Let’s Dive into Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security personnel, offering a blend of retention, accessibility, and durability. Built by Safariland, a trusted name in the industry, this holster features the Automatic Locking System (ALS) and Level III retention, ensuring a secure carry while allowing for a quick, straight-up draw. The hi-gloss black finish provides a professional look, while the ride Universal Belt Loop (UBL) offers comfortable carry on a duty belt.
My need for the Safariland 6360 stemmed from a desire for enhanced weapon security without sacrificing speed and ease of access. My previous holster, a simple Level II retention model, left me feeling vulnerable in certain high-risk situations. I was specifically seeking a holster with Level III retention for added peace of mind.
Unboxing the Safariland 6360 revealed a robust piece of equipment. The hi-gloss black finish was striking, and the construction felt incredibly solid. The materials, a combination of Safariland’s proprietary SafariSeven nylon blend and durable polymers, gave me confidence in its long-term reliability.
Compared to other Level III duty holsters from brands like Blackhawk and Bianchi, I chose the Safariland 6360 for its proven ALS system and positive reputation within law enforcement circles. I also appreciated the straightforward design and lack of unnecessary complications, a feature often absent in other holsters in its class. The Blackhawk Serpa Level 3 offered similar retention but had a controversial release mechanism.
My first impression was one of confidence and reassurance. The Safariland 6360 felt like a serious piece of equipment designed for serious situations. I was excited to integrate it into my daily carry and test its performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91 to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Safariland 6360 at my local shooting range during a force-on-force training session. This allowed me to simulate real-world scenarios and evaluate the holster’s draw speed and retention capabilities under stress. The training involved practicing drawing my Sig Sauer P229 from concealment and engaging multiple targets in rapid succession.
The Safariland 6360 performed admirably in both wet and dusty conditions. Despite a light rain during the training session, the holster’s grip remained secure, and the release mechanism functioned flawlessly. Similarly, in a simulated dusty environment, the ALS system continued to operate without any noticeable degradation in performance.
There was a slight learning curve associated with the Safariland 6360. Initially, I needed to adjust my grip and hand positioning to consistently deactivate both retention mechanisms smoothly. However, after a few hours of practice, the draw became intuitive and lightning-fast.
After the first training session, I did not encounter any major issues with the Safariland 6360. However, I noticed a small amount of friction between the firearm and the holster during the draw stroke. This was easily remedied with a light application of silicone lubricant.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use, the Safariland 6360 has proven to be an incredibly durable and reliable piece of equipment. I’ve carried it through various climates and conditions, from sweltering summer heat to freezing winter temperatures, and it has consistently performed without fail. The holster has become an indispensable part of my duty gear.
The hi-gloss finish has shown minimal signs of wear and tear. Despite constant friction from my duty belt and occasional bumps against hard surfaces, the finish has retained its original luster. The Safariland SafariSeven nylon blend has also proven to be incredibly resistant to abrasion and impact damage.
Maintaining the Safariland 6360 is remarkably simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism is all that’s required to keep it in optimal condition. The holster is thoughtfully designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Compared to my previous Level II holster, the Safariland 6360 offers a significantly higher level of security and peace of mind. The Level III retention system provides an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access to my firearm. This greatly enhances my confidence in potentially volatile situations.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91
Specifications
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91 is specifically designed for right-handed users. It fits the Sig Sauer P228 and P229 pistols. Its hi-gloss black finish provides a professional appearance, suitable for duty use.
- Retention Level: Level III, providing a high degree of security. This prevents unauthorized removal of the firearm.
- Retention System: Automatic Locking System (ALS), which secures the weapon automatically upon holstering. The ALS system requires a simple thumb release for a quick and natural draw.
- Material: Constructed from Safariland’s SafariSeven nylon blend. This material is exceptionally durable, resistant to heat, cold, and abrasions, and non-abrasive to the firearm’s finish.
- Finish: Hi-Gloss Black, offering a professional and easily cleanable surface. This finish is also highly resistant to scratches and scuffs.
- Belt Mount: Includes a Ride Universal Belt Loop (UBL). This allows the holster to be worn at a mid-ride position for comfortable carry.
- Hood Guard: Comes standard with a hood guard. This protects the ALS release lever from accidental activation.
These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the holster’s performance, security, and comfort. The Level III retention ensures that the firearm remains secure in challenging situations. The ALS system provides a quick and intuitive draw. The SafariSeven material offers durability and protection against the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91 excels in its primary function: securely retaining a firearm while allowing for a rapid and efficient draw. The ALS system engages automatically upon holstering, providing immediate retention. Deactivating the ALS release is intuitive and requires minimal training.
- Strengths: Secure Level III retention, rapid draw, durable construction, comfortable mid-ride carry.
- Weaknesses: Slight learning curve for mastering the ALS release, hi-gloss finish may reflect light in certain situations.
The Safariland 6360 exceeded my expectations in terms of both security and draw speed. The Level III retention provides an additional layer of protection. The ALS system allows for a smooth and consistent draw stroke.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360 is designed for comfort and functionality. The SafariSeven material is lightweight and durable, while the hi-gloss finish provides a professional appearance.
The holster is user-friendly, although mastering the ALS release requires some initial practice. The mid-ride UBL positions the firearm comfortably on the hip.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The SafariSeven material is exceptionally durable.
Maintaining the holster is simple: wiping it down with a damp cloth and lubricating the ALS mechanism are typically all that’s required. The robust design ensures a long service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 is compatible with a range of accessories, including Safariland’s optional Sentry device. The Sentry adds an additional layer of security. It prevents unauthorized access to the ALS release lever.
Safariland also offers various belt mounts and leg shrouds. These allow users to customize the holster’s carry position. The holster is compatible with many popular accessories from other brands. These include tactical lights and lasers.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91
Pros
- Level III Retention: Provides enhanced security against unauthorized weapon removal.
- Automatic Locking System (ALS): Secures the weapon automatically upon holstering. This provides immediate retention.
- Rapid Draw: Allows for a quick and efficient draw stroke with practice.
- Durable Construction: Made from Safariland’s SafariSeven material. This ensures longevity and resistance to harsh conditions.
- Comfortable Carry: Ride UBL provides a comfortable mid-ride carry position.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Requires some practice to master the ALS release smoothly.
- Hi-Gloss Finish: May reflect light in certain situations.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91?
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who requires a high-security duty holster. This is ideal for open carry and high-risk environments. It’s especially well-suited for those who prioritize weapon retention and rapid draw speed.
This holster might not be the best choice for individuals seeking a minimalist or concealed carry option. The Level III retention adds bulk and complexity. It’s also not ideal for those unfamiliar with ALS-style retention systems.
A must-have accessory for the Safariland 6360 is the Safariland Sentry. This adds an extra layer of security. Also, consider a high-quality duty belt designed to support the weight of the firearm and holster comfortably.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-74-91 is an excellent duty holster. It provides a high level of security, rapid draw speed, and durable construction. While there is a slight learning curve associated with the ALS system, the benefits far outweigh the initial effort required to master it.
The price of $219.99 is justified given the holster’s quality, performance, and reliability. The Level III retention and ALS system provide a significant advantage over less secure holsters.
I would highly recommend the Safariland 6360 to anyone seeking a top-tier duty holster. It is an investment in your safety and peace of mind. If you need Level III retention and a reliable ALS system, look no further than the Safariland 6360.