Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who require a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the holster industry, has engineered this holster to provide both security and ease of access when seconds count. This particular model is designed for left-handed users and is compatible with the Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm & .40, with a 4.00″ barrel, offering a secure and reliable platform for carrying this popular sidearm.

Years back, I was working patrol in a high-crime district and needed a holster that could withstand the rigors of daily duty while providing superior weapon retention; the old open-top leather just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I was looking for something that balanced security with a smooth, fast draw, something that wouldn’t let me down in a critical situation. That’s why I started researching holsters that offered active retention, and that’s when I discovered the Safariland ALS series.

Upon receiving the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262, my initial impression was of solid construction and thoughtful design. The nylon-look finish gives it a professional appearance, while the overall weight feels substantial, indicating robust build quality without being overly cumbersome. The holster felt secure in my hand, a testament to the quality of materials and construction.

I considered other Level III retention holsters from Blackhawk and Bianchi, but I ultimately chose the Safariland due to its reputation for reliability and the proven performance of the ALS (Automatic Locking System). What set the Safariland apart was its intuitive release mechanism and the positive feedback I had heard from fellow officers who swore by its durability. This holster struck me as the perfect balance of security, accessibility, and durability.

I was excited to finally try out a holster that promised both top-tier retention and a smooth, natural draw stroke. This looked like a real upgrade.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 at the local shooting range during a force-on-force training exercise. The holster was subjected to a variety of drills, including rapid draws, re-holstering under stress, and simulated grappling scenarios. The range provided a controlled environment to familiarize myself with the holster’s mechanics and to gauge its performance under pressure.

The Safariland performed exceptionally well in varied weather conditions, including a particularly wet and humid day. The ALS system remained functional, and the nylon-look finish proved to be water-resistant, preventing any degradation of the holster’s integrity or grip. It took a bit of practice to master the release mechanism, but after a few hours, the draw stroke became fluid and instinctive.

The initial use revealed no major issues, but I did notice that the hood guard required a deliberate downward push to deactivate, which initially slowed down my draw speed. I did find myself needing to focus on the hood guard during the draw stroke at first, but I anticipated needing some additional training time for a full break-in.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use on duty and during training, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 has proven to be exceptionally reliable and durable. The holster has endured the daily grind of patrol duty, including exposure to harsh weather conditions, accidental impacts, and the general wear and tear associated with law enforcement work. There are only minor scuffs on the nylon-look finish.

The holster shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with no degradation of the ALS locking mechanism or the UBL (Universal Belt Loop) attachment. The nylon-look material has held up well, resisting scratches and abrasions. Routine cleaning with a damp cloth has been sufficient to maintain its appearance and functionality.

Compared to my previous experience with other duty holsters, the Safariland far surpasses them in terms of retention, durability, and ease of use. It provides a level of security that instills confidence, while its smooth draw stroke allows for rapid weapon deployment when needed. The Safariland performs as advertised and has exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262

Specifications

• Level III Retention: This denotes the holster’s three-point retention system, which includes the ALS, hood guard, and optional Sentry. The high level of retention helps prevent unauthorized removal of the firearm.
• Level IV Retention (with optional Sentry): Adding the optional Sentry provides an additional layer of security. This is invaluable in high-risk situations where weapon retention is paramount.
• ALS Automatic Locking System: The ALS is the heart of this holster, automatically securing the weapon upon holstering. The instinctive thumb release allows for a smooth and fast draw, even under stress.
• Hood Guard: The hood guard is a standard feature that further protects the weapon and prevents unauthorized access. It requires a deliberate motion to deactivate, adding another layer of security.
• Slim, compact design: The holster’s design allows the weapon to ride close to the body, enhancing concealment and comfort. This ensures minimal interference with movement or other equipment.
• Simple straight up draw: Once all releases are de-activated, the draw stroke is natural and efficient. The natural draw stroke minimizes training time and enhances response speed.
• Includes Hood Guard: This adds an additional layer of protection against unauthorized weapon removal. This can prevent accidental disengagement of the ALS.
• Optional Sentry Available: Adds another layer of retention, upgrading the holster to Level IV security. This enhances security in high-risk environments.
• Mid Ride belt loop: The UBL (Universal Belt Loop) allows the holster to ride in a mid-ride position, offering a comfortable and accessible carry. It offers a balance between concealment and ease of access.
• Nylon-Look Finish: The finish gives the holster a professional and durable appearance. It provides enhanced resistance to scratches, abrasions, and moisture.
• Gun Fit: Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm & .40, BBL 4.00″. Ensures a secure and snug fit, preventing movement or slippage during duty.
• Hand: Left. Specifically designed for left-handed users.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 performs its job exceptionally well, providing a secure and accessible platform for carrying a duty weapon. The ALS system works flawlessly, ensuring the weapon is locked in place until intentionally released. This creates peace of mind.

The main strength of this holster is its robust retention system, which provides a high level of security without compromising draw speed. One weakness is that the initial learning curve for mastering the release mechanism can be a bit steep for some users. More practice will be required.

The holster meets and exceeds my expectations in terms of retention, durability, and overall functionality. It inspires confidence knowing my weapon is secure and readily available. I’m not worried about someone taking it from me.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 is excellent, with high-quality materials and robust construction. The holster feels solid and well-made, and the nylon-look finish provides a professional appearance. I feel like it’s built to last.

The holster is user-friendly, although mastering the ALS release mechanism requires some practice. With regular training, the draw stroke becomes fluid and instinctive, making it a natural extension of the user’s movements. It becomes muscle memory.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 is built to last, with durable materials and robust construction that can withstand the rigors of daily duty. The nylon-look finish is resistant to scratches and abrasions, and the ALS system is designed for long-term reliability. I’m confident it will hold up.

The holster is easy to maintain and repair, with simple cleaning procedures and readily available replacement parts. Routine cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to keep the holster in good working order, and replacement parts can be ordered from Safariland if needed. I expect it to last for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 comes standard with a hood guard and UBL attachment. One common customization is adding the optional Sentry for Level IV retention.

The holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops, leg shrouds, and optic mounts. It’s possible to configure the holster to fit just about any need.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262

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Who Should Buy Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262?

Perfect for: Law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. This is a great holster for people who want to keep their weapon secured.

Who should skip this product? Those who prefer a minimalist holster with no active retention or who find the ALS release mechanism too complex. This is not a quick and simple design, but requires time and training.

Must-have accessories or modifications? The optional Sentry for Level IV retention is a worthwhile addition for those who require maximum security. Also, consider a Safariland cleaning kit to maintain the holster’s performance.

Conclusion on Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 is an excellent duty holster that provides a secure, accessible, and durable platform for carrying a weapon. The ALS system works flawlessly, and the holster’s robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily duty.

The price is justified by the holster’s exceptional performance, reliability, and long-term durability. The value is solid.

I would definitely recommend this holster to anyone who needs a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. If you want the very best, you can’t go wrong with Safariland. Invest in your safety and peace of mind; get the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-181-262 today!