Safariland QLS / ALS Holster System Help Needed

[DrjonesUSA]

Hey guys.

I need some help figuring out and buying the Safariland QLS Holster system, please.

I’ve done some reading & research but am still stuck / unsure of exactly what to buy & where to buy it all.


Here’s my goal:
To have a solid, proven, modular holster system that I could use primarily for my war belt for training, range, and SHTF, and if I can also make this into a CCW / EDC rig for some situations, that would be a thick layer of icing on the cake!

I believe the Safariland QLS system is what I need & want.

It seems I should start with this for my war belt:

https://www.safariland.com/products/cubl-cantable-universal-belt-loop-model_CUBL.html

Does anyone have any comments / feedback on this Cantable version vs. the standard / vertical / NON-adjustable UBL?


OR what about this height-adjustable version?

https://www.safariland.com/products/qubl-qls-universal-belt-loop-model_QUBL.html

Any comments / feedback / experience with this?


The issue now is I can’t figure out which holster I need to buy.

Here’s what I WANT is an open-top (NO retention hood) holster that DOES have ONE retention step in the form of a thumb-actuated button, which I’ve seen. I think for SHTF, SOME retention is wise, but not the Level 3/4 / super duper 3-step retention with hood that Safariland is known for.


I can’t find the specific Safariland holster. I need a separate holster for both a full size 1911 and a G21 / 30.


EDIT:
Looks like this is the holster I want:

https://www.safariland.com/products/holsters-and-gear/holsters/concealable-holsters/paddle/model-6378-als-concealment-paddle-holster-w--belt-loop-23341.html

Only question is, is it 3-hole / QLS compatible??
Safariland does a crap job posting no useful pictures, no real description.


For EDC / CCW (YES I carry OWB), it looks like this paddle would be PERFECT, but I just wanted to be sure it would work with the holsters I want to buy:

Safariland 568BL Injection Molded Paddle 3-Hole Pattern Holsters W/Qls 22, Plain Left Hand, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JLGLJD3..._1mzhFbX6KJVS7



So if I get a 3-hole pattern holster with the QLS “Fork” I should be able to pop it off of my war belt and onto this paddle for CCW, right?

And I should be able to do this with both the 1911 AND G21/30 holster, right?


As an aside; in general, do most G21 holsters also fit the G30?


Also; do they make QLS-compatible mag pouches?? As in; could I get a second belt loop or paddle with the QLS receiver, then get different mag pouches for 1911 & Glock, and swap THOSE out too?? Because that would be sweet....


The last thing is; is there any ONE site that carries ALL of these items??
It seems like places ONLY sell the QLS belt loop and no holsters (or no holsters for my guns) or they sell the holsters & not the QLS UBL. I can’t seem to find any site that has ALL of the items I want in stock.

Anyway I hope I’m making sense & thanks in advance for the help.

I feel like they don’t make this stuff too intuitive.

Thanks guys!



.

[tabascoz28]

I got the GLS, my goals were just that it needed to be easy to pull out but have retention for multiple guns. It takes my Walther P99c and my full size 1911. Glock and CZ P01 also, just needs to to have a shim installed and uninstalled for thin vs fat finger guards. You can buy all the attachments that available such as MOLLE or Drop Leg as well as belt attachments. I Just watched a lot of Youtube vids and made my personal decision.

[FeuerFrei]

That's a lot to ask.
Have you tried this? CUSTOMER SERVICE @ 800.347.1200

I've always found it easier to have a dedicated gun belt and a separate LBV for possible minute man duty.

I also CCW and use a separate holster for that. I can layer all of them together without having to take a knee and swap sheet around. Muscle memory thing.

Layers not Legos seems to work better for me.

Wish I could be more helpful.

[dousan]

There is a lot there
I wont answer all but.

Qls is great,for outside waistband ien a "battle belt" or whatver you call it,range stuff
I swap red dot hosters and such depending on what i feel like shooting

If your a lefty, youll find very few places stock it. Might order from safariland directly. Will take a few months.

In stock? Good luck pandemic has everything crazy. Your best bet is piece together from various businesses

Big tex outdoors
Opt tactical
Skdtac
T rex arms

All legit and ship fast

Also trex arms holsters will fit the qls system,might save some money (and time) if you don't need. I think its free shipping over a certain dollar amount.

Also carry holster and range holsters should be different. Unless you go to range and draw from a carry setup regularly.


Also the holster with button only (thumb) i think is referred to as the ALS system? I think 6390 type models are that way. I use one for a glock 19

Good luck

[tike71]

I can answer some questions as I just bought a 7TS ALS holster.
The holster you're interested in is a ALS holster (level 1 retention, thumb actuated deactivation) compatible with the QLS system. This holster is the older gen made of kydex and lined with a suede interior. You just need to make sure to get the model that's compatible with your gun by referencing the gun fit chart on the holster page.

