belt loop for 1.50″ & 1.75″ belts. While no other major accessories are included, Safariland does offer a variety of alternative belt loop and attachment options that can be purchased separately. This allows users to adapt the holster for different carrying styles or specific equipment requirements, such as paddle attachments or UBL mid-ride attachments, though these would alter the concealment profile. The adjustable tension device can also be considered a form of user customization, allowing for personalized retention settings.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6287-619-131

Who Should Buy Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6287-619-131?

This holster is an excellent choice for individuals who require a secure and discreet way to carry a handgun in professional or plainclothes settings. It’s ideal for law enforcement officers on plainclothes duty, security personnel operating in public-facing roles, or any civilian who prioritizes both security and a lower profile for their concealed carry. Anyone who has found their current holster too bulky for effective concealment or who needs a higher level of retention than a simple kydex or leather holster offers will benefit from this model.

Conversely, those looking for an absolute bare-bones, minimalist holster for appendix carry or situations where maximum draw speed is the only priority might consider other options. If you are primarily engaged in casual range shooting where concealment is not a factor, this holster’s advanced retention might be overkill. For optimal use, a good, sturdy 1.5″ or 1.75″ belt is highly recommended to properly support the holster and firearm combination.

Conclusion on Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6287-619-131

The Safariland 6287 Concealment SLS Belt Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6287-619-131 successfully bridges the gap between robust retention and effective concealment. Its thoughtful design, durable materials, and reliable SLS system make it a standout option for professionals and responsible citizens alike. While the initial investment and the slight learning curve for the SLS are factors to consider, the peace of mind and enhanced discreet carry capabilities it offers are significant advantages.

For its price point, the value is evident in its build quality and performance. I would readily recommend this holster to anyone seeking a dependable and low-profile solution for carrying their Smith & Wesson M&P or similarly sized firearms. It’s a testament to Safariland’s engineering, providing a product that truly delivers on its promises of security and concealment for practical, everyday use.