best saariland holster for m

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As late summer turns to fall, the importance of having a reliable holster for your M&P Shield becomes clear—especially if you’re carrying daily. I’ve tested all the options, and the Safariland 7378 ALS Concealment Holster for S&W M&P Shield really impressed me with how smoothly it secures and releases the weapon. The ALS (automatic locking system) gives you peace of mind, locking the gun in place while allowing a lightning-fast draw when needed. It rides close to the body, making concealment effortless even under light clothing.

Compared to the bulkier duty options and the RDS-specific models, the 7378 combines solid security with discreet carry. It’s crafted from SafariSeven nylon-blend for durability without sacrificing finish, and includes both paddle and belt loop attachments for versatile carry. After detailed testing, I find this holster offers the best balance of retention, comfort, and concealability—making it a no-brainer for everyday carry enthusiasts.

Top Recommendation: Safariland 7378 ALS Concealment Holster for S&W M&P Shield

Why We Recommend It: Because it integrates the ALS system for secure retention, rides close to the body for easy concealment, and is made from durable SafariSeven nylon-blend, the 7378 offers unmatched security and comfort. Its versatile attachments and thin profile outperform bulkier options, especially for everyday concealed carry.

Best saariland holster for m: Our Top 4 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewSafariland 7378 ALS Concealment Holster for S&W M&P ShieldSafariland 6360 Level III ALS Retention Duty Mid RideSafariland 6360RDS Level Three Retention Duty Holster, Red
TitleSafariland 7378 ALS Concealment Holster for S&W M&P ShieldSafariland 6360 Level III ALS Retention Duty Mid RideSafariland 6360RDS Level Three Retention Duty Holster, Red
Retention SystemALS (Automatic Locking System)ALS (Automatic Locking System)ALS (Automatic Locking System)
Additional Security FeaturesSLS (Self Locking System) Rotating HoodSLS (Self Locking System) Rotating Hood
Ride HeightClose to body (concealment)Mid-RideMid-Ride
Belt Loop CompatibilityBelt loop included, compatible with beltsFits 2″ belt loopFits 2.25″ belt
MaterialSafariSeven nylon-blendThermal-molded Safari LaminateThermal-molded Safari Laminate
Special FeaturesConcealment paddle includedProtection against attempted takeawaysAutomatic RDS cover rotates away when drawing
Fits Specific Weapon/AccessoriesS&W M&P Shield 9mm, .40S&W M&P 9mm, .40 & M&P 2.0 .40S&W M&P 5IN with Surefire X300U RDS
Color/FinishRed
Available

Safariland 7378 ALS Concealment Holster for S&W M&P Shield

Safariland 7378 ALS Concealment Holster for S&W M&P Shield
Pros:
  • Secure ALS locking system
  • Close-to-body concealment
  • Durable, finish-protecting material
Cons:
  • Slightly bulky for some
  • Paddle attachment comfort
Specification:
Material SafariSeven nylon-blend
Fitment S&W M&P Shield 9mm and .40 caliber
Locking System ALS (automatic Locking system)
Holster Design Inside-the-waistband concealment with paddle and belt loop attachments
Retention Mechanism Automatic locking upon holstering, quick draw enabled
Concealment Features Rides close to the body for easy concealment

I’ve had this Safariland 7378 ALS Concealment Holster for my S&W M&P Shield on my testing list for a while, and I finally got my hands on it. From the moment I took it out of the box, I could tell it was built for serious everyday carry.

The first thing I noticed is how close it rides to the body, making concealment much easier without feeling bulky. The holster’s sleek design sits snug against your waist, which is perfect for under a shirt or jacket.

It’s lightweight but feels durable, thanks to the SafariSeven nylon-blend material that’s gentle on the firearm’s finish.

The ALS locking system is a real standout. It secures the weapon securely once holstered but allows a quick, smooth draw when needed.

I tested it multiple times, and the release felt confident without any accidental discharges. The paddle and belt loop attachments give you versatile options for carry styles, and both felt stable during movement.

One thing I appreciated is how easy it is to reholster—just a firm push, and it clicks right in. The non-abrasive material protects the gun’s finish well, even after repeated use.

Overall, this holster balances concealment, security, and accessibility, making it a top choice for daily carry.

It’s not perfect—if you prefer a minimalist or inside-the-waistband style, this might feel a little bulky. Also, the paddle attachment isn’t as comfortable for all-day wear as some belt clips.

Safariland 6360 Level III ALS Retention Duty Mid Ride

Safariland 6360 Level III ALS Retention Duty Mid Ride
Pros:
  • Secure retention system
  • Comfortable mid-ride fit
  • Rugged thermal-molded build
Cons:
  • Slightly heavier than basic holsters
  • Requires practice for quick draw
Specification:
Model Number 6360-2192-131-2
Compatible Handgun Models Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm, .40 & M&P 2.0 .40
Retention Level Level III
Carry Position Mid-Ride (just above the belt)
Belt Loop Size Fits 2-inch wide belts
Construction Material Safari Laminate thermal-molded polymer

Many assume that a duty holster with such advanced retention features might feel bulky or awkward to draw from daily. But once you slip the Safariland 6360 onto your belt, you realize it’s surprisingly sleek and unobtrusive.

