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Review: TMC 354 DO holster (Safariland 6354do) LEG STRAP UPGRADE


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The TMC 354 DO Holster
Is my most recent asset, it is a replica of the Safariland 6354 DO, and a popular piece of equipment  nowadays. The 6354 is a Glock-only holster, and connected to the introduction of the Glock in the USSF community, which deserves a “word” of explanation first.

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How the Glock
Or more precise the Glock 19 has been introduced in the USSF community?
Many may have noticed that almost every today SF kit contains a G19 as a sidearm. Glocks however, have been around for some time in the USSF, the G22 (.40 S&W) was already into use by 1eSFG (Delta) around 2003/2004. and when other SF units also wanted Glock's, it was initially rejected by the US Army because in the category “ full size sidearm ”the M9 was already in use.  At a given moment, the need for a compact sidearm for specific covert ops arose. And the Glock 19 was selected as a complementary item in the SOCOM arsenal, the first G19s appear around 2006, and quickly became so popular that anyone who had access to it, start to use it for all purposes, the breakthrough comes in 2015, since then every SF soldier has a G19 to its disposal, the official name of the USSF Glock 19 is the Mk27 and we distinguish following versions:
  • Mk27 Mod 0 = G19 Gen 3 with Night Sights
  • Mk27 Mod 1 = G19 Gen 3 with MOS slide and night Sights
  • Mk27 Mod 2 = G19 Gen 4 with MOS slide and night Sights
                              (MOS = Modular Optic System)

Some comparison photo's
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Mk27 accessories
Then, there was also the need for an accessory kit. Like Flashlights, Mini Red Dots, and Suppressors (for the SEALs)
For example, the Trijicon's RMR type2 was officially selected by SOCOM in 2018 as HRS (Handgun Reflex Sight) SOCOM already provided the MOS (Modular Optic System) slide for this application since the Mod 1. Furthermore, we usually  see Surefire X300 lamps, but also  Streamlight and Insight lamps. An additional phenomenon is the use of extended mags, and magwell's on the G19, as the shorter grip of the G19 Compact dont support the little finger for many shooters.

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Some reference pictures of Mk27's spotted in the wild
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The 6354do holster
Until the mini red dot became so popular, there were few holsters that could fit a mini red dot equipped pistol. Users were therefore forced to modify existing holsters or make Kydex holsters. Safariland has responded to this gap in the market, and developed the 6354do Holster  it is a laminated holster, with a protected recess for mini red dot sights, (DO stands for Docter Optic btw) it offers space for flashlight, muzzle breaks, and is equipped with the ALS system, (Automatic Locking System) which automatically locks the gun during holstering, the holster is also fully wrapped in anti-IR Cordura which reduces the visibility through NOD's during night operations. (Night Optical Device)
According to Garand Thumb, one of the finest tactical holsters on the market today.

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Safariland
Started in 1964 in the garage of Neale Perkins after making a custom holster for his father, he named his business after the Safari's he regularly made with his father. nowadays, the  Safariland Group represents several brands and items for sport shooting, law enforcement, and military business as a target group.

Holster terminologies

The Ride Height
Is the height at which the holster is worn, we distinguish High, Mid, Low, and Drop Leg
  • High is for concealed carry and rarely seen on military loadouts.
  • Mid Here the grip is a little above the belt
  • Low The grip is still slightly lower, roughly flush with the belt.
  • Drop Leg is the height at which the grip is flush with the palm with the arm extended.
This last wearing method is no longer considered as ideal, because
  A: the extra weight on the thigh is very uncomfortable after long wearing
  B: it is very difficult to keep the holster positioned while running and crawling.

Mid, and Low are nowadays the most common “Rides” in Military use, here the holster hangs low enough for not to be interfered by the 2nd line gear  while drawing
Safariland holsters use the UBL (Universal Belt Loop). Optionally equipped with a leg strap if fast actions is required

The Retention Level
Is the number of safeties the holster has against accidental use, loss, or disarmament
Read about Safariland retention levels explained here

We distinguish the following Levels:
  • LEVEL I: Only the resistance of the gun in the holster (concealed holsters for example)
  • LEVEL II: A strap, or bracket that prevents the gun from being released from the holster
  • LEVEL III: Extra Provision on the shackle to prevent it from being opened unintentionally
  • LEVEL IV: Extra guard that prevents II and III from being reached.
  • UNRATED: Tactical and concealed holsters are not retention tested.
           The 6354do holster is therefore an unrated retention class holster!

