Let’s Dive into Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6360-185-131
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6360-185-131 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals needing a high level of weapon retention. Manufactured by Safariland, this holster combines the proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) with Level III retention, ensuring secure carry and rapid deployment. The STX Tactical Black finish offers a professional appearance while the Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) allows for comfortable mid-ride carry.
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I was seeking a holster that balanced accessibility with top-tier security. I needed a holster that could withstand the rigors of daily duty while providing a smooth, intuitive draw. This Safariland holster seemed to tick all the boxes.
My initial unboxing experience was positive. The holster felt robust and well-constructed, the STX Tactical Black finish offered a subtle, professional look, and the ALS system clicked reassuringly into place. The weight felt appropriate for a duty holster, indicating solid construction without being excessively cumbersome.
I considered the Blackhawk Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900, but neither offered the refined ALS system or the specific ride height I desired. The Safariland 6360 provided the best combination of retention, speed, and comfort for my specific needs. I was excited to see how it performed under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6360-185-131 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at a local shooting range during a full-day training session. The conditions were sunny and warm, offering a typical range environment. I focused on drawing and re-holstering drills to familiarize myself with the ALS and overall holster dynamics.
The draw was surprisingly smooth once I became accustomed to deactivating the ALS. The Ride UBL positioned the firearm perfectly for a natural grip. Re-holstering was equally intuitive, with the ALS engaging automatically upon the weapon being seated.
The only minor issue was initially finding the sweet spot for my thumb to release the ALS under pressure, but with repeated practice, it became second nature. After a day of intense drills, the holster showed no signs of wear, and the retention system remained secure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 6360 has proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. I’ve worn it during various training exercises in diverse conditions, including rain, mud, and even light snow. The STX Tactical finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of scuffing or wear.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes any accumulated dirt or grime. The ALS mechanism has continued to function flawlessly without requiring any lubrication or adjustment. Compared to previous holsters I’ve used, the Safariland 6360 significantly outperforms them in terms of retention, durability, and overall comfort. I find it far superior to older thumb-break designs, which often require more effort to draw from.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6360-185-131
Specifications
- Retention Level: Level III. This provides a high degree of security, preventing unauthorized removal of the firearm.
- Retention System: ALS (Automatic Locking System). This system automatically locks the weapon in place once holstered, and is deactivated with the thumb during the draw.
- Construction Material: Proprietary SafariSeven™ nylon blend. This material is non-abrasive to firearm finishes and withstands extreme temperatures.
- Finish: STX Tactical Black. The textured STX Tactical finish offers a professional and low-profile appearance.
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand. This configuration is designed for right-handed shooters.
- Belt Attachment: Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop). The UBL allows the holster to ride slightly lower on the belt for increased comfort and easier draw.
- Compatibility: Beretta PX4 Storm .45ACP. This holster is specifically molded to fit the Beretta PX4 Storm .45ACP pistol.
- Hood Guard: Standard on the 6360 model for additional security.
- Optional Sentry: Can be installed for Level IV retention.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the holster’s performance and reliability. The ALS system provides a quick and intuitive draw while maintaining a high level of security. The SafariSeven™ nylon blend ensures durability and protects the firearm’s finish.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 excels in its primary function: securing and quickly deploying a firearm. The ALS system offers a smooth and reliable draw stroke, allowing for rapid target acquisition. It is highly accurate, and the retention mechanism engages automatically upon re-holstering.
One minor weakness is the initial learning curve associated with deactivating the ALS under stress, but with practice, this becomes negligible. The Safariland 6360 meets and exceeds expectations for a Level III duty holster. It provides a superior balance of security, speed, and usability compared to other retention systems I have used.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360 boasts a slim, compact design that allows the weapon to ride close to the body, improving concealment and comfort. The build quality is exceptional, with durable materials and meticulous attention to detail. The holster’s weight is appropriate for a duty holster, providing a sense of security without being cumbersome.
The Ride UBL positions the firearm at an optimal height for a natural and efficient draw stroke, making it exceptionally user-friendly. The ergonomic design minimizes any discomfort during extended wear.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 is built to last, even under harsh conditions. The SafariSeven™ nylon blend resists abrasions, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, ensuring long-term durability. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
The holster’s robust construction and high-quality materials ensure that it will withstand the rigors of daily duty for years to come. The simplicity of the design means that it is easy to maintain and requires minimal upkeep.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 comes standard with a hood guard for additional security, and an optional sentry can be installed to increase the retention level to Level IV. The Ride UBL is compatible with various Safariland belt attachments, allowing for further customization of the holster’s ride height and cant.
While specifically designed for the Beretta PX4 Storm .45ACP, the holster is compatible with various lights and lasers designed for that model, provided they do not interfere with the ALS mechanism. The Safariland ecosystem provides a range of accessories to customize the holster to individual preferences.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6360-185-131
Pros
- Exceptional Retention: The ALS Level III system provides excellent security against unauthorized firearm removal.
- Rapid Deployment: Once mastered, the ALS allows for a fast and fluid draw stroke.
- Durable Construction: The SafariSeven™ nylon blend withstands harsh conditions and resists wear and tear.
- Comfortable Carry: The Ride UBL positions the firearm at an optimal height for comfortable all-day wear.
- Professional Appearance: The STX Tactical Black finish offers a low-profile and professional look.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Requires practice to master the ALS release under stress.
- Specific Fit: Only compatible with the Beretta PX4 Storm .45ACP without modification.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6360-185-131?
The Safariland 6360 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone requiring a high level of firearm retention. It’s ideal for those who prioritize security and speed in a duty holster. This holster is also a great choice for individuals who carry a Beretta PX4 Storm .45ACP and prefer a mid-ride carry position.
Those who are new to duty holsters or who prefer simpler retention systems may find the Safariland 6360 overwhelming initially. Anyone who carries a firearm other than the Beretta PX4 Storm .45ACP should obviously skip this product. A must-have modification is consistent practice drawing and re-holstering to build muscle memory with the ALS system.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6360-185-131
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Tactical Black, Right Hand 6360-185-131 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional security, durability, and performance. The price of $147.20 is justified by its high-quality construction, reliable retention system, and comfortable carry.
I wholeheartedly recommend this holster to anyone seeking a professional-grade solution for carrying a Beretta PX4 Storm .45ACP. Invest in your safety and peace of mind – you won’t be disappointed!