With the QLS system you can quickly switch from paddle to "war belt." All you'll need is to buy additional receiver plates (QLS 22) and mount them on each attachment. The male plate (QLS 19) mounts to your holster.

[L84CABO]

Yes, Safariland's numbering system is not easy or intuitive and makes sense only to Safariland.

The holster you linked to comes with both a paddle and a standard ride belt loop. So the paddle you linked to is PROBABLY redundant. You just need a male and female QLS mount...I THINK.

With regards to the UBL's you linked to, I would choose the one that allows for CANT over the one that is height adjustable (and over the regular non adjustable mount). Unless the height adjustable one also allows for CANT adjustment (they don't really say). But I say this knowing that I like the height of Safariland's mid-ride UBL, so height adjustment isn't that important to me. YMMV.

If you're going with a drop mount (mid or low ride UBL), you probably want a thigh strap. The holster can get a little "floppy" when running and sometimes when drawing. Safariland must sell a leg strap but if they don't TRex Arms does.

Lastly, the "OTD Nub Mod" is worth the $26-ish for an ALS rig. It gives your thumb a larger target area for hitting the ALS button. Google it and you'll find a link to OTD's site.

Do note that the QLS mount will cause the holster to sit off your belt just a bit more than if you mounted the holster directly to the paddle. It shouldn't be much but it could increase printing.

And...because you're not confused enough already...You may want to take a look at G Code's holsters and RTI system if you're not familiar with them already. They make good stuff and their holsters are generally cheaper than Safariland. Their retention holster, however, only comes with a spring loaded rotating hood. They don't have an ALS type system. There stuff is also compatible with Safariland. So if you like the RTI system better you can still easily mount a Safariland holster to it.

[DrjonesUSA]

I can answer some questions as I just bought a 7TS ALS holster.
The holster you're interested in is a ALS holster (level 1 retention, thumb actuated deactivation) compatible with the QLS system. This holster is the older gen made of kydex and lined with a suede interior. You just need to make sure to get the model that's compatible with your gun by referencing the gun fit chart on the holster page.

YES! That's the one....thanks!!

With the QLS system you can quickly switch from paddle to "war belt." All you'll need is to buy additional receiver plates (QLS 22) and mount them on each attachment. The male plate (QLS 19) mounts to your holster.

OK cool...that much I was able to figure out.... Thank you!

[DrjonesUSA]

Yes, Safariland's numbering system is not easy or intuitive and makes sense only to Safariland.

The holster you linked to comes with both a paddle and a standard ride belt loop. So the paddle you linked to is PROBABLY redundant. You just need a male and female QLS mount...I THINK.

With regards to the UBL's you linked to, I would choose the one that allows for CANT over the one that is height adjustable (and over the regular non adjustable mount). Unless the height adjustable one also allows for CANT adjustment (they don't really say). But I say this knowing that I like the height of Safariland's mid-ride UBL, so height adjustment isn't that important to me. YMMV.

If you're going with a drop mount (mid or low ride UBL), you probably want a thigh strap. The holster can get a little "floppy" when running and sometimes when drawing. Safariland must sell a leg strap but if they don't TRex Arms does.

Lastly, the "OTD Nub Mod" is worth the $26-ish for an ALS rig. It gives your thumb a larger target area for hitting the ALS button. Google it and you'll find a link to OTD's site.

Do note that the QLS mount will cause the holster to sit off your belt just a bit more than if you mounted the holster directly to the paddle. It shouldn't be much but it could increase printing.

And...because you're not confused enough already...You may want to take a look at G Code's holsters and RTI system if you're not familiar with them already. They make good stuff and their holsters are generally cheaper than Safariland. Their retention holster, however, only comes with a spring loaded rotating hood. They don't have an ALS type system. There stuff is also compatible with Safariland. So if you like the RTI system better you can still easily mount a Safariland holster to it.

Thanks for all the info, I really appreciate it!
And dang... did not know about the RTI....looks very nice!
I've heard of GCode & they seem like good gear.

That might be a better bet simply because they aren't so confusing, are Safariland-compatible (if that ever benefits me) and looks like I can get all my stuff in one place.....hmmmm.....

AND their paddle with RTI interface appears a little less bulky than QLS....which would be better for CCW....

So it looks like here with GCODE RTI I could have the system I want; holsters for any gun I want, mag pouches for any gun, and easily swap items between CCW / War Belt / calibers & guns....!!!

What would you do; Safariland vs. GCode?

