Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 Review

From Curiosity to Confidence: My Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 Review

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who require a high level of weapon retention. Manufactured by Safariland, a trusted name in the industry, this holster combines the Automatic Locking System (ALS) with a Level III retention system, offering both speed and security. The addition of the Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) allows for a lower ride height, improving accessibility and comfort, especially when wearing body armor.

As a left-handed shooter with over a decade in tactical gear, my quest for the perfect duty holster has been ongoing. I needed a holster that wouldn’t just secure my sidearm, but also allow for a smooth, confident draw in high-pressure situations. My previous holster, a Level II retention model from a different manufacturer, felt inadequate after a close-call during a training exercise where weapon retention became paramount.

Unboxing the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62, my first impression was of robust build quality. The plain black finish gave it a professional, no-nonsense look, and the weight felt substantial without being cumbersome. The molded polymer felt incredibly durable, hinting at the holster’s ability to withstand daily wear and tear.

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 – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 for its proven track record and the renowned ALS system. The Blackhawk! Serpa, while popular, has faced some criticism regarding its trigger finger release mechanism, while the Bianchi, though comfortable, didn’t offer the same level of retention confidence as the Safariland. I was excited to finally try out a holster that promised both speed and Level III security.

My initial feeling was a blend of excitement and anticipation; I couldn’t wait to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype. I hoped it would be the secure, reliable, and accessible holster I needed for my demanding work environment.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 was at the shooting range during a full-day training session. The weather was typical for early spring: damp and slightly chilly. I ran several drills, focusing on drawing and re-holstering under time pressure.

The ALS system took a little getting used to, but once I found the sweet spot for my thumb, the draw became incredibly smooth and intuitive. Even with wet hands, the grip remained secure, and the weapon released cleanly every time. I encountered no issues with the holster retaining the firearm during rapid movement and simulated physical altercations.

I did notice a slight pressure point on my hip from the UBL during extended periods of sitting, but this was easily mitigated by adjusting my belt slightly. Initially, the Level III hood felt a bit stiff, but it loosened up after several repetitions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of daily use, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 has held up remarkably well. There are a few minor scuff marks on the finish, but the holster’s structure and retention mechanisms remain fully functional. The plain black finish has proven resistant to fading and cracking.

Despite consistent exposure to sweat and grime, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 shows no signs of degradation. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth keeps it looking and performing like new. The Safariland‘s reliability is a significant improvement over my previous holster, which began to show signs of wear after only a few weeks.

Compared to other holsters I’ve used, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 surpasses them in both security and ease of access. The drop UBL is a game changer, allowing for a natural draw stroke that doesn’t interfere with body armor.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62

Specifications

• Level III Retention: This provides an exceptional level of security, making it difficult for anyone other than the user to draw the weapon. This is crucial for preventing unauthorized access in high-risk situations.

• ALS (Automatic Locking System): The ALS engages automatically when the weapon is holstered, providing immediate retention without any additional steps. This allows for a fast and intuitive draw once the release is deactivated.

• Hood Guard: The standard hood guard provides additional security and prevents accidental release of the Level III hood. This ensures the weapon stays secure until deliberately drawn.

• Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop): This lowers the holster, improving draw speed and comfort, especially when wearing body armor. It provides a more natural draw angle compared to higher-riding holsters.

• Plain Black Finish: The plain black finish offers a professional and discreet appearance. It is also durable and resistant to scratches and fading.

• Left Hand Configuration: Specifically designed for left-handed shooters. This ensures a proper and efficient draw stroke for left-handed users.

• Compatibility: Designed to fit the Smith & Wesson M&P. This holster is specifically molded for this firearm, ensuring a snug and secure fit.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 performs exceptionally well in all key areas. The Level III retention provides peace of mind, while the ALS ensures a smooth and efficient draw. Usability is excellent, and the drop UBL enhances comfort and accessibility.

The holster’s strength lies in its balance of security and speed. The ALS system is intuitive and easy to master. One weakness is the initial stiffness of the Level III hood, but this improves with use.

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 meets and exceeds my expectations, providing a level of confidence I haven’t experienced with other holsters. The design truly prioritizes both weapon security and user accessibility.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 is constructed from high-quality molded polymer, providing excellent durability and impact resistance. The weight is substantial but manageable, and the holster feels comfortable against the body, especially with the drop UBL. The plain black finish enhances its professional appearance.

While there’s a slight learning curve with the ALS and Level III hood, the system quickly becomes second nature. The ergonomic design promotes a natural and efficient draw stroke.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 is built to last, with its robust polymer construction and durable finish. With proper care, it should withstand years of daily use.

Maintenance is simple: wipe down with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism. The holster is easy to disassemble for cleaning, and replacement parts are readily available from Safariland.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 is compatible with a range of Safariland accessories, including different UBL options, leg straps, and tactical lights. The optional Sentry system can be added to further enhance security.

While primarily designed for Safariland accessories, some users have reported success with modifying other brands to fit. The ability to customize the holster enhances its versatility for different operational needs.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62

Who Should Buy Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62?

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention and accessibility. Its rugged construction and intuitive design make it an ideal choice for demanding work environments. Left-handed shooters will appreciate the specific configuration for optimal performance.

This holster might not be the best choice for concealed carry due to its Level III retention system and drop UBL, which can make it more difficult to conceal. Those who prefer a simpler, Level I or II retention system might find the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 overkill for their needs.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality duty belt that can properly support the holster and the firearm. Consider adding the optional Sentry system for even greater weapon security.

Conclusion on Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62

Overall, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 is an outstanding duty holster that delivers on its promises. The combination of Level III retention, ALS, and drop UBL provides a secure, comfortable, and accessible platform for your sidearm.

The price of $195.00 is justified considering the level of security, durability, and performance offered. This holster is an investment in your safety and operational effectiveness.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Left Hand 6365-219-62 to anyone seeking a reliable and secure duty holster. Upgrade your gear today and experience the confidence that comes with knowing your weapon is safe and readily accessible.