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Safariland

Safariland: In Depth

Safariland, established in 1964 by Neale Perkins, began as a small operation in Sierra Madre, California . Over the decades, it has grown into a prominent provider of high-quality, innovative products for law enforcement, military, and civilian markets. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida , and is part of The Safariland Group, which includes well-known brands such as Bianchi, Break Free, and Hatch.

Safariland’s extensive product line features body armor, holsters, tactical gear, communication equipment, and forensics products. The company is particularly renowned for its advancements in body armor, having introduced the first commercially available soft body armor in the 1970s. Their armor products, credited with saving over 2,000 lives, underscore their commitment to safety and innovation.

The company has expanded its offerings through strategic acquisitions, incorporating brands like Med-Eng for bomb disposal products, Mustang Survival for marine and aviation safety equipment, and TCI for tactical communication solutions. This diverse portfolio enables Safariland to provide comprehensive solutions for various high-risk professions.

Safariland’s dedication to quality and customer support is evident through initiatives like the SAVES Club, which honors officers whose lives were saved by Safariland products, and extensive training programs for users. The brand continues to innovate and grow, maintaining its reputation as a trusted name in the industry, with a mission of "Together, We Save Lives."

Safariland History

Safariland was founded in 1964 by Neale Perkins in Sierra Madre, California . The company began with the production of custom holsters inspired by Perkins’ father, an FBI agent. Named after Perkins' African safari experiences, Safariland quickly grew from making a few hundred holsters to over 5,000 per month.

In the 1970s, Safariland expanded into body armor, winning its first contract with the LAPD. The company continued to innovate, introducing the first Level III Retention holster in the 1980s and becoming the first in the industry to achieve ISO 9001 certification in the 1990s. Safariland also established the first corporate-sponsored competitive shooting team, Team Safariland, in 1985.

In 1999, Safariland was acquired by Armor Holdings, Inc., leading to further growth and acquisitions of other respected brands. In 2007, BAE Systems acquired Armor Holdings and established The Safariland Group as the umbrella company for 19 brands. In 2012, Safariland was sold to an affiliate of Kanders & Company, with Warren B. Kanders leading the company again.

Safariland has a strong history of serving law enforcement, military, and security professionals. Its notable products include the Self-Locking System (SLS) and various advanced body armors. 

Today, Safariland continues to focus on innovation and excellence, expanding both organically and through strategic acquisitions. With over 55 years of history, Safariland remains committed to providing high-quality, life-saving equipment to its customers worldwide.

Safariland Product Lines

Optic-Ready Holsters

  • Use Case: Ideal for law enforcement officers, competitive shooters, and firearm enthusiasts who use firearms with mounted optics . These holsters ensure quick sight acquisition and precision.
  • Unique Features: Designed with a protective hood that shields optics from damage while allowing quick access to the firearm. These holsters maintain high retention and are compatible with various optic sizes and types, providing durability and reliability in demanding environments.

Cordura Wrapped Holsters

  • Use Case: Perfect for tactical operators, military personnel, and law enforcement officers needing rugged and abrasion-resistant holsters for harsh environments.
  • Unique Features: The Cordura wrap offers excellent abrasion resistance, ensuring the holster maintains its integrity with heavy use. These holsters combine a tough exterior with Safariland's trusted retention mechanisms, providing secure firearm retention and easy access.

7TS™ Holsters

  • Use Case: Suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, tactical professionals, and users needing reliable holsters in extreme weather conditions.
  • Unique Features: Made from SafariSeven™ nylon blend, 7TS™ holsters are highly durable, non-abrasive, and resistant to extreme temperatures. They are waterproof, lightweight, and maintain structural integrity without warping or becoming brittle, ensuring consistent performance.

