Let’s Review the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade in the field, I’ve seen countless holsters come and go. Few, however, strike the balance of security, accessibility, and comfort required for true tactical applications like the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541. This holster, built by Safariland, promises a secure carry with its Automatic Locking System (ALS) and a streamlined draw, all while maintaining a low profile in STX Foliage Green.
My journey to this particular holster started with a need for a reliable, secure carry system for scenarios demanding both hands-on tasks and immediate access to my sidearm. I needed a holster that could withstand rigorous movement and challenging environmental conditions, without compromising the speed of my draw.
Unboxing the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541, I was immediately impressed by the ruggedness of the construction. The Safari-Laminate material felt robust, and the stitching was clean and precise, suggesting a high level of quality control. Compared to a cheaper nylon thigh holster I previously owned, the Safariland felt like a substantial upgrade, offering a significant increase in durability and retention.
I was excited, yet cautiously optimistic. Thigh holsters can be cumbersome if not designed properly, and I hoped the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541 would live up to its reputation. I specifically chose this over the Safariland 6004 series because I prefer a slightly lower profile without the Self Locking System (SLS) hood.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541 was at an outdoor shooting range, focusing on draw speed and retention during dynamic movement drills. I wore it during a force-on-force training exercise. The weather was hot and dusty, providing a good initial test of the holster’s ability to withstand environmental challenges.
The ALS system proved intuitive and secure. The weapon locked into place with a reassuring click, and the thumb release allowed for a smooth, natural draw. The holster performed admirably, maintaining a secure hold on my Walther P99, even while running and transitioning between shooting positions.
I was initially concerned about the leg straps shifting during movement, but the adjustable harness kept the holster securely in place. I noticed that the suede lining helped prevent any scuffing of my weapon’s finish.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and a week-long wilderness survival course, the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541 has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the Safari-Laminate construction, and the ALS system continues to function flawlessly.
Maintaining the holster is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes any dust or debris. The suede lining can be brushed to remove lint. This holster outperforms a similar model from Blackhawk I used years ago, which started showing signs of wear within a few months.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541
Specifications
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Category: Als Holsters: This denotes the holster uses Safariland’s Automatic Locking System for retention. This provides a secure hold, preventing accidental dislodgement.
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Finish/Color: STX Foliage Green: The STX Foliage Green finish offers a tactical advantage, blending well in various outdoor environments. The textured finish adds to grip and durability.
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Fits: Walther – P99: This specific model is designed to perfectly fit the Walther P99. This ensures optimal retention and draw performance.
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Type: Right Hand: This holster is specifically designed for right-handed users. This dictates the orientation of the release mechanism and the draw angle.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541 excels in both retention and draw speed. The ALS system provides a level of security that is confidence-inspiring. The thumb release is intuitive and allows for a quick, fluid draw stroke.
The holster’s strength lies in its secure retention and quick draw, however, the holster could be slightly bulky for certain body types. It meets and exceeds expectations as a dedicated tactical thigh holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The Safari-Laminate construction feels incredibly durable, and the stitching is robust. The holster’s design is user-friendly, with an intuitive ALS release mechanism and adjustable leg straps for a customized fit.
The STX Foliage Green finish not only looks good but also provides a tactile grip. The holster has a slight learning curve associated with mastering the ALS release.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safari-Laminate construction is highly resistant to wear and tear. The holster is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning.
The holster is built to last for years with proper care. I’m confident in its long-term durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541 features mounting holes on the leg shroud. This allows for the attachment of optional accessories such as magazine pouches or medical kits.
While not a direct customization, the holster is compatible with various Safariland accessories, such as different leg straps or drop adapters. This allows for a personalized carry configuration.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541
Pros
- Secure ALS Retention: The Automatic Locking System provides a high level of weapon security. The user can rest assured that their firearm will remain in place during rigorous activity.
Cons
- Potential Bulkiness: Thigh holsters can be bulky for some individuals. Its placement and size might hinder movement in tight spaces.
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Durable Safari-Laminate Construction: The holster is built to withstand demanding conditions. Its robustness assures longevity.
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Adjustable Leg Harness: The adjustable leg harness allows for a comfortable and secure fit. This is critical for prolonged use.
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Smooth, Rapid Draw: The ALS release allows for a fluid, natural draw stroke. This is essential in tactical situations.
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Tactical STX Foliage Green Finish: The color provides effective camouflage in various environments.
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ALS Learning Curve: Mastering the ALS release requires practice. The user might face difficulties during initial use.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541?
The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541 is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and private security professionals. It is also a good choice for anyone who requires a secure and accessible carry system in demanding environments.
This product might not be ideal for concealed carry due to its size and tactical appearance. It’s also probably overkill for casual range shooters.
A must-have accessory would be additional magazine pouches mounted on the leg shroud. This provides immediate access to extra ammunition.
Conclusion on Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541
The Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541 is a top-tier tactical holster that delivers on its promises of security, durability, and accessibility. While the price of $188.80 is not insignificant, the quality of construction and the reliability of the ALS system justify the investment for professionals who depend on their gear.
I wholeheartedly recommend this holster to anyone seeking a dependable and secure carry solution for their Walther P99 in tactical situations. It’s a well-designed, robust, and functional piece of equipment that will serve you well in the field. Secure your weapon, secure your peace of mind. Get the Safariland 6355 ALS Tactical Thigh Holster – STX Foliage Green, Right Hand 6355-84-541 today.