SAFARILAND 6354DO | The Cult Classic & A New Era

August 28, 2024

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If you are part of the guns and gear fanboy group, you know what I’m talking about when I say the “DO” or Safariland 6354DO holster. This piece of kit was Safariland’s first slide-mounted optic holster. The 6354DO was a contract built for the special operations community.

Safariland 6354DO: the Early Days

This holster was specifically designed for the Glock 19/17 early-generation pistols. The DO designation was derived from the “Docter Optics” slide-mounted sight specified in the contract. The “Docter Optics” sight at this time was mounted on the back of the slide in the rear sight position with the BUIS (Backup iron sights) mounted in front of the optic. Glock was one of the first models modified to work with slide-mounted optics on a practical handgun outside the competition shooting world.

This holster was manufactured in both light-bearing and non-light-bearing versions. The most common model of the DO had optic protection molded into the holster body but did not have a top optic cover. There was a version with an optic cover, the DOH (DO with Hood), but it was rarely seen in the wild. A Cordura material coating adhered to the outside of the holster body, and the original Safariland 6354DO came in four colors: Multicam, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Black.

The Cordura wrap was more than just a fashion statement. It decreased sound while moving through the brush and reduced the IR signature, aiding in concealment from night vision devices. The 6354DO was only available as an ALS-only security mechanism holster built with a “concealed” mounting pattern, which means that the mounting screws are high on the back of the holster body for a lowered draw position. It was sold as a traditional 6354 tactical holster (attached to a drop leg rig) and in a -MS19 configuration, meaning the holster body only had a QLS19 (Quick Detach) fork as the mount to work with the Safariland system on QD mount attachments.

Safariland has a number of holster mount options setup to work with the QLS system that quickly allows the user to move the holster from a belt mount, to a leg shroud, to a vest mount and more.

Misconceptions & Misunderstandings

Let’s address some common misunderstandings about the Safariland 6354DO’s availability for other weapon configurations. This first-generation optic holster was only available for the original Glock, which fits with and without full-sized light. Often referred to as the “Secret Squirrel holster,” the DO has not been updated to work with modern, forward mounting optics without some modding involved. This holster has seen the most creative user options out there.

Over the years, I’ve seen the bottom opened up for threaded barrels; the Optic hood cut down to fit newer optic configurations, and the banana hammock mod that some of my SOCOM guys swear by. These guys literally cut the holster down to the ALS side spring plate, removing the optic protection for a super lean version.

Needless to say, the DO has been a fan fav for customizing to work with every type of “John Wicked” Glock model alive. In most cases, if you are running aggressive serrations, you will end up “Cheese Gratering” the ejection port hooks on the ALS lever, thus losing the locking ability of the ALS lever and requiring a replacement.

Since the ALS material is designed not to harm your finish, it does wear away at points of extreme contact, but typically, the custom slide serrations we see today will eventually take a toll on that mechanism. The Safariland 6354DO also used a spring system for the ALS with a side plate that gave it a spring-action feel. For all of you who have wondered, what is that screw on the backside of the WML models, that is, the rear tension screw that adjusts the tightness of the clamshell against the weapon-mounted light.

The light models also came with a flashlight cap meant to cover the bezel and prevent accidental activation. This was to avoid light from flooding out the bottom of the holster and giving your concealed position away. The non-light models also had a block on the holster’s interior under the trigger guard area. This part adjusted the weapon’s position for best fit and minimized wobble within the holster body. The suede lining is another aspect of the holster that has been a favorite and is still a part of the newer versions. The lining helped protect the weapons finish and reduce noise while moving for military operations.

Most guys still love this holster because of its lean body design. The DO is still considered to be smaller, thinner, and lighter than some of its modern upgraded versions. In many ways, this holster model started the Evolution of the full kit building era outside of the military uniform requirements. The ability to run a “tacti-cool” kit setup in fully matched patterns and tactical colors was now in the mix. And, after all, what is not to love about having options for different terrains and light situations if you are a gear guy?

The Safariland 6354DO holster represented a significant advancement in holster technology and design. Its development was driven by the specific needs of the special operations community, which required a holster that could securely carry a weapon equipped with a slide-mounted optic and potentially a weapon light. The resulting product was not only highly functional but also adaptable, meeting the diverse requirements of modern tactical operations.

SAFARILAND 6354DO’s Evolution

As technology and operational requirements have evolved, Safariland’s holster lineup has also changed. The legacy of the 6354DO lives on in the company’s current optic holster models (RDS/RDSO), which continue to push the boundaries of holster design. Today, Safariland offers a wide range of holsters that accommodate various firearms, lights, and optics, reflecting the ongoing advancements in tactical gear and the ever-changing needs of their customers.

The Safariland 6354DO holster is more than just a piece of kit; it has been a testament to the ingenuity and forward-thinking approach of its designers. By addressing the specific needs of the special operations community, Safariland created a holster that not only met but exceeded expectations, setting a benchmark for future designs.

As the tactical landscape continues to evolve, the principles and innovations embodied in the 6354DO will undoubtedly continue to influence the development of new and even more advanced holster systems. Whether you are a member of the armed forces, law enforcement, or a dedicated enthusiast, the legacy of the 6354DO serves as a reminder of the critical importance of quality, reliability, and innovation in tactical gear.