Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82 Review

After the Test: My Review of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82

For years, the need for a secure, reliable duty holster has been a constant in my professional life. When my department transitioned to a new sidearm platform, finding the right retention holster became paramount. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82 emerged as a strong contender, promising the highest level of security without sacrificing draw speed. My search for a holster that could handle the rigors of daily patrol, extended range sessions, and unexpected situations led me to this particular Safariland model.

Out of the box, the craftsmanship of this holster was immediately apparent. The Basket Black finish lent it a professional, understated look, and the Kydex felt robust and precisely molded. It felt less like a generic accessory and more like a critical piece of personal protective equipment. I had briefly considered a comparable open-top duty holster from another manufacturer, but the triple-retention system of the Safariland ultimately swayed my decision. A quiet sense of confidence settled in as I began the process of fitting it to my duty belt.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were primarily my department’s indoor and outdoor ranges, alongside daily wear during my shifts. This involved numerous draw and re-holster cycles, ranging from deliberate practice drills to rapid engagement simulations. I paid close attention to how the holster performed under stress, specifically the ease of manipulating the retention devices during a high-stakes draw.

The holster handled the typical environmental factors of my job with grace. Dust from the outdoor range, the occasional light drizzle, and even accidental scuffs against concrete barriers didn’t seem to phase its structural integrity or the function of its retention mechanisms. While intuitive for experienced users, there was a slight learning curve to mastering the smooth, sequential activation of all three retention points for a fluid draw.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of continuous daily use, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82 has proven its mettle. It remains my go-to for duty, showing no significant wear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs from consistent contact with my duty belt and firearm. The ALS Automatic Locking System has maintained its positive engagement, and the thumb-release mechanism operates as smoothly as it did on day one.

Compared to previous holsters, particularly those with simpler retention straps or basic passive retention, this Safariland model offers a tangible upgrade in security without becoming overly cumbersome. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and occasional application of silicone lubricant to the ALS mechanism keeps it in optimal condition. There’s nothing to particularly “watch out for,” which speaks volumes about its robust design.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82

Specifications

The core of this holster’s appeal lies in its Level III Retention. This means it secures the weapon through three distinct points of contact, preventing unauthorized or accidental removal. It’s constructed from a durable proprietary blend of Safari-Tough™ material, ensuring longevity and resistance to impact and abrasion. The holster features a Mid Ride belt loop, placing the firearm at a comfortable height for drawing without being too high or too low. This specific model is designed for a Left Hand draw and fits firearms like the Smith & Wesson 5946 & 5943 DAO Without Rails.

The ALS Automatic Locking System is the primary retention mechanism, automatically engaging as the weapon is holstered. This system requires a specific thumb push-down motion to disengage. The Hood Guard is a standard feature on the 6360 series, adding an extra layer of protection for the firearm’s rear sights and providing a barrier against accidental activation of the ALS. For even higher security, an optional Sentry can be installed, elevating retention to Level IV.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job – securely holding and allowing for the swift deployment of a handgun – the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82 performs exceptionally well. The ALS Automatic Locking System is reliable, providing a secure lock that I trust implicitly. The draw stroke, once mastered, is surprisingly quick given the three levels of retention.

Its major strength is this combination of high security and functional accessibility. The only minor weakness, if one could call it that, is the deliberate sequence required to disengage all retention points. This is by design, of course, but it means the draw isn’t as simple as a straight-up pull like on a Level I or II holster. It meets and arguably exceeds expectations for a duty-grade holster, especially considering its competitive price point within the professional market.

Design & Ergonomics

The Basket Black finish on this holster offers a non-reflective, professional aesthetic suitable for duty wear. The material feels substantial, yet the design maintains a relatively slim profile, allowing the weapon to ride close to the body, which aids in concealment and comfort. The Mid Ride belt loop strikes a good balance, providing accessibility without being obtrusive.

Ergonomically, the holster is well-designed for its intended purpose. The shape naturally guides the hand during a draw, and the ALS release is positioned for an intuitive thumb sweep. There’s a slight learning curve to ensure all retention points are disengaged smoothly, but once ingrained, the motion becomes second nature. Practical design elements like the precise molding for the specific firearm ensure a snug fit, preventing weapon wobble.

Durability & Maintenance

Under normal duty use, this Safariland holster is built to last for many years. The proprietary Safari-Tough™ material is known for its resilience, resisting cracking, flexing, and wear from constant friction. I have yet to encounter any significant failure points, even after dropping the holstered firearm on hard surfaces during training.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick rinse with water and a soft brush to remove debris is usually sufficient. For smoother operation of the ALS mechanism, a light application of silicone lubricant can be beneficial, but it’s not strictly necessary for functionality. The overall design is robust and doesn’t have easily breakable parts, contributing to its long-term durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Model 6360 Duty holster comes standard with the Installed Hood Guard, which is a critical component of its Level III retention. As mentioned, an optional Sentry accessory can be added for Level IV Retention, offering an even higher degree of weapon security. While this specific model is designed for a particular firearm (Smith & Wesson 5946 & 5943 DAO Without Rails), Safariland offers a vast array of holsters designed for countless firearm models.

The primary “customization” available for this holster system is the addition of the optional Sentry or a Hood Guard/Sentry combination. These accessories are designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing holster mechanism, providing a modular approach to enhancing retention without requiring a completely different holster.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82

Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82?

This holster is ideal for law enforcement officers, security personnel, or any individual who requires the highest level of weapon retention for their duty firearm. It is particularly well-suited for those who operate in environments where weapon retention is a critical safety concern and where accidental or unauthorized disarming is a significant risk. If you carry a firearm that is compatible with this specific model, and you prioritize absolute security without sacrificing a functional draw, this Safariland holster is an excellent choice.

Anyone needing a simple, everyday concealed carry holster without the strict retention requirements of a duty environment might find this overkill and potentially cumbersome. Those who prioritize extreme speed over security in a Level I or Level II holster might also consider alternatives. For maximizing its utility, ensuring you have the correct firearm model fit is paramount, and considering the optional Sentry for Level IV Retention is worthwhile if your threat assessment warrants it.

Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-320-82 is a testament to Safariland’s reputation for producing top-tier duty gear. It masterfully balances robust security features with a design that allows for a surprisingly efficient draw once proficiency is achieved. The build quality is exceptional, promising years of reliable service even under demanding conditions.

Considering the security it offers, the durability of its construction, and the peace of mind it provides, the approximately $195.00 price point is more than justified for professionals who depend on their equipment. I would absolutely recommend this holster to fellow officers and anyone requiring a Level III Retention duty holster for compatible firearms. It’s a serious piece of kit for serious users who can’t afford to compromise on weapon security.