Safariland

Safariland Retention Levels: I, II, and III Explained

Safariland uses a retention level system that describes how many independent motions are required to draw the pistol. Level I uses passive retention only — friction and tension hold the gun in place, released by a straight-up draw. Level II adds an active retention device (typically a thumb release button or hood) that must be deliberately disengaged before drawing. Level III adds a second active retention mechanism — typically a rotating hood plus a secondary locking device. Most law enforcement agencies require Level II minimum for duty use; high-threat environments often specify Level III. For civilian concealed carry, Level I or II provides adequate retention without excessive draw complexity.

Safariland 6390 and 6354 DO: The Duty Holster Standards

The 6390 ALS (Automatic Locking System) is Safariland's most popular duty holster — Level II retention that automatically locks the pistol on reholster and releases via a thumb lever on the draw stroke. It is widely used by police and security professionals for its fast, intuitive draw and reliable retention. The 6354 DO (Duty Optic) series is the optic-compatible version of the ALS system, with a taller hood designed to clear red dot sights mounted on optic-ready pistols. Both models are available for virtually every major duty pistol and are the default recommendation for law enforcement and security use.

Safariland for Civilian Concealed Carry

While Safariland is best known for duty use, their 7TS series and Model 578 GLS (Grip Locking System) are popular civilian carry options. The 578 GLS is a universal-fit holster using a trigger guard locking mechanism rather than pistol-specific molding — it fits a wide range of pistols with similar grip dimensions, making it a practical choice for shooters who carry multiple pistols. The 7TS series uses Safariland's ALS system in a slimmer profile suitable for OWB civilian carry. For IWB carry, Safariland's 575 GLS IWB holster brings the grip-locking system to an inside-the-waistband format. These are not as widely used as Alien Gear or Vedder IWB holsters for civilian carry, but they deliver the same Safariland retention quality.

Safariland Competition Holsters: ELS System

The Safariland Competition Series ELS (Enhanced Locking System) holsters are the most popular competition holsters in USPSA Open and Limited divisions. The open-top design provides the fastest possible draw while adjustable retention prevents the pistol from falling during vigorous movement. The ELS attachment system allows the holster to be quickly swapped between different belt configurations. The 5197 and 5198 models are the primary choices for USPSA competitors. Paired with Safariland's double magazine pouches, a complete Safariland rig is the default setup for serious USPSA competitors.

Safariland for Optic-Ready Pistols

As red dot optics on carry and duty pistols have become standard, Safariland has expanded their holster line to accommodate optic-equipped pistols. Most current Safariland duty and competition holsters are available in optic-compatible versions that provide clearance for mounted red dots including the Holosun 507C, Trijicon RMR, and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. When ordering a Safariland holster for an optic-equipped pistol, always specify the optic model to ensure proper fit — generic "optic compatible" designations may not accommodate all optic heights and widths.

Safariland Holster Fit: Finding Your Model

Safariland holsters are pistol-specific — each holster is molded to fit a specific pistol make, model, generation, and barrel length. Finding the correct Safariland model requires your exact pistol information. Safariland's online holster finder tool is the most reliable way to identify compatible models. Popular Safariland holsters are available for Glock 17, Glock 19, Sig P320, FN 509, HK VP9, and virtually every other major duty and carry pistol.

Frequently Asked Questions: Safariland Holsters

What is Safariland known for?
Safariland is the dominant manufacturer of duty holsters for law enforcement — their ALS (Automatic Locking System) and SLS (Self Locking System) retention holsters are issued to more police departments in the US than any other brand. The ALS uses a hood over the trigger guard that releases with a thumb sweep on the draw stroke — providing Level II retention that stops unauthorized weapon grabs while allowing a fast, natural draw once trained. Safariland also produces competition holsters (the 5197 and CR series for USPSA), concealment holsters, and the QLS (Quick Locking System) for mounting holsters to duty belts.

What does "Level II retention" mean?
Retention levels describe how many independent actions are required to draw the firearm. Level I is passive retention only (friction). Level II requires one active retention release in addition to the draw stroke. Level III requires two active releases. For duty carry where weapon retention under a threat is critical, Level II (ALS) is the minimum standard for most law enforcement agencies. For concealed carry and competition where speed matters more than retention, Level I is standard.

How does Safariland compare to Blackhawk for duty use?
Safariland and Blackhawk (SERPA) are the two dominant duty holster brands. The SERPA uses a finger-activated release at the trigger guard — a design that has been prohibited by some agencies and training programs due to the risk of negligent discharge if the trigger finger activates under stress. Safariland’s ALS uses a thumb-operated release that keeps the finger away from the trigger guard during the draw. Most serious trainers recommend ALS over SERPA for duty use.

See Also: All Holsters • Alien Gear Holsters • Duty Holsters • OWB Holsters • Concealed Carry