Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who require a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. Manufactured by Safariland, a trusted name in the industry, this holster boasts Level III retention, a drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) for optimal positioning, and a durable nylon-look finish. This left-handed model is specifically designed for left-handed shooters.

My journey to finding this holster stemmed from needing a more secure and accessible option for my duty weapon. Standard Level II holsters weren’t providing the peace of mind I required in high-risk environments. I wanted something with enhanced retention without sacrificing draw speed.

Upon unboxing, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III impressed me with its robust construction and clean design. The nylon-look finish provides a professional aesthetic, and the holster felt solid in my hand, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand rigorous use. The drop UBL seemed like a well-engineered solution for a comfortable and natural draw.

I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite Level 3 holsters before settling on the Safariland. The Safariland’s ALS (Automatic Locking System) seemed more intuitive and faster to operate than the Serpa’s finger release. I chose it over the Bianchi due to Safariland’s reputation for durability and a more customizable fit.

My first impression was one of excitement and anticipation. The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III seemed like it would address all my concerns regarding weapon security and accessibility. I couldn’t wait to put it to the test in real-world scenarios.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III at the shooting range during a force-on-force training exercise. The scenario involved dynamic movements, simulated close-quarters combat, and weapon retention drills. The holster was subjected to a variety of stresses during the training.

The holster performed admirably in dry conditions, but I also tested it after intentionally soaking it to simulate rain. Even with wet hands and a wet holster, the ALS release remained functional, and the draw stroke remained consistent. It instilled confidence in the holster’s all-weather reliability.

The draw stroke took some getting used to, mainly because of the Level III retention system. The ALS release is intuitive, but the hood guard required a deliberate sweep. After about an hour of practice, the draw became smooth and natural.

The initial testing revealed no significant issues. The only minor concern was the slight learning curve associated with the Level III retention system. This was quickly overcome with practice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use in a variety of training scenarios, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III has proven its reliability. The holster has endured countless draws, re-holstering, and weapon retention drills. It has held up remarkably well.

There are only minor signs of wear and tear, mainly around the edges of the holster where it makes contact with my duty belt. The nylon-look finish is surprisingly durable, resisting scratches and scuffs. The ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly.

Cleaning the holster is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. The holster does not require any special lubricants or cleaning agents.

Compared to my previous Level II holster, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III offers a significantly higher level of security and peace of mind. The drop UBL provides a more comfortable and natural draw stroke. It is a clear upgrade in terms of both security and ergonomics.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262

Specifications

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262 is designed to fit specific firearms, in this case, the Smith & Wesson M&P .45 without manual safeties equipped with various weapon lights. This includes ITI M3, M6, TLR-1, TLR-2, Surefire X200, X300, LAS-TAC 2, or Insight XTI Procyon lights. It features Level III Retention and the ALS Automatic Locking System.

The holster is made from a proprietary Safariland material with a nylon-look finish. It’s designed for left-handed users. The Drop UBL provides a 1.5″ belt drop.

These specifications are crucial for the overall performance and user experience. The specific firearm fit ensures a secure and reliable retention. The Level III retention offers enhanced security. The Drop UBL ensures a comfortable and natural draw stroke, while the left-handed design caters to left-handed shooters.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III performs its job exceptionally well. The ALS provides a secure lock on the weapon, preventing unauthorized removal. The Level III retention adds an extra layer of security, making it virtually impossible for someone to disarm you without knowing the release mechanism.

The holster’s strength lies in its robust retention system and comfortable carry. The weakness is the initial learning curve associated with the Level III retention. However, this is easily overcome with practice.

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III meets and exceeds expectations. It provides a superior level of security, a comfortable carry, and a reliable draw stroke. It is an excellent choice for law enforcement and security professionals who require a high-performance duty holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The holster boasts a slim and compact design. It allows the weapon to ride close to the body, minimizing printing and maximizing comfort. The nylon-look finish provides a professional and discreet appearance.

The holster is relatively user-friendly, although there is a slight learning curve associated with the Level III retention. The ALS release is intuitive and easy to operate. The hood guard requires a deliberate sweep, which takes some getting used to.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III is built to last. The materials are high-quality and durable. It withstands the rigors of daily use.

Maintenance is simple. A regular wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps the holster clean and functional. The holster requires no special lubricants or cleaning agents.

Accessories and Customization Options

The holster comes standard with a hood guard. The holster is also compatible with the Safariland optional Sentry, which further enhances retention. There are no other significant customization options available directly for this specific model, aside from potentially changing the UBL to a different height or style.

The holster is designed to accommodate specific weapon lights, allowing for a variety of compatible accessories. While not accessories in the traditional sense, the availability of different Safariland belt attachments (like different UBL heights or paddle attachments) allow for a degree of carry customization. The ability to add the Sentry further allows for security customization.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262

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Who Should Buy Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262?

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and military personnel who require a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. It is ideally suited for those who work in high-risk environments. The retention system is beneficial for officers in crowd control situations or those who anticipate physical altercations.

This holster may not be ideal for casual shooters or concealed carry users who prioritize a minimalist design and ease of draw over maximum retention. Those who are new to duty holsters might prefer starting with a Level II retention system before progressing to Level III.

A must-have modification would be the Safariland Sentry, offering an extra level of security. Consider a different UBL height depending on personal preference for where the weapon sits on your body. Practicing the draw stroke is not so much an accessory but a necessity!

Conclusion on Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Nylon-Look, Left Hand 6365-4192-262 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. Its robust retention system, durable construction, and comfortable carry make it an excellent choice for law enforcement and security professionals. While there is a slight learning curve, the benefits of enhanced security and ergonomics outweigh the initial adjustment period.

At $207.00, the price is justified given the quality of materials, the level of security, and the reputation of Safariland. The holster represents a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize weapon retention and a professional-grade duty setup.

I would highly recommend the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III to any left-handed professional looking for a secure, reliable, and comfortable duty holster. Don’t compromise on safety; upgrade your carry today and experience the peace of mind that comes with the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III.