Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-77-92 Review

Inside the Experience: Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-77-92

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-77-92 isn’t just a holster; it’s a statement. Manufactured by Safariland, this Level III retention holster promises a high degree of security and a professional appearance, crucial for law enforcement and security personnel. Its Automatic Locking System (ALS) and Level III retention, combined with the drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop), piqued my interest, especially since I needed a secure and accessible left-handed holster for duty use.

As a left-handed shooter working in a high-risk environment, I’ve struggled to find a holster that offers both speed and unyielding retention. Many holsters compromise on one or the other. I was searching for something robust, reliable, and specifically designed for left-handed draw, leading me to the Safariland 6365.

Unboxing the Safariland 6365 was a moment of anticipation. The hi-gloss black finish immediately conveyed a sense of professionalism and durability. The molded construction felt solid, and the ALS mechanism clicked reassuringly, promising the retention I was looking for. Compared to my previous Level II retention holster (a generic brand), the Safariland 6365 felt significantly more substantial and secure.

I also considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System. I picked the Safariland 6365 due to its balance of retention levels, accessibility, and specifically its drop UBL. The Safariland 6365 seemed to offer a faster draw than a full-flap holster and greater security than some open-top designs. My first impression was a mix of excitement and slight intimidation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-77-92 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at the shooting range during a force-on-force training exercise. I needed to simulate realistic scenarios with active movement and dynamic engagement. The range provided a controlled yet demanding environment to assess draw speed and retention under pressure. The Safariland 6365 was tested in dry, moderate temperatures, with simulated close-quarters combat drills.

The holster performed admirably. The ALS system took some getting used to, requiring a deliberate thumb activation to release the weapon. After a few practice draws, the motion became fluid and natural. The drop UBL positioned the firearm perfectly for a comfortable grip and quick draw, even with heavy tactical gloves. There were no jams or failures in the mechanism; the weapon consistently released smoothly and efficiently.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of daily duty use, the Safariland 6365 has proven to be a reliable and robust piece of equipment. It’s been exposed to rain, dust, and the general wear and tear of patrol work. There are minor scuffs on the hi-gloss finish, but the holster’s structure and retention mechanism remain unaffected.

Cleaning the holster is simple: a wipe down with a damp cloth keeps it looking professional. The ALS mechanism requires occasional lubrication to ensure smooth operation. Comparing it to my previous nylon holster, the Safariland 6365 is a significant upgrade in terms of durability and security. It offers a noticeable improvement in both peace of mind and tactical advantage.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-77-92

Specifications

• Category: ALS Holsters. This classifies the holster within Safariland’s range of Automatic Locking System (ALS) products, highlighting its primary retention mechanism.

• Finish/Color: Hi Gloss Black. The hi-gloss finish provides a professional appearance suitable for law enforcement and security personnel. This also contributes to the holster’s durability and resistance to scratches.

• Fits: Sig Sauer – P220, P226. The holster is specifically molded to fit the Sig Sauer P220 and P226, ensuring a secure and precise fit. This tailored fit minimizes weapon movement within the holster and ensures a consistent draw.

• Type: Left Hand. Designed exclusively for left-handed users, the holster ensures a natural and efficient draw stroke. This is crucial for tactical efficiency and safety.

• Level III Retention: Offers a high degree of weapon security, requiring multiple deliberate actions to release the firearm. This is essential for preventing unauthorized access to the weapon.

• ALS (Automatic Locking System): Secures the weapon automatically upon holstering, providing immediate retention. This passive retention mechanism minimizes the risk of accidental dislodgement.

• Hood Guard: Protects the SLS (Self Locking System) hood, further enhancing security. This feature prevents unauthorized manipulation of the hood release.

• Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop): Positions the holster lower on the belt, improving draw speed and comfort, especially when wearing body armor. The drop UBL enhances accessibility and reduces interference with other gear.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6365 excels in its primary function: securely retaining a firearm while allowing for a rapid and controlled draw. The ALS system is intuitive once mastered, providing a positive and reliable locking mechanism. There is no doubt that it delivers on its Level III security promise.

However, the high-gloss finish can be prone to scratching, and the ALS release requires practice to become second nature. The design definitely meets expectations for security and accessibility, providing a confident and reliable carry solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6365 is built from a durable, molded synthetic material that feels robust and well-made. The holster’s weight is noticeable but manageable, especially when worn with a duty belt. The drop UBL design contributes to a comfortable carry position, preventing the weapon from digging into the hip or ribcage.

There is a moderate learning curve associated with the ALS release, but the design is ultimately user-friendly and intuitive. Regular practice is recommended to achieve a smooth and efficient draw.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6365 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The molded construction resists cracking and deformation, while the ALS mechanism is designed for long-term reliability. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism.

With proper care, the Safariland 6365 should provide years of dependable service. Its robust design ensures its reliability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6365 is compatible with a range of Safariland accessories, including various belt loops and leg shrouds. The optional Sentry device adds an additional layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to the ALS release. While the holster is designed specifically for the Sig Sauer P220 and P226, it may be possible to modify it slightly to accommodate similar-sized firearms. However, such modifications are not recommended and may void the warranty.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-77-92

• Fast Draw: The drop UBL design facilitates a rapid and efficient draw stroke, crucial in tactical situations.

• Durable Construction: Molded from robust synthetic materials, the holster is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use.

• Professional Appearance: The hi-gloss black finish conveys a sense of professionalism and authority.

• Left-Handed Design: Specifically designed for left-handed users, ensuring a natural and ergonomic draw stroke.

• ALS Learning Curve: Requires practice to master the ALS release, potentially slowing down the initial draw speed.

Who Should Buy Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-77-92?

Perfect for: Law enforcement officers, security personnel, and private security contractors who require a high level of weapon retention and a professional appearance. This is also perfect for anyone needing a secure holster for their Sig Sauer P220 or P226.

Who should skip this product? Those seeking a concealed carry holster or users who prefer a minimalist design with minimal retention features. The Safariland 6365 is overkill for casual range use or open carry applications.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality duty belt is essential to properly support the holster and firearm. The optional Sentry device adds an extra layer of security for those operating in high-risk environments.

Conclusion on Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-77-92

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6365-77-92 is a well-designed and robust holster that delivers on its promise of security and accessibility. At $212.60, the price is justified considering the Level III retention and durable construction. I would recommend it to any left-handed professional who requires a reliable and secure duty holster for their Sig Sauer P220 or P226.

It provides peace of mind and a tactical advantage. Invest in your safety and efficiency; get the Safariland 6365.