The 7-Point Checklist I Use to Avoid $3,000+ Mistakes Ordering Safariland Gear

I've been handling equipment orders for a mid-sized SWAT unit since 2019. In my first year alone, I made three ordering mistakes that cost us roughly $2,800 in rework, restocking fees, and delayed deployments. One of them? A $1,200 order of Safariland Level IIIA panels that didn't fit our carriers because I hadn't checked the cut specification. Twice.

Now I maintain a 7-point checklist that our team runs through before every Safariland purchase. It's saved us from at least six more disasters in the past 18 months. Here's the exact checklist — use it, modify it, but don't skip it.

Who Needs This Checklist

If any of these apply to you, this list will help:

• You're placing your first order for Safariland holsters or vests for a unit or department.
• You've had a 'close call' with wrong parts or sizing before.
• You're switching from another brand and aren't familiar with Safariland's model numbering.
• You're handling procurement for multiple officers with different gear requirements.

The 7-Point Checklist

1. Verify the Exact Retention System (ALS vs. SLS vs. ALS/SLS Combo)

Safariland offers three main retention systems, and they're not interchangeable for most holsters. ALS (Automatic Locking System) is a single-button release; SLS (Self-Locking System) uses a hood. Many officers prefer the ALS/SLS combo for extra security, but it requires a specific holster model (usually the 6360/6362 series).

My mistake: In November 2021, I ordered 12 holsters with SLS only for a team that expected ALS. We had to ship them back at our cost. $380 in fees plus a 10-day delay. Now I always check the model number suffix — ALS models end in 'ALS', SLS in 'SLS', combo in 'RDS'.

2. Check the 'Firearm Fit' Against Your Actual Pistol Model

Safariland holsters are molded to specific firearm models (e.g., Glock 17 with TLR-1, Sig P320 with X300). The product pages list compatibility, but it's easy to misread a variant. For example, a holster for 'Glock 17' may not fit a Glock 19 — the barrel length difference matters. If you're using a suppressor-height sight or a red dot (like RMR), you need the 'RDS' version.

Quick tip: Use Safariland's 'Holster Finder' on their website. I learned this after ordering 5 holsters that were for a 'Glock 17 MOS' — which fit fine, but our guns had the RMR and the holster didn't have the cutout. Another $220 restock fee.

3. Confirm the Ballistic Panel Level and Cut

Body armor from Safariland (their Hyper-Flex, Equinox line, etc.) comes in different threat levels (II, IIIA, III) and cuts (Shooters Cut, Standard, etc.). I once ordered Level IIIA, standard cut, but our officers needed Shooters Cut for mobility with rifles. The panels wouldn't allow proper shoulder mobility. That was my most expensive lesson: $890 in reorders plus a week without armor for two officers.

Action: Before ordering, get the exact cut and level from your department's armor policy. NIJ-certified levels are standard (Source: NIJ Standard-0101.06, verified 2024). If you need Level III to stop rifle rounds, don't assume 'IIIA' will do.

4. Cross-Reference 'Outer Carrier' Vest Compatibility

Safariland's outer carriers (like the Molle Vest) are designed to hold specific panel shapes. My team uses the Safariland 2000 series outer carriers (the ones with the zipper front and side plate pockets). But when we ordered replacement panels, I mistakenly bought the 'Standard' shape instead of 'Uniform' — they didn't seat properly in the carrier pockets. That mistake cost $450 in return shipping.

Check: On Safariland's product page, look for 'concealable' vs. 'outer carrier' vs. 'tactical' — each uses different panel dimensions. Call their technical support if you're unsure (I've found them actually helpful, at least between 9-5 Eastern).

5. Verify Handcuff Insert Compatibility (for Taser Holsters)

This one's niche but important: if you're ordering the Safariland Taser X26 or X2 holster with the handcuff insert (like the 6360 for Taser), make sure the cuff brand matches. Some inserts are for S&W cuffs, others for Peerless. I ordered 'handcuff insert' thinking it was universal. It wasn't. The cuffs we had (S&W 100) didn't lock into the holder. We ended up reordering the correct insert — $60 plus 4 days delay — but it could have been a bigger problem if an officer had needed a fast draw.

6. Don't Forget the 'STX' Finish on Duty Holsters

Safariland offers their holsters in different finishes: standard (usually matte black nylon) or STX (Safariland's 'SafariLaminate' thermal plastic coating). STX is more durable and quieter — useful for plainclothes or undercover use. I learned this when I ordered 20 plain matte finish holsters for our detective unit, and they complained about squeaking against their belts. The STX version cost $15 more per holster but eliminated the noise issue. Not a 'mistake' per se, but I should have asked.

Rule: For any holster that will be worn concealed or in low-noise environments, select STX. For patrol duty, standard is fine.

7. Always Get a Written Shipping Quote for International or Remote Orders

Safariland ships from their distribution center in California. For orders outside the continental US, shipping can be a shock — I once paid $189 shipping for a $300 order to Hawaii. The Safariland website gave me a 'calculated at checkout' estimate, but the actual cost after order processing was significantly higher. Now I request a binding quote via their customer service email before placing any order over $200.

Common Pitfalls I Still See

• Ignoring the 'Generation' of the firearm: A Glock Gen 3 holster may not fit Gen 5 properly (especially the trigger guard). Check the product description.
• Assuming 'Left Hand' or 'Right Hand' is clearly marked: Safariland uses 'LH' or 'RH' in the model number, but some older stock has inconsistent labeling. Double-check.
• Skipping the spare magazine pouch order: If you buy a holster that includes a mag pouch (like the 6004 series), you might still need a separate pouch for your off-hand. We once ordered 10 holsters and forgot the extra mags — rookie mistake.

Bottom Line

This checklist isn't exhaustive, but it covers the mistakes I've personally made (and documented) that cost time, money, and credibility. Take 10 minutes to run through it before your next Safariland order. I promise it'll save you more than the cost of a coffee. Seriously. I've caught 47 potential errors using this same list in the last 18 months — some small, some game-changers.

Pricing as of February 2025; verify current rates and NIJ certifications at safariland.com.