Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91 Review

Does the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91 Live Up to Its Name?

For over a decade, I’ve been in the trenches with gear across a spectrum of demanding environments – from the sterile confines of laboratories to the dusty realities of field work, and the practical grit of workshop benches. So, when a piece of equipment promises robust security and efficient access, my expectations are high, tempered by years of firsthand experience. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91 arrived at a time when I needed a more secure and reliable solution for carrying a specific sidearm during training and certain operational scenarios. My previous holster, while functional for everyday carry, simply didn’t offer the retention levels required for more dynamic situations, prompting a search for a Level III solution.

Upon unboxing this holster, the immediate impression was one of serious construction. The Hi Gloss Black finish, while visually striking, immediately conveyed a sense of professional polish, hinting at the rigorous standards Safariland aims for. The weight felt substantial, a reassuring indicator of the robust polymer and internal mechanisms designed to protect and secure. I’d considered other brands offering similar retention levels, but Safariland’s reputation for dependable duty gear, particularly their ALS system, ultimately steered my decision. The initial feel in hand was a mix of confident solidity and a promise of intuitive operation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for this holster were primarily at the range during dedicated training sessions and during extensive firearms familiarization drills that involved rapid movement and simulated stress scenarios. The holster is designed to be worn on a duty belt, and the Mid Ride belt loop provided a comfortable and accessible position without interfering with movement or clothing. Attaching it was straightforward, and it held firmly to my 2-inch duty belt without any wobble.

The primary performance factor was the ALS Automatic Locking System, and it performed admirably. Securing the weapon after a draw felt natural, with an audible and tactile click confirming engagement. Even during rapid re-holstering under pressure, the system consistently locked the firearm in place. The Hood Guard, standard on this model, adds an additional layer of security and protection for the front sight, a detail often overlooked but crucial in preventing snagging. My only minor quibble initially was the slight learning curve associated with the precise sequence of deactivating all releases for a smooth draw; it required a few practice runs to build muscle memory.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, spanning multiple training days and carrying sessions, the Safariland 6360 has proven itself to be remarkably reliable. The Hi Gloss Black finish, while prone to showing fingerprints, has held up surprisingly well against the usual scuffs and abrasions encountered during daily use and training. There are no signs of cracking or stress on the polymer, and the internal locking mechanisms remain as crisp and positive as they were on day one.

Maintenance has been minimal, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust or sweat, and occasional lubrication of the ALS lever and any moving parts. Compared to other duty holsters I’ve used over the years, this one demonstrates a superior resilience to grime and repeated stress, maintaining its form and function without significant degradation. The straight-up draw remains unimpeded, a testament to the consistent quality of its construction.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91

Specifications

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91 is built around a robust, injection-molded Safari-Laminate construction, designed for maximum durability and weapon retention. This holster offers Level III Retention as standard, meaning it secures the firearm through three distinct points of contact. The cornerstone of this is the ALS Automatic Locking System, which positively locks the weapon in the open-top holster without any thumbreak needed for retention.

For an even higher level of security, it’s designed to accommodate an optional Sentry device, which, when added, elevates the retention to Level IV. The holster includes a standard Hood Guard, protecting the firearm’s sights and ensuring a clean draw. Its slim, compact design is intended to keep the weapon riding close to the body, minimizing printing and enhancing comfort. The Mid Ride belt loop provides a balanced carry position, making it suitable for a wide range of duty and tactical applications. The specific model reviewed, 6360-619-91, is configured for Right Hand use and finished in a high-gloss black.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – securely holding a firearm while allowing for rapid, controlled deployment – the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster excels. The ALS system is exceptionally effective; once holstered, the weapon is remarkably secure, resisting vigorous attempts to dislodge it. The draw, once all retention devices are disengaged, is smooth and direct, a straight vertical motion that is predictable and efficient.

The primary strength lies in its multi-stage retention, offering peace of mind in high-risk environments. The design ensures that accidental disengagement is virtually impossible, yet with proper training, the draw sequence becomes second nature. A potential area for improvement, if one were to nitpick, might be the slight pressure needed to disengage the ALS lever under extreme duress, but this is common across many ALS-style holsters and is a trade-off for their inherent security.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Safariland holster is a study in functional form. The Hi Gloss Black finish provides a professional aesthetic that is also remarkably resilient, though it does attract fingerprints. The Safari-Laminate material feels rigid and substantial, offering excellent protection to the firearm it houses.

Ergonomically, the Mid Ride belt loop strikes a good balance between accessibility and comfort, positioning the firearm at a height that allows for a firm grip without being overly cumbersome. The shape of the holster guides the weapon into place reliably, and the generous cut allows for accommodation of most standard iron sights and some red dot optics. The SLS (Self Locking System) lever and the ALS thumb lever are positioned intuitively, facilitating a natural drawing motion once the user is familiar with the sequence.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6360 ALS is built for the long haul, exhibiting exceptional durability for its intended use. The Safari-Laminate construction is resistant to impacts, chemicals, and environmental exposure, making it suitable for demanding duty and field applications. Regular users can expect years of reliable service from this holster without significant wear or performance degradation.

Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. A simple cleaning with soap and water or a mild solvent, followed by air drying, is usually sufficient for routine care. Periodically lubricating the ALS lever mechanism with a silicone-based lubricant can ensure continued smooth operation. The primary potential wear points would be the internal locking mechanisms if subjected to excessive grit or abuse, but the robust design minimizes these risks.

Accessories and Customization Options

While the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster comes equipped with the integrated Hood Guard, its primary customization potential lies in its compatibility with Safariland’s accessory system. As mentioned, the holster is designed to accept an optional Sentry, which is a hood that further secures the firearm and brings the retention level to Level IV. This allows users to tailor the holster’s security to the specific demands of their operational environment.

Furthermore, the UBL (Universal Belt Loop) attachment on this specific model is a versatile component, often allowing for adjustment or replacement with other Safariland belt attachment systems if needed for different duty belt widths or carry styles. However, for the purpose of this review, the included setup provided robust functionality without needing further modification.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91

Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91?

This holster is an exceptional choice for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and licensed civilian security professionals who require the highest levels of firearm retention and security. It is ideal for those who operate in dynamic environments where accidental firearm dislodging is a serious concern. The Safariland 6360 ALS is also well-suited for competitive shooters in disciplines that mandate higher retention levels or for individuals engaged in advanced firearms training scenarios.

Conversely, individuals seeking a minimalist holster for concealed carry, or those who require a simpler, single-point retention system might find this holster to be overly robust and unnecessarily complex. Users who prioritize a matte, less reflective finish for tactical applications might also prefer alternative Safariland models. Essential complementary items would include a quality duty belt that can securely accommodate the Mid Ride belt loop and potentially a holster wrench for initial adjustments.

Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6360-619-91 is, without question, a top-tier piece of gear that delivers on its promise of uncompromising security and efficient functionality. Its robust construction, intuitive yet highly effective ALS Automatic Locking System, and comfortable Mid Ride profile make it a standout option for professionals who demand reliability. While the price point is substantial, the level of security, durability, and peace of mind it provides more than justifies the investment for its intended user base.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this holster to any professional requiring Level III Retention and a dependable, high-quality solution for their duty sidearm. For those whose operational needs do not necessitate such stringent security measures, or who are on a tighter budget, other options might be more suitable. However, if your priority is the absolute secure containment of your firearm, this Safariland model stands as a benchmark in the industry.