Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 Review

Why the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 Might Be Right for You

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who require a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. Manufactured by Safariland, this holster combines the proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) with a Level III retention system for enhanced security. The drop Uniform Belt Loop (UBL) platform lowers the holster, providing a more natural draw stroke while accommodating body armor and other gear.

My search for a holster that offered both speed and security led me to the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81. I needed a holster that could withstand the rigors of daily duty while ensuring my sidearm remained secure in any situation. After years of using various Level II holsters, I wanted to upgrade to Level III for the added peace of mind it offers.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction and the beautiful basket weave finish. The holster felt solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand daily wear and tear. The drop UBL platform appeared sturdy and ready to integrate seamlessly with my duty belt.

I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900, but ultimately chose the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81. The Safariland’s reputation for quality and reliability, combined with the proven ALS system, made it the clear winner in my book. Plus, the UBL system offered a more adjustable and comfortable carry position than the other options.

My initial impression was one of excitement and anticipation. I was eager to put the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 to the test and experience the added security and comfort it promised. I knew it would be a game-changer in my everyday carry.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 at the shooting range during a firearms training session. The range offered a controlled environment to practice drawing and re-holstering, as well as conducting various shooting drills. I wanted to assess its performance under stress and ensure I could effectively operate the retention system under pressure.

The weather conditions were typical for a summer afternoon – hot and humid. Despite the sweat, the holster maintained a secure grip on my Beretta 92FS. It took a little getting used to deactivating the ALS and the hood simultaneously, but after a few repetitions, it became second nature.

Initially, I found the draw stroke slightly different compared to my previous holster. The drop UBL positioned the firearm lower, requiring a slightly adjusted grip and angle. However, after a few hours of practice, I adapted to the new position and found it to be much more natural and efficient.

The only minor issue I encountered was a slight stiffness in the hood rotation. With repeated use and a little lubrication, it smoothed out and became much easier to operate. Overall, my first experience with the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 was positive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of daily use on duty, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 has proven to be incredibly durable and reliable. There are no signs of wear and tear beyond the expected scuffs from regular use. The basket weave finish has held up exceptionally well, maintaining its professional appearance.

The holster requires minimal maintenance. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. I occasionally lubricate the ALS mechanism and the hood pivot point with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.

Compared to my previous holsters, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 outperforms them in terms of security, comfort, and durability. The Level III retention gives me added peace of mind, while the drop UBL provides a more comfortable and efficient carry position. It is a significant upgrade.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81

Specifications

• Level III Retention: Offers enhanced security by requiring multiple distinct actions to release the firearm. This is crucial in preventing unauthorized access or accidental disarming.
• ALS (Automatic Locking System): Secures the weapon automatically upon holstering. This provides immediate retention without requiring any manual operation.
• Hood Guard: Protects the thumb lever from accidental activation or tampering. This adds another layer of security and prevents unintentional release.
• Drop UBL (Uniform Belt Loop): Lowers the holster from the belt line, providing a more comfortable and natural draw. This is particularly beneficial when wearing body armor or other load-bearing equipment.
• Basket Black Finish: Provides a professional and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The basket weave texture also enhances grip and reduces glare.
• Right Hand: Specifically designed for right-handed users. This ensures proper fit and function for right-handed draw strokes.
• Fits Beretta 92F, 92FS, 92G, 96, 96G: Designed to perfectly fit these specific Beretta models. The precise molding ensures secure retention and smooth draw.
• 1.5″ Belt Drop: Optimizes the holster’s position for users who need a fast and accessible firearm. It makes the firearm much easier to draw while seated in a vehicle.

These specifications are critical for a duty holster. They ensure the firearm remains secure while providing a fast and efficient draw when needed.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 performs its job exceptionally well. The combination of the ALS and Level III retention system provides a secure hold on the firearm, while the drop UBL allows for a smooth and natural draw.

The holster’s strengths lie in its security, durability, and comfort. The ALS system works flawlessly, and the Level III retention gives an added layer of security.

One potential area for improvement would be to offer the holster with adjustable tension screws to allow users to fine-tune the retention level to their preference. However, the factory setting is well-balanced and functional for most users.

The holster meets and exceeds my expectations for a duty holster. It is reliable, secure, and comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is exceptional, with durable materials and meticulous attention to detail. The holster feels solid and well-constructed, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of daily duty.

The drop UBL platform is comfortable and distributes the weight of the firearm evenly across the hip. The holster is user-friendly. It requires a little practice to master the draw stroke, but it becomes intuitive after a few repetitions.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 is built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure it can withstand years of daily use.

The holster requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the moving parts is all that is needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 comes with a hood guard and drop UBL platform. The Safariland offers various accessories, including different belt loops, leg shrouds, and optic-compatible hoods.

The holster is compatible with a range of Safariland accessories. This allows users to customize the holster to their specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81

Who Should Buy Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81?

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and military professionals who require a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. It’s ideal for those who work in high-risk environments where weapon security is paramount.

This product may not be the best choice for casual shooters or concealed carry permit holders. The Level III retention system can be overkill for those who don’t require the added security.

A must-have accessory is a good quality duty belt that is stiff enough to support the weight of the holster and firearm. Consider adding a Safariland leg shroud for even greater stability and comfort during extended wear.

Conclusion on Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 is an outstanding duty holster that delivers exceptional security, comfort, and durability. Its Level III retention system and smooth ALS draw make it an ideal choice for law enforcement and security professionals.

The price is justified given the high-quality materials, robust construction, and enhanced security features. This Safariland holster provides peace of mind in high-risk situations.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Basket Black, Right Hand 6365-73-81 to anyone who needs a reliable and secure duty holster. Upgrade your carry today and experience the Safariland difference!