Let’s Dive into Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62
For over four decades, Safariland has been synonymous with duty-grade holsters trusted by law enforcement and military professionals worldwide. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 is a prime example of their commitment to security, reliability, and speed. This particular model, designed for left-handed users and compatible with Sig Sauer P228 and P229 pistols, boasts Level III Retention thanks to the ALS (Automatic Locking System) and a protective hood, ensuring your firearm stays secure until you need it.
As a gear specialist, I’ve always prioritized secure and accessible firearm carry, and my previous open-carry holster was lacking in retention during high-activity scenarios. I needed a holster that could withstand rigorous movement without compromising draw speed, and the reputation of Safariland‘s ALS system caught my attention. The holster arrived in a simple, functional package, immediately conveying a sense of professional-grade quality. The plain black finish is understated yet durable, and the holster felt solid in my hands, a testament to Safariland‘s manufacturing prowess.
Compared to a Blackhawk! Serpa holster I’ve used previously, the Safariland felt markedly more robust and intentionally designed for serious duty. The Serpa relies on a finger-actuated release that, under stress, can be prone to accidental engagement, while the ALS felt intuitive and inherently safer. I also considered a Galco leather holster, but the Safariland‘s Level III retention and weather resistance ultimately made it the superior choice for my needs. My initial impression was excitement mixed with a healthy respect for the Level III Retention system – I knew I’d need to practice drawing, but the potential benefits in security were undeniable.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 took place at an outdoor shooting range during a force-on-force training session. The weather was dry but dusty, providing a good test of the holster’s ability to keep debris out of the action. Drawing from the holster required a conscious effort to disengage the ALS thumb lever and the hood, but after a few repetitions, the motion became fluid and natural.
The holster performed flawlessly under the pressure of timed drills. The Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) positioned the firearm at a comfortable mid-ride height, allowing for a smooth and consistent draw stroke even while wearing bulky tactical gear. There were no malfunctions or unexpected releases, solidifying my confidence in the holster’s reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and participation in a multi-day tactical training course, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 continues to perform admirably. The holster shows minimal signs of wear, primarily superficial scuff marks on the exterior finish. The ALS mechanism remains smooth and reliable, and the hood still provides positive retention.
Maintenance is straightforward: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use keeps the holster clean and functional. Compared to other holsters I’ve owned, the Safariland 6360 has significantly outperformed in terms of durability and retention reliability; I am impressed.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62
Specifications
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 is specifically designed for left-handed users and fits Sig Sauer P228 and P229 pistols. Its Level III Retention system comprises the ALS (Automatic Locking System) and a rotating hood. The holster features a plain black finish and is constructed from durable Safariland‘s proprietary thermal-molded SafariSeven™ nylon blend.
The Ride UBL positions the holster at a mid-ride height, providing a comfortable and ergonomic draw position. The ALS automatically engages when the firearm is holstered, securing it until manually released by the thumb lever. The hood adds an additional layer of security, requiring a separate motion to disengage, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to remove the firearm. These specifications are crucial because they directly contribute to the holster’s security and user-friendliness, both vital considerations for duty use.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 excels in its primary function: securely retaining and quickly deploying a firearm. The ALS system provides a confident level of retention without hindering draw speed once mastered. The plain black finish provides a professional appearance, well-suited for law enforcement or tactical applications.
While the Level III Retention system requires practice to become proficient, it ultimately delivers a superior level of security compared to simpler retention holsters. The only potential area for improvement would be the addition of adjustable tension screws to fine-tune the draw resistance. Overall, this holster meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-grade holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 is intelligently designed with a focus on both security and user comfort. The SafariSeven™ nylon blend material is lightweight yet exceptionally durable, minimizing bulk and maximizing comfort during extended wear. The Ride UBL positions the holster at an optimal height, promoting a natural and efficient draw stroke.
While the Level III Retention system introduces a learning curve, the operation quickly becomes intuitive with practice. The holster’s design prioritizes functionality without sacrificing comfort or ergonomics.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The SafariSeven™ nylon blend material is highly resistant to abrasions, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. With proper care and maintenance, this holster should provide years of reliable service.
Cleaning is simple: wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent as needed. Regular inspection of the ALS mechanism and hood is recommended to ensure proper function.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including various belt loops, leg shrouds, and optic covers. The optional Sentry device can be installed to further enhance the holster’s security, preventing unauthorized access to the firearm. The holster also accepts Safariland‘s line of tactical lights and lasers.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62
Pros
- Level III Retention offers unparalleled firearm security.
- Durable SafariSeven™ nylon blend construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Ride UBL provides a comfortable and ergonomic draw position.
- Compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories for customization.
- Plain black finish offers a professional and understated appearance.
Cons
- Level III Retention requires training and practice to master the draw stroke.
- Price point may be higher than simpler retention holsters.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62?
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who prioritizes secure and reliable firearm carry. It’s also well-suited for tactical training and competitive shooting where retention is paramount. This holster is ideal for left-handed shooters using a Sig Sauer P228 or P229.
Someone who is new to firearms or prefers a simpler, less secure carry method might want to skip this product. A must-have accessory would be the Safariland Sentry to maximize retention.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6360-74-62 is an outstanding duty-grade holster that delivers exceptional security, durability, and performance. While the Level III Retention system requires practice, the added layer of security is well worth the effort. The holster’s robust construction, comfortable design, and compatibility with accessories make it a versatile and reliable choice for professionals and serious shooters alike.
At $195.00, the price is justified by the quality and performance offered. I wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 6360 to anyone seeking a secure and reliable holster for their Sig Sauer P228 or P229; invest in your safety and get this holster!