Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 isn’t just a holster; it’s a crucial piece of safety equipment, particularly for law enforcement and security personnel. Built by Safariland, a trusted name in the industry, this holster offers Level III retention, ensuring your firearm stays secure until you need it. The mid-ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) provides a comfortable and accessible carry position, while the Automatic Locking System (ALS) offers intuitive operation under pressure.
As a left-handed shooter with over a decade in tactical gear, I’ve always prioritized security and accessibility. My previous holster lacked a true Level III retention, causing anxiety during foot pursuits and grappling scenarios. The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 seemed the perfect solution to address this concern.
The Safariland holster arrived in a simple, functional package. Right away, I noticed the robust construction and the smooth, plain black finish. The materials felt substantial and durable, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand daily use and abuse.
Compared to my old Blackhawk! Serpa and a friend’s Safariland Level II, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 stood out due to its multiple layers of retention. The ALS, combined with the hood guard, offered a noticeably higher level of security than the others. I chose this model specifically for the enhanced security it provides without sacrificing a reasonably fast draw.
My first impression was one of excitement mixed with anticipation. It felt like a serious piece of kit, promising both safety and professional performance. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 at my local shooting range during a force-on-force training session. The range provided a controlled environment to practice drawing and re-holstering under simulated stress. It also let me get used to the release mechanisms.
During the session, it rained heavily, providing a good test of the holster’s grip and functionality in wet conditions. The ALS release remained functional, and the mid-ride UBL kept the weapon accessible despite my soaked gear. I was also glad that the plain black finish was easy to wipe down and clean.
It took about an hour of drills to become fully comfortable with the ALS release and the hood guard. The draw stroke required a more deliberate motion than my previous holster, but the added security was worth the adjustment. It wasn’t hard to get used to, and felt very natural quickly.
After the first session, I noticed a slight wear mark on the holster where the ejection port of my S&W M&P 45C made contact. This was expected, but it highlighted the importance of proper re-holstering technique to minimize wear over time. This was a small issue that didn’t affect the performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including weekly range sessions and duty carry during security details, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 has proven exceptionally durable. There are minor scuff marks on the exterior, but the ALS mechanism and hood guard still function flawlessly. The holster still looks and feels new.
Despite frequent exposure to sweat, dust, and rain, the holster shows no signs of degradation or corrosion. The plain black finish has held up well, maintaining its professional appearance. The UBL mount has remained secure, with no loosening or shifting on my duty belt.
Maintenance is simple; I wipe down the holster with a damp cloth after each use and occasionally apply a silicone-based lubricant to the ALS mechanism. This keeps the release smooth and prevents any potential sticking or binding. This simple routine keeps the holster in tip-top shape.
Compared to my previous Blackhawk! Serpa, the Safariland offers significantly improved retention and durability. The Blackhawk! showed signs of wear and tear much sooner, and its retention system felt less secure overall. The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 outperforms my previous experiences, offering a superior balance of security, accessibility, and longevity.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62
Specifications
- Level III Retention: The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 utilizes a three-tiered retention system. This includes the ALS (Automatic Locking System), a hood guard, and friction. This prevents unauthorized removal of the weapon, critical for law enforcement and security personnel.
- Level IV Retention (Optional): With the addition of the optional Sentry device, the holster achieves Level IV retention. This provides an even higher degree of security for extreme circumstances.
- ALS Automatic Locking System: The ALS automatically engages when the weapon is holstered. This provides immediate security without any additional steps required from the user.
- Hood Guard: The hood guard protects the weapon’s hammer or slide, preventing accidental disengagement of the ALS or interference with the draw stroke. It offers an extra layer of safety and security.
- Slim, Compact Design: The Safariland holster’s design minimizes bulk, allowing the weapon to ride close to the body. This enhances comfort and concealability, even with a full-sized duty weapon.
- Simple Straight Up Draw: Once the ALS and hood guard are deactivated, the draw stroke is simple and intuitive. It’s designed for speed and efficiency under stress.
- Mid-Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop): The UBL positions the holster at a mid-ride height, providing a comfortable balance between accessibility and concealment. It’s compatible with most duty belts.
