Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262 Review

First Impressions of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262

My search for a reliable duty holster that offered serious retention without impeding a smooth draw led me to the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262. The promise of Level III Retention and a Slim, compact design immediately caught my eye. For years, I’d been using various open-top designs that, while fast, lacked the security I needed in dynamic situations.

I needed something that could reliably secure my Sig Sauer P220 or P226 during rigorous training and everyday carry, without requiring me to perform a complex series of maneuvers to access my firearm. Several colleagues recommended Safariland, so I decided to investigate their ALS (Automatic Locking System) offerings. The perceived quality and the reputation for durability in harsh environments were key factors.

Upon unboxing, the holster felt substantial, as expected from Safariland. The Nylon-Look finish gave it a professional appearance, and the construction felt robust and well-molded. It immediately felt like a serious piece of gear, designed for demanding use. I had briefly considered Kydex alternatives, but the reputation of Safariland’s integrated locking systems and the specific fit for my Sig Sauer models tipped the scales. My first reaction was a sense of quiet confidence; this looked like it would do the job.

Real-World Testing: Putting the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested this holster primarily on the range and during simulated force-on-force exercises. The specific model reviewed is configured for a Sig Sauer P220 or P226 with a 4.41″ barrel. Mounting it to my duty belt was straightforward, thanks to the Mid Ride belt loop which offered a comfortable balance between accessibility and concealment.

The initial draw required a deliberate sequence: disengaging the thumb-activated ALS lock and then pulling the weapon straight up. This took a few repetitions to become second nature, but the tactile feedback from the locking mechanism was reassuring. I experienced no unexpected snags or catches during these initial draws, even when moving dynamically.

After several hours of range time, including drawing from various positions and speeds, the holster showed no signs of stress. The material remained stiff and supportive, and the weapon seated and released consistently. It felt secure enough to allow for vigorous movement without any worry of weapon retention failure.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months of consistent use, this Safariland holster has proven to be exceptionally reliable. It has accompanied me through numerous training sessions, including those in less-than-ideal weather conditions, from dusty outdoor ranges to humid indoor facilities. The ALS Automatic Locking System continued to function flawlessly, ensuring the firearm remained secure.

The Hood Guard is standard on this model and provided an extra layer of security against environmental elements or accidental contact. There are no noticeable cracks, stiffness, or performance degradation in the locking mechanisms or the holster body. Maintenance has been minimal, requiring only an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth and perhaps a light application of silicone lubricant to the ALS mechanism if it ever felt less smooth.

Compared to previous, less secure holsters I’ve used, this unit offers a night-and-day difference in terms of Level III Retention. While some budget Kydex holsters can loosen over time or require constant adjustment, the molded design of this Safariland holster maintains its precise fit. It has certainly exceeded my expectations for durability and consistent performance in a duty-grade holster.

Breaking Down the Features of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262

Specifications

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262 is designed to accommodate specific Sig Sauer models, including the P220 (before G158180), P226 (before 365426), and P226DAO/P220DAO variants, all with a 4.41″ barrel. This precise fit is crucial for the effectiveness of its retention systems. The holster utilizes an ALS Automatic Locking System, which secures the weapon once holstered and requires a specific thumb release for extraction.

This holster offers Level III Retention as standard, providing a robust security measure. It can be upgraded to Level IV Retention with the optional Sentry device, which adds an additional retention strap over the front of the firearm. The construction features a Nylon-Look finish, which offers a balance of durability and a professional aesthetic, resisting scuffs and abrasions common in field use. The Mid Ride belt loop ensures the holster sits comfortably on the duty belt, facilitating a balanced draw stroke.

The Slim, compact design is a noteworthy feature, allowing the weapon to ride closer to the body than many other retention holsters. This reduces printing and improves comfort during extended wear. The Hood Guard is integrated, providing protection to the firearm’s rear sight and slide from impacts and environmental debris. The draw is designed to be a simple, straight-up motion once all release mechanisms are deactivated.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Safariland ALS holster performs exceptionally well. The ALS Automatic Locking System provides a secure and audible click when the firearm is holstered, confirming proper seating. The weapon remains firmly in place during rigorous movement, including running, jumping, and rolling, with no chance of accidental disengagement.