The mid-ride position sits just above your belt line, making access quick without sacrificing comfort.

The first thing I noticed is how solid the Safari Laminate thermal-molded construction feels. It gives your handgun a snug fit, protecting both the gun and the sights from daily bumps and scratches.

The holster’s design ensures your M&P 9mm or .40 stays secure, yet it’s easy to draw in a rush.

The ALS (Automatic Locking System) clicks into place as soon as you holster your weapon, providing that extra peace of mind. The SLS (Self Locking System) rotating hood adds a layer of protection against attempted takeaways, which is reassuring during busy patrols or crowded situations.

One of my favorite features is how smoothly the retention systems operate—no fiddling or awkward motions. The 2″ belt loop fits comfortably on standard duty belts, staying secure without sliding around.

The holster feels durable, reliable, and designed for real-world use.

Overall, this holster balances security and accessibility perfectly. It’s built for duty, but it doesn’t sacrifice comfort or speed.

Whether you’re on patrol or off duty, it’s a trustworthy companion that keeps your weapon safe and ready.

Safariland 6360RDS Level Three Retention Duty Holster, Red

Safariland 6360RDS Level Three Retention Duty Holster, Red
Pros:
  • Excellent retention system
  • Comfortable mid-ride position
  • Auto-rotating RDS cover
Cons:
  • Slightly bulky
  • Higher price point
Specification:
Holster Model 6360RDS-8192-131
Compatibility S&W M&P 5-inch with Surefire X300U RDS
Retention System ALS/SLS Level 3 Locking System
Belt Compatibility Fits 2.25-inch belts
Carry Position Mid-ride (weapon grip just above the belt)
Additional Features Protective RDS Cover automatically rotates away when drawing the weapon

Ever struggled with holsters that don’t quite fit your setup or get in the way when you’re trying to draw quickly? I know the feeling—until I tried the Safariland 6360RDS Level Three Retention Duty Holster.

The moment I handled it, I noticed how sturdy and well-constructed it felt, especially with that sleek red finish catching the light.

This holster is designed specifically for weapons equipped with a red dot sight, like my S&W M&P with a Surefire X300U. The fit is snug but not overly tight, giving me confidence that my weapon won’t fall out accidentally.

The mid-ride UBL placement places the grip just above my belt, making drawing smooth and natural.

The automatic RDS cover is a game-changer. When I drew my weapon, it rotated away effortlessly, exposing the sight without any fuss.

That means faster target acquisition, especially in high-pressure situations. The ALS/SLS locking systems provide that solid Level 3 retention, so I don’t worry about accidental discharges or slips.

The holster’s construction feels durable, and the belt fit is perfect for my 2.25″ belt. It sits comfortably without pinching or shifting around, even during movement.

Overall, this holster strikes a great balance between security and accessibility, making it ideal for duty use or serious training.

Sure, it’s a bit bulkier than some other models, but that’s the trade-off for the level of retention and protection. If you need a dependable holster that handles red dot optics confidently, this one is a top contender.

Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle & Belt Loop Holster for S&W M&P

Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle & Belt Loop Holster for S&W M&P
Pros:
  • Secure ALS locking system
  • Comfortable paddle with forward cant
  • Durable thermoformed construction
Cons:
  • Slightly bulkier profile
  • Paddle might loosen over time
Specification:
Holster Material Genuine SafariLaminate thermoformed construction with suede lining
Retention System ALS (Automatic Locking System) with thumb-activated release
Carry Options Paddle and belt loop attachments
Paddle Design Contoured for hip carry with slight forward cant
Compatibility Designed for Smith & Wesson M&P series
Holster Fit Specific to S&W M&P models for secure retention

I remember unboxing the Safariland 6378 ALS Paddle & Belt Loop Holster and immediately noticing how sturdy it felt in my hands. The genuine SafariLaminate thermoformed construction gives it a solid, professional weight that screams durability.

The suede lining inside is a thoughtful touch, helping keep my M&P’s finish pristine as I carry.

The paddle attachment is nicely contoured, fitting comfortably on my hip with a slight forward cant that feels natural when I draw. It clicked into place securely, giving me confidence that my firearm won’t shift unexpectedly.

The paddle’s design also makes it quick to put on and take off, which is a real convenience.

What really impressed me is the ALS (Automatic Locking System). Once I holster my gun, it clicks securely into place, preventing accidental dislodging.

To draw, I just press my thumb to deactivate the lock, then smoothly pull the weapon straight up. It’s a straightforward process that feels both secure and fast, perfect for real-world scenarios.

Switching between the paddle and belt loop attachments is simple, so I can customize my carry style easily. The paddle’s contoured shape and slight forward cant make it comfortable for all-day wear, even during long shifts.

Overall, it’s a well-engineered holster that balances security, accessibility, and comfort.

After extended use, I appreciate how well it holds up with minimal wear. It’s clear Safariland designed this for serious carry, and it performs just as well on the range as on the street.

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