Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 is more than just a holster; it’s a statement. It’s a blend of security, accessibility, and professional appearance that’s designed for law enforcement and security personnel who demand the utmost in weapon retention and a clean, polished look. Built by Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the holster industry, this Level III retention holster combines the proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) with a durable construction and a distinctive hi-gloss black finish.

My agency recently mandated a Level III retention holster for officers assigned to higher-risk patrol areas. I needed a left-handed holster compatible with my H&K P2000 (US Version) with a weapon-mounted light, and the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 checked all the boxes. Out of the box, the holster’s hi-gloss finish and solid construction immediately impressed me. It felt substantial without being overly bulky, a crucial factor for all-day carry.

I considered the Blackhawk Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900, but I’ve always been a fan of Safariland’s ALS system, and the added security of the Level III retention, combined with the professional look of the hi-gloss finish, made it the clear winner. I was both excited and a little apprehensive; Level III holsters can sometimes be clunky and difficult to draw from, but I was hoping the Safariland reputation would hold true. The initial impression was positive, and I was eager to put it through its paces.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at the range during a department-mandated firearms qualification. I practiced drawing and reholstering drills for several hours, focusing on smooth and efficient movements. The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 performed admirably, even with the added complexity of the Level III retention system. Drawing became intuitive after a few practice reps, and the ALS system provided a reassuring click upon reholstering, confirming the weapon was secure.

Conditions were relatively dry, but the range’s dusty environment presented a challenge. The holster’s design prevented excessive dust accumulation around the ALS mechanism, ensuring smooth operation throughout the session. My first surprise was how quickly I adapted to the Level III retention. I initially feared it would slow down my draw, but with practice, it became second nature, offering increased security without sacrificing speed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous duty carry, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, despite the constant rubbing against my duty belt and clothing. The hi-gloss finish has held up surprisingly well, resisting scratches and maintaining its professional appearance.

Maintenance has been straightforward; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant to the ALS mechanism every few weeks. Compared to the older Level II holster I used previously, the Safariland offers a noticeable increase in retention security without a significant decrease in draw speed. It gives me greater peace of mind knowing my weapon is secure, especially during potentially volatile situations.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92

Specifications

• Level III Retention: The holster utilizes a multi-faceted retention system, combining the ALS with a rotating hood guard. This system offers exceptional security against unauthorized weapon removal.
• Level IV Retention (with optional Sentry): Adding the optional Safariland Sentry device further enhances retention, elevating it to Level IV. This provides an even greater degree of security for high-risk environments.
• ALS (Automatic Locking System): The ALS automatically secures the weapon upon holstering, engaging the ejection port. This provides a secure hold without requiring any manual action from the user.
• Hood Guard: The standard hood guard protects the ALS release lever from accidental activation. This is especially useful in close-quarters situations or during physical altercations.
• Slim, Compact Design: Despite its robust retention features, the holster maintains a relatively slim and compact profile. This allows the weapon to ride close to the body, minimizing printing and improving comfort.
• Simple Straight Up Draw: Once all retention devices are deactivated, the draw stroke is a simple straight-up motion. This promotes a natural and efficient draw under stress.
• 1.5″ Belt Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop): The drop UBL positions the holster slightly lower on the belt. This enhances accessibility and comfort, especially when wearing body armor.
• Hi-Gloss Black Finish: The distinctive hi-gloss black finish provides a professional and polished appearance. It resists scratches and maintains its shine, even with daily use.
• Gun Fit: Specifically designed for the Heckler & Koch P2000 US Version with ITI M3, TLR-1, Surefire X200/X300, LAS-TAC2, or SSL-1, BBL 3.50″. This ensures a precise and secure fit.
• Left-Handed Configuration: Designed specifically for left-handed shooters, ensuring proper ergonomics and accessibility.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the holster’s effectiveness in securing the weapon and allowing for a rapid and reliable draw. The Level III retention provides a high degree of security, while the ALS and hood guard ensure that the weapon remains secure until intentionally drawn. The slim design and drop UBL enhance comfort and accessibility, making it suitable for extended duty carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 excels in its primary function: securing the weapon while allowing for a rapid and controlled draw. The ALS system engages automatically upon holstering, providing an audible and tactile confirmation that the weapon is locked in place. The hood guard adds another layer of security, preventing accidental release of the ALS.

The holster’s strength lies in its intuitive operation; after a brief learning curve, the draw becomes second nature. The rotating hood is easy to disengage, and the ALS release lever is readily accessible with the thumb. The main weakness is that initially, the draw may feel slightly slower compared to a Level I or Level II holster, but this is easily overcome with practice. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a Level III duty holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The holster is constructed from durable, high-quality materials, and the hi-gloss finish gives it a professional and polished look. The weight is reasonable, and the drop UBL positions the holster comfortably on the hip, even when wearing body armor. The design is user-friendly, although the Level III retention system requires some familiarization to master.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The materials are resistant to wear and tear, and the hi-gloss finish is surprisingly durable. Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism are all that is required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The holster comes with the hood guard and the 1.5″ Belt Drop UBL. An optional Safariland Sentry can be installed to upgrade the retention to Level IV. It’s compatible with a variety of Safariland belt accessories, such as magazine pouches and handcuff cases, allowing for a fully customized duty rig. The holster also accepts common weapon-mounted lights such as the Surefire X300 and Streamlight TLR-1, as specified for compatible lights.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92

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Who Should Buy Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92?

Perfect for: Law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention and a professional appearance. The holster is particularly well-suited for those working in high-risk environments or who need to comply with agency regulations requiring Level III retention.

Who should skip this product? Individuals who prioritize speed over security and are comfortable with a lower level of retention may find the Safariland ALS Level III unnecessary. Also, those on a very tight budget may find cheaper Level I or II options more appealing.

Must-have accessories or modifications? Consider adding the optional Safariland Sentry for Level IV retention if operating in extreme high-risk environments. Also, ensure compatibility with your chosen weapon-mounted light and consider adding compatible Safariland accessories for a complete duty rig.

Conclusion on Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional security, reliability, and a professional appearance. While the price point is higher than basic duty holsters, the added level of retention and the quality of construction justify the investment. I would personally recommend it to any law enforcement officer or security professional who demands the utmost in weapon security and a polished look.

If you need a holster that combines security, accessibility, and a professional appearance, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Hi Gloss Black, Left 6365-1972-92 is an excellent choice. Invest in your safety and peace of mind – you won’t be disappointed.