Optimizing Your Carry: A Deep Dive into the Safariland® Model 7371 7TS™ Holster

For anyone who carries a firearm, whether for personal defense, professional duty, or recreational shooting, the choice of holster is paramount. It's not merely an accessory; it's a critical component of your safety, readiness, and the longevity of your firearm. The challenge lies in finding a system that perfectly balances rapid access with uncompromising security. How do you ensure your weapon is safe, yet instantly available when milliseconds matter? How can you protect your firearm's finish from wear and tear, especially with daily use? And what holster designs truly offer comfort and discretion for a sub-compact firearm?

The Safariland® Model 7371 7TS™ Holster stands out as an exceptional answer to these crucial questions. This innovative design combines the renowned security of Safariland's Automatic Locking System (ALS®) with the straightforward efficiency of an open-top configuration, offering a solution that is both incredibly robust and remarkably intuitive. If you're searching for a reliable, durable, and exceptionally fast holster designed for sub-compact firearms, the 7371 7TS™ is engineered to meet and exceed those demands.

The Foundation of Security: Understanding Safariland’s ALS®

At the heart of the Safariland Model 7371 lies the patented Automatic Locking System (ALS®). This isn't just a retention device; it's a security protocol seamlessly integrated into your draw stroke. When your firearm is holstered, the ALS® automatically secures it in place, providing a positive, audible click that confirms retention. This immediate and passive security means you don't have to manually engage a strap or button after re-holstering, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.

So, how does the ALS® facilitate a rapid draw while maintaining such high security? The magic lies in its thumb-activated release. As you acquire your shooting grip – the natural, high-tang grip you’d take before firing – your thumb instinctively lands on the ALS® lever. A simple, ergonomic swipe of the thumb downwards or slightly forward disengages the locking mechanism, allowing for a smooth, unencumbered draw straight up and out of the holster. This natural motion eliminates fumbling, speeding up your response time significantly compared to holsters with complex or unnatural retention releases.

The benefits of the ALS® system extend beyond mere speed. It offers a level of passive retention that is far superior to friction-only holsters, which can lose retention over time or in dynamic situations. Unlike active retention systems that require a separate, often less natural action to disengage, ALS® becomes an extension of your natural grip, ensuring your firearm is locked down until you decide to draw it. This makes it an ideal choice for:

• Concealed Carry (CCW) Permit Holders: Ensuring your weapon is secure yet accessible for everyday carry.
• Everyday Carry (EDC) Enthusiasts: Providing peace of mind throughout your day, knowing your firearm is safely retained.
• Off-Duty Law Enforcement: Offering reliable, fast access in plainclothes scenarios.
• Individuals Prioritizing Safety: Mitigating the risk of accidental weapon loss or unauthorized access.

The SafariSeven™ Advantage: Durability Meets Firearm Protection

What sets the Safariland 7TS™ series apart from many traditional holsters is its revolutionary material: SafariSeven™. This proprietary nylon blend is a cutting-edge, non-marking composite that redefines what a holster material can be. Unlike Kydex, which can be rigid and potentially abrasive, or leather, which can absorb moisture and deform over time, SafariSeven™ offers a unique combination of resilience and firearm protection.

Key properties of SafariSeven™ include:

• Exceptional Durability: This material is engineered to withstand extreme conditions, resisting abrasion, impact, and general wear and tear that would compromise lesser materials. It maintains its structural integrity through thousands of draws and re-holsters.
• Weather and Temperature Resistance: SafariSeven™ performs reliably in diverse environments. It will not become brittle in extreme cold, nor will it soften or deform in intense heat. This consistent performance ensures your holster is ready, whether you're in a desert, a snowy mountain, or a humid jungle.
• Non-Marking and Non-Abrasive: This is a crucial benefit for firearm owners who value the finish of their weapons. SafariSeven™ is specifically designed not to scratch, mar, or otherwise damage the finish of your pistol, even with repeated draws and re-holsters. This helps preserve your firearm's aesthetic appeal and resale value.
• Chemical Resistance: It stands up to common cleaning solvents and lubricants, ensuring the holster's longevity and ease of maintenance.
• Easy to Clean: Dirt, grime, and moisture can simply be rinsed off, making upkeep effortless and preventing buildup that could affect your firearm.

Further enhancing the protection offered by the 7371 7TS™ are its raised interior stand-offs. These small, strategically placed bumps inside the holster create an air gap between your firearm and the holster's surface. This ingenious design serves multiple purposes:

• Dirt and Moisture Clearance: It allows dirt, dust, and moisture to clear quickly and efficiently, preventing buildup that could scratch your firearm or impede your draw.
• Reduced Friction: By minimizing the direct contact surface area, the stand-offs further reduce friction during the draw and re-holster, contributing to the "non-marking" claim and ensuring a consistently smooth operation.
• Air Circulation: The small air gap also aids in air circulation, which can help prevent moisture from getting trapped against the firearm, a common cause of rust or finish degradation in less well-designed holsters.

