Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 Review

Putting the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 Through Its Paces

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 is a duty-grade holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who demand a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry position. Manufactured by Safariland, this holster combines their proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) with a Level III retention system and a drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) for optimal security and accessibility. This combination makes it an attractive option for those working in potentially dangerous environments where weapon security is paramount.

As a left-handed shooter with over a decade in tactical gear, I’ve struggled to find holsters that truly balance security, comfort, and speed. My previous holster, while offering decent retention, sat too high on my belt, interfering with my body armor and making draws slower than I liked. The appeal of the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 lay in its promise of improved draw speed through the drop UBL, coupled with the peace of mind that comes with a Level III retention system.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the high-gloss finish – a bold choice for a duty holster. The holster felt solid and well-constructed, with the ALS lever and hood guard operating smoothly. The drop UBL was robust and appeared ready to withstand the rigors of daily use. Compared to my old Blackhawk! Serpa Level 2 and a Safariland 7TS ALS, the 6365 offered a noticeably more secure feel due to the added hood, while the drop UBL seemed more stable than the paddle attachment of the Serpa.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The Hi Gloss Black finish was a bit flashier than I typically prefer for duty gear, but the overall design and robust construction suggested a holster that could deliver on its promises. I was eager to put the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 through its paces and see if it lived up to the Safariland reputation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 was the local shooting range. I focused on practicing my draw stroke and reholstering under simulated stress. The range offered a controlled environment to familiarize myself with the holster’s retention mechanisms.

The holster performed well even after numerous draw-and-fire drills on a hot and dusty afternoon. The ALS system provided a smooth and consistent release, while the Drop UBL positioned the firearm perfectly for a natural draw. Although, I had to spend some time to get used to deactivating both the hood and the ALS during my draw.

During the first range session, the only minor issue I noticed was that the Hi-Gloss Black finish attracted more dust and fingerprints than a matte finish. This was more of an aesthetic concern than a functional one. However, this confirmed my concern about the high-gloss finish being too conspicuous for tactical operations.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use in various training scenarios, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. I’ve used it during force-on-force training in both indoor and outdoor environments. There was even an incident where I had to sprint and take cover behind a vehicle.

The holster shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with only a few minor scratches on the Hi Gloss Black finish. The ALS mechanism still functions flawlessly, and the hood guard remains secure. Cleaning the holster is a simple process, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. The UBL is still firmly in place.

Compared to my previous holster, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 has significantly improved my draw speed and overall weapon security. The level of retention offered by this holster gives me confidence that my firearm is secure, even in the most demanding situations. I am very happy with this holster.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92

Specifications

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 is specifically designed for the Colt Govt 1911. The holster is built around Safariland’s proven ALS (Automatic Locking System), providing Level I retention. Adding the included hood guard increases the retention to Level III.

• Category: ALS Holsters
• Finish/Color: Hi Gloss Black
• Fits: Colt – Govt 1911
• Type: Left Hand
• Retention Level: Level III (with hood guard)
• Mount: Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) – 1.5″ Belt Drop
• Material: Proprietary Safariland materials (exact composition not publicly disclosed)
• Additional Features: Hood Guard Standard, Optional Sentry Available

These specifications are critical for understanding the holster’s intended use and performance. The ALS system ensures the weapon is secure until intentionally released, while the Level III retention provides an added layer of security, crucial for law enforcement and security personnel. The Drop UBL enhances draw speed and comfort, especially when wearing body armor.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 excels in its primary function: securing and providing quick access to a Colt Govt 1911. The ALS system is intuitive and reliable, allowing for a smooth and consistent draw stroke with minimal training. The Drop UBL positions the firearm in a comfortable and accessible location.

The strength of this holster lies in its balance of security and accessibility. The Level III retention system ensures the weapon remains secure, even during strenuous activity or potential confrontations. While this makes it slower to draw than an open-top holster, the improved safety is worth it.

While the Hi Gloss Black finish might not be ideal for all situations, it doesn’t affect the holster’s functionality. The ability to add an optional sentry is a plus, but likely not needed. The holster is a reliable and effective tool for those who prioritize weapon retention.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 features a slim, compact design that allows the weapon to ride close to the body. The holster’s construction is robust, with high-quality materials and precise molding. The Drop UBL is well-designed and provides a stable platform for the holster.

The holster is generally user-friendly, but requires some practice to master the draw stroke with the Level III retention system. Deactivating both the hood guard and the ALS simultaneously takes coordination and muscle memory. With practice, however, the draw becomes smooth and efficient. The ergonomics of the Drop UBL are excellent, providing a comfortable and natural draw position.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. The holster is constructed from durable, proprietary materials that resist wear and tear. The ALS mechanism is robust and reliable.

The holster requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to remove dirt and grime. Periodic lubrication of the ALS mechanism may be necessary to ensure smooth operation. The holster is designed for long-term use and should provide years of reliable service with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 comes standard with a hood guard. It also accepts an optional sentry for added security.

The holster is compatible with a variety of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops and mounting platforms. While the holster itself doesn’t offer much in the way of customization, the ability to swap out belt loops and mounting platforms allows users to tailor the holster to their specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92

Who Should Buy Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92?

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry position. It is ideally suited for individuals who carry a Colt Govt 1911 and need a holster that can withstand the rigors of daily duty. The Level III retention makes it a good choice for those working in potentially hostile environments where weapon security is paramount.

This product might not be the best choice for concealed carry due to its size and Level III retention system, which can slow down the draw. Individuals who prioritize a minimalist design or open-top holster might also prefer other options.

A must-have accessory for this holster is a quality gun belt that can support the weight of the firearm and holster. Some users may also want to consider adding an optional sentry for even greater weapon security.

Conclusion on Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 is a well-designed and reliable duty holster that provides a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry position. While the Hi Gloss Black finish might not be for everyone, the holster’s overall performance and durability are impressive.

At $207.80, the price is justified by the holster’s quality construction, proven ALS system, and Level III retention. The holster is a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize weapon security and need a holster that can withstand the demands of daily duty.

I would personally recommend the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-53-92 to anyone who needs a reliable and secure duty holster for their Colt Govt 1911. If you value weapon security, a fast draw, and a comfortable carry, then this holster is an excellent choice.