Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who require a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable, accessible carry. Crafted by Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the holster industry, this model combines the proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) with Level III retention for enhanced security, and a drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) for optimal positioning. The nylon-look finish offers a professional appearance while providing a durable, low-maintenance surface.

My search for this holster began after a close call during a training exercise where my previous Level II holster failed to adequately retain my sidearm during a struggle. I needed something with significantly higher retention, but without sacrificing the speed and ease of draw necessary in a critical situation. I was looking for a holster that instilled confidence, allowing me to focus on the threat, not the security of my weapon.

Upon unboxing, my first impression was one of solid, professional-grade construction. The nylon-look material felt incredibly durable, and the molded design was clearly tailored for the specific firearm it’s intended to hold: a Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm & .40 with a 4.00″ barrel. The holster felt substantial without being overly bulky, and the ALS mechanism engaged with a reassuring “click” that signaled positive retention.

I considered several other holsters, including the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite. Ultimately, I chose the Safariland due to its reputation for reliability, the proven ALS system, and the superior comfort afforded by the drop UBL. The Blackhawk’s Serpa design, while popular, had faced some scrutiny regarding potential accidental discharges under stress, and the Bianchi, while comfortable, didn’t offer the same level of active retention.

My initial reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The holster exuded quality and felt like a significant upgrade in terms of security and peace of mind. I was eager to put it through its paces on the range and in training scenarios.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261 at my local shooting range during a force-on-force training session. The weather was typical for a humid summer day: hot and sticky.

The ALS system took a little getting used to, requiring a specific thumb motion to disengage the lock while establishing a proper grip. Once I had practiced the draw stroke several times, I found it to be surprisingly quick and intuitive. The drop UBL positioned the firearm perfectly for a natural draw, and the holster retained the weapon securely during dynamic movements, including running and simulated struggles. I noticed no issues after the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use in training and on duty, the Safariland holster continues to perform flawlessly. The nylon-look finish shows no signs of wear and tear, despite exposure to rain, mud, and the general abuse that comes with daily use.

Maintaining the holster is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth and occasionally apply a silicone-based lubricant to the ALS mechanism. Compared to my previous holster, which required constant adjustments and cleaning, the Safariland is a dream to maintain. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability, reliability, and ease of use.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261

Specifications

• Category: Duty Gear. It’s specifically designed for on-duty use by law enforcement and security personnel, emphasizing retention and accessibility.
• Group: ALS Holsters. This holster utilizes Safariland’s renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS) for secure weapon retention.
• Finish/Color: Nylon-Look. The nylon-look provides a professional and durable exterior finish.
• Gun Fit: Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm & .40, BBL 4.00″. This holster is specifically molded to fit the Beretta PX4 Storm in 9mm and .40 caliber with a 4.00-inch barrel.
• Hand: Right. The holster is designed for right-handed shooters.
• Level III Retention: The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261 provides enhanced security with three distinct retention points. This helps prevent unauthorized removal of the firearm.
• Level IV Retention (with optional Sentry): The holster is upgradeable to Level IV retention with the addition of an optional Safariland Sentry device. This significantly increases security for high-risk situations.
• ALS Automatic Locking System: The ALS system automatically secures the weapon once holstered, requiring only a thumb release to draw. This is an intuitive and quick system for fast deployment.
• Hood Guard Standard: The holster comes standard with a hood guard, which helps protect the ALS release mechanism from accidental activation or tampering. This enhances overall security and prevents unintentional draws.
• Slim, Compact Design: The holster’s design allows the weapon to ride close to the body, minimizing printing and enhancing comfort during extended wear. This aids in concealment and reduces potential snagging.
• Simple Straight Up Draw: The holster facilitates a simple, straight-up draw once all retention devices are deactivated, allowing for a smooth and efficient weapon presentation. This is critical in high-stress situations.
• 1.5″ Belt Drop UBL: The Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) lowers the holster, providing easier access, especially when wearing body armor or other gear. The 1.5″ belt loop fits standard duty belts.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the holster’s performance, security, and user comfort. The Level III retention provides a high degree of security, while the ALS ensures a smooth and rapid draw. The drop UBL enhances accessibility, and the nylon-look finish offers durability and a professional appearance.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261 excels in its primary function: securely retaining the firearm while allowing for a rapid and efficient draw. The ALS system is reliable and intuitive, and the Level III retention provides added peace of mind.

A key strength is the balance between retention and accessibility. The ALS allows for a quick draw while preventing unauthorized removal. The design could potentially be improved by making the ALS release slightly more prominent for easier manipulation under stress. It meets expectations and provides reliable performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Safariland holster is excellent. The materials are durable, and the molded design provides a secure and comfortable fit for the Beretta PX4 Storm. The holster is relatively lightweight, considering its level of retention, and the drop UBL enhances comfort during extended wear. The ALS system requires some practice to master, but once learned, it becomes second nature.

Durability & Maintenance

The nylon-look finish is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, abrasions, and moisture. With regular cleaning and occasional lubrication, this holster should last for many years. Maintaining the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261 is straightforward, and requires minimal effort.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261 is compatible with a variety of Safariland accessories, including the aforementioned Sentry for Level IV retention. Other options include different belt loops, leg shrouds, and optic mounts. This holster is also compatible with many aftermarket accessories designed for Safariland holsters, such as thumb drives and retention enhancers.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261

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Who Should Buy Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261?

This holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable, accessible carry. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who carry a Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm or .40 and require a duty-grade holster with Level III retention.

Those who prefer simpler retention systems or who do not require Level III security might find this holster overkill. Also, because it’s firearm specific, owners of other weapons should obviously avoid it.

A must-have accessory is the Safariland Sentry upgrade for Level IV retention in high-risk environments. Training with the ALS system is also crucial to maximize its effectiveness.

Conclusion on Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261 is an outstanding duty holster that delivers on its promise of security, accessibility, and durability. The price is justified by the quality of construction, the reliability of the ALS system, and the enhanced level of weapon retention.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this holster to anyone who needs a high-quality, Level III duty holster for their Beretta PX4 Storm. Invest in your safety and peace of mind. Choose the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-181-261.