Let’s Dive into Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who require a high level of weapon retention. Manufactured by Safariland, a trusted name in the industry, this holster boasts the Automatic Locking System (ALS) and a Level III Retention, providing exceptional security without sacrificing speed of draw. The hi-gloss black finish offers a professional appearance while the Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) ensures comfortable carry on a duty belt.
As a seasoned gear specialist, I was seeking a duty holster that balanced retention with accessibility, crucial for high-stress situations. My previous holster, while comfortable, lacked the robust retention features I now required due to a change in my operational environment. Upon receiving the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and the satisfying click of the ALS engaging. The hi-gloss finish, while perhaps not ideal for covert operations, exudes a professional demeanor, fitting for uniformed duty.
Compared to the Blackhawk Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 stood out due to its superior retention mechanism and the proven track record of Safariland holsters in law enforcement. The Serpa’s trigger finger release felt less secure, and the Bianchi’s molded design lacked the adjustability I desired. The Safariland offered the best combination of security, accessibility, and adjustability.
My first impression was one of confidence. The holster felt substantial, the retention mechanisms were positive and secure, and the draw stroke felt natural after a bit of practice. I was excited to put it through its paces and see how it performed in real-world scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 at a local shooting range, focusing on drawing and re-holstering drills. This allowed me to become accustomed to the ALS system and ensure a smooth and consistent draw stroke. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for familiarization.
The ALS system requires a deliberate thumb swipe to release the weapon, which initially felt awkward but quickly became intuitive with practice. The Ride UBL positioned the holster comfortably on my duty belt, and the draw stroke felt natural and efficient. There were no significant issues encountered during this first range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use on duty, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 has proven to be exceptionally reliable. It has endured exposure to rain, extreme heat, and dusty environments without any degradation in performance. The holster still locks securely and releases smoothly.
The hi-gloss finish has shown some minor scuff marks from routine use, but the overall construction remains robust. I’ve only needed to wipe it down with a damp cloth periodically to remove dust and debris. Compared to my previous holster, the Safariland offers a significantly higher level of security and has instilled confidence in its ability to retain my weapon in any situation.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91
Specifications
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 is specifically designed to fit the Smith & Wesson M&P .45 with or without manual safeties, accommodating various weapon lights such as ITIM3, M6, TLR-1, TLR-2, Surefire X200, X300, and LAS-TAC. This holster features Level III Retention, ensuring a high degree of security against unauthorized removal. The ALS (Automatic Locking System) automatically secures the weapon upon holstering, requiring a deliberate thumb swipe for release.
The holster’s hi-gloss black finish provides a professional appearance, while the right-hand configuration caters to right-handed shooters. The Ride UBL allows for comfortable mid-ride carry on a duty belt, optimizing accessibility. These specifications matter because they directly influence the holster’s security, compatibility, and overall user experience. The specific weapon fit ensures proper retention and a smooth draw, while the retention level provides peace of mind in potentially combative situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The ALS system provides a secure lock on the weapon, preventing accidental or unauthorized removal. The draw stroke is smooth and efficient once the ALS release is mastered.
Its strength lies in its robust retention and reliable locking mechanism, while its weakness might be the slight learning curve associated with the ALS. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a Level III duty holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 is constructed from durable, high-quality materials. The holster feels solid and well-built, providing confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of daily duty. The Ride UBL positions the holster comfortably, allowing for a natural draw stroke.
While the ALS requires some familiarization, the overall design is intuitive and user-friendly. The slight learning curve is offset by the increased security it provides.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 is built to last, using robust materials and a well-engineered design. I anticipate it will provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
The simplicity of its design also means less points of potential failure.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 is compatible with a variety of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops and leg shrouds. It is specifically designed to accommodate various weapon lights, as listed in the specifications. This holster can be enhanced with the optional Sentry, for Level IV Retention.
The compatibility with popular weapon lights and other Safariland accessories allows for customization to individual needs and preferences. The ability to tailor the holster to specific requirements enhances its overall value and utility.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91
Pros
- Exceptional Level III Retention: Provides a high level of security against unauthorized weapon removal.
- Automatic Locking System (ALS): Automatically secures the weapon upon holstering, increasing safety.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use.
- Ride UBL: Offers a comfortable mid-ride carry position.
- Weapon Light Compatibility: Accommodates a variety of popular weapon lights.
Cons
- Learning Curve: The ALS system requires practice to master.
- Hi-Gloss Finish: May not be suitable for covert operations due to its reflective nature.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91?
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention in a duty setting. It’s also a solid choice for range instructors who need a secure and reliable holster for demonstration purposes.
This product might not be ideal for concealed carry due to its size and Level III retention features. Those seeking a low-profile or minimalist holster should consider alternative options. A must-have modification would be adding the optional Sentry, turning it into a Level IV Retention holster.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional security and reliable performance. The $224.60 price tag is justified by its robust construction, innovative retention system, and compatibility with various accessories. This is a duty-grade holster built to last.
I would highly recommend this holster to anyone seeking a Level III retention holster for duty use. It has proven its worth in real-world scenarios and instilled confidence in its ability to protect my weapon. Invest in your safety and security with the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-5192-91.