One Tool, Many Questions: The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92 isn’t just a piece of gear; it’s a statement. It speaks of duty, responsibility, and the need for reliable security. As a left-handed shooter with over a decade in tactical gear, I’ve seen holsters come and go, but the Safariland name always demands respect, and the ALS (Automatic Locking System) is a hallmark of their commitment to retention.
My department recently mandated Level III retention for all on-duty sidearms. I needed a holster that met those requirements, offered a secure draw, and wouldn’t feel like I was fighting it every time I needed my weapon. The ALS system appealed to me with its promise of intuitive operation under stress, and the UBL (Universal Belt Loop) promised compatibility with my existing duty belt setup.
Upon unboxing, the Safariland 6360 presented a serious and professional image. The Hi Gloss Black finish, while perhaps not ideal for covert operations, is undeniably sharp and easy to clean. The overall construction felt solid and durable, the polymer thick and seemingly impervious to the wear and tear of daily use.
I had been considering a Blackhawk Serpa Level 3 and a Blade-Tech WRS Level 2 before settling on the Safariland. The Serpa’s trigger finger release made me nervous, and the Blade-Tech lacked the same level of proven reliability in high-stress situations. Safariland offered a blend of security and speed that felt right for my needs.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I was impressed by the build quality, but also wary of the potential for a Level III holster to be cumbersome in practice. I was excited to see how the ALS and hood guard would perform under real-world conditions, but also concerned about whether I could draw quickly and efficiently when seconds mattered.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland 6360 at the range during a departmental training day. We ran drills simulating various scenarios, from quick draws to retention struggles. The holster was put through its paces under pressure.
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III handled the dry fire exercises admirably, even in light rain. The ALS release became second nature after a few repetitions, and the hood guard added an extra layer of security without significantly hindering the draw. There was a slight initial learning curve with deactivating both the hood and ALS simultaneously, but practice quickly smoothed out the process.
The only initial issue was a slight rubbing of the holster body against the slide during re-holstering. A quick adjustment of the UBL position on my belt alleviated the issue. I used the recommended Safariland holster lubricant on the friction point.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use on patrol, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III has proven to be a reliable and dependable piece of equipment. The Hi Gloss Black finish has held up surprisingly well, showing only minor scuffs and scratches. The holster itself still feels as solid as the day I unboxed it.
There are no signs of structural weakness or degradation, despite being exposed to everything from sweltering summer heat to freezing winter temperatures. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth keeps it looking professional. The holster is also incredibly durable.
Compared to my previous open-top holster, the Safariland 6360 provides a significantly higher level of security and peace of mind. The retention system is robust and confidence-inspiring, without sacrificing draw speed once properly trained. It definitely outperforms my expectations for a Level III holster.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92
Specifications
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92 is specifically designed for the Sig Sauer P225, catering to left-handed users. It utilizes Safariland’s proven ALS (Automatic Locking System), providing Level III Retention. It features a Hi Gloss Black finish, constructed from durable Safariland SafariSeven nylon blend.
The holster includes a Hood Guard as standard, with an optional Sentry available for even greater security. The Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) allows for mid-ride positioning on the belt. This offers a comfortable and accessible draw.
These specifications are vital because they directly impact the holster’s functionality and security. The ALS ensures the weapon remains secure until deliberately released, the Hood Guard prevents unauthorized access to the firearm, and the UBL allows for a comfortable and customizable carry position. The fit specific to the Sig Sauer P225 ensures optimal retention and smooth drawing action.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92 excels in its primary function: securely retaining and rapidly deploying a sidearm. The ALS operates smoothly and intuitively, allowing for a natural and efficient draw stroke. The Level III Retention provides peace of mind in potentially combative situations.
The strength lies in its reliability and ease of use. The ALS release is easily accessible and can be quickly mastered with practice. The weakness, if any, is the initial learning curve required to coordinate the hood guard and ALS release simultaneously.
The Safariland 6360 meets and exceeds expectations for a Level III duty holster. It offers a high degree of security without sacrificing draw speed or ease of use. The holster delivers exceptional performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360 features a slim, compact design that keeps the weapon close to the body. This minimizes printing and enhances comfort during extended wear. The Hi Gloss Black finish is aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean, though it may not be ideal for covert operations.
The holster is well-built and feels substantial without being overly bulky. The Ride UBL allows for a comfortable and customizable carry height, accommodating a wide range of body types and belt setups. The learning curve is minimal, with the ALS release becoming second nature after only a few repetitions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 is constructed from high-quality materials and built to withstand the rigors of daily use. The SafariSeven nylon blend is exceptionally durable and resistant to abrasions, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. The holster is designed to last for years with proper care.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and lubrication of the ALS mechanism. The holster is designed for easy user maintenance. The holster is also easily repaired, and Safariland offers a variety of replacement parts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92 is compatible with a variety of Safariland accessories. These include the optional Sentry, various belt loops, and leg shrouds. It is also compatible with many third-party accessories, such as MOLLE adapters and drop-leg platforms.
The Hood Guard can be replaced with the optional Sentry for increased security. The Ride UBL can be swapped out for different belt loops to adjust the ride height and cant. The holster can be further customized with various optics and light attachments (depending on the specific model).
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92
Pros
- Level III Retention provides excellent security against unauthorized access.
- ALS (Automatic Locking System) offers a smooth and intuitive draw stroke.
- Durable construction ensures years of reliable service.
- Ride UBL allows for a comfortable and customizable carry position.
- Hi Gloss Black finish is aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean.
Cons
- Hi Gloss finish might not be ideal for covert operations.
- Slight learning curve to coordinate Hood Guard and ALS release.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92?
Perfect for: Law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone requiring a high degree of weapon retention and security. It is also perfect for left-handed shooters carrying a Sig Sauer P225.
Who should skip this product? Those prioritizing absolute concealment over security or those requiring a holster for a different firearm model.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A Safariland holster lubricant to ensure smooth ALS operation. Also, consider a training course focused on drawing from Level III retention holsters.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-79-92 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional security, reliability, and performance. The ALS system is intuitive and effective, the construction is robust, and the Ride UBL provides a comfortable and customizable carry experience. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who takes their personal safety seriously.
The price is justified by the quality of construction, the reliability of the retention system, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your weapon is secure. The holster provides excellent value.
I would highly recommend this holster to any left-handed shooter carrying a Sig Sauer P225 who needs a Level III retention holster. Invest in your safety and security; the Safariland 6360 is a tool you can trust your life with.