ALS goodness!

[Sturnovik]

I just got a used (honestly its like brand new in box) ALS for a G17, and its awesome! I used serpas up to this point but I needed something closer to my body and wanted something new (I've never had a failure or worry about Serpas).

I plan on getting the other model for 40 which lets me keep a TLR attached to it. This thing just rocks, nice finish, soft leather inside to protect the finish.

I do find that the actual click that locks in the gun sorta does so softly, apparently I can adjust that, I want it to click more positively, anyone know how? And I do have very good confidence with Safari right now.

Anyone else liking theirs?

[vandal]

Yes I like mine. However I found I don't need two -- the light-mounted model also retains the gun without the light mounted.

[Cyphre]

Safariland just makes a great holster, and the most comfortable drop-leg.

If you're in the market for a variant that takes the gun with the light, I highly suggest searching about ebay. Generally the holsters for guns with lights or other attachments go for less the price of their standard variety. Presumably because there is less of a direct market for it other than for those who purchase a version directly for their setup. Just be sure to do a general search, as some either don't include model names, or don't include the equivalent model numbers, and it may be an auction to watch.

Not entirely sure if there is a means of adjusting the ALS part, as it more sounds like you're looking for a stiffer spring for it. But it won't really matter, unless its failing to engage entirely.

[Sturnovik]

Yes I like mine. However I found I don't need two -- the light-mounted model also retains the gun without the light mounted.

Damn, wish I had known that.

A few people I talked to said some brands may have issues if it was made for the light being attached and it wasnt attached when being holstered.

[cj cake]

The ALS is my favorite holster for my Glocks. I just wish they made one for the Steyr M40-A1 and the HK USP .45 Expert. The "spring" is just a molded piece of plastic. If you remove the screw directly in front of the rear sight, it will come out of the holster. You may be able to trim it or adjust it to better fit your slide if you want a more positive click.

[Cyphre]

Damn, wish I had known that.

A few people I talked to said some brands may have issues if it was made for the light being attached and it wasn't attached when being holstered.

You'd be correct. I do believe they print warnings on any light-mounted variant of their holsters, that the gun will not work in the holster without the light mounted. Difference is, it would depend entirely upon the gun and the light, but most rail attachments are wider than the gun, meaning it won't be retained properly. Light-mounted variants also don't have the same support against the trigger guard because the top of the holster has to be open enough to fit the light.

I'd say the only real downside is being stuck with only one particular rail accessory, because they are built to fit specific models (like the TLR, X300, M3, etc).

And my bad, the ALS just uses a plastic torsion bar, of sorts for retention. Besides the other suggestion, you may also try and adjust the holster itself to give a more snug fit, and there is probably a spacer inside the holster opposite the ALS clip, depending on the gun.

[vandal]

For most holsters that advice is correct. I've seen a lightless Glock in a Raven "light" holster go tumbling on the ground without too much dynamic movement. But IIRC the ALS locks into the ejection port, not the trigger guard or light.

I'll have to repeat the test but I think even a lightless G19 is positively retained in the G17+light holster. This model apparently supports the all of: X300, Las/Tac, TLR-1... the light area is oversized. Awesome.

So far I've only been using the holster without a light! I've tried yanking on it hard every way I can and it is not coming out unless I bump the release lever.

I have a new ALS holster inbound for a Glock with RMR + light. It will be interesting to see if that is a do-everything holster (G17/G19, RMR/No RMR, Light/No Light).

Damn, wish I had known that.

A few people I talked to said some brands may have issues if it was made for the light being attached and it wasnt attached when being holstered.

[Sturnovik]

The ALS is my favorite holster for my Glocks. I just wish they made one for the Steyr M40-A1 and the HK USP .45 Expert. The "spring" is just a molded piece of plastic. If you remove the screw directly in front of the rear sight, it will come out of the holster. You may be able to trim it or adjust it to better fit your slide if you want a more positive click.

Good to hear, yea I want one for my P226 now, its rock solid.

And yea I wasnt trying to make it sound like that since I bought it used that it was defective or broken, I found it was a subtle click and wasnt as positive as I wanted or thought it would be, I still love this thing, molded very well. I still cant figure out what its locking onto exactly to keep it retained though .

You'd be correct. I do believe they print warnings on any light-mounted variant of their holsters, that the gun will not work in the holster without the light mounted. Difference is, it would depend entirely upon the gun and the light, but most rail attachments are wider than the gun, meaning it won't be retained properly. Light-mounted variants also don't have the same support against the trigger guard because the top of the holster has to be open enough to fit the light.

I'd say the only real downside is being stuck with only one particular rail accessory, because they are built to fit specific models (like the TLR, X300, M3, etc).

And my bad, the ALS just uses a plastic torsion bar, of sorts for retention. Besides the other suggestion, you may also try and adjust the holster itself to give a more snug fit, and there is probably a spacer inside the holster opposite the ALS clip, depending on the gun.

Good info.

For most holsters that advice is correct. I've seen a lightless Glock in a Raven "light" holster go tumbling on the ground without too much dynamic movement. But IIRC the ALS locks into the ejection port, not the trigger guard or light.

I'll have to repeat the test but I think even a lightless G19 is positively retained in the G17+light holster. This model apparently supports the all of: X300, Las/Tac, TLR-1... the light area is oversized. Awesome.

So far I've only been using the holster without a light! I've tried yanking on it hard every way I can and it is not coming out unless I bump the release lever.

I have a new ALS holster inbound for a Glock with RMR + light. It will be interesting to see if that is a do-everything holster (G17/G19, RMR/No RMR, Light/No Light).

More good info, good to hear. I wonder if they make the ALS with the hood guard like the SLS? (I mean the piece that actually covers over the button as opposed to the hood that goes over the hammer/rear plate area like an old button holster.

[tuna quesadilla]

Safariland's ALS series are the best retention holsters out there. Period.

[Cyphre]

I have a 6304 which has both the ALS and SLS locking hood, but its a dropleg platform by default. However, fits all other platform attachments using their newer three-hole pattern mount (and their nifty quick detach clip for multiple platforms). However, haven't really seen them sold separately without a platform like the G-code RTI holsters. Safariland's nomenclature is really hard to follow without going directly to their website to check for proper number sequences...

[vandal]

Confirmed -- G19 without light is also positively retained. This holster model# is 6378-832. I have the MLS hook on the back so it QDs from my "war belt." Since it fits all my guns that's probably unnecessary!

[Sturnovik]

Confirmed -- G19 without light is also positively retained. This holster model# is 6378-832. I have the MLS hook on the back so it QDs from my "war belt." Since it fits all my guns that's probably unnecessary!

Great to hear! I need to look into one for my Sig. You guys recommend some good belts for it?

[RollingCode3]

Safariland's ALS series are the best retention holsters out there. Period.

+1... It is ten times better than Blackhawk Serpa.

[Sturnovik]

+1... It is ten times better than Blackhawk Serpa.

Yea I'm merging over to all my platforms with this over the SERPA, but I'm not getting rid of the SERPA's, the GF can always use them and if my ALS breaks I got a spare.

I need to get one for my Sig but not sure if it will fit my W. German model....hmmm....that and even if it did I wonder if I get the light version for when I pick up another P226r if it will fit without the light or if that was just the Glocks that didnt have an issue in them.

[Suvorov]

Safariland's ALS series are the best retention holsters out there. Period.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

OP - Glad you took the advice on the ALS. P.S. The one for the SP2022 is very nice!