A Safariland model number identifies a holster family and its design; the full part number identifies a particular configuration. For example, 6360 and 7360 are mid-ride ALS/SLS duty families in different material series. A model number alone does not confirm the firearm, light, optic, finish or draw hand.
Master reference: Safariland model numbers and terminology
Use this reference to understand the parts of a listing, then verify the complete part number and manufacturer fit information. The terms below describe different aspects of a holster; they cannot be combined to infer an unlisted configuration.
| Term or code | Meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 6000 series | Safariland’s thermoformed holster family, described by the manufacturer as using Boltaron. | Model, configuration and finish; not every 6000 model has the same retention. |
| 7000 / 7TS | Safariland’s injection-molded SafariSeven holster series. | Exact model and available features; 7TS alone does not establish fit. |
| 6360 / 7360 | Mid-ride ALS/SLS duty families; Safariland lists the base models as Level III. | Full part number, included mount, optic and accessory compatibility. |
| 6390 / 7390 | Mid-ride ALS duty families; Safariland lists the base models as Level I. | Exact configuration and any installed accessories. |
| 0 / 2 / 5 at end of model | Safariland describes these as mid-, high- and low-ride endings for duty models respectively. | Tactical-model codes differ; inspect the supplied attachment. |
| ALS / SLS | Automatic Locking System / Self Locking System. SLS uses a rotating hood. | Mechanisms, condition and the exact model’s rating. |
| Level I–IV | Safariland’s manufacturer-specific duty-retention ratings. | Agency policy and the rated holster, mount and belt combination. |
| RDS / RDSO / RDSC / DO | Optic-related designations: Red Dot Sight, Red Dot Sight Open, Red Dot Sight Cut and the earlier Docter Optic designation. | Individual optic, firearm and accessory compatibility; these terms do not mean universal fit. |
| QLS / QLS 19 / QLS 22 | Quick Locking System; the 19 is a fork and the 22 is a receiver. | Which parts and hardware are actually included; QLS is a mounting system, not a retention rating. |
| Center code | Fit-related portion of many complete part numbers; it may include light configuration information. | Exact number and current manufacturer fit information; similar-looking codes can differ. |
| 41 / 411 | In applicable manufacturer examples, 41 denotes plain black and the final 1 in 411 denotes right hand. | Finish and hand for the actual item; do not generalize a partial code to every product. |
| Final hand digit | Safariland’s guide lists 1 for right, 2 for left and 3 for ambidextrous where offered. | Full label and product listing; not all options exist for all models. |
| MS30 suffix | Safariland describes this ordering designation for a complete QLS assembly on applicable configurations. | Specific product and included fork, receiver, mount and fasteners. |
For the full code layout and an example, see how to read a Safariland part number. For more on mechanisms and mounting, see ALS, SLS, RDS and retention explained.
6000 vs. 7000: what is the difference?
Safariland describes its 6000-series shells as thermoformed from Boltaron, while its 7000-series 7TS shells are injection molded from SafariSeven polymer. Both series contain multiple designs; the first digit identifies a series, not a universal retention level or fit.
Common duty holster families
| Model | Family features | Explore |
|---|---|---|
| 6360 | 6000 series, ALS and SLS, mid-ride, duty-rated Level III | 6360 options |
| 7360 | 7TS, ALS and SLS, mid-ride, duty-rated Level III | 7360 options |
| 6390 | 6000 series, ALS, mid-ride | 6390 options |
| 7390 | 7TS, ALS, mid-ride | 7390 options |
These are family-level descriptions. Manufacturers offer variations, and accessories or mounting choices can change the delivered configuration. Check the exact product listing and current specifications.
What does the last digit in the model mean?
Safariland says duty-model endings commonly identify ride height: 0 mid-ride, 2 high-ride, and 5 low-ride. Tactical designs use different designations, so do not apply this shortcut to every model. The mounting hardware supplied with a specific item should always be confirmed.
What does RDS mean after a model number?
RDS indicates a red-dot-sight-compatible design, but it does not establish compatibility with every optic or firearm. Read our ALS, SLS and RDS guide for terminology.
How to identify your exact configuration
Read the complete label, including the center and finish/hand codes; photograph the label and mounting hardware; and confirm the exact setup and intended use with the manufacturer or seller. See how to read a Safariland holster code. For pre-owned equipment, ask about wear and included components.
6360 vs. 7360: choosing between two Level III families
Both listed base families use ALS and SLS and a mid-ride belt attachment. The meaningful starting difference is the series and shell construction: 6360 belongs to the 6000 series, while 7360 belongs to the 7TS series. Compare the actual available finishes, mounting hardware and individual fit options before treating two listings as equivalent. A used 7360 may have a different mount or level of wear from a new configuration.
For an optic-equipped setup, look for the particular optic-ready version, such as 6360RDS or 7360RDS, and verify the specific optic and configuration. An RDS suffix is a clue to the design, not a promise that every sight will fit.
6390 vs. 7390: the ALS mid-ride families
Safariland lists the 6390 as a 6000-series ALS mid-ride duty holster and the 7390 as its 7TS ALS mid-ride counterpart. The listed base models are duty-rated Level I. Compare the complete part number and included components; a name that starts with the same four digits can still represent a different optic or mounting configuration.
Ride height, belt and mount: separate decisions
A ride-height designation describes where the holster is carried with its designated attachment. It does not by itself establish the belt width, the actual mount in a secondhand package, or whether a quick-change system is included. Ask for a photo of the back of the holster and mounting hardware, and check belt width and agency requirements before ordering.
Questions to ask before buying
- What is the complete, legible model and part number, including letters and suffixes?
- Is the item a manufacturer model-family listing or a specific unit? Is the pictured mount included?
- Is it right- or left-hand, and what finish is on the actual unit?
- Does the current manufacturer fit information cover the exact equipment and accessories?
- For used items, are the retention components and mounting hardware present, and what condition are they in?
Frequently asked questions
Is a 7360 always the same as a 7360RDS?
No. RDS identifies an optic-oriented variant. Compare the full part number and current fit details rather than treating the names as interchangeable.
Does a larger model number mean a higher retention level?
No. Series and model numbers are not a ranking scale. Use the published rating for the exact model and configuration.
Can I identify fit from the model alone?
No. The center section of a complete part number can encode fit information, and current manufacturer verification is still needed.
Manufacturer sources
- Safariland: holster part numbers
- Safariland: holster retention
- Safariland: optic acronyms
- Safariland: QLS
Reviewed October 27, 2026. HolstersMaster is not affiliated with Safariland. Product availability and configuration are subject to confirmation.