Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL is a duty-grade holster designed for professionals who demand both security and rapid access to their sidearm. Manufactured by Safariland, this holster features the proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) combined with a Level III retention system for enhanced security. The woodland camo finish provides effective concealment in various environments.
My department recently mandated an upgrade to Level III retention holsters, and I needed a solution that offered both security and a natural draw stroke. I was seeking a holster that could withstand the rigors of daily duty while providing a reliable and fast draw under pressure.
My initial impression upon unboxing was one of robust construction and thoughtful design. The materials felt durable, and the woodland camo pattern was well-executed. It was clear that Safariland prioritized quality and functionality in this holster.
I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900, but ultimately chose the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL because of Safariland’s reputation for reliable retention and smooth draw. The ALS system seemed more intuitive than the Serpa’s finger release, and the Bianchi’s bulkier design was less appealing.
I was immediately excited about the potential of this holster to provide a secure and dependable carry solution. The Level III retention gave me peace of mind, while the promise of a smooth, straight-up draw offered the speed I needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL at the shooting range during a departmental training exercise. The range session included various drills focusing on speed draws and re-holstering under simulated stress. The weather was dry and warm, typical for a Southern California summer day.
The holster performed exceptionally well, providing a secure hold on my Sig Sauer P226R. Releasing the ALS and deactivating the hood guard became intuitive after a few practice repetitions, and the draw stroke was smooth and consistent. There were no malfunctions or hiccups during the initial testing.
After a few hours, I noticed the holster did feel a bit bulky against my thigh when sitting in the patrol vehicle. Other than that, the first use confirmed that the holster functioned as advertised, offering both security and accessibility.
Extended Use & Reliability
After six months of daily use on patrol, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. The holster shows only minor signs of wear, primarily some scuffing on the camo finish. The ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly, and the hood guard remains secure.
Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism have kept the holster in top condition. It’s a simple process that takes only a few minutes. This holster has outperformed previous duty holsters I’ve used, particularly in terms of retention security and draw speed.
Compared to the older Level II holsters I was previously issued, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL offers a significantly higher level of security without sacrificing draw speed. It has become an indispensable part of my duty gear.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL
Specifications
- Retention Level: Level III (Level IV with optional Sentry installed) – This high level of retention ensures the firearm remains secure, even during strenuous activity or potential confrontations.
- Automatic Locking System (ALS): Secures weapon once holstered – The ALS system automatically engages when the weapon is re-holstered, providing an added layer of security without requiring manual activation.
- Hood Guard: Standard on 6365 holsters – The hood guard adds a layer of protection against unauthorized removal of the firearm.
- Design: Slim, compact – The slim design allows the weapon to ride close to the body, minimizing printing and maximizing comfort.
- Draw: Simple straight up draw once all releases are de-activated – Once the ALS and hood guard are released, the draw is intuitive and natural, allowing for rapid deployment of the weapon.
- Belt Drop: 1.5″ Belt Drop version – The 1.5″ belt drop positions the holster slightly lower on the hip, facilitating a more comfortable and efficient draw.
- Finish/Color: Woodland Camo – The woodland camo finish provides effective concealment in a variety of environments.
- Gun Fit: Sig Sauer – P220R, P226R DASA/DAK W/ Accessory Rails W/ M3M3X, ITI Tactical Iluminator Light, TLR-1, Surefire X200, X300, SSL-1, LAS-TAC 2, or Insight XTI Procyon. NOTE: Holster will retain weapon without light attached, BBL 4.50″ – The holster is specifically molded to fit these Sig Sauer models, ensuring a secure and precise fit.
- Feature: Old Belt Style Loop – The old belt style loop makes this compatible with duty belts for law enforcement and military personnel.
These specifications combine to create a holster that prioritizes security, accessibility, and comfort for the user. The precise gun fit ensures proper retention, while the ALS and hood guard provide multiple layers of security.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a secure and reliable carry solution for my Sig Sauer P226R, while still allowing for a fast and efficient draw.
The strengths of this holster lie in its robust retention system, smooth draw stroke, and durable construction. The only area for potential improvement would be in the bulkiness of the UBL mount, which can occasionally feel cumbersome. It definitely meets my expectations and more.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL features a rugged and well-designed construction. The materials used are durable and weather-resistant, and the holster feels solid and secure in hand. The molded design ensures a snug and precise fit for my Sig Sauer P226R.
There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the ALS release and hood guard deactivation, but after a few practice sessions, the process becomes intuitive. The holster’s design prioritizes both security and accessibility.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL is built to last. The durable materials and robust construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of daily duty use. With proper care and maintenance, this holster should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism. Spare parts are readily available from Safariland, making repairs easy and affordable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL comes standard with a hood guard. The holster is also compatible with Safariland’s optional Sentry device, which adds an additional layer of retention.
It is compatible with various Safariland accessories, such as different UBL mounts and leg straps. You can switch to a mid-ride UBL for added comfort.
Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL
Pros
- Exceptional Level III Retention: Provides maximum security and prevents unauthorized firearm removal.
- Smooth and Rapid Draw: Allows for quick and efficient deployment of the weapon in critical situations.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use.
- Precise Gun Fit: Ensures a secure and reliable hold on the Sig Sauer P226R.
- Woodland Camo Finish: Offers effective concealment in various environments.
Cons
- Bulkiness: The UBL mount can feel somewhat bulky, especially when seated for extended periods.
- Learning Curve: Requires some practice to master the ALS release and hood guard deactivation.
Who Should Buy Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL?
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals who require a high-security holster with a rapid draw capability. It’s ideal for those who carry a Sig Sauer P220R or P226R with an accessory rail and weapon light.
Those who prioritize maximum concealment or prefer a minimalist holster design might find this model too bulky. Civilians who open carry may want a less aggressive retention system.
A must-have accessory is a Safariland leg shroud for added stability and weight distribution, particularly for prolonged wear. Consider also a Safariland ALS Sentry for added retention.
Conclusion on Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional security, reliability, and performance. While the price of $215.00 may seem high, the value proposition is justified by the holster’s durable construction, advanced retention system, and smooth draw stroke.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this holster to any law enforcement officer or security professional who requires a dependable and secure carry solution. It has exceeded my expectations and has become an essential part of my duty gear. Invest in your safety and performance – purchase the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Woodland Camo 6365-7742-051OBL today!