Let’s Dive into Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-419-92
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster is a duty-grade holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who demand both security and quick access to their sidearm. Manufactured by Safariland, a trusted name in the industry, this holster combines their renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS) with Level III retention, ensuring that the weapon stays securely in place until needed, yet allows for a smooth, straight-up draw when the situation calls for it. The Hi-Gloss Black finish offers a professional appearance, and the left-hand configuration caters to southpaw shooters.
My search for a new duty holster started after experiencing a near miss during a foot pursuit. The Level II holster I was using offered adequate retention, but I constantly worried about weapon security during grappling or close-quarters situations. I needed a holster that provided a higher level of security without sacrificing speed and ease of draw.
Unboxing the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster, I was immediately impressed by the robust construction and the sleek, professional finish. The holster felt solid in my hand, and the Hi-Gloss Black finish was immaculate. The leather material felt durable.
Before settling on the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III, I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900. The Serpa’s trigger finger release felt unnatural to me, and I had heard reports of accidental discharges associated with that type of system. The Bianchi, while comfortable, didn’t offer the same level of active retention as the Safariland.
My first impression of the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III was overwhelmingly positive. It seemed to strike the perfect balance between security, accessibility, and professional appearance. The ALS system felt intuitive, and the overall build quality inspired confidence.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-419-92 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III at the shooting range during a department-mandated weapons qualification session. I ran several drills, focusing on drawing and reholstering under simulated stress conditions. The holster performed flawlessly.
The ALS system, once mastered, allowed for a smooth and consistent draw, even with gloves. I also tested the holster in light rain and found that the retention mechanisms remained functional without any slippage or binding. The Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) positioned the holster at a comfortable mid-ride height, allowing for easy access without interfering with my ballistic vest or other gear.
There were no significant issues during my first use, although it took some practice to consistently deactivate both the ALS and the hood guard simultaneously. I also noticed that the Hi-Gloss Black finish showed fingerprints easily, but that was a minor cosmetic concern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use on patrol, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III has proven to be incredibly reliable. The holster has held up exceptionally well to the rigors of law enforcement, including exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, and occasional bumps and scrapes. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
Cleaning the holster is relatively simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism are all that’s needed to keep it functioning smoothly. Compared to my previous holsters, the Safariland 6360 requires minimal maintenance.
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III has significantly outperformed my expectations. It offers a level of security and peace of mind that my previous holsters simply couldn’t provide. The smooth draw and reliable retention have become second nature, allowing me to focus on the situation at hand without worrying about my weapon.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-419-92
Specifications
- Category: ALS Holsters – This indicates that the holster utilizes Safariland’s Automatic Locking System (ALS) for secure weapon retention.
- Finish/Color: Hi Gloss Black – The high-gloss finish provides a professional and easily cleanable surface.
- Fits: Smith & Wesson – S&W M&P .45 without thumb safety – This specific model is designed to fit the S&W M&P .45 without a thumb safety, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
- Type: Left Hand – Specifically designed for left-handed shooters to facilitate a natural and efficient draw.
- Level III Retention: Offers three distinct levels of retention to prevent unauthorized removal of the firearm.
- ALS (Automatic Locking System): Secures the weapon automatically upon holstering; release is via a thumb lever.
- Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop): A mid-ride belt loop that positions the holster for optimal draw and comfort.
- Hood Guard: Provides an additional layer of security, preventing access to the weapon from above.
- Optional Sentry: Can be installed to upgrade to Level IV retention.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the holster’s security, functionality, and overall user experience. The Level III retention, combined with the ALS and Hood Guard, provides a high level of security, while the Ride UBL ensures a comfortable and accessible carry. The specific fit for the S&W M&P .45 guarantees proper retention and prevents movement within the holster.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III excels in both performance and functionality. The draw stroke is smooth and consistent, even under pressure, thanks to the intuitive ALS system. Reholstering is equally easy, with the weapon automatically locking into place.
The holster’s primary strength is its ability to provide a high level of security without sacrificing speed or ease of access. The main weakness is the need for practice to master the simultaneous deactivation of the ALS and the hood guard. Overall, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-grade holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and robust construction. The Hi-Gloss Black finish looks professional and is easy to clean. The weight is reasonable for a Level III holster, and the Ride UBL positions the weapon comfortably on the hip.
The holster is generally user-friendly, although there is a slight learning curve associated with the ALS and hood guard. Once mastered, the draw stroke becomes fluid and natural.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. With proper care and maintenance, this holster should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism. The durable materials are resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III comes standard with the Ride UBL and a hood guard. An optional Sentry can be installed to upgrade the holster to Level IV retention.
The holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops, leg shrouds, and tactical lights. It’s also possible to adjust the tension of the ALS system to fine-tune the draw stroke to individual preferences.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-419-92
Pros
- Exceptional Level III Retention: Provides a high level of security, preventing unauthorized access to the weapon.
- Smooth and Consistent Draw: The ALS system, once mastered, allows for a fast and reliable draw stroke.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments.
- Comfortable Carry: The Ride UBL positions the holster comfortably on the hip.
- Professional Appearance: The Hi-Gloss Black finish looks sleek and professional.
Cons
- ALS Requires Practice: There is a learning curve associated with mastering the ALS and hood guard deactivation.
- Hi-Gloss Finish Shows Fingerprints: The finish can easily show fingerprints and smudges.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-419-92?
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high-security duty holster. It’s also a good choice for concealed carry permit holders who prioritize security and peace of mind.
This holster might not be ideal for casual shooters or those who prioritize minimal bulk and weight.
A must-have accessory is a Safariland holster cleaning kit to keep the ALS mechanism functioning smoothly. Also, consider purchasing an additional Sentry device to upgrade to Level IV retention if maximum security is required.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-419-92
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster is an outstanding duty holster that offers a superior combination of security, accessibility, and durability. The ALS system provides reliable weapon retention, while the smooth draw stroke allows for quick and efficient deployment when needed.
The price is justified by the quality of construction, the level of security, and the overall performance of the holster. Considering the investment in the product, I definitely recommend Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster to anyone seeking a top-tier holster. Invest in your safety and peace of mind – you won’t be disappointed.