INTRODUCTION

Over the past few years, we've put several holster brands to the test. Again and again, Safariland rose above the rest. In this article, we’re sharing exactly why that is—and why the 6300RDS series has earned its place on our belts.

We’ll cover our experience with various OWB holsters, do some real-world reliability and draw speed tests, and take a deep dive into the features of the 6360RDS for the Walther PDP 4.5" with a TLR-1 HL.

This isn’t just another holster review. This might make you rethink what you're currently carrying.

But before we dig into this subject if you want quality gear and like our work, please support us by buying over our store!

THE REVIEW

Field-Tested Performance in Tough Conditions

We've used these holsters in real training courses, including:

• Getting down in the sand
• Wearing gloves
• Bumping into stuff with them.
• Racking pistols off the holster during TCCC drills

We’ve mainly used Level 1 Retention 6000 series for Glocks, and as far as we remember, they never failed once.

Yes, we’ve worked with other manufacturers too, including some great universal holsters. But those typically max out at Level 1 passive (friction) retention. If you care about serious retention, that won’t cut it.

We also tried custom holsters for specific setups, but those often had issues. Fixable, sure, but it costs time. In the end, nothing matched Safariland’s reliability and build quality.

The 6360RDS: Built for Duty, Battle, and Longevity

Our current setup: the Safariland 6360RDS made for the Walther PDP 4.5” with a Streamlight TLR-1 HL.

Materials & Finish

• Boltaron shell (Kydex on steroids): Superior impact strength, chemical/abrasion resistance, and flame resistance
• Suede-lined interior: Protects your pistol's finish and lasts far longer than velvet linings
• STX Tactical finish: Durable and most popular finish
• Optional Cordura wrap: Comes with NIR properties

Smart Design Details

• Threads are built into the material, not pushed through. Makes unscrewing easier, especially with thread-locked screws.
• Compatible with numerous weapon lights and optics (details below).

Exceptionally easy to clean and maintain.

Flashlight Compatibility

Officially fits:

• Streamlight TLR-1, TLR-1 HL
• Surefire X200, X300, X300U, X300V
• Inforce APL
• Nightstick TWM series
• Olight PL-Pro Valkyrie

Confirmed unofficial fits:

• TLR-7, TLR-7A FLEX, HL-X
• Cloud Defensive EPL (new)

⚠️ Flashlights with integrated lasers generally do not fit.

Safariland's stance: Only use the exact fit listed in their chart for guaranteed retention and function. Deviating from that setup is at your own risk.

Red-dot Compatibility

The RDS accommodates popular optics like:

• Trijicon RMR / RMR HD
• Aimpoint ACROs
• Holosun 407, 507, 508, 509T
• Vortex Venom / Viper
• Burris Fastfire
• Noblex DR Optic

Other optics confirmed to fit by community users are:

• Leupold Deltapoint Pro
• EOTech E-Flex
• Steiner NPS
• Holosun 407, 507, 508, 509T, EPS, SCS

🚫 Only the Trijicon SRO is confirmed not to fit due to its large footprint. However newer models are adjusted to fit the SRO as well, so you best ask to confirm before you buy.

Retention System: Level 3 Security in Practice

Our model features a Level 3 retention system:

1. ALS (Automatic Locking System) – Locks onto the ejection port, thumb-released
2. SLS (Self-Locking System) – Rotating hood that adds 2 more layers of security

Why we love it:

• ALS is intuitive and fast
• SLS adds protection without making access clumsy
• Still allows for a proper master grip
• More intuitive and consistent than systems like WRS

Most European holster brands use Safariland’s SLS system to build their own Level 2 holsters. That says a lot.

Extra Features

• Hood Guard: Prevents frontal grabs (removable)
• Optic Cover: Keeps your red-dot lens clear (removable)
• Tensioner Nub: Adjustable by hand (the included Allen key is required for a tighter fit)
• Suppressor Sight Compatibility: Up to 0.50 inch
• UBL (Universal Belt Loop): Mid-ride height standard; low-ride and drop-leg options available
• QLS (Quick Locking System) compatible
• Tourniquet Holder available (secure rubber retention)

There are also mods like:

• OT Defense Nub Mod: Enlarges ALS release for faster operation
• OT Defense Tensioner replacement: For more torque without Allen key

Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect)

• Not as snug as a custom Kydex holster (some wobble, but doesn’t affect retention)
• Heavy and bulky—these holsters earn their "bucket" nickname
• Limited availability in Europe (we’re fixing that)
• Standard steep cant—Luckily, it can be easily adjusted with the different mounting options

Reliability Tests: How It Performed

We tested:

• ✅ Retention – Pass. No draw unless ALS is disengaged.
• ✅ Trigger protection – Pass. Finger could barely reach inside, not enough leverage to fire.
• ✅ Mag ejection prevention – Pass. No accidental presses, even while laying on the holster.

This is by far the most secure holster we've ever tested.

Draw Speed Tests: Data-Driven Results

We tested draw times from:

• Bjorn Tactical Firefly (Level 1 passive, universal Kydex)
• TRB OWB Holster (custom Level 2)
• Safariland 6360RDS, with both Level 1 and Level 3 engaged

Results:

Key takeaway: Safariland provided the most consistent results, especially valuable for developing repeatable, fast draws.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The Safariland 6000 series is the most reliable, durable, and secure holster platform we've ever used. It’s a buy-once-cry-once kind of product. Yes, it pricey, but so do many custom holsters that don’t even come close in performance.

We’re glad to finally offer Safariland holsters at Reconbrothers.com. If you’re looking to seriously upgrade your belt setup and draw performance, this is the place to start.

👉 Explore Safariland holsters on Reconbrothers.com

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