[DrjonesUSA]

And...because you're not confused enough already...You may want to take a look at G Code's holsters and RTI system if you're not familiar with them already. They make good stuff and their holsters are generally cheaper than Safariland. Their retention holster, however, only comes with a spring loaded rotating hood. They don't have an ALS type system. There stuff is also compatible with Safariland. So if you like the RTI system better you can still easily mount a Safariland holster to it.

Thanks again for the advice. I bought some G-Code gear to try out!

I figure worst case, I can return or sell here on the forums.

BUT it looks like a very promising system; I can minimize the number of parts I have; I can have some mag holders for Glock, 1911, even AR, but slap them all onto one paddle.

Likewise: I can swap out my G21 / 1911 on my war belt / CCW.

It looks like a great system and a LOT more intuitive & easy to figure out than Safariland. They have a much better site / better laid out than SL too.

I'm excited to try it out!


.

[L84CABO]

Thanks again for the advice. I bought some G-Code gear to try out!

I figure worst case, I can return or sell here on the forums.

BUT it looks like a very promising system; I can minimize the number of parts I have; I can have some mag holders for Glock, 1911, even AR, but slap them all onto one paddle.

Likewise: I can swap out my G21 / 1911 on my war belt / CCW.

It looks like a great system and a LOT more intuitive & easy to figure out than Safariland. They have a much better site / better laid out than SL too.

I'm excited to try it out!


.

It's definitely easier to shop for G Code products. Their stuff is rock solid too so you won't have any issues with quality.

Between the QLS and RTI systems they're really pretty comparable albeit slightly different approaches. I tend to have more RTI stuff simply because it's what I started with. The only functional difference is that the RTI...and it's not the RTI wheel but the RTI hanger...may kick out the top of your holster/gun just a little bit more than the QLS setup. But it's a very small difference and you may not even notice it if you've never used a QLS mount. But once you do use either system, you'll want a setup for all your holsters and such. It's so convenient to swap stuff out on the range, etc.

G Code's Soft-shell Scorpion mag pouches are excellent too, btw. They're very similar to Taco pouches but the Scorpions aren't made with anything that will absorb water, unlike Tacos. But it's nice that one mag pouch will handle everything from a single stack 1911 mag to a double stack 45 mag. Means less swapping out and saves you a ton of money.

For holsters, my preference is usually for a SL ALS rig, because I find the ALS system faster than a rotating hood. But SL holsters aren't cheap. SL thinks VERY highly of their products.

[DrjonesUSA]

It's definitely easier to shop for G Code products. Their stuff is rock solid too so you won't have any issues with quality.

Between the QLS and RTI systems they're really pretty comparable albeit slightly different approaches. I tend to have more RTI stuff simply because it's what I started with. The only functional difference is that the RTI...and it's not the RTI wheel but the RTI hanger...may kick out the top of your holster/gun just a little bit more than the QLS setup. But it's a very small difference and you may not even notice it if you've never used a QLS mount. But once you do use either system, you'll want a setup for all your holsters and such. It's so convenient to swap stuff out on the range, etc.

G Code's Soft-shell Scorpion mag pouches are excellent too, btw. They're very similar to Taco pouches but the Scorpions aren't made with anything that will absorb water, unlike Tacos. But it's nice that one mag pouch will handle everything from a single stack 1911 mag to a double stack 45 mag. Means less swapping out and saves you a ton of money.

For holsters, my preference is usually for a SL ALS rig, because I find the ALS system faster than a rotating hood. But SL holsters aren't cheap. SL thinks VERY highly of their products.

If you like "do-it-all" pouches, you HAVE to try at least 1 of these:

https://www.snakeeatertactical.com/

Specifically these: https://www.snakeeatertactical.com/p...-pouch-pistol/


Lately I've been keeping a couple on my belt at home.
I can immediately swap out a folding knife, flashlight of just about any size (from 1x AA to 3x CR123 Surefire Fury 3P), any pistol magazine; the Snake Eater pouches will literally hold it all, and do so very securely.

AND they're feather light & tough as heck.

I need to get more.


I've seen quite a bit of the Scorpions & Tacos, but IMO: Snake Eater has them beat by a long mile.

Anyway; yes, I'm very excited at the possibilities with this RTI system!

I'm trying to not get my hopes up too high, but the possibilities I envision in my mind are exciting!

I bought enough stuff to give me a good trial & depending how it works out, I'll get more from them.

Here's what I got:

- https://www.tacticalholsters.com/pro...azine-carrier/
For my G27 / dbl stack Glock mags.

- https://www.tacticalholsters.com/pro...kydex-holster/
For my 1911 to use with RTI system; hopefully swap this between war belt & paddle for CCW (in winter, and not every day though!)

- https://www.tacticalholsters.com/pro...addle-adapter/
For my 1911 holster.

