Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster Review

Let’s Talk About Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster

The Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster is a serious piece of kit designed for law enforcement and security professionals who demand both security and rapid access to their firearm. Manufactured by Safariland, a name synonymous with duty gear excellence, this holster distinguishes itself with its robust Level III retention, compatibility with red dot sights, and mid-ride belt positioning. This translates to a holster that keeps your weapon secure during intense physical activity while allowing for a quick, intuitive draw when seconds count.

After years of working with various holster systems, I found myself needing a duty holster that could accommodate my Glock 17 with a mounted red dot sight and weapon light. The standard Level II holsters I was using weren’t cutting it anymore, offering insufficient retention and no accommodation for the optic. I needed something that offered a higher level of security without sacrificing speed of draw, and the Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

The initial unboxing experience was impressive. The holster felt substantial, constructed of a thick, rigid material that inspired confidence. The SafariLaminate construction felt incredibly durable and ready to handle the rigors of daily duty use.

Compared to other Level III duty holsters on the market, such as those from Blackhawk or Bianchi, the Safariland stood out due to its ALS/SLS retention system and specifically designed red dot sight compatibility. Other holsters I considered either lacked the necessary retention level or required modification to accommodate a red dot. The Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster offered a complete and purpose-built solution.

My initial impression was one of excitement mixed with a healthy dose of expectation. Knowing Safariland’s reputation for quality, I anticipated a well-designed and functional holster; however, I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype. I was especially interested in assessing the ease of draw under stress and the overall comfort of the mid-ride configuration.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster was at the range during a law enforcement training session. We ran drills focused on rapid deployment from various positions. The holster performed admirably even while transitioning from seated in a vehicle to engaging targets.

The weather was typical for the region: humid and dusty. The Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster continued to function flawlessly. The ALS/SLS system didn’t bind or gum up. The draw remained smooth, and the retention was secure.

It took a little getting used to the ALS/SLS system initially, specifically the thumb activation of the ALS release while simultaneously rotating the SLS hood. However, after a few hours of practice, the draw became intuitive and natural. The mid-ride position also felt comfortable and didn’t interfere with my movement.

The only surprise after my first use was how much confidence the holster inspired. The Level III retention provided a noticeable increase in security compared to my previous Level II holster, and the ability to easily accommodate my red dot sight was a significant advantage. I immediately felt more secure carrying my firearm on duty.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster has proven to be an exceptionally reliable piece of gear. It has accompanied me through countless training sessions, patrol shifts, and even a few off-duty details. The holster continues to perform just as well as it did on day one.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being exposed to harsh conditions and frequent use. The SafariLaminate material has held up remarkably well. It is resistant to scratches and abrasions, and the suede lining shows no signs of wear on my firearm’s finish.

Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime. I occasionally apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the ALS/SLS mechanisms to ensure smooth operation, but that’s about it.

Compared to previous duty holsters I’ve used, the Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster significantly outperforms them in terms of retention, durability, and red dot sight compatibility. It has become an indispensable piece of my daily carry setup. I wouldn’t hesitate to trust my life to it.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster

Specifications

The Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster is designed for 9mm Luger handguns and is a belt holster made from SafariLaminate material. It features a belt loop accessory attachment system for duty applications, is sold as a single unit, and accommodates belts up to 2.25 inches in width. The holster incorporates an ALS (Automatic Locking System) and SLS (Self Locking System) for Level III retention. It’s designed for adult users.

The SafariLaminate construction provides exceptional durability and protection for the firearm. The ALS/SLS system offers a high level of retention while still allowing for a quick and efficient draw. The belt loop attachment ensures a secure and stable platform on the duty belt. The red dot sight compatibility makes it a modern and versatile choice for law enforcement and security professionals.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster performs its job exceptionally well. The ALS/SLS system provides a secure hold on the firearm while still allowing for a smooth and rapid draw. The mid-ride height is comfortable and ergonomic.

The main strength is its robust Level III retention. This provides peace of mind knowing the firearm is secure, even during strenuous activity or a physical altercation. The red dot sight compatibility is another significant advantage, allowing users to take full advantage of modern sighting technology. The SLS hood can require some training to ensure consistent and rapid deactivation under stress.

The Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster exceeds expectations in terms of security, durability, and functionality. It’s a top-tier duty holster that provides the features and performance needed by law enforcement and security professionals.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster boasts excellent build quality, utilizing durable SafariLaminate and a smooth suede lining. The holster feels substantial and well-made, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand daily wear and tear. Its weight is balanced. The mid-ride height offers a comfortable and ergonomic carry position.

There is a slight learning curve associated with the ALS/SLS retention system, but the design is intuitive and easy to master with practice. The thumb activation of the ALS release and the rotation of the SLS hood become second nature after a few hours of training.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster is built to last. The SafariLaminate construction is highly resistant to scratches, abrasions, and the elements. The suede lining protects the firearm’s finish, and the ALS/SLS mechanisms are robust and reliable. With proper care, this holster should provide years of dependable service.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS/SLS mechanisms are all that’s required to keep the holster in top condition. The durable construction minimizes the need for repairs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories, focusing instead on its core functionality. However, it’s compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, such as different belt mounts, leg shrouds, and weapon light attachments.

The holster is also compatible with various red dot sights, making it a versatile choice for users who want to take advantage of modern sighting technology. As noted in user feedback, some users have experienced compatibility issues with QLS forks due to the placement of the retention bolt; however, adapters can be used to resolve this issue.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360RDS Level III Retention ALS/SLS Duty OWB Belt Holster