CADRE Dispatch

Safariland Holsters: A Guide to Materials, Finishes and Colors

Jason Mosher

Back in the day, all guns and anything related to guns came in black only. If you wanted “tactical” clothes, a vest carrier, helmet, gloves, glasses, or any other gear, the choice was black. Occasionally, a company would go all out and offer matte or glossy black, drastically increasing our choices.

Today, that’s all changed. We have pink handguns, patriotic-themed rifles, and just about any color of gear you can imagine. Even holsters have kept up with the Joneses, with a multitude of color options now available.

But selecting a holster that works for you and matches your gear is not just about color. The finish and material are contributing factors as well. These are important for function, durability, and even aesthetics.

Several black holsters and one camo holster hanging up on a red wall.
Holsters are not all made from the same materials. The various materials and finishes serve different purposes. (Image: Jason Mosher)

When I first started in law enforcement, there were two types of holsters, leather and plastic. Of course, I had very little knowledge of what a “plastic” holster actually was. But over time, my interest in everything related to firearms grew, and with it, an interest in holsters.

And so today, we are looking at the different types of materials, finishes, and colors used on Safariland holsters.

Safarilaminate: The Science Behind the Holster:

Safarilaminate is a thermoformed thermoplastic alloy. It is the primary material for a lot of holsters in the Safariland lineup. With this material, you can mold the holster for a specific firearm to create a perfect fit. Materials like this are one reason you see very few universal-sized holsters.

An important feature of this material is the thermal-laminate finish, which seals the holster. This protective layer makes it resistant to moisture and pathogens. It also resists common chemicals, which keeps your holster looking nice and slows down the everyday wear.

STX and STX Tactical

STX is another thermoplastic alloy, also made through a thermoforming process. This rigid shell finish is famous for its strength and abrasion resistance. Because of this, it is a top choice for law enforcement and military professionals. These finishes are easy to clean and maintain, which is important for uniformed personnel.

A black holster laying on a target with a red bullseye in the center.
STX holsters, like this 6390 ALS holster, are made from a thermoplastic alloy and have a super hard, rigid surface. These holsters are easy to clean and withstand the elements very well. (Image: Jason Mosher)

The STX Tactical finish is a variation with an exclusive “haircell” design. This texture reduces glare and provides a unique aesthetic. When choosing an STX or STX Tactical holster, Safariland offers plain black, basketweave, foliage green, FDE, and other colors. My agency switched to STC basket weave because it matched some of the leather gear they wore, but lasted much longer.

Safariseven

Safariseven is a proprietary DuPont™ nylon blend. This material is completely non-abrasive to your firearm’s finish, making it perfect for those carrying handguns with high-end finishes on them. It incorporates internal “stand-off” surfaces to create airspace, allowing for debris clearance.

A black handgun in a black holster, staged on a dark grey platform.
The 7360 RDS 7TS holster is made from Safariseven, a proprietary DuPont nylon blend. It is completely non-abrasive, making it extremely durable. (Image: Jason Mosher)

Another feature of this material is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. It remains structurally sound from -50°F to 300°F. The material is also impervious to water, so you can submerge it without losing its integrity.

Nothing is indestructible, but this holster comes pretty close.

Cordura Nylon

Cordura Nylon is a fabric known for its exceptional durability. While it doesn’t make up the primary holster shell, companies use it as a cover or finish on the holster. This material has excellent abrasion resistance and allows for a wide variety of colors and patterns.  

A major benefit in a tactical environment is its ability to reduce sound. This can be important during covert operations. Cordura also offers a low infrared (IR) signature, which helps with concealment from night vision optics. It comes in various denier counts, indicating its strength.

A black handgun in a camo holster, leaning up against a wooden box.
Cordura wrapped holsters add several benefits to the user. It reduces sound, IR signature, and adds to your overall concealment. (Image: Jason Mosher)

Most of the holsters with a camo pattern from Safariland are made with Cordura. They offer everything from black to MultiCam (my favorite), MultiCam Black, Woodland, and more. This year, Safariland even started offering some of their IWB holsters with a Cordura wrap on them. While there isn’t really a practical purpose to having a camo IWB holster, it’s cool that you can pick the finish and color you like.  

Different finishes for different purposes

There are reasons to use a specific finish on your holster. As I mentioned above, some police use basketweave gear, and a durable holster that matches the leather gear is a nice option. For others, a holster that can hold up well in extreme temperatures is important.  

If you wear a certain camo type or pattern, having a holster match the rest of your gear while reducing the IR signature is awesome. Most of my gear is MultiCam, so I have several holsters with a Cordura MultiCam finish.

I’ve always said it’s a shame to purchase an expensive handgun and then carry it in a cheap holster. The quality of your holster is just as important as the quality of your gun.

With these materials and finishes from Safariland, you have the flexibility to find what you like in a quality holster.

Holster Construction Questions and Answers

What are the main differences between SafariLaminate and SafariSeven?

Safarilaminate is a thermo-formed thermoplastic alloy with a laminated finish. SafariSeven is a non-abrasive, injection-molded nylon blend. SafariLaminate is durable and resistant to chemicals. SafariSeven is notable for its extreme temperature resistance and non-abrasive properties.

Which holster finish is best for me if I work in a wet, muddy environment?

SafariSeven is an excellent choice for these conditions. It is engineered to be impervious to the elements. You can submerge it in water for extended periods without any loss of structural integrity.

Does the Cordura Nylon finish affect the holster’s retention?

No, the Cordura Nylon is a finish over a rigid shell. It does not affect the holster’s retention. The retention comes from the holster’s internal locking mechanisms. These systems are independent of the outer material.

What does “thermoformed” mean in the context of a holster?

Thermoforming is a manufacturing process. A sheet of thermoplastic is heated until it becomes pliable. Then it is stretched over a mold and cooled. This creates a highly precise shape that perfectly fits the firearm.

Is STX Tactical just a cosmetic finish?

The haircell design is a cosmetic feature. However, it also provides functional benefits. It makes the holster more resistant to scratches and reduces glare, which can be important for professionals.

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