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.

Shop Safariland Holsters at Impact Guns

Browse the full Safariland holster selection at Impact Guns. For competing holster brands, see our Alien Gear holsters page. For competition shooting resources, see our competition guns page. For duty and carry pistols, see our Glock, Sig Sauer, and FN 509 pages.