Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 is more than just a holster; it’s a critical piece of safety equipment for law enforcement, military personnel, and responsible armed citizens. Manufactured by Safariland, this holster provides a robust Level III retention system, ensuring a firearm remains secure while still allowing for a quick and efficient draw. The ALS (Automatic Locking System) coupled with the hood guard offers peace of mind in high-stress situations, while the drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) enhances comfort and accessibility.

For years, I struggled to find a holster that balanced retention, speed, and comfort. Many holsters felt bulky, slow, or simply didn’t offer the level of security I needed. When I saw the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131, I knew it was worth investigating, hoping it could bridge the gap between security and usability.

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 arrived in a standard Safariland package, nothing fancy, but I could immediately feel the quality. The STX Tactical Black finish looked incredibly durable, and the holster felt solid in my hands, a reassuring sign of quality construction. The weight felt appropriate for a duty holster, not too heavy, but substantial enough to inspire confidence.

I’ve used several other Level III holsters, including models from Blackhawk and Bianchi. While those served their purpose, they often felt clunky or had retention systems that were difficult to manipulate under pressure. The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 promised a smoother, more intuitive draw, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

My initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. The holster felt well-made, the retention system seemed intuitive, and the drop UBL promised a comfortable carry position. I was excited to put it through its paces and see if it could withstand the rigors of real-world use.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 at my local shooting range, running drills that simulated real-world scenarios. I focused on drawing speed, re-holstering, and manipulating the retention devices under stress. I also spent some time practicing in different shooting positions to ensure the holster didn’t impede my movement.

The weather was typical for a summer afternoon, hot and humid, which tested the holster’s grip and finish. Despite the sweaty conditions, the STX Tactical finish provided a surprisingly secure grip, and the draw remained consistent. The ALS system proved easy to disengage with practice, and the straight-up draw felt natural.

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 did require a bit of getting used to, particularly the thumb release for the ALS. After a few hours of practice, however, the motion became second nature, and my draw speed increased significantly. I experienced no malfunctions or unexpected issues during my first range session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including weekly range sessions and daily wear during training exercises, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 has held up remarkably well. The STX Tactical finish shows no signs of wear, and the retention system remains secure and reliable. I’ve also used it in light rain with no functional issues.

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 has proven incredibly durable, withstanding daily wear and tear without any noticeable degradation. The holster has maintained its shape and structural integrity, and the retention system still functions as smoothly as it did on day one. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.

Compared to other Level III holsters I’ve used in the past, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 outperforms them in several key areas. The ALS system is more intuitive and faster to disengage than the retention mechanisms on my older holsters, and the drop UBL provides a more comfortable and natural carry position. Overall, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance, durability, and comfort.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131

Specifications

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance and reliability. It features a Level III retention system, incorporating the ALS (Automatic Locking System) and a standard hood guard. The holster is finished in durable STX Tactical Black and designed for right-handed users.

The Level III retention is critical for preventing unauthorized access to the firearm, providing an extra layer of security in potentially dangerous situations. The ALS automatically engages when the weapon is holstered, requiring a deliberate thumb release to draw, enhancing safety. The drop UBL lowers the holster, improving draw speed and providing a more comfortable carry position, especially when wearing body armor or other tactical gear.

• Category: Duty Gear
• Group: ALS Holsters
• Finish/Color: STX Tactical Black
• Gun Fit: Smith & Wesson – S&W M&P 45C with Safety
• Hand: Right
• Retention Level: Level III (Level IV with optional Sentry installed)
• Belt Loop: 1.5″ Belt Drop version

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 excels in its primary function: securely retaining a firearm while allowing for a rapid and efficient draw. The ALS system is intuitive and reliable, providing a tactile and audible confirmation that the weapon is locked in place. The straight-up draw is smooth and natural, minimizing unnecessary movements and maximizing speed.

The primary strength of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 lies in its balance of security and accessibility. While the Level III retention provides a high degree of protection, the ALS system allows for a quick and efficient draw with minimal training. One potential area for improvement is the size of the thumb release, which could be slightly larger to accommodate users with larger hands or those wearing gloves.

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 largely exceeds my expectations, offering a level of security and accessibility that is unmatched by other Level III holsters I’ve used. The holster’s intuitive design and reliable performance inspire confidence, making it an ideal choice for law enforcement, military personnel, and armed citizens who prioritize safety and speed.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 features a slim, compact design that allows the weapon to ride close to the body, minimizing printing and maximizing comfort. The STX Tactical material is durable and provides a secure grip, even in wet or sweaty conditions. The drop UBL enhances ergonomics by lowering the holster, allowing for a more natural and efficient draw stroke.

The build quality of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 is exceptional, with high-quality materials and precise manufacturing. The holster feels solid and well-constructed, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of daily use. The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 is incredibly user-friendly, requiring minimal training to master the ALS system and achieve a consistent draw.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 is built to last, with durable materials and a robust design. The STX Tactical finish is resistant to scratches, abrasions, and other forms of wear and tear, ensuring the holster maintains its appearance and functionality over time. With proper care, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 should provide years of reliable service.

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 is easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The retention system is designed to be self-lubricating, minimizing the need for specialized maintenance. If necessary, the holster can be disassembled for cleaning or repair using basic tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 includes a standard hood guard for added security. Safariland offers an optional Sentry device, which further enhances retention, upgrading the holster to Level IV. The holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops, leg shrouds, and other mounting options.

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131 is designed to be compatible with most popular weapon lights and lasers, allowing users to customize their setup to meet their specific needs. Many users swap out the standard hood for the Nub Mod, making manipulation even easier.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Tactical Black, Right 6365-920-131