Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6365-9202-262 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6365-9202-262

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6365-9202-262 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals demanding both retention and accessibility. Safariland is a trusted name in the industry, and this holster exemplifies their commitment to quality and innovation. Its Level III retention, combined with the popular Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) platform, makes it a compelling choice for those who need a secure and comfortable way to carry their sidearm.

For years, I struggled to find a duty holster that truly balanced security with a smooth, natural draw. Many holsters felt bulky or required excessive force to release the weapon, impacting my response time in training scenarios. I needed a holster that offered a high level of retention without sacrificing speed and ease of use, particularly for my left-handed draw.

My first impression was positive; the Nylon-Look finish provided a professional, low-profile appearance while the holster felt robust and well-constructed. The Auto Locking System (ALS) seemed intuitive, and the Drop UBL promised a comfortable fit on my duty belt. It felt significantly lighter and more streamlined than some of the older, more cumbersome holsters I’d used in the past.

I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900. The Safariland stood out because of its ALS system, which I found more secure and less prone to accidental release than the Serpa’s finger-activated mechanism. Compared to the Bianchi, the Safariland offered a more modern design and a wider range of adjustment options with the UBL.

Excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism initially; I’ve seen many holsters promise the world and underdeliver in the field. However, the reputation of Safariland and the promise of the ALS system gave me hope that this holster would finally meet my needs.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6365-9202-262 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at the range, focusing on drawing and reholstering drills. I concentrated on getting accustomed to the ALS release, ensuring my grip was consistent and my draw stroke fluid. The Safariland ALS Level III performed admirably, allowing for a surprisingly fast and natural draw once I mastered the release.

I also subjected the holster to some wet weather simulations, spraying it down with water to see if the ALS mechanism became sticky or unreliable. Even when soaked, the ALS system functioned perfectly, providing consistent retention and release. There was a slight learning curve in getting the ALS release down pat, but it quickly became second nature.

The only minor issue I encountered was that the initial draw felt a bit stiff, but after a few dozen repetitions, the action smoothed out significantly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Safariland ALS Level III has proven to be exceptionally durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the holster body, and the ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly. The Nylon-Look finish has held up well, resisting scratches and scuffs that would plague a cheaper holster.

Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth keeps it clean and functional. I’ve also occasionally used a silicone-based lubricant on the ALS mechanism to ensure smooth operation, though this is rarely necessary. It has significantly outperformed the generic nylon holsters I used to rely on, which often wore out quickly and offered questionable retention.

This holster gives me confidence and a secure and efficient draw that some previous holsters did not give me.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6365-9202-262

Specifications

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6365-9202-262 boasts several key specifications. It is a Level III retention holster, upgradeable to Level IV with the optional Sentry, offering exceptional security. The ALS (Automatic Locking System) secures the weapon automatically upon holstering, preventing unauthorized removal.

This model features a Nylon-Look finish, providing a durable and professional appearance. It’s designed for a left-handed draw and includes a Hood Guard for added security. The holster comes with a 1.5″ Belt Drop UBL, positioning the firearm slightly lower for improved comfort and accessibility.

It’s specifically molded to fit the Smith & Wesson M&P 45C with Thumb Safety IT M3. The slim, compact design allows the weapon to ride close to the body, minimizing printing and maximizing comfort. All these specifications provide for a holster that is both secure, easily concealable, and very durable.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland ALS Level III excels in its primary function: securely retaining and rapidly deploying a firearm. The ALS system is incredibly effective, providing a positive lock on the weapon that requires a deliberate action to release. The draw is surprisingly smooth and natural once the ALS release is mastered.

The Level III retention offers a high degree of security, deterring unauthorized access while still allowing for a quick draw in emergency situations. Adding the optional Sentry elevates the retention to Level IV for even greater peace of mind. However, the ALS mechanism may require some practice to become second nature, and the initial draw can feel a bit stiff.

The Safariland ALS Level III not only meets but exceeds all expectations for the performance and functionality of a duty holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The Nylon-Look finish provides a professional, low-profile appearance. The holster’s construction feels incredibly robust and durable. The slim, compact design allows the weapon to ride close to the body, maximizing comfort and minimizing printing.

The Drop UBL positions the firearm at an optimal height for a comfortable and natural draw. There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the ALS release, but the design is generally user-friendly. The holster is well-designed to give optimal comfort and concealability.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland ALS Level III is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The durable materials and robust construction ensure that it will last for years. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.

The Nylon-Look finish is resistant to scratches and scuffs, maintaining a professional appearance even after extended use. The holster’s durability and ease of maintenance make it a worthwhile investment for any law enforcement or security professional.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III comes standard with a Hood Guard for enhanced security. Safariland offers an optional Sentry device that increases the retention level to IV. There are many UBL options available to the user, so that they can place the holster exactly where they want it for optimal comfort and draw.

The holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, allowing for customization to meet individual needs. While designed specifically for the S&W M&P 45C with Thumb Safety IT M3, similar Safariland models exist for other firearms, offering consistent performance across different platforms.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6365-9202-262