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TMC 354 DO
Now that we are armed with some background knowledge, let's check the TMC 354 DO holster itself. The 354do holsters are in Europe available at Weapon762.
If they are in stock , a common problem with TMC/ W762 unfortunately. You can also find them at Ali Express, where they are much more expensive, or at Ebairsoft, where shipping costs you a limb
The TMC354do is available in 2 versions and 4 colors.
  • TMC 2893 with leg shroud € 32.99
  • TMC 3029 with UBL € 44.99
  • Multicam, Multicam Black, Ranger Green, Black

The most preferred TMC 3029 (UBL) kit, and the one I have, is also the most expensive, but still a lot cheaper than a real Safariland witch costs $ 222!
Included in the set: Holster, QLS, UBL low ride, Allen key to mount or dismount the holster.

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CHECK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE PHOTOGALERY

The UBL (Universal Belt Loop)
Is a rigid, ergonomically shaped plate that slides over the belt and keeps the holster positioned at the same angle and height, the UBL is available in 3 ride heights (low, mid, high) for tactical applications, the mid and low are most recommended,  The TMC3029 kit includes a Low ride UBL.

The Leg Strap

Initialy I forgot to order it -in my W762 ordering stress- But meanwhile i got the TMC leg strap from tactifans (Aliexpress)


The UBL keeps the holster already pretty tight positioned, but if quick draws are necessary, an extra leg strap can be attached between the holster and the UBL, the strap is squeezed between the two, so that they cannot shift relative to each other. Unfortunately, this strap is not included in the set, it is available separately as the TMC2955, This TMC leg strap is made of a thick rigid elastic fabric, the inside is fully covered with silicone anti slip liners, a velcro strap is provided to secure the excess strap material, a very rigid buckle secures the strap, this TMC leg strap is a nice replica of the Safariland original

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CHECK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE PHOTOGALERY

The QLS system (Quick Locking System)
Allows to quickly, and easily remove the holster from the belt separately, for example for entering vehicles or a sanitary stop, it consists of a fork and receiver plate
The QLS is attached to the holster, and UBL,  with the Safariland 3-hole pattern.  The holster can also be attached to the UBL without QLS

The ALS (Automatic Locking System)
Is a Safariland patented system, which automatically locks the gun when it is placed in the holster by means of a cam that engages in the ejection port of the slide, to pull the pistol a lever must be pushed back which releases the pistol, this lever is placed in such a way that it is instinctively pressed by the thumb when the pistol is drawn.

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CHECK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE PHOTOGALERY

Make sure you see my QLS, and ALS system video here


The use
The original 6354do holster is designed for both Glock 19, 17, and 22 models, with, or without Flashlight and MRD, With the TMC354 holstering my ArmyR17 will not always work well, without the weapon light mounted,  it must be said that when the holster is belt mounted this works way better! This issue is also caused due to the fact that the TMC does not have a tension adjustment as on the Safariland, where the tension on the trigger guard can be adjusted. It must also be said that smooth use of the ALS system also requires some practicing.

The construction
The TMC354 is made out of 2 plastic shells, unlike the original Safariland which is a kind of Kydex wrap. The bottom is completely sealed to prevent dirt, mud or twigs from entering the barrel mouth, just like the real 3654do. Furthermore, the TMC is finished with a Nylon wrap, (no idea whether it is really anti-IR Cordura ) The question is how long it will stay in place with intensive use, inside is a kind of Neoprene liner to protect the replica, like the Suede in the original Safariland 6354do.

In terms of Replica value
The TMC 354 is a pretty accurate replica of the Safariland 6354 as far as I'm concerned, apart from some negligible details, be sure to check my detailed 
TMC 354 VS Safariland 6354 Comparison Photo Gallery!

Pro's and Con's
+ Very practical (Glock) holster (ALS)          - Only for Glock
Affordable alternative to 6354do              - Still quite expensive replica item
+ QLS included                                                   - Leg strap not included
Suitable for Gunlight, and RMR                  - Hard to get at W762, or very expensive in Asia
Accurate replica                                             - No tension adjustment

And finally my 354DO holster integrated into my WARBELT project, to replace my 6004 holster

CHECK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE PHOTOGALERY

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Edited by aac
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  • aac changed the title to Review: TMC 354 DO holster (Safariland 6354do) LEG STRAP UPGRADE

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