The Freedom of an Open-Top Design

While security is paramount, speed of access is equally critical in defensive situations. The open-top design of the Safariland 7371 7TS™ holsters perfectly facilitates a rapid, unhindered draw. Unlike holsters with thumb-break straps or hoods that require an additional, often two-handed action to clear, the 7371 allows for a direct, straight-up draw once the ALS® retention is disengaged by your thumb.

This design philosophy recognizes that in a high-stress scenario, every fraction of a second counts. The open top ensures there are no obstructions to snag on or delay your draw stroke, providing a clear path from holster to target. It also promotes a more natural and consistent draw stroke, which is essential for developing muscle memory and proficiency through practice.

The 571BL Paddle: Comfort, Concealment, and Versatility

The Safariland 7371 7TS™ Holster comes standard with the 571BL Paddle. This is not just any paddle attachment; its design is specifically optimized for comfort, stability, and, crucially, for the discreet carry of sub-compact firearms.

Here's why the 571BL Paddle is an excellent pairing for the 7371 7TS™:

• Small Footprint: Its reduced size and contoured shape are specifically engineered to sit close to the body, minimizing bulk and making it ideal for the deep concealment often desired with sub-compact pistols. This "small footprint" helps prevent printing, allowing you to carry confidently without drawing unwanted attention.
• Comfort for All-Day Wear: The paddle is designed with ergonomic contours that conform to the hip, distributing the holster's weight comfortably without digging in or causing irritation, even during extended periods of wear.
• Easy On/Off: The paddle allows for quick and convenient donning and doffing of the holster without the need to unthread your belt, making it highly practical for daily use or situations where you might need to remove your holster frequently.
• Secure Retention on the Belt: Despite its easy on/off nature, the 571BL paddle features a robust design that hooks securely over the waistband and belt, preventing the holster from riding up during the draw. This ensures the holster stays put when you need it most.
• Versatile Carry Positions: While primarily designed for outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry, the paddle allows for flexibility in adjusting cant and ride height, enabling you to find the most comfortable and accessible position for your body type and preferred draw.

For those who prefer a different carry method, the 7371 series is also compatible with Safariland's optional belt loop attachments, offering further versatility to adapt to your specific carry preferences.

Who Benefits from the Safariland Model 7371 7TS™ Holster?

This holster is meticulously crafted for a specific set of users who demand the best in performance, protection, and practicality:

• Concealed Carry (CCW) Holders: Its discreet design, comfortable paddle, and robust security make it an ideal choice for daily concealed carry.
• Everyday Carry (EDC) Enthusiasts: Those who rely on their gear daily will appreciate the 7371's durability, low maintenance, and ability to protect their valuable firearm.
• Off-Duty or Plainclothes Officers: For situations where a duty rig is not appropriate, the 7371 provides professional-grade security and quick access in a more discreet package.
• Personal Defense Users: Anyone seeking a reliable, ready-to-use self-defense solution that offers both security and speed.
• Firearm Owners Concerned About Holster Wear: If preserving the finish of your pistol is a priority, the SafariSeven™ material and raised stand-offs are game-changers.
• Range Shooters and Trainers: A secure and easily accessible holster like the 7371 is excellent for practice, drills, and training courses, allowing for consistent draws and safe re-holstering.

Choosing the right holster is an investment in your safety and the longevity of your firearm. The Safariland Model 7371 7TS™ Holster embodies a synthesis of advanced materials, intelligent design, and proven security mechanisms. It's built to perform under pressure, protect your investment, and provide unparalleled confidence in your carry system. For sub-compact firearm owners seeking an optimal balance of speed, security, and comfort, this holster stands as a top-tier recommendation, available now at DEGuns.

Key Specifications & Features

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Automatic Locking System (ALS®)	Passive, automatic retention upon holstering; thumb-activated release.	Superior security with fast, natural draw; reliable retention.
SafariSeven™ Material	Proprietary non-marking nylon blend; durable, weather/temp resistant.	Protects firearm finish; withstands harsh conditions; easy to clean.
Open-Top Design	Allows for immediate, unobstructed draw.	Maximizes draw speed; promotes consistent training.
Raised Interior Stand-offs	Creates air gap between firearm and holster.	Prevents marring/scratching; allows dirt/moisture to clear quickly.
571BL Paddle Included	Small footprint, ergonomic design for comfortable and discreet carry.	Ideal for sub-compact firearms; easy on/off; stable carry.
Firearm Compatibility	Specifically designed for sub-compact firearms (varies by model configuration).	Optimized fit ensures secure retention and smooth draw for smaller pistols.

Product Information

Category	Detail
UPC	781602148863
SKU	7371-938-411
Manufacturer	Safariland®
Holster Series	7TS™
Retention System	ALS® (Level I)
Carry Method	OWB (Paddle)
Material	SafariSeven™ Nylon Blend
Recommended For	Sub-Compact Firearms