What Makes Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Glock – 1 out of 173 models Stand Out?
The Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Glock – 1 out of 173 models is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals. Manufactured by Safariland, a company synonymous with quality and innovation in the holster industry, this model provides Level III retention for enhanced firearm security. It combines the Automatic Locking System (ALS) and Self Locking System (SLS) to create a secure and reliable platform for carrying a Glock 19 Gen 3/Gen 4.
For years, I’ve relied on various holsters, but I was seeking one that balanced security with a smooth, rapid draw. I needed a holster that could withstand the rigors of daily duty and offer peace of mind in high-stress situations. The Safariland 6360 seemed to offer precisely that.
My first impression upon unboxing the holster was that of robust construction. The basket weave Cordovan finish gave it a professional and durable appearance. The weight felt substantial, lending a sense of confidence in its ability to withstand daily abuse.
Compared to some of the minimalist Kydex holsters I’ve used, the Safariland 6360 appeared more substantial, but also more secure. I also considered a Blackhawk! Serpa, but I was swayed by Safariland’s reputation for superior retention systems and the mid-ride height for comfortable wear. I was definitely excited to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Glock – 1 out of 173 models to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland 6360 at the shooting range during a firearms qualification course. The range offered a controlled environment to practice drawing and re-holstering under pressure. The weather was moderately warm and dry, providing optimal conditions for testing.
The ALS and SLS systems required a bit of familiarization at first. After a few practice draws, I quickly adapted to deactivating the mechanisms and achieving a smooth, natural draw stroke. My initial concern was that the Level III retention might slow me down.
After several hours on the range, the Safariland 6360 performed flawlessly. The draw felt consistent, and the retention gave me confidence that my firearm was secure. There were no malfunctions or unexpected surprises.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Safariland 6360 has become an integral part of my daily carry. I wear it during training exercises, security details, and patrol duties. The holster has held up exceptionally well to the rigors of daily wear and tear.
There are some minor scuff marks on the basket weave finish from rubbing against equipment, but no significant damage. The retention mechanisms continue to function flawlessly. I’ve found that a little silicone spray lubricant keeps the ALS and SLS systems operating smoothly.
Compared to my previous experiences with Level II retention holsters, the Safariland 6360 offers a significant upgrade in security without sacrificing draw speed. I feel much more confident in the retention capabilities of this holster.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Glock – 1 out of 173 models
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Safariland
- Model: 6360-283-071
- Retention Level: Level III
- Retention Systems: ALS (Automatic Locking System), SLS (Self Locking System)
- Firearm Compatibility: Glock 19 Gen 3/Gen 4
- Handedness: Right
- Belt Loop Size: 2.25 inches
- Ride Height: Mid-Ride
- Material: Proprietary Safariland SafariSeven™ nylon blend
- Finish: Basket Weave Cordovan
The ALS secures the weapon automatically upon holstering, preventing unauthorized removal. This feature is crucial for maintaining control of the firearm in close-quarters situations. The SLS rotating hood further enhances security. This helps to prevent accidental or intentional removal by unauthorized individuals.
The Safariland 6360 boasts a Level III retention, indicating that it requires three distinct actions to release the firearm. This level of retention is essential for law enforcement officers and security personnel who face a higher risk of weapon disarming attempts. The slim and compact design ensures the weapon rides close to the body. This minimizes printing and maximizes comfort.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a secure and reliable platform for carrying a Glock 19, while still allowing for a relatively quick and efficient draw. The combination of ALS and SLS systems strikes a good balance between security and accessibility.
One of the strengths of this holster is its smooth and consistent draw stroke. The SLS hood rotates smoothly out of the way, and the ALS disengages with minimal effort. The mid-ride height also contributes to a natural and comfortable draw. The potential need for improvement would be a more intuitive SLS rotation, though it improves with practice.
The Safariland 6360 definitely meets my expectations for a Level III duty holster. It provides a high level of security. The holster does this without compromising draw speed.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360 is constructed from high-quality materials and demonstrates excellent build quality. The proprietary SafariSeven™ nylon blend is both durable and lightweight. This makes the holster comfortable to wear for extended periods. The weight of the holster is noticeable, but not excessively heavy.
The Safariland 6360 is user-friendly, but does require some initial practice to master the ALS and SLS systems. Once the user becomes familiar with the release mechanisms, the draw stroke becomes natural and intuitive. The mid-ride height also contributes to the overall ergonomics of the holster.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. The SafariSeven™ nylon blend is highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. With proper care and maintenance, this holster should last for many years.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. A damp cloth can be used to wipe down the exterior of the holster. A small amount of silicone spray can be applied to the ALS and SLS mechanisms to ensure smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 is compatible with a variety of Safariland accessories, including tactical leg shrouds and quick-release belt systems. The holster can also be customized with an optional Sentry device, which further enhances retention and prevents unauthorized access to the firearm. While optics aren’t a direct accessory for the holster itself, the holster’s design typically accommodates Glock models with mounted red dot sights, assuming the appropriate model is selected.
The Safariland name itself is the best accessory because of its compatibility. Most tactical gear is already fit to be used with Safariland products.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Glock – 1 out of 173 models
Pros
- Level III Retention: Provides exceptional firearm security, minimizing the risk of unauthorized removal.
- Smooth and Consistent Draw: The ALS and SLS systems allow for a relatively quick and efficient draw stroke.
- Durable Construction: The SafariSeven™ nylon blend is highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
- Mid-Ride Height: Offers a comfortable and natural draw position.
- Compatibility: Fits Glock 19 Gen 3/Gen 4 and is compatible with various Safariland accessories.
Cons
- SLS Requires Practice: The SLS rotating hood takes some getting used to for efficient operation.
- Price: At $195.00, it’s more expensive than some other duty holsters on the market.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Glock – 1 out of 173 models?
The Safariland 6360 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who requires a high level of firearm security. It is also a good choice for individuals who prioritize a smooth and consistent draw stroke. Anyone looking for a duty holster should seriously consider this holster.
This product may not be ideal for individuals who prefer a minimalist holster or those who are new to firearms. It may take a little bit of getting used to. If you are new to duty holsters, you may want to skip this product.
A must-have accessory is the Safariland Sentry. It adds another layer of security.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Glock – 1 out of 173 models
Overall, the Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Glock – 1 out of 173 models is an excellent duty holster that provides a high level of security and reliability. While the price may be a bit higher than some other options, the quality and performance justify the investment. The holster is well-designed, durable, and offers a smooth and consistent draw stroke.
The price is justified if you need a duty holster. The Safariland name sells itself.
I would definitely recommend the Safariland 6360 to anyone who needs a Level III duty holster. It’s a top-notch product that will provide years of reliable service. If you’re serious about firearm security and performance, this is the holster for you.