Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551

As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless holsters come and go. The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 promises a blend of security and accessibility, a critical balance in high-stress situations. Safariland is a trusted name, and this holster, with its Automatic Locking System (ALS) and quick-release leg harness, seemed like a solid contender for my go-to thigh rig.

My aging drop-leg holster was starting to fail, chafing against my leg during long patrols. I needed a replacement that offered both secure retention and a comfortable, adjustable fit. I was particularly interested in the ALS system, having heard good things about its intuitive operation and reliability under pressure.

The holster arrived in a no-nonsense package. The STX FDE Brown finish looked rugged and professional, and the overall construction felt solid and well-made. Lifting it out of the box, I immediately appreciated the weight – substantial enough to inspire confidence, but not so heavy as to be cumbersome.

I considered a Blackhawk! Serpa and a Galco Miami Classic II, but the Safariland‘s reputation for superior retention and durability ultimately swayed my decision. The Serpa’s release mechanism has been controversial, and the Galco, while comfortable, didn’t offer the level of active retention I needed. I also was drawn to the Safariland 6355 holster due to its compatibility with the Walther P99 platform, which is my primary sidearm.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The holster looked and felt like a quality piece of gear, but the real test would be in the field. Would the ALS system be as intuitive as advertised? Would the thigh rig be comfortable during extended use? Only time and testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test was at a local shooting range during a force-on-force training exercise. I wanted to see how the holster performed under simulated combat conditions. The weather was dry and dusty, a common condition in my operational environment.

The Safariland 6355 performed admirably. The ALS system proved to be incredibly intuitive; a simple thumb release allowed for a smooth and rapid draw, while still providing excellent retention when moving and engaging targets. Initially, the draw felt a little stiff, but after a few dozen repetitions, it became fluid and natural.

There were no major issues during the initial use. The holster stayed securely in place, and the quick-release leg harness felt surprisingly comfortable, even after several hours of constant movement. However, I did notice a slight bit of pinching on my thigh from the leg straps, requiring some adjustment to alleviate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use in various training scenarios, the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. It has seen action in everything from live fire exercises to search and rescue simulations. The STX FDE Brown finish has held up remarkably well, showing only minor scuffs and scratches.

Despite the initial pinching, the thigh rig has remained comfortable during extended use, even while wearing heavy tactical gear. I’ve worn it on 12-hour patrols without significant discomfort. The suede lining has protected my pistol’s finish, preventing any unwanted wear marks.

Compared to my previous holster, the Safariland is a significant upgrade. The active retention of the ALS system provides a much higher level of security, and the overall build quality is far superior. The older holster began to show signs of wear and tear very quickly, whereas the Safariland still looks and feels brand new.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551

Specifications

• Category: ALS Holsters. This indicates that the holster uses the Safariland Automatic Locking System for weapon retention.
• Finish/Color: STX FDE Brown. The STX FDE Brown finish provides a durable and tactical appearance.
• Fits: Walther P99. This holster is specifically molded to securely fit the Walther P99 pistol.
• Type: Right Hand. This holster is designed for right-handed shooters.

The Safariland 6355 holster’s specifications are important for several reasons. The ALS ensures the weapon is secure until intentionally drawn, while the STX FDE Brown finish offers durability and camouflage. The fact that it is specifically molded for the Walther P99 is crucial for proper fit and function.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 excels in its primary function: securely holding and quickly deploying a sidearm. The ALS system provides excellent retention, preventing accidental dislodgement of the weapon. The quick-release leg harness allows for rapid and easy donning and doffing of the holster.

The adjustable vertical leg strap ensures a comfortable and customized fit. The straight-up draw allowed by the ALS system is intuitive and efficient.

The holster’s only real weakness is its limited adjustability for different body types. While the leg straps are adjustable, those with particularly thick or thin thighs might find it difficult to achieve a perfect fit. Overall, the holster meets and exceeds expectations for a tactical thigh rig.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6355 boasts a rugged and functional design. The thermal-molded Safari-Laminate construction provides excellent protection for the handgun. The weight is well-balanced, preventing the holster from feeling cumbersome or unbalanced on the leg.

The ALS release lever is strategically placed for easy and intuitive access. The suede lining protects the handgun’s finish, preventing scratches and wear marks.

The holster is generally user-friendly, although some practice is required to master the ALS release. The adjustable vertical leg strap allows the user to customize the fit for maximum comfort and stability.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 is built to last. The Safari-Laminate construction is incredibly durable, capable of withstanding harsh conditions and heavy use. The STX finish is resistant to scratches, abrasions, and the elements.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. The suede lining can be cleaned with a soft brush to remove any accumulated debris.

With proper care, this holster should provide years of reliable service. I expect this holster to endure at least 5-7 years of heavy use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 is compatible with a range of accessories. The leg shroud features mounting holes for attaching pouches, knives, or other tactical gear. Safariland offers a variety of compatible accessories, including magazine pouches and flashlight holders.

While the holster itself is not highly customizable, the ability to add accessories to the leg shroud allows for a degree of personalization. The mounting holes on the leg shroud are compatible with standard MOLLE attachments.

There are other accessories available for the holster. You can buy different straps or leg shrouds based on the mission need.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551

Who Should Buy Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551?

The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and private security professionals who require a secure and accessible way to carry a sidearm. It is also well-suited for competitive shooters who demand a reliable and rapid draw.

This holster might not be the best choice for individuals with particularly thick or thin thighs, as the leg straps may not provide a secure and comfortable fit. Also, it’s not ideal for those new to firearms, as mastering the ALS system requires some practice.

A must-have accessory is a compatible magazine pouch that can be attached to the leg shroud. Also, consider purchasing a Safariland cleaning kit to properly maintain the holster and handgun.

Conclusion on Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551

The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 is a high-quality, reliable, and durable holster that delivers on its promises. The ALS system provides excellent retention and a rapid draw, while the comfortable thigh rig allows for extended use without discomfort.

At $188.80, the price is justified by the holster’s quality, performance, and durability. This holster is an investment that will provide years of reliable service.

I would highly recommend the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX FDE Brown, Right Hand 6355-84-551 to anyone who needs a secure and accessible way to carry a sidearm. It is a top-tier product that will not disappoint. Don’t compromise on your gear – invest in the Safariland 6355 and experience the difference.