Pro-Fit™ Holsters

  • Use Case: Versatile for users with multiple firearms, including professionals and civilians needing a single holster for various models.
  • Unique Features: Pro-Fit™ holsters adjust to fit over 225 different firearm models, offering unmatched versatility. They include an adjustable locking mechanism for secure fits and are available in both OWB and IWB configurations, catering to different carry preferences.

Duty Gear

Duty Belts
  • Use Case: Essential for law enforcement officers carrying multiple pieces of equipment securely during shifts.
  • Unique Features: Constructed from durable materials, these belts provide a firm, supportive fit and can support holsters, pouches, and other gear without sagging. They distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on the back and hips.
Pouches and Holders
  • Use Case: Provide secure and organized storage for essential equipment such as magazines , handcuffs, and radios.
  • Unique Features: Designed for secure retention and quick access, these pouches and holders are made from tough materials and attach securely to duty belts or tactical vests.

Tactical Equipment

Tactical Vests
  • Use Case: Used in tactical operations requiring both protection and the ability to carry mission-essential gear.
  • Unique Features: PROTECH® Tactical vests offer customizable options, including MOLLE attachments for additional pouches and gear. They provide high-level ballistic protection and are designed for comfort and mobility.
Helmets
  • Use Case: Worn in military and law enforcement tactical scenarios for head protection against ballistic threats and blunt force impacts.
  • Unique Features: The Delta™ helmet series provides enhanced comfort and modularity for mounting accessories like night vision goggles, while offering superior protection. They are lightweight and integrate seamlessly with communication systems.

Body Armor

Hard Armor Plates
  • Use Case: Essential for military personnel and individuals in high-threat environments requiring protection against rifle fire.
  • Unique Features: Made from advanced materials like ceramic and polyethylene, these plates offer lightweight yet robust protection with multi-hit capability and ergonomic designs for comfortable extended wear.
Soft Armor
  • Use Case: Designed for law enforcement officers and security personnel needing discreet protection against handgun threats.
  • Unique Features: Flexible and comfortable, soft armor vests can be worn under uniforms. Made from high-performance ballistic materials, they provide excellent protection while remaining lightweight and allowing full range of motion.

Hearing Protection

Electronic Ear Muffs
  • Use Case: Ideal for shooting ranges and operational environments with high noise levels where clear communication is necessary.
  • Unique Features: The Liberator® HP ear muffs amplify ambient sounds while protecting against harmful noise levels. They feature advanced sound localization, adjustable amplification, and ergonomic design for extended wear, interfacing with communication devices for coordinated operations.
Passive Ear Muffs
  • Use Case: Provide reliable hearing protection in noisy settings like industrial environments and training facilities.
  • Unique Features: Models like the Model 126 offer effective noise reduction with a comfortable fit and durable construction. They are straightforward to use and maintain, providing consistent performance in protecting hearing.

Where is Safariland Made?

Safariland, a renowned name in the law enforcement gear industry, manufactures its products at several locations in the United States. The primary manufacturing facility for Safariland is located in Jacksonville, Florida . This factory is responsible for producing its popular duty line. Jacksonville is known for its robust production capabilities, ensuring consistent quality and supply to meet the demands of law enforcement agencies and civilian customers alike.

In addition to its Jacksonville plant, Safariland also operates a significant production facility in Ontario, California . This location is particularly focused on manufacturing tactical gear and accessories . The Ontario facility is known for its innovative approach and incorporating advanced technology  to produce high-performance products.

While Jacksonville and Ontario are the primary hubs, Safariland's manufacturing network extends to other parts of the country as well. The company has smaller production units and partnerships across various states to ensure a steady supply chain and quick distribution.

At the Jacksonville facility, Safariland employs a dedicated workforce of approximately 500 employees. The factory boasts a high production capacity, capable of producing millions of rounds annually. This ensures that Safariland can meet both domestic and international demand without compromising on quality. The Ontario facility, though smaller in terms of production, employs around 300 workers who specialize in the development and production of tactical gear. Together, these locations form the backbone of Safariland's manufacturing operations, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

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