Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 is a duty-grade holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who demand a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. This left-handed holster combines Safariland’s renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS) with a Level III retention system, ensuring secure weapon retention without sacrificing a smooth, fast draw. The basket weave finish provides a professional appearance, making it ideal for uniformed personnel.

For years, I’ve struggled to find a duty holster that balances security, accessibility, and comfort, especially as a left-handed shooter. Most holsters I’ve used felt bulky, slowed down my draw, or compromised on retention, creating a constant trade-off between safety and speed. I needed a holster that could withstand the rigors of daily duty while offering reliable retention in dynamic situations.

Upon unboxing the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82, I immediately noticed the robust construction and quality materials. The basket weave finish looked clean and professional, and the holster felt solid in my hand, instilling confidence in its durability. The drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) seemed well-designed for a comfortable and stable carry.

I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900, but the Safariland holster’s ALS system and reputation for reliability ultimately won me over. The ALS promised a secure hold without hindering a natural draw, and the Safariland name is synonymous with quality in the law enforcement community.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the holster appeared well-made and boasted impressive features, I knew the true test would come with real-world use. I was excited to see if the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 could truly deliver on its promise of secure retention and a smooth draw under pressure.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 took place at a local shooting range during a force-on-force training session. The simulated scenarios involved rapid movements, grappling, and close-quarters engagements, providing a realistic environment to evaluate the holster’s performance. I experienced drawing from different positions while seated in a vehicle and while on the move.

Despite the summer heat and humidity, the holster performed admirably, maintaining a secure grip on my S&W M&P .45 throughout the exercises. The ALS system was intuitive and reliable, allowing for a quick and smooth draw once the release was deactivated. The drop UBL provided a comfortable ride, keeping the firearm accessible without hindering my movements.

There was a slight learning curve associated with deactivating both the ALS and the hood guard simultaneously, but it quickly became second nature with practice. After a few repetitions, I was able to draw the weapon consistently and efficiently. Initially, I pinched my support hand thumb between the pistol grip and the hood guard lever.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use in both training and duty scenarios, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 has proven to be a dependable and durable piece of equipment. The basket weave finish has held up well against scuffs and scratches, maintaining its professional appearance. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is all that is required to keep the holster in optimal condition.

There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the holster’s body or locking mechanisms, even after repeated use and exposure to various environmental conditions. The ALS continues to function smoothly and reliably, providing consistent retention and a quick draw. It has provided me with peace of mind knowing my sidearm is safe and secure.

Compared to previous duty holsters I’ve used, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 significantly outperforms them in terms of both retention and draw speed. The ALS system provides a superior level of security compared to friction-based retention systems, while the drop UBL offers a more comfortable and ergonomic carry than traditional belt-mounted holsters.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82

Specifications

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 is a Level III retention holster featuring Safariland’s Automatic Locking System (ALS). It’s designed to fit the Smith & Wesson S&W M&P .45 with or without manual safeties with ITIM3, M6, TLR-1, TLR-2, Surefire X200, X300, LAS-TAC weapon light attachments. The holster is finished in a Basket Black pattern and is specifically designed for left-handed users.

The ALS secures the weapon once holstered, requiring only a thumb release for a straight-up draw once all releases are deactivated. The holster includes a hood guard as standard, and an optional Sentry can be installed for Level IV retention. It also features a slim, compact design allowing the weapon to ride close to the body. The drop UBL positions the holster 1.5″ below the belt line.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the holster’s security, accessibility, and comfort. The Level III retention ensures the weapon remains secure in high-stress situations, while the ALS allows for a fast and intuitive draw. The drop UBL provides a comfortable carry for extended periods.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a duty holster for law enforcement and security professionals. The ALS provides a reliable and secure locking mechanism, preventing unauthorized access to the weapon while allowing for a quick and efficient draw when needed. The Level III retention provides an extra layer of security.

The holster’s strengths lie in its robust construction, reliable retention, and comfortable carry. The draw stroke is smooth and natural, requiring minimal effort once the ALS and hood guard are deactivated. The drop UBL positions the weapon at an optimal height for easy access.

While the learning curve associated with mastering the ALS and hood guard release can be a minor drawback, it is easily overcome with practice. The hood guard lever can be a bit sharp on the thumb, but this can be mitigated with grip tape or by refining the draw stroke. The holster meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-grade holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 boasts a well-thought-out design and excellent ergonomics, making it comfortable and user-friendly for extended periods of wear. The holster’s body is constructed from a durable SafariSeven nylon blend, providing excellent resistance to scratches, abrasions, and moisture.

The basket weave finish provides a professional and aesthetically pleasing appearance, while the slim, compact design allows the weapon to ride close to the body, minimizing printing and maximizing comfort. The drop UBL is adjustable for different belt sizes and ride heights, allowing users to customize the holster to their individual preferences. The ergonomics are excellent, promoting a natural and efficient draw stroke.

The ALS release lever is strategically positioned for easy access with the thumb, and the hood guard is designed to be deactivated with a single motion. The holster is user-friendly, although mastering the simultaneous release of the ALS and hood guard may require some initial practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty and is expected to last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The holster’s durable construction and high-quality materials provide excellent resistance to wear and tear, even in demanding environments. The safari seven nylon blend does an excellent job of protecting the firearm’s finish.

The holster is easy to maintain and repair, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and lubrication of the ALS mechanism. Replacement parts are readily available from Safariland and authorized dealers, ensuring the holster can be easily repaired if necessary. Regular inspection of the ALS and hood guard mechanisms is recommended to ensure they are functioning properly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82 is compatible with a wide range of accessories and customization options, allowing users to tailor the holster to their individual needs and preferences. The optional Sentry provides an additional layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to the weapon.

The drop UBL can be replaced with other Safariland belt attachments, such as the mid-ride or high-ride UBL, to adjust the holster’s ride height. The ALS mechanism can be adjusted to increase or decrease the level of retention, and the hood guard can be removed if desired.

The holster is compatible with a variety of weapon lights and lasers, as specified in the product details. It works seamlessly with popular accessories from other brands, such as Streamlight and Surefire.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6365-5192-82