Let’s Dive into Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who demand a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. Manufactured by Safariland, a trusted name in the industry, this holster incorporates their Automatic Locking System (ALS) and a Level III retention rating, providing exceptional security. The nylon-look finish offers a professional appearance while the ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) allows for a comfortable mid-ride carry position, making it a favorite for uniformed personnel.
After a close call during a training exercise where an assailant attempted to disarm me, I realized the importance of having a high-retention holster. I needed a holster that would securely retain my sidearm during dynamic movements and potential physical altercations, without sacrificing accessibility when needed. My old Level II holster just didn’t cut it anymore; it was time for a serious upgrade.
Upon receiving the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261, I was immediately impressed with its robust construction and professional appearance. The nylon-look finish looked clean and durable, and the overall feel was solid and reassuring. The holster felt lightweight but clearly built to withstand demanding use.
Before settling on this Safariland model, I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite Level 3 holsters. While both offered decent retention, the ALS system of the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 seemed more intuitive and faster to disengage under stress. Plus, the ride UBL system was specifically designed for comfortable all-day wear, a critical factor for duty use.
My initial impression was one of cautious excitement. I was excited about the increased level of security but also apprehensive about adapting to a new draw stroke and retention system. I hoped that the trade-off in speed would be minimal compared to the added security.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 at my agency’s qualification range, where we performed various drills involving drawing and firing from different positions. I also wore it during a day-long training exercise that simulated real-world patrol scenarios. The weather was typical for a spring day, with intermittent rain and moderate temperatures.
The holster performed admirably, even in wet conditions. The ALS system remained reliable, and the firearm was securely retained even during rapid movements. It took some getting used to deactivating the ALS while maintaining a proper grip, but after a few hours of practice, it became second nature.
Initially, I struggled with the draw stroke, as it required a specific thumb placement to disengage the ALS. However, with consistent practice, I developed a smooth and efficient draw. There were no major issues after the first use, but I realized that consistent training was crucial for mastering the ALS system.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 has proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being subjected to daily use and exposure to various weather conditions. The nylon-look finish has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of fading or abrasion.
Maintenance is straightforward; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each shift and occasionally apply a silicone-based lubricant to the ALS mechanism to ensure smooth operation. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 significantly outperforms my previous Level II holster in terms of retention and durability. It has given me a much greater sense of security, knowing that my weapon is safe from unauthorized access.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261
Specifications
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 is specifically designed to fit the Smith & Wesson M&P .45 without a thumb safety. It is a right-hand holster featuring Level III retention. The holster has a nylon-look finish for a professional appearance and incorporates Safariland’s Automatic Locking System (ALS).
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 also includes the Ride UBL, positioning the holster in a mid-ride configuration for enhanced comfort and accessibility. Level III retention is critical for law enforcement, providing an added layer of security against weapon takeaways. The mid-ride UBL ensures the weapon is positioned for a comfortable and natural draw.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 excels in its primary function: secure weapon retention and ease of deployment. The ALS system is intuitive and reliable, allowing for a quick and smooth draw once mastered. The holster’s design allows for a natural grip on the firearm, facilitating accurate and rapid firing.
The primary strength lies in the ALS system, which provides a high level of security without significantly impeding the draw. The main weakness is the initial learning curve required to master the ALS deactivation and draw stroke. Overall, the holster meets and exceeds my expectations, providing a significant improvement in weapon security and carry comfort compared to my previous holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 features a slim, compact design that allows the weapon to ride close to the body. The materials used are high-quality and durable, offering a good balance of weight and strength. The holster is comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to the mid-ride UBL.
The holster is generally user-friendly, but it does require some initial practice to become proficient with the ALS system. The learning curve is relatively short, however, with most users becoming comfortable with the draw stroke within a few hours of practice. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 is well-designed and offers a comfortable and secure carry solution for duty use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 is built to last, with high-quality materials and robust construction. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 comes standard with a hood guard for added weapon security. Safariland offers an optional sentry attachment that further enhances the level of retention, upgrading it to Level IV. The UBL is compatible with various Safariland accessories, allowing users to adjust the ride height and angle of the holster to suit their individual preferences.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261
Pros
- Exceptional Level III Retention: The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261’s ALS system provides a high level of weapon security, preventing unauthorized access.
- Comfortable Ride UBL: The mid-ride UBL positions the holster for comfortable all-day wear, distributing weight effectively and allowing for a natural draw stroke.
- Durable Nylon-Look Finish: The nylon-look finish is both professional and durable, resisting wear and tear from daily use.
- Intuitive ALS System: Once mastered, the ALS system allows for a fast and smooth draw.
- Optional Sentry Upgrade: The option to add a sentry attachment further enhances retention to Level IV, providing an even greater degree of security.
Cons
- Initial Learning Curve: The ALS system requires practice to master, which may be a disadvantage for users accustomed to simpler retention mechanisms.
- Specific Firearm Fit: The holster is specifically designed for the S&W M&P .45 without a thumb safety, limiting its compatibility with other firearms.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261?
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. It is specifically suited for those who carry the S&W M&P .45 without a thumb safety and prioritize security above all else. This holster is ideal for uniformed personnel who spend long hours on duty and need a holster that can withstand demanding use.
This holster might not be suitable for concealed carry due to its size and Level III retention system. It is also not recommended for those who prefer a simpler, Level I or Level II retention holster, as the ALS system requires practice and familiarization. A must-have modification is the optional Sentry attachment to upgrade the retention to Level IV for maximum security.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261
Overall, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261 is an excellent duty holster that provides a high level of weapon retention, comfort, and durability. The price is justified by the quality of materials, robust construction, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your weapon is secure. I would personally recommend this holster to any law enforcement officer or security professional who carries the S&W M&P .45 without a thumb safety and needs a reliable and secure carry solution.
If you’re serious about weapon retention and comfortable all-day carry, invest in the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Right Hand 6360-419-261. You won’t be disappointed.