Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Right 6365-74-491-NH Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Right 6365-74-491-NH

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Right 6365-74-491-NH is more than just a holster; it’s a statement of commitment to duty, safety, and professionalism. Crafted by Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement equipment, this holster offers a blend of robust retention, accessibility, and comfort. It’s designed for the officer or armed professional who demands the utmost security without sacrificing speed and efficiency in weapon deployment.

My journey to finding this holster began with a growing concern for weapon security in dynamic environments. I needed a duty holster that would not only secure my firearm against unauthorized access but also allow for a swift and natural draw under pressure. The Safariland ALS Level III promised just that, a seemingly perfect balance between retention and rapid deployment.

Upon unboxing the Safariland ALS Level III, I was immediately struck by its sturdy construction and the sleek, almost mirror-like STX Hi-Gloss Black finish. The holster felt substantial in hand, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of daily duty. The Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) also appeared well-engineered, promising a comfortable and stable carry position.

I considered several other Level III retention holsters from competitors like Blackhawk and Bianchi. Ultimately, I chose the Safariland due to its proven reputation within law enforcement and the seemingly intuitive nature of the ALS (Automatic Locking System). The Safariland ALS promised a smoother, more natural draw compared to some of the more complex retention mechanisms on other holsters.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the Safariland ALS Level III appeared exceptionally well-made, I knew the true test would come in real-world application. I was eager to see if its combination of retention, comfort, and speed would live up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Right 6365-74-491-NH to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland ALS Level III at my local shooting range during a force-on-force training session. The controlled environment allowed me to focus on mastering the draw stroke and familiarizing myself with the ALS mechanism. The holster performed admirably even after several hours of active drills.

The weather was slightly humid, which put the STX Hi-Gloss finish to the test. While the finish is visually striking, I noticed that it could become slightly slick when wet. The ALS system, however, remained reliable even with slightly damp hands.

The initial draw stroke required some adjustment. I needed to consciously deactivate the ALS lever while simultaneously establishing a proper grip on the firearm. After about an hour of practice, the motion became more fluid and intuitive.

There were no major issues encountered during the first use, although the Hi-Gloss finish did pick up a few minor scratches. The initial learning curve of the ALS system was slightly steeper than expected, but manageable with dedicated practice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland ALS Level III has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. I’ve incorporated it into my daily duty setup, and it has withstood the demands of patrol, training, and even a few foot pursuits. The holster’s construction shows no signs of significant wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scratches.

Regular cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism are essential to maintain smooth operation. I typically clean the holster weekly with a mild soap and water solution, followed by a light application of gun oil to the moving parts. The STX Hi-Gloss finish is relatively easy to clean, although it tends to show fingerprints and smudges.

Compared to my previous duty holster (a Level II retention model from a different manufacturer), the Safariland ALS Level III offers a noticeable increase in security without sacrificing speed. The ALS system provides a confident sense of retention, while the Drop UBL promotes a comfortable and natural draw stroke. The Safariland significantly outperforms my previous holster in terms of both security and accessibility.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Right 6365-74-491-NH

Specifications

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Right 6365-74-491-NH is specifically designed for right-handed users carrying a Sig Sauer P228 or P229 with a 3.90″ barrel. The holster boasts Level III Retention, offering a high degree of weapon security. It can also be upgraded to Level IV Retention with the addition of an optional Sentry device.

The holster features ALS (Automatic Locking System), which automatically secures the weapon once holstered. The Hood Guard is a standard feature that provides additional security against unauthorized access to the firearm. The Drop UBL lowers the holster by 1.5″ to allow for better access, especially when wearing body armor.

The STX Hi-Gloss Black finish provides a professional and aesthetically pleasing appearance, while the slim, compact design allows the weapon to ride close to the body. The holster is compatible with 1.5″ belts. The Manufacturer of this duty holster is Safariland.

These specifications are crucial for a duty holster because they directly impact the user’s ability to safely and effectively carry and deploy their weapon. The Level III Retention provides a critical layer of security, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the weapon remains secure during physical altercations. The Drop UBL enhances accessibility and comfort, allowing for a faster and more natural draw stroke.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland ALS Level III performs exceptionally well in its primary function: securely retaining and quickly deploying a firearm. The ALS system provides a confident level of retention without hindering the draw stroke once the mechanism is deactivated. The slim profile keeps the weapon close to the body, minimizing printing and enhancing concealment.

One of the strengths of the Safariland ALS is its intuitive operation. Once the user becomes familiar with the ALS release, the draw stroke becomes fluid and natural. The Drop UBL places the weapon in an optimal position for drawing, reducing strain on the wrist and shoulder.

A potential weakness is the STX Hi-Gloss finish, which, while visually appealing, can be prone to scratches and can become slippery in wet conditions. The ALS mechanism requires regular cleaning and lubrication to maintain optimal performance. Overall, the Safariland ALS Level III meets and even exceeds expectations for a duty holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland ALS Level III features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both security and comfort. The holster is constructed from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of daily duty. The Drop UBL is ergonomically designed to distribute the weight of the weapon evenly, reducing strain on the wearer.

The holster is relatively user-friendly, although there is a slight learning curve associated with the ALS mechanism. The slim profile minimizes printing and enhances concealment, making it a comfortable option for everyday carry. The Hood Guard adds an extra layer of security without interfering with the draw stroke.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland ALS Level III is built to last. The durable materials and robust construction ensure that the holster can withstand the demands of daily duty. With proper care and maintenance, the holster should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism are essential to ensure smooth operation. The STX Hi-Gloss finish can be easily cleaned with a mild soap and water solution.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III comes standard with a Hood Guard for added security. An optional Sentry device can be installed to upgrade the retention level to Level IV. The holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops and leg shrouds.

While the holster itself offers limited customization options, the modular design allows users to tailor their carry setup to their specific needs. The Drop UBL can be replaced with other belt attachments, and the holster can be mounted on a variety of platforms, including MOLLE vests and thigh rigs.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – STX Hi-Gloss Black, Right 6365-74-491-NH