Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who require a high level of weapon retention. Manufactured by Safariland, a leader in the industry, this holster combines their renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS) with a Level III retention rating, providing a secure and reliable carry solution. Its slim profile, combined with the mid-ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop), offers both comfort and accessibility, making it a strong contender for anyone needing a dependable duty holster.
My search for this particular Safariland holster began when my agency mandated a Level III retention system for all officers carrying sidearms. I needed a holster that not only met the retention requirements but also offered a comfortable and accessible draw, especially during prolonged duty hours. I was seeking a holster that wouldn’t compromise my speed or agility while providing the utmost security for my weapon.
Upon unboxing the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132, my initial impression was one of quality and durability. The STX Tactical Black finish provides a robust and professional look, and the construction felt solid and well-engineered. The holster felt lightweight considering its level of retention, and the mid-ride UBL seemed promising for a comfortable carry.
Compared to other Level III holsters I’ve used from Blackhawk and Uncle Mike’s, this Safariland model immediately stood out due to its streamlined design and the intuitive ALS mechanism. I chose this Safariland holster over others because of the company’s reputation for quality and the ALS system’s proven track record. The Safariland system also seemed less bulky than some of the other options available.
My first impression was positive and hopeful that this holster would meet my needs for both security and ease of use. I was excited to put it through its paces and see how it would perform during real-world duty scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 took place at the shooting range and during several patrol shifts. I specifically focused on drawing and re-holstering drills to familiarize myself with the ALS mechanism and the holster’s overall feel. The weather during my testing ranged from dry and sunny to wet and humid, simulating various environmental conditions.
The holster performed exceptionally well in all conditions, with the ALS system providing consistent and reliable retention. Learning the release motion was intuitive; after a few practice draws, it became second nature. There were no immediate issues or surprises, and the draw stroke felt natural and smooth.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of continuous use, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even after exposure to the rigors of daily duty. The STX Tactical Black finish has held up well, resisting scratches and abrasions.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Compared to my previous duty holsters, the Safariland model has outperformed them in terms of both comfort and retention. The ride height offered by the UBL is perfect, allowing for a natural and accessible draw.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132
Specifications
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 boasts several notable specifications:
- Level III Retention: This critical feature provides a high level of security, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to remove the weapon. This is achieved through a combination of the ALS and other security features.
- Level IV Retention with optional Sentry installed: The option to increase the retention level with the Sentry adds an extra layer of security, useful in high-risk environments. This modularity is a significant advantage for adapting to different security needs.
- ALS Automatic Locking System: The ALS automatically secures the weapon once holstered, ensuring constant retention. This intuitive system allows for a quick and smooth draw with minimal effort once deactivated.
- Hood Guard: The included hood guard helps to protect the release mechanisms from accidental activation. This feature minimizes the risk of unintentional weapon release.
- Slim, compact design: The holster’s slim profile allows the weapon to ride close to the body, enhancing comfort and concealability. This is especially important for officers who spend long hours on duty.
- Simple straight up draw: Once the releases are deactivated, the draw is simple and straight up, allowing for a natural and efficient motion. This ensures a fast and reliable draw under stress.
- Mid Ride belt loop (UBL): The mid-ride UBL provides a comfortable carry position and allows for compatibility with various belt setups. The position also facilitates a smoother draw stroke, minimizing interference with body armor or other equipment.
- STX Tactical Black Finish: The STX Tactical Black finish offers excellent durability and a professional appearance. This finish is resistant to scratches, abrasions, and the elements.
- Gun Fit: Smith & Wesson – S&W M&P 45C with Safety: The holster is specifically molded for the S&W M&P 45C with safety, ensuring a secure and precise fit. A proper fit is essential for both retention and a smooth draw.
- Hand: Left: This is a left-handed holster, designed for left-handed shooters. Choosing the correct hand orientation is crucial for proper function and safety.
These specifications are essential for providing a secure, reliable, and comfortable carry solution for law enforcement and security professionals. The combination of high retention levels, intuitive operation, and durable construction makes this holster a top-tier choice.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 excels in its primary function: providing secure weapon retention while allowing for a fast and efficient draw. The ALS system works flawlessly, ensuring that the weapon is always secure when holstered. The ease of deactivation, combined with the smooth draw stroke, makes this holster a reliable choice for high-stress situations.
One of the strengths of this holster is its intuitive design. The ALS mechanism is easy to learn and operate, even under pressure. The Level III retention provides an added layer of security without significantly hindering the draw speed. The holster meets, and in many ways exceeds, my expectations for a duty holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 is designed with both functionality and ergonomics in mind. The holster’s build quality is top-notch, utilizing high-quality materials that provide durability and reliability. The slim profile and mid-ride UBL contribute to a comfortable carry experience, even during extended periods.
The holster is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve for mastering the ALS system. The design is well thought out, with all components easily accessible and intuitive to operate.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 is built to last, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily duty. The STX Tactical Black finish provides excellent resistance to scratches and abrasions. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
Given its robust construction, I expect this holster to provide years of reliable service. The simplicity of the design also means that there are fewer components that could potentially fail, increasing its overall longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 includes a hood guard as a standard accessory. It also offers the option to install a Sentry for Level IV retention, enhancing the holster’s security capabilities.
The holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, allowing for customization based on individual needs. This includes different belt loops, leg shrouds, and other attachment options. The holster is designed to be modular, allowing users to tailor it to their specific requirements and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132
Pros
- Exceptional Level III Retention: The ALS system, combined with the hood guard, provides a high level of security, preventing unauthorized weapon removal.
- Intuitive and Fast Draw: Once the release is mastered, the draw stroke is smooth and efficient, allowing for rapid deployment in critical situations.
- Durable Construction: The STX Tactical Black finish and robust materials ensure long-lasting performance, even under demanding conditions.
- Comfortable Carry: The slim profile and mid-ride UBL provide a comfortable carry position, minimizing discomfort during extended duty hours.
- Customization Options: Compatibility with various Safariland accessories allows for tailoring the holster to individual preferences and needs.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Mastering the ALS release mechanism requires practice and familiarization.
- Left-Hand Specific: This particular model is designed exclusively for left-handed users, limiting its use for right-handed individuals.
Who Should Buy Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132?
This Safariland holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention. It is ideally suited for those who carry a Smith & Wesson M&P 45C with a safety and are left-handed. Professionals who work in high-risk environments or require a secure and reliable duty holster will find this model to be an excellent choice.
Individuals who prefer simpler retention systems or do not require Level III security might want to skip this product. Right-handed shooters should obviously opt for the right-handed version of this holster.
A must-have accessory is the Safariland Sentry, which increases the retention level to Level IV. Also, consider a compatible Safariland belt loop or leg shroud to further customize the carry position and improve comfort.
Conclusion on Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX Tactical Black, Left 6360-920-132 is an outstanding duty holster that delivers on its promise of security, reliability, and comfort. The ALS system provides exceptional weapon retention, while the intuitive design allows for a fast and efficient draw. The durable construction and comfortable carry make this holster a top choice for professionals who rely on their equipment daily.
The price of $147.20 is justified given the quality, features, and performance of this holster. I would personally recommend this holster to any left-handed professional who carries a Smith & Wesson M&P 45C with a safety and requires a Level III retention system. If you need a dependable and secure duty holster, the Safariland ALS Level III is an investment you won’t regret.