- https://www.tacticalholsters.com/pro...ex-belt-slide/
For my war belt & RTI system.


If this stuff works half as well as I hope, I'll get a holster for my G21 & a few other pistols.

Will think about other creative ways to use the system too; work desk, bedside, car, etc.

[DrjonesUSA]

The only functional difference is that the RTI...and it's not the RTI wheel but the RTI hanger...may kick out the top of your holster/gun just a little bit more than the QLS setup. But it's a very small difference and you may not even notice it if you've never used a QLS mount.

What do you mean? Like it cants / pushes the gun out a bit more?
Yeah; I see how these systems do add a tiny bit of bulk / thickness. I'm not too worried.....


However, I think I read that RTI is supposed to be slimmer than QLS; what do you think?

For holsters, my preference is usually for a SL ALS rig, because I find the ALS system faster than a rotating hood. But SL holsters aren't cheap. SL thinks VERY highly of their products.

What do you think of G-Code's hood holster?
Seems pretty quick & seamless to draw:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOA-xTU1gRs

https://www.tacticalholsters.com/product/xst-rti-kydex-holster/

Lastly; do you agree that for a war belt setup, it is wise to have a hood / retention holster?

Seems pretty much anyone who wears a gun for work / exposed has a retention hood. Obviously it's required for LEO's.


.

[L84CABO]

What do you mean? Like it cants / pushes the gun out a bit more?

Imagine wearing the gun at your typical 3 o'clock position...the holster/gun does not hang in a perfectly vertical/perpendicular to the ground, position. The muzzle is pointed inward (toward your body/foot) EVER so slightly, if that makes sense. And I do mean EVER so slightly. But note that this was with G Code's old style RTI belt mount. They have since updated their belt mount and it now includes the added piece to run a leg strap...so I don't know if it hangs the same way as the old one did. See what you think when you get it.

I have also switched over to their Mule rig as I think I'm liking it better than their drop mount...it's just a tad bit lower and I have shoulder issues so I find it a little more comfortable.

G Code's rotating hood...My first choice is for a SF ALS (only) holster, no hood. I have no need for a level 3 retention holster as I'm not law enforcement. If I am going to go with a hood, however, I greatly prefer G Code's over SF. G Code's hood is spring loaded. Hit the button and the hood flips down out of the way. SF's hood is not spring loaded. It requires greater force as you are manually pushing the hood out of the way, which makes the draw slower. This may be a good thing if you are law enforcement and retention is a high priority. But again, I do not need or want this level of retention. YMMV.

Retention on a holster on a war belt - I think it really is a matter of personal preference but also what your needs are. How active are you going to be and are you just doing range work or are you doing law enforcement/military work where you need to be absolutely sure your secondary weapon is going to be there when you need it to be? But this is where an ALS only rig excels. You get retention but you still get a very fast holster.

[DrjonesUSA]

Imagine wearing the gun at your typical 3 o'clock position...the holster/gun does not hang in a perfectly vertical/perpendicular to the ground, position. The muzzle is pointed inward (toward your body/foot) EVER so slightly, if that makes sense. And I do mean EVER so slightly. But note that this was with G Code's old style RTI belt mount. They have since updated their belt mount and it now includes the added piece to run a leg strap...so I don't know if it hangs the same way as the old one did. See what you think when you get it.

I have also switched over to their Mule rig as I think I'm liking it better than their drop mount...it's just a tad bit lower and I have shoulder issues so I find it a little more comfortable.

G Code's rotating hood...My first choice is for a SF ALS (only) holster, no hood. I have no need for a level 3 retention holster as I'm not law enforcement. If I am going to go with a hood, however, I greatly prefer G Code's over SF. G Code's hood is spring loaded. Hit the button and the hood flips down out of the way. SF's hood is not spring loaded. It requires greater force as you are manually pushing the hood out of the way, which makes the draw slower. This may be a good thing if you are law enforcement and retention is a high priority. But again, I do not need or want this level of retention. YMMV.

Retention on a holster on a war belt - I think it really is a matter of personal preference but also what your needs are. How active are you going to be and are you just doing range work or are you doing law enforcement/military work where you need to be absolutely sure your secondary weapon is going to be there when you need it to be? But this is where an ALS only rig excels. You get retention but you still get a very fast holster.

[rodralig]

Tried CopQuest in Camarillo...?

Or, why not try one of RHT retention holsters and have it the holes drilled for a long QLS?

My setup for my G34 and G21SF on my battlebelt is mid-ride belt loop with a QLS (so I can switch)



Holster is Level 1 ALS (with a WML-fit). It is a smooth draw - as I push in my hand for the grip the thumb intuitively (the thumb pushes forward/down) defeats the retention. The hood is non-invasive.

_