First Impressions of the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92
As a seasoned gear specialist, I’ve seen countless holsters come and go, but the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92 piqued my interest with its promise of Level III retention and the well-regarded Automatic Locking System (ALS). It’s a holster designed for duty carry, where security and rapid access are paramount, and I was eager to see how it performed against the rigors of daily use.
My search for a new duty holster stemmed from a need for enhanced security without sacrificing draw speed. I’d been using a Level II holster for years, but the increasing demands of my work called for an upgrade. I was looking for something that offered more retention without feeling cumbersome or slowing down my response time.
Unboxing the Safariland 6360, the first thing that struck me was the high-gloss finish. The black was deep and reflective, giving it a professional and authoritative look. The build quality felt immediately solid, with a reassuring weight that suggested durability and reliable construction.
I considered the Safariland 7378RDS and the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 Auto Lock Duty Holster before settling on the 6360. The 7378RDS, while versatile, didn’t offer the same level of dedicated retention. The Blackhawk! Serpa, on the other hand, had some concerns regarding its draw stroke under stress, and the Safariland ALS system has a reputation for being incredibly intuitive.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The holster looked and felt like a serious piece of equipment. I was eager to get it onto my duty belt and see how it performed in live scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Safariland 6360 came on the shooting range during a weekly qualification session. The range environment provided a controlled setting to practice the draw stroke and become familiar with the Level III retention. I tested it with my Sig Sauer P229.
Despite being a left-handed model, which is what I needed, the Safariland 6360 needed to be adapted to a new manual of arms. The ALS system was easy to understand, but required some practice to master under pressure. There was a bit of initial fumbling, but after a few dozen draws, the motion became fluid and natural.
The only issue I encountered was a slight bit of “stickiness” with the initial draw. This was easily resolved with some holster lubricant. Otherwise, the holster performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of continuous use in a duty capacity, the Safariland 6360 has proven to be incredibly reliable. It is exposed to rain, dust, and the occasional bump, yet the holster shows minimal signs of wear. The Hi-Gloss Black finish has proven surprisingly resilient.
The holster’s durability is exceptional. There are no cracks, loose screws, or any other indications of structural weakness. The ALS system continues to function smoothly and securely.
Cleaning is straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and grime. This outperforms other duty holsters I’ve used in the past, particularly in terms of long-term durability and retention reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92
Specifications
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92 is specifically designed for left-handed users and accommodates the Sig Sauer P228 and P229 pistols. It achieves Level III Retention, providing a high degree of security for duty carry. The finish is Hi-Gloss Black, offering a professional aesthetic.
- Level III Retention: Ensures a high degree of weapon security, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to remove the firearm. This is crucial in high-risk environments.
- ALS (Automatic Locking System): Secures the weapon automatically upon holstering, preventing accidental dislodging. It allows for a smooth and fast draw when needed.
- Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop): Provides a stable and comfortable platform for the holster, attaching securely to the duty belt. This promotes a consistent draw stroke.
- Hood Guard: Protects the release mechanism from accidental activation or interference, enhancing overall safety. This feature adds another layer of security.
- Finish: The Hi-Gloss Black provides a professional appearance and resists scratches. While it can show fingerprints, it cleans up easily.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Sig Sauer P228 and P229, ensuring a snug and secure fit. This ensures proper retention and function.
These specifications directly impact the holster’s performance and user experience. The Level III Retention offers peace of mind, while the ALS allows for a quick and efficient draw.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 performs admirably in its intended role: providing secure and accessible weapon retention for duty use. The ALS system is intuitive and reliable, allowing for a swift and efficient draw once mastered. The holster’s design keeps the weapon close to the body, minimizing printing and maximizing comfort.
The key strengths are its security, speed of draw (after training), and comfortable ride. The weakness lies in the initial learning curve associated with the ALS system.
The holster meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of secure Level III retention without sacrificing accessibility.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360 boasts a slim and compact design, minimizing bulk and maximizing comfort. The Ride UBL positions the holster at a comfortable mid-ride height, allowing for a natural draw stroke. The materials used are high-quality and durable.
The holster is relatively user-friendly, although the ALS system requires some familiarization. The draw stroke is smooth and efficient once the release mechanism is understood.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 is built to last. The robust construction and durable materials ensure years of reliable service. The Hi-Gloss Black finish is surprisingly resilient to scratches and wear.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is typically all that is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 is compatible with a variety of Safariland accessories, including the optional Sentry. The Sentry adds an additional layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to the weapon.
The holster can be customized with different belt loops and mounting options. It’s compatible with many standard duty belt accessories.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92
Pros
- Exceptional Level III Retention: Provides a high level of weapon security, deterring unauthorized removal.
- Intuitive ALS System: Allows for a fast and efficient draw once mastered, crucial in critical situations.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of duty use, ensuring years of reliable service.
- Comfortable Ride UBL: Positions the holster at a comfortable height, minimizing printing and maximizing comfort.
- Professional Appearance: The Hi-Gloss Black finish looks sharp and authoritative.
Cons
- Learning Curve: The ALS system requires practice to master.
- Hi-Gloss Finish: Can show fingerprints and requires occasional cleaning to maintain its shine.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92?
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone requiring a high level of weapon security with quick access. It’s ideal for those carrying a Sig Sauer P228 or P229 and needing a left-handed holster.
Those unfamiliar with Level III retention systems or unwilling to invest time in practicing the draw stroke should consider a simpler holster. It is also not the best choice for concealed carry due to its size and duty-oriented design.
A good quality duty belt is a must-have accessory to properly support the holster and weapon. Some users may also benefit from the Safariland Sentry for added security.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-74-92 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers on its promise of security and accessibility. The price is justified by the quality of construction, reliable ALS system, and the peace of mind that comes with Level III retention.
I would highly recommend this holster to anyone needing a secure and dependable duty holster for their Sig Sauer P228 or P229. Invest the time to master the ALS system, and you’ll have a holster that will serve you well for years to come. Get yours today and experience the Safariland difference!