- Plain Black Finish: The plain black finish offers a professional and low-profile appearance. It’s also easy to clean and maintain.
- Gun Fit: Specifically molded for the Smith & Wesson M&P 45C w/o Thumb Safety IT M3. This ensures a secure and precise fit for the intended firearm.
- Left-Handed Configuration: Designed specifically for left-handed shooters. The ALS release and hood guard are positioned for intuitive operation with the left hand.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the holster’s security, functionality, and comfort. The Level III retention ensures the weapon stays secure, the ALS provides quick access, and the UBL enhances carry comfort. The precise gun fit guarantees optimal retention and draw performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 performs its job exceptionally well. Its primary function is to securely retain a firearm while allowing for a quick and efficient draw when needed. It delivers on both fronts.
The strength of this holster lies in its multi-layered retention system, offering peace of mind in high-risk situations. The ALS mechanism is intuitive to use, and the draw stroke, once mastered, is smooth and fast. However, the initial learning curve with the ALS and hood guard can be a weakness for some users.
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 meets and exceeds my expectations for a Level III duty holster. It provides a high degree of security without sacrificing accessibility or comfort. It’s a reliable and professional-grade piece of equipment.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 is built with durable, high-quality materials. The molded polymer body is rigid and resistant to impacts and abrasions. The holster’s weight is balanced, and the mid-ride UBL distributes the weight of the firearm evenly across the belt.
The holster is relatively user-friendly, but the ALS and hood guard require some practice to master. Once familiar with the release mechanisms, the draw stroke becomes second nature. The left-handed configuration is well-designed, allowing for intuitive operation with the support hand.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 is built to last for years with proper care. The durable polymer body and robust ALS mechanism can withstand the rigors of daily use. Periodic cleaning and lubrication are the only maintenance required.
The holster is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance. The ALS mechanism can be easily accessed and lubricated. Replacement parts are readily available from Safariland should any components wear out or break.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 comes standard with the hood guard and mid-ride UBL. The optional Sentry device adds an extra layer of Level IV retention. The holster is compatible with various Safariland accessories, including different belt loops, leg shrouds, and mounting platforms.
The holster is also compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories, such as weapon lights and red dot sights. However, compatibility may vary depending on the specific firearm and accessory combination. Proper fit and function should always be verified before use.
Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62
Pros
- Level III Retention: Provides exceptional security against unauthorized weapon removal.
- ALS Automatic Locking System: Offers quick and intuitive weapon access.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use.
- Mid-Ride UBL: Enhances carry comfort and accessibility.
- Professional Appearance: The plain black finish offers a low-profile and professional look.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Requires practice to master the ALS and hood guard release.
- Can be Difficult to Reholster One-Handed: Because of the Level III retention design, reholstering can be slow under stress.
Who Should Buy Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62?
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and private citizens who prioritize weapon security and accessibility. Left-handed shooters using a Smith & Wesson M&P 45C w/o Thumb Safety IT M3 will find it to be a great fit. It’s ideal for those who work in high-risk environments where weapon retention is critical.
This product might not be suitable for casual range shooters or those who prioritize speed over security. Individuals seeking a minimalist or highly concealable holster might also find this model too bulky.
A must-have accessory is the Safariland Sentry device for Level IV retention. Weapon lights compatible with the M&P 45C will also enhance the holster’s functionality.
Conclusion on Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62
Overall, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 is an exceptional duty holster that delivers on its promises of security, accessibility, and durability. While there’s a slight learning curve associated with the ALS and hood guard, the added layer of retention is well worth the effort. The materials used are high-quality and durable.
At $207.00, the price is justified given the level of security and performance offered. It’s an investment in your safety and professional preparedness. The holster is extremely reliable and versatile.
I would highly recommend the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Plain Black, Left 6360-9192-62 to any left-handed shooter who needs a reliable and secure duty holster for their S&W M&P 45C. It’s a top-tier product that provides peace of mind in demanding situations. Upgrade your gear and experience the Safariland difference today!