How the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 Changed My Routine
For years, I’ve relied on various holsters, but none have quite struck the balance between security, accessibility, and comfort like the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91. Manufactured by Safariland, this holster boasts their renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS) and Level III retention, giving me peace of mind whether I’m on the range, out in the field, or simply going about my daily routine. Its drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) and hi-gloss finish also offer a professional look and comfortable carry.
I sought out this holster specifically to upgrade my duty rig’s security. My previous Level II holster felt inadequate given the increased risks of my patrol area. I needed something that provided positive retention, ease of draw, and a robust build quality that could withstand the rigors of daily use.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the holster’s sleek, hi-gloss black finish. The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 felt substantial in hand, giving the impression of a well-made, durable piece of kit. The ALS system operated smoothly, and the hood guard felt intuitive to manipulate.
Before settling on the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91, I considered the Blackhawk Serpa Level 3 and the Safariland 6378 ALS Concealment Paddle Holster. The Serpa’s release mechanism felt less natural to me, and I was concerned about the potential for accidental discharges under stress. While the 6378 offered ALS retention, it lacked the Level III security and drop UBL of the 6365, which I required for my duty belt setup.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the increased security and professional look, but also slightly apprehensive about the learning curve associated with the Level III retention system. Thankfully, practice quickly instilled confidence, and the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 has become an indispensable part of my everyday carry.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first serious test of the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 came during a week-long firearms training course. This involved countless repetitions of drawing and re-holstering under simulated stress scenarios. The range environment was dusty and hot, providing a good proving ground for the holster’s functionality.
Despite the harsh conditions, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 performed flawlessly. The ALS system consistently locked the weapon securely, and the draw stroke, once mastered, was fast and fluid. I experienced no malfunctions or failures during the entire week.
The draw required some familiarization, mainly coordinating the thumb release of the ALS with the middle finger disengaging the hood guard. After a few hours of dry-fire practice, the movement became second nature. The drop UBL positioned the firearm perfectly for a natural draw, minimizing any unnecessary strain on my wrist or shoulder.
My only minor issue initially was the stiffness of the hood guard. After applying a small amount of Safariland silicone lubricant, it operated much more smoothly. Overall, the first-time use of the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 was overwhelmingly positive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 has proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. It has seen exposure to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures without any degradation in performance. The hi-gloss finish has held up well, resisting scratches and scuffs.
The ALS system continues to function flawlessly, providing consistent and secure weapon retention. The draw stroke remains smooth and efficient, even after thousands of repetitions. The drop UBL has maintained its position on my duty belt, showing no signs of loosening or shifting.
Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and lubricating the ALS mechanism with Safariland silicone spray. The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 has far exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability, significantly outperforming previous holsters I’ve used.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91
Specifications
The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 is a duty-grade holster designed for professionals who require a high level of security and accessibility. It is specifically molded to fit the Beretta 92F, 92FS, 92G, 96, and 96G series pistols. The holster is constructed from durable SafariSeven nylon blend, known for its resistance to heat, cold, and abrasions.
The key specifications include Level III Retention, which combines the ALS (Automatic Locking System) with a rotating hood guard. This dual-layer security ensures the weapon remains secure even during strenuous activity or attempted disarming. It also has a slim and compact design, which allows the weapon to ride close to the body. The Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) positions the holster for an optimal draw stroke.
The fact that it’s a right-hand holster is, of course, critical for right-handed users, but it’s a spec often overlooked when ordering. The hi-gloss black finish provides a professional and easily cleanable appearance. The holster also includes the hood guard as a standard feature, adding another layer of security.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 excels in its primary function: providing secure weapon retention while allowing for a rapid and efficient draw. The ALS system automatically engages when the weapon is holstered, requiring only a simple thumb release to disengage. The rotating hood guard adds an additional layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to the weapon.
The straight-up draw once all releases are deactivated is smooth and natural. The UBL drop positions the holster perfectly for a consistent draw stroke.
One potential area for improvement would be the addition of an optional tension adjustment screw to fine-tune the draw resistance. However, the factory setting has proven to be adequate for most users. Overall, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-grade holster.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 prioritizes both functionality and comfort. The SafariSeven nylon blend is lightweight yet incredibly durable, providing excellent protection for the firearm without adding unnecessary bulk. The drop UBL positions the holster at an optimal height, minimizing strain on the wrist and shoulder during the draw.
The hi-gloss black finish offers a professional and easily maintainable appearance. The holster is relatively user-friendly, although mastering the Level III retention system requires some practice. However, once the draw stroke is mastered, it becomes a seamless and intuitive motion.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. The SafariSeven nylon blend is highly resistant to heat, cold, abrasions, and chemicals. The ALS mechanism is robust and reliable, providing consistent weapon retention even after thousands of draws.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and lubrication of the ALS mechanism with Safariland silicone spray. With proper care, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 is primarily a standalone holster, Safariland offers a range of accessories that can enhance its functionality. The optional Sentry adds an additional layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to the weapon. Different UBL (Universal Belt Loop) models are available to adjust the ride height and angle of the holster.
The holster is compatible with a variety of Safariland belt attachments, allowing users to customize their carry setup. While the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 is specifically molded for the Beretta 92/96 series, it is not compatible with other firearm platforms without modification.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91
Pros
- Exceptional Level III Retention: Provides superior weapon security in demanding environments.
- Smooth and Efficient Draw Stroke: Allows for a rapid and consistent draw once the system is mastered.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of daily use with the SafariSeven material.
- Comfortable Carry: The Drop UBL positions the holster for optimal comfort and draw.
- Professional Appearance: The Hi-Gloss Black finish offers a clean and professional look.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Requires practice to master the Level III retention system.
- Limited Firearm Compatibility: Specifically designed for Beretta 92/96 series pistols.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91?
The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon security and accessibility. It is ideal for those who carry a Beretta 92/96 series pistol and need a reliable duty holster.
Those who prefer simpler Level I or Level II retention systems, or those who require a more universal holster that fits multiple firearm platforms, should skip this product. For concealed carry, the larger size and Level III retention of the 6365 might be excessive, and a smaller, more streamlined holster would be more appropriate.
A must-have accessory would be the Safariland silicone lubricant to ensure smooth operation of the ALS system and hood guard. An optional Sentry can provide an additional layer of security.
Conclusion on Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91
In summary, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 is an outstanding duty holster that provides exceptional weapon security, a smooth draw stroke, and durable construction. While there is a slight learning curve associated with the Level III retention system, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
The price is justified given the high quality of materials, robust construction, and superior performance. I would personally highly recommend the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-73-91 to anyone who needs a reliable and secure duty holster for their Beretta 92/96 series pistol. Upgrade your security today and experience the Safariland difference!