Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-920-261 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-920-261

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-920-261 is more than just a holster; it’s a security system for your firearm. Manufactured by Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and tactical gear, this holster is designed for professionals who demand both retention and rapid access. Its Level III retention, combined with the Automatic Locking System (ALS), ensures your weapon stays secure until you need it. The nylon-look finish provides a professional appearance, while the drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) offers a comfortable and accessible carry position.

My journey to finding this specific holster started with a need for enhanced security while working in high-risk environments. I needed a holster that would reliably retain my sidearm during strenuous activity and potential confrontations. I was tired of holsters that offered only basic retention, leaving me constantly concerned about weapon security. The Safariland ALS Level III system promised a significant upgrade in that area.

Upon unboxing, the Safariland holster felt incredibly solid. The nylon-look material was durable and seemed resistant to scratches and abrasions. The ALS mechanism clicked smoothly and felt very positive, inspiring immediate confidence. Its weight was substantial but not cumbersome, indicative of the quality materials used in its construction.

I considered other holsters, including the Blackhawk Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite. However, the Safariland ALS system stood out due to its reputation for reliability and the intuitive nature of the release. The drop UBL also offered a more comfortable and customizable carry position than some of the competition. The build quality of Safariland products has always been superior in my experience, leading to my final decision.

My first impression was excitement. This holster seemed to offer the perfect balance of security, accessibility, and comfort that I had been searching for. The quality and design immediately instilled confidence in its ability to perform in demanding situations.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-920-261 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland ALS Level III holster at the shooting range during a force-on-force training session. The range provided a controlled environment to practice drawing and re-holstering under simulated stress. I also wore the holster during several tactical training courses that involved running, crawling, and other physical maneuvers.

The holster performed admirably in both dry and slightly wet conditions. The ALS system released smoothly and consistently, even with wet hands, and the weapon remained securely holstered during dynamic movements. There was a brief learning curve to master the thumb release required for the ALS, but with practice, it became second nature. I practiced drawing hundreds of times to get the muscle memory down.

The only initial issue was adjusting the UBL to the correct height and angle for my body. Once that was dialed in, the draw stroke became quick and efficient. No other surprises occurred after the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland ALS Level III has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even after exposure to dirt, sweat, and abrasive surfaces. The nylon-look finish has held up exceptionally well, showing only minor scuffs.

Cleaning the holster is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth and occasionally apply a silicone-based lubricant to the ALS mechanism. This keeps it functioning smoothly. It’s easy to disassemble if necessary, although I’ve rarely needed to do so.

Compared to my previous holsters (primarily Level II retention models), the Safariland ALS Level III offers a significantly higher level of security and peace of mind. Its rugged construction and reliable retention system have exceeded my expectations, making it a go-to choice for demanding tactical situations. I trust this holster with my life.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-920-261

Specifications

• The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-920-261 offers Level III Retention, providing exceptional security against unauthorized weapon removal. This system requires multiple deliberate actions to release the firearm.
• It can achieve Level IV Retention with the optional Sentry installed. This adds another layer of security, making it even more difficult for anyone other than the user to draw the weapon.
• The ALS Automatic Locking System secures the weapon automatically upon holstering. This ensures the firearm is always locked in place, even if the user forgets to engage another retention device.
• A Hood Guard comes standard on the 6365 holster, offering additional protection for the ALS release mechanism. This prevents accidental release or tampering.
• The slim, compact design allows the weapon to ride close to the body. This enhances concealability (though primarily a duty holster) and reduces printing under clothing.
• Drawing is simple and straight up once all releases are de-activated. This intuitive design allows for a fast and efficient draw stroke under pressure.
• A 1.5″ Belt Drop version is provided through the Drop UBL. This positions the holster lower on the hip, making it more accessible, especially when wearing body armor or other gear.
• The holster is available in Plain Black, Basket Weave, Hi-Gloss finish or STX TACTICAL; this particular model features a Nylon-Look finish. This provides a professional and durable appearance.
• This model is designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson – S&W M&P 45C with Safety. The holster is molded to the precise dimensions of this firearm for a secure and reliable fit.
• The holster is configured for a Right-hand draw. It is designed for right-handed shooters.

These specifications are crucial for professionals who need a holster that can withstand the rigors of daily duty. The Level III retention and ALS system provide unparalleled security, while the comfortable design and easy draw stroke ensure optimal performance in critical situations. These features combine to provide a reliable and effective carry system.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland ALS Level III holster excels in its primary function: securely retaining a firearm while allowing for rapid deployment when needed. The ALS system is incredibly reliable. It consistently locks the weapon in place and releases smoothly with proper technique.

The Level III retention provides an added layer of security that is crucial in potentially hostile environments. However, this security does not come at the expense of speed. With practice, the draw stroke can be just as fast as with a Level II holster. The retention is adjustable, which is a nice feature.

The holster meets and exceeds expectations in terms of security, accessibility, and durability. The only minor drawback is the initial learning curve required to master the ALS release.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland ALS Level III holster is constructed from high-quality, durable materials. The nylon-look finish provides a professional appearance and is resistant to wear and tear. The weight is substantial but well-distributed, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.

The holster is designed with user comfort in mind. The Drop UBL positions the weapon at an optimal height for drawing. The holster is relatively user-friendly. Some practice is needed to master the ALS release, but the design is intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Safariland ALS Level III holster is built to last. The materials and construction are incredibly robust. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism are all that is required. Replacement parts are also readily available if needed, making it easy to repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III holster is compatible with a variety of accessories, including the optional Sentry for Level IV retention. The Drop UBL can also be swapped out for other belt attachments.

The holster is also compatible with various Safariland accessories, such as magazine pouches and handcuff cases. This allows users to create a complete and customized duty rig.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Nylon-Look, Right 6365-920-261