The draw stroke, while requiring deliberate action, is smooth and efficient once the user is proficient. The thumb-activated ALS lever is intuitively positioned, and the Hood Guard does not impede the straight-up draw. The Level III Retention feels very secure, offering peace of mind in high-threat environments.

The main strength of this holster is its uncompromising retention capability without being overly complex. Its primary weakness, if one could call it that, is the slight learning curve associated with the ALS system for those accustomed to simpler thumb-break or open-top designs. However, this is a minor trade-off for the significant increase in security. It consistently meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-grade retention holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262 boasts a practical and functional design. The Nylon-Look finish is aesthetically pleasing and surprisingly resilient to wear and tear; it resists scuffing better than I anticipated. The molded design ensures a precise fit for the specified Sig Sauer models, minimizing any slop or movement.

Ergonomically, the Mid Ride belt loop offers an excellent balance, allowing for a natural grip and draw while keeping the firearm accessible. The Slim, compact design also contributes positively to comfort and concealability, even for a Level III retention holster. The ALS release lever is well-placed for a natural thumb motion during the draw.

There are no extraneous controls or sharp edges to interfere with weapon manipulation or comfort. The Hood Guard is integrated seamlessly, providing protection without creating an obstacle during the draw. Every element of its design appears to be focused on functionality and security in real-world applications.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended testing, this Safariland holster is built for longevity. The high-quality polymer and the robust design suggest it will withstand years of heavy use in demanding conditions. I have experienced no issues with material fatigue, cracks, or malfunctions in the ALS mechanism.

Maintenance is straightforward and requires minimal effort. A simple cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. For optimal performance of the ALS mechanism, a light application of a silicone-based lubricant to the moving parts can be beneficial, though this is rarely needed.

The molded construction means there are few points of potential failure. The only area to be mindful of is ensuring the ALS Automatic Locking System remains free of excessive dirt or grit that could impede its smooth operation. Overall, its durability and ease of maintenance are significant assets for professional users.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262 comes equipped with the integrated Hood Guard and the Mid Ride belt loop. The product description clearly states that an optional Sentry device is available, which would upgrade the retention to Level IV Retention. This is a significant accessory for those requiring the absolute highest level of firearm security.

The holster is designed for the specified Sig Sauer pistol models; therefore, customization in terms of weapon fit is limited to ensuring you have the correct model. However, Safariland offers a variety of mounting platforms and belt loops that can be purchased separately, allowing users to adapt the holster to different carry methods or preferences, such as a drop-leg configuration or different belt attachments. This modularity enhances its versatility for various operational needs.

Pros and Cons of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262

Who Should Buy the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262?

This holster is an excellent choice for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and responsible citizens who prioritize Level III Retention and require absolute confidence in their firearm’s security. It is particularly well-suited for individuals carrying firearms in high-risk environments or those involved in dynamic training scenarios where weapon retention is paramount. The specific fit for Sig Sauer P220 and P226 models makes it ideal for owners of these reliable firearms.

Those who need a simple, no-frills open-top holster for speed-only applications might find the ALS system’s engagement and disengagement steps slightly more involved than their needs. Similarly, if you carry a firearm not listed in the compatible models, this specific unit will not be suitable. For an enhanced security package, consider purchasing the optional Sentry device to achieve Level IV Retention.

Conclusion on the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Nylon-Look, Left 6360-77-262 stands out as a superior duty-grade holster that delivers on its promises of security and reliable performance. Its robust construction, thoughtful design, and effective ALS Automatic Locking System make it a trustworthy piece of equipment for demanding professions. The Slim, compact design and comfortable Mid Ride belt loop further enhance its practicality for daily wear.

At its price point of $195.00, this holster represents a solid investment in firearm security and personal safety. The exceptional retention capabilities and durability justify the cost for anyone who cannot afford to compromise on weapon security. I would confidently recommend this holster to law enforcement, security personnel, and anyone requiring a high level of firearm retention for their Sig Sauer P220 or P226. It’s a piece of gear that provides peace of mind without hindering operational effectiveness.