Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261 Review

What Happened When I Tried the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261 is a serious piece of kit, designed for duty use where weapon retention is paramount. Coming from Safariland, a brand synonymous with law enforcement and military-grade holsters, my expectations were high. This wasn’t just another holster; this was a Level III retention system promising security, accessibility, and durability, all wrapped in a professional-looking nylon finish.

After years of dealing with various holsters, from open-carry competition rigs to concealed carry solutions, I needed something secure and reliable for potential field deployments. My primary concern was finding a holster that provided multiple layers of retention without sacrificing a smooth, rapid draw. I’d experienced a few close calls with lesser retention holsters, and the peace of mind offered by a Level III system was a significant draw.

Out of the box, the Safariland 6360 felt solid and well-constructed. The “Nylon Look” finish offered a professional, non-reflective appearance, which is crucial in tactical situations. The weight felt appropriate for a duty holster, not too heavy to be cumbersome, but substantial enough to instill confidence.

I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900, both popular options in the duty holster market. I chose the Safariland for its proven ALS (Automatic Locking System), reputation for reliability, and compatibility with my existing belt setup using the Universal Belt Loop (UBL). The Safariland also seemed to offer a slightly smoother draw stroke based on my experience with similar models.

My initial impression was excitement tempered with a touch of apprehension. I was eager to put the holster through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype, but I also knew that Level III holsters can sometimes be bulky and awkward to use if not properly designed. I was hoping the Safariland 6360 would strike the right balance between security and user-friendliness.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Safariland 6360 was at a local shooting range, where I focused on drawing and re-holstering drills. I wanted to familiarize myself with the ALS system and ensure a consistent draw stroke. The weather was dry, with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for testing.

The ALS system took a little getting used to, requiring a deliberate thumb swipe to deactivate the lock. However, after a few repetitions, it became intuitive and surprisingly fast. The draw was smooth and clean, with no snagging or hesitation.

One minor issue I noticed was the initial stiffness of the hood guard release. It required a firm push to disengage, but I anticipated this would loosen up with use. Otherwise, the first experience was positive, instilling confidence in the holster’s security and accessibility.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Safariland 6360 has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. I’ve used it during several training exercises and carried it daily. The holster has shown no signs of wear and tear, even after repeated exposure to dust and dirt.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps it clean. I also applied a small amount of silicone lubricant to the ALS mechanism to ensure smooth operation. The holster has consistently outperformed my previous Level II retention holster, offering a significantly higher level of security without sacrificing draw speed.

Compared to my old holster, the Safariland 6360 inspires confidence in its ability to retain the firearm during strenuous activity or potential confrontations. The peace of mind it provides is invaluable.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261

Specifications

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261 is designed for right-handed users and features a Level III retention system. This system incorporates the ALS (Automatic Locking System) and a rotating hood guard for enhanced security. The holster is finished with a durable Nylon Look material, providing a professional and non-reflective appearance.

It is designed to fit specific firearms, including Springfield Armory XD series pistols in .357, .40, .45, and 9mm calibers. The “Ride UBL” (Universal Belt Loop) allows the holster to ride in a mid-ride position on the belt. This facilitates a comfortable and accessible draw. The holster’s slim and compact design keeps the weapon close to the body.

• Level III Retention: Offers a high degree of security, minimizing the risk of unauthorized weapon removal. This is crucial for law enforcement and military personnel.
• ALS (Automatic Locking System): Secures the weapon automatically upon holstering. Requires a deliberate thumb swipe to release, enhancing safety.
• Hood Guard: Provides an additional layer of retention. Prevents unauthorized access to the firearm.
• Nylon Look Finish: Offers a professional, non-reflective appearance. Reduces visibility and blends well with duty uniforms.
• Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop): Allows the holster to ride in a mid-ride position. Enhances comfort and accessibility.

These specifications combine to create a holster that is both highly secure and user-friendly. The Level III retention system provides peace of mind, while the ALS and UBL ensure a smooth, rapid draw.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6360 performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a duty holster. The ALS system provides reliable weapon retention, preventing accidental or unauthorized removal. The draw stroke is smooth and consistent.

The hood guard, while adding another layer of security, does require practice to master. Once the user becomes familiar with the release mechanism, it does not significantly impede the draw. The holster’s overall functionality is excellent.

The Safariland 6360 meets and exceeds expectations for a Level III retention holster. Its combination of security, accessibility, and durability makes it a top choice for law enforcement and military professionals.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6360 features a slim and compact design. It allows the weapon to ride close to the body. The Nylon Look material provides a professional appearance. The holster is made from durable materials.

The holster’s ergonomic design promotes a comfortable and natural draw stroke. The Ride UBL positions the weapon at an optimal height on the belt. This reduces strain on the wrist and shoulder.

The ALS release is intuitively positioned for easy access with the thumb. The holster does have a slight learning curve due to the Level III retention system. However, the system becomes second nature with practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6360 is built to last. The durable construction can withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The Nylon Look material is resistant to abrasions and scratches.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The ALS mechanism may benefit from periodic lubrication with silicone spray. Overall, the holster is designed for long-term reliability with minimal maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6360 includes a hood guard for enhanced retention. The optional Sentry device can be installed for an even higher level of security. The UBL is compatible with a variety of belt widths.

The holster is also compatible with various Safariland accessories, such as leg shrouds and drop platforms. Users can further customize the holster with different finishes and mounting options. The holster works well with Streamlight TLR series weapon lights.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261

Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261?

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261 is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals. These individuals require a highly secure and reliable holster for their duty weapon. It is also suitable for private citizens who prioritize weapon retention and open carry.

Individuals who prefer minimalist holsters or concealed carry may find the Safariland 6360 to be too bulky. Similarly, those who are unwilling to invest time in mastering the Level III retention system may prefer a simpler holster design.

A must-have accessory is a quality duty belt that is rigid and sturdy enough to support the weight of the holster and firearm. Regularly practicing the draw stroke is also essential to building proficiency with the ALS system.

Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Right Hand 6360-149-261 is an outstanding duty holster that delivers on its promises of security, accessibility, and durability. The Level III retention system provides peace of mind, while the ALS mechanism allows for a surprisingly fast and smooth draw. The value proposition is excellent, given the holster’s high-quality construction and performance.

I would highly recommend the Safariland 6360 to anyone who needs a reliable and secure duty holster. The holster offers features that will improve operational capabilities. Invest in your safety and confidence; get the Safariland 6360 today.