Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 Review

What to Expect from the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 is a duty-grade holster designed for law enforcement and security personnel demanding a high level of weapon retention. Manufactured by Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the holster industry, this particular model features their signature Automatic Locking System (ALS) along with a Level III retention rating. The drop Universal Belt Loop (UBL) allows for a comfortable and accessible carry position, making it a popular choice for those who spend extended periods on duty.

I’ve spent years relying on various holsters, but my primary concern has always been finding a balance between secure weapon retention and a smooth, fast draw. I needed a holster that could withstand the rigors of daily use, provide confidence in a potentially volatile situation, and still allow for quick access to my firearm when necessary. This led me to explore the Safariland 6365, with its reputation for robust construction and proven security features.

Upon unboxing the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and quality finish. The plain black material offers a professional, low-profile aesthetic. Its weight felt substantial, suggesting durable materials, yet not overly bulky.

I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900. Ultimately, I chose the Safariland due to its smoother ALS release and the superior reputation for long-term durability in demanding environments. The Serpa’s finger release felt less intuitive, and the Bianchi’s retention system seemed less robust for my specific needs.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 appeared to be exactly what I was looking for: a professional-grade, secure, and reliable holster for duty use. The initial feel inspired confidence, and I was eager to put it through its paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 at a local shooting range during a force-on-force training exercise. This allowed me to simulate real-world scenarios and assess the holster’s performance under pressure. The weather was relatively mild and dry, offering ideal conditions to focus on the draw stroke and retention.

The initial draw felt surprisingly smooth and natural after familiarizing myself with the ALS release. It took a few practice runs to master the simultaneous thumb activation of the ALS and the downward push of the hood, but once I developed the muscle memory, it became fluid and efficient. I experienced no issues with the holster in these conditions.

I did initially struggle with releasing the Level III retention while under stress. However, after several repetitions and minor adjustments to the holster’s positioning on my belt, I was able to consistently and quickly draw my weapon.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and tactical training exercises, the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 has held up remarkably well. There are minor scuff marks on the exterior from daily wear, but the holster’s structural integrity remains uncompromised. The ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly.

I’ve observed no significant signs of wear and tear beyond the expected cosmetic blemishes. The holster material is exceptionally durable, resisting scratches and abrasions. The stitching remains tight and secure.

Maintaining the Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 is straightforward. I wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Occasionally, I apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the ALS mechanism to ensure smooth operation.

Compared to other duty holsters I’ve used, the Safariland 6365 offers a superior balance of security, accessibility, and durability. It outperforms previous holsters in both retention strength and the speed of the draw, particularly under stress. The drop UBL feature also provides a comfortable carry position throughout extended periods.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61

Specifications

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 is specifically designed for the Sig Sauer P225. The holster’s primary features include its Level III Retention, provided by the ALS (Automatic Locking System) and a rotating hood. It also incorporates a Drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) for a lower, more accessible carry position.

The ALS automatically secures the weapon upon holstering, requiring only a thumb release for a smooth, straight-up draw. The Level III Retention adds another layer of security. The rotating hood requires deliberate action to deactivate, preventing accidental or unauthorized removal of the firearm.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 performs exceptionally well in its intended role: providing secure weapon retention with a fast, efficient draw. The ALS mechanism is reliable and intuitive once mastered, and the Level III retention offers peace of mind in potentially combative situations. Its reliability and usability make it a dependable choice for law enforcement and security professionals.

The holster’s greatest strength lies in its retention system, offering a high level of security without compromising accessibility. One potential weakness is the learning curve associated with mastering the ALS release and hood deactivation. Proper training and practice are essential to fully realizing the holster’s potential. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 is constructed from durable Safariland SafariSeven™ nylon blend material, offering excellent resistance to scratches, abrasions, and moisture. The plain black finish provides a professional appearance. Its weight is moderate, and the drop UBL design enhances comfort by positioning the firearm slightly lower on the hip.

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 is generally user-friendly, but some training is required to efficiently use the ALS and Level III retention features. The draw stroke is intuitive once the release mechanisms are mastered. The drop UBL enhances comfort and accessibility for most users.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. With proper care, it should last for many years.

Maintaining the holster primarily involves regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism. Repairs are typically limited to replacing worn parts, such as the hood or ALS release lever, which are readily available from Safariland. The robust construction and high-quality materials contribute to its longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61 includes a hood guard to prevent unauthorized access to the weapon. Additional accessories, such as the Sentry device, can be added to further enhance retention. The drop UBL is compatible with various belt widths.

The holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops, leg shrouds, and optic covers.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6365-79-61