2011 Duty Holster | Safariland or Black Hawk?

Published on December 31, 2020
Duration: 18:28

This video provides a detailed comparison of the Safariland 6395 RDS ALS and Blackhawk T-Series duty holsters for 2011 firearms, presented by Roger Barrera of QVO Tactical. It highlights key differences in retention mechanisms, weapon light compatibility, and suitability for various 2011 models, including barrel length and optic support. The review emphasizes that the choice between holsters often depends on specific firearm configurations and required duty standards.

Quick Summary

When choosing between Safariland ALS RDS and Blackhawk T-Series duty holsters for a 2011, consider your specific firearm's barrel length and weapon light. Safariland offers broader light compatibility but is limited to 4.4-inch barrels, while Blackhawk is the only option for 5-inch barrels and provides RDS protection, though with less intuitive retention.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction
  2. 00:24QVO Tactical Intro
  3. 00:36Holster Comparison: Safariland vs. Blackhawk
  4. 01:08Reviewer's Acquisition Process
  5. 02:36Safariland 6395 RDS ALS Holster Features
  6. 03:33Safariland ALS Thumb Release Ergonomics
  7. 03:54Safariland Light Compatibility
  8. 04:16Safariland QLS System
  9. 05:20Blackhawk T-Series Duty Holsters
  10. 05:49Blackhawk Retention Mechanism
  11. 06:08Blackhawk RDS Protection
  12. 06:16Blackhawk Leg Strap Connector
  13. 06:34Holster Drawbacks & Differences
  14. 06:38Safariland Barrel Length Limitation
  15. 07:39Blackhawk for 5-Inch Barrels
  16. 07:56Weapon Light Compatibility Issues
  17. 08:29Additional Observations
  18. 08:33Level 3 Retention Comparison
  19. 09:18Safariland Level 3 SLS ALS Draw Test
  20. 10:12Safariland Old School Level 3 Holster
  21. 11:46Blackhawk Thumb Release Design
  22. 12:27RDS Hood Interference
  23. 12:48Trijicon SRO Incompatibility
  24. 13:10Draw Speed Comparison (Shot Timer)
  25. 13:27Blackhawk Level 3 Sub-Second Draw
  26. 14:34Safariland Level 2 Sub-Second Draw
  27. 15:04Reviewer's Holster Preference
  28. 15:48Conclusion & Final Thoughts
  29. 16:11Variables Affecting Holster Choice
  30. 17:10Outro & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Safariland ALS RDS and Blackhawk T-Series duty holsters for 2011s?

The Safariland ALS RDS offers a more natural thumb release and wider weapon light compatibility, while the Blackhawk T-Series provides better RDS protection and is the only option for 5-inch barrel 2011s with intuitive retention. However, Blackhawk's retention is less intuitive, and Safariland has barrel length limitations.

Which 2011 duty holster is better for weapon light compatibility?

The Safariland 6395 RDS ALS holster is generally better for weapon light compatibility, supporting models like the Surefire X300 Ultra, Inforce Wild 2, Streamlight TLR9, and TLR1-HL due to its large sight channel. The Blackhawk T-Series is primarily limited to Surefire X300/X400 lights.

Can I use a 5-inch barrel 2011 like the Staccato XC with Safariland or Blackhawk duty holsters?

No, the Safariland 6395 RDS ALS holster is limited to 4.4-inch barrel 2011s. The Blackhawk T-Series duty holsters are the only option on the market with intuitive active retention that accommodate 2011s with 5-inch barrels.

How do the Level 3 retention systems compare on Safariland and Blackhawk duty holsters?

The Blackhawk T-Series L3 uses a single thumb lever to disengage both retention levels, offering a simpler operation. Safariland's Level 3 SLS ALS requires a two-step process: pressing a strap forward and then releasing the ALS thumb lever, which can be slightly slower.

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