Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 Review

Grit & Gear: Testing the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 is a duty-grade holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals, offering a blend of retention, speed, and accessibility. Manufactured by Safariland, this holster combines the Automatic Locking System (ALS) with Level III retention, along with a drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) for comfortable carry. The high-gloss black finish adds a professional touch, making it a popular choice for uniformed officers.

I was searching for a holster that offered both a high degree of weapon security and a smooth, efficient draw. My previous holster, while reliable, lacked the advanced retention features I needed for peace of mind in higher-risk environments. I wanted a Level III retention holster that wouldn’t compromise my ability to quickly deploy my weapon when necessary.

Upon unboxing, the Safariland 6365 made a strong impression. The high-gloss finish was immaculate, and the holster felt substantial and well-built. The materials felt robust, and the ALS mechanism operated smoothly.

Compared to a Blackhawk! Serpa Level 2 and a Bianchi Accumold Elite, the Safariland stood out due to its superior retention and refined draw stroke. While the Blackhawk! offered speed, it lacked the multi-layered security. The Bianchi, while comfortable, didn’t provide the active retention needed for duty use.

My first impression was excitement mixed with a bit of anticipation. I was eager to test the holster’s functionality and see if it lived up to Safariland’s reputation for quality and reliability. The combination of ALS and Level III retention seemed promising, but real-world use would be the true test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 at a local shooting range, focusing on drawing and re-holstering drills. I also integrated it into force-on-force training scenarios. The holster performed admirably in both environments.

The holster performed well in both dry and slightly humid conditions. The ALS mechanism remained smooth and reliable, regardless of moisture. Drawing the weapon was consistent and predictable.

There was a slight learning curve to mastering the ALS release while deactivating the other retention safeties, but it quickly became intuitive with practice. The drop UBL positioned the weapon perfectly for a natural draw stroke.

Initially, I was concerned about the high-gloss finish attracting attention and reflecting light. However, in practical use, this proved to be a non-issue, and the aesthetic appeal was undeniable. The retention hood also took some getting used to deactivating along with the ALS system during the draw.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 has proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. It has become my go-to duty holster.

The holster shows minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use in demanding conditions. The ALS mechanism remains smooth and the high-gloss finish still looks new. The rugged construction inspires confidence.

Cleaning and maintaining the holster is straightforward. Regular wiping with a damp cloth keeps the high-gloss finish looking pristine, and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism ensures smooth operation.

Compared to my previous holsters, the Safariland far outperforms them in terms of retention, speed, and durability. It instills a sense of confidence and security that my older holsters simply couldn’t match. This is especially important for officers working in high-risk environments.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91

Specifications

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 boasts several key specifications. It features Level III Retention, ALS (Automatic Locking System), and a Hood Guard as standard.

• Level III Retention: Provides three independent levels of security to prevent unauthorized weapon removal. This is critical for law enforcement in crowded environments.
• ALS (Automatic Locking System): Secures the weapon automatically upon holstering. This prevents accidental dislodgement.
• Hood Guard: Protects the thumb release lever, further preventing unintended release. This enhances officer safety.
• Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop): Lowers the holster for a more comfortable draw, especially when wearing body armor. This improves accessibility.
• Hi-Gloss Black Finish: Offers a professional and easily cleanable appearance. This provides a sleek and durable finish.
• Fits: Specifically designed for the Beretta PX4 Storm. A proper fit is essential for safe and reliable operation.
• Type: Right Hand configuration. Ensures ergonomic compatibility for right-handed users.

These specifications translate directly into enhanced performance, security, and comfort for the user. The Level III retention offers peace of mind, while the ALS ensures a fast and intuitive draw. The drop UBL enhances comfort during prolonged wear, while the Hi-Gloss finish delivers a professional appearance.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 excels in its primary function: securely retaining and quickly deploying a firearm. The ALS mechanism is exceptionally reliable, and the Level III retention provides an added layer of security.

• Accuracy and Reliability: The secure retention ensures the weapon stays in place during strenuous activity, without accidental dislodgement. The draw stroke is smooth and consistent, contributing to improved accuracy.
• Usability and Comfort: The drop UBL positions the weapon for a natural and comfortable draw. The ALS release is intuitive and easy to master with practice.

The holster’s primary strength lies in its balance of retention and accessibility. The weakness can be the initial learning curve required to master the multi-stage release.

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 exceeds expectations in terms of security and reliability. It provides a level of confidence that is crucial for law enforcement professionals.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 is built with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. The holster feels robust and well-constructed, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily duty use.

The holster is surprisingly lightweight for its level of retention, and the drop UBL distributes the weight comfortably. The ALS release lever is ergonomically positioned for easy access. There is a moderate learning curve for mastering the ALS system.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 is built to last. The durable materials and robust construction ensure it can withstand years of use.

The holster is relatively easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism are all that’s required to keep it in optimal condition. The high-gloss finish resists scratches and abrasions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 comes standard with a Hood Guard and the Drop UBL. It also offers an optional Sentry device for added security.

Safariland offers a range of accessories, including different UBL heights, leg shrouds, and tactical lights that can be mounted to the holster. The Safariland mounting pattern is widely compatible with accessories from other brands, such as Safariland and G-Code.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91

Who Should Buy Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91?

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 is perfect for uniformed law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention and accessibility. It is ideal for those who work in crowded environments or face a higher risk of weapon takeaways.

This holster might not be suitable for casual shooters or those who prioritize speed over security. Concealed carriers might find it too bulky for everyday carry.

A must-have accessory would be the Safariland Sentry, which adds an extra layer of security against unauthorized weapon removal. Additional UBL heights can also be beneficial for optimizing comfort and draw stroke.

Conclusion on Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional performance, security, and reliability. While the initial learning curve and higher price point may be deterrents for some, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

The price is justified by the quality of materials, the robust construction, and the superior level of retention. The ALS mechanism and Level III security provide peace of mind, while the drop UBL enhances comfort and accessibility.

I would highly recommend the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Right Hand 6365-180-91 to any law enforcement or security professional who demands the best. Invest in your safety and performance – you won’t be disappointed.