When you hear Safariland, you don’t picture revolvers in their holsters, do you? You likely picture a modern fighting handgun—a Glock 17 with an optic, a light, carried at mid-height in something like the high-tech Vault or Ballast. Odds are, the 6378 ALS holster riding dirty with a snub-nosed J-frame just isn’t on your radar.
Believe it or not, the first modern Kydex holster with active retention was made for a revolver. Safariland continues that tradition with the 6378 ALS holster.
Snub-nose revolvers are a vibe. They are a slick and very capable concealed carry option. The humble J-Frame seems nonsensical in an era where red dots, mini lights, and flush-fit capacities of ten rounds rule, yet it remains a potent concealed carry option.
It’s been around for decades, weathered countless carry fads, and still works—often in a pocket rig or ankle holster—but most aren’t packing it in an OWB setup like the 6378.
Why? Because there is only one 6378.
The Safariland 6378 ALS: The Modern Snub Nose Holster
The 6378 fits a wide range of guns. You can use it to carry your Glock 19, your M&P, your 1911, and so on. It is a modern polymer rig with an ALS retention device that locks the gun in place with a Level 1 retention.
As you scroll through the Safariland website, you’ll see all the standard semi-auto options, but tucked into those menus, you’ll start to notice S&W J-Frame models, or at least I did. As a Safariland CADRE Dispatch writer, you’d think I’d know the holsters inside and out, but have mercy; there are so many different holsters and options. There is always something new to learn.
When I stumbled across a polymer, ALS-infused snub nose rig, I knew I had to check it out. I had to mix new and old with one of my favorite firearm types: the concealed carry revolver. The Safariland 6378 offered a modern OWB polymer rig with modern retention, and as far as I know, it is the only holster to offer all of this.
I’ve paired it with the S&W 432 PD, a .32 H&R Magnum J-frame revolver. The 432 PD fits like a dream in the S&W Model 36J variant of the holster. With a semi-auto variant, the Safariland ALS holsters lock into the ejection port, but this rig doesn’t have an ejection port.
Instead, the ALS mechanism locks over the revolver’s cylinder. It secures the gun into the rig with the same Safariland retention you’ve come to know and love. Press the ALS, and it releases.
In the Box
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that the Safariland 6378 is compatible with many different attachments. All of the Safariland 3-Hole attachments are an option, so you could theoretically wear this on a drop leg, a chest rig, a mid-length with a thigh strap, on MOLLE, and more. Some may seem overkill for a J-Frame (thigh rig, anyone?), but it’s a brilliant crossover of old-school cool and modern tactical flexibility.
Paddle vs. Belt Loop
The holster has a paddle and a belt loop, so the user can pick between the two.
Typically, paddles aren’t my jam, but I have a responsibility to review the holster from every angle. I honestly kind of enjoyed the paddle. The main problem with paddles is how easy they are to remove, but that’s also their strength.
If I were a police officer, a paddle would be a real problem since it can be removed with a quick pull. At the same time, as a concealed carrier, it’s sometimes very convenient to remove my holster without removing my belt. The paddle provides a comfortable option.
The belt loop provides a more secure option. If I wear the holster on my belt, you’d have to defeat or break the ALS mechanism, break the belt, or break the holster. The belt loop seems to hold the holster closer to the body, enhancing concealment.
Range Time With the 6378
The ALS device is one of my favorites. To use it, I grip the gun and use my thumb to press the ALS back. The ALS releases the gun, and I can draw it quickly and efficiently.
The ALS system works like a charm. It makes it super easy to draw your gun and get on target. More than that, the ALS mechanism is designed for the carrier only.
At the range, it’s a natural draw. The retention device adds no time to your draw. I can draw and get a shot on target from concealment in less than 1.5 seconds. I got it down to 1.16 with a shot inside of a USPSA A-Zone.
Carry Considerations
Like any OWB rig, the 6378 comes with concealment challenges. It’s not as discreet as other options, but with the right clothing and a little planning, it disappears well enough.
From concealment, the draw is noticeably faster than with an IWB rig. You can establish a solid grip on the gun immediately without wrestling with cover garments or holster hardware.
Cold weather helps, too. Hoodies and jackets provide natural cover, and with my J-Frame 432, I can get a full, unencumbered grip even under winter layers. The 6378 keeps it concealed, yet still quick to grip and rip.
The 6378 for the J-Frame is a bit of an oddball, but if you want a modern option for an old-school gun, it has you covered.
