Safariland 6365 Level III Review

[NismoFire]

Seems like there aren't enough DUTY gear reviews floating around, or at least updated ones..

Model 6365 ALS® Level III Retention

Model 6365
ALS® Level III Retention™ Duty Holster w/ Drop UBL

Level III Retention™
Level IV Retention™ with optional Sentry installed
ALS® Automatic Locking System secures weapon once holstered
Hood Guard is standard on 6365 holsters
Slim, compact design allows weapon to ride close to body
Simple straight up draw once all releases are de-activated
Includes Hood Guard, optional Sentry available
1.5" Belt Drop version
Available in Plain Black, Basket Weave, Hi-Gloss finish or STX Tactical®




I waited a month for this thing to come off backorder, but now that I've worn it, trained on it, and used it on duty, I feel comfortable enough to write a review about it.



A little background on me:

I am by no means an expert on ANYTHING. I don't claim to be. I am, however, prior service (Army MP Corps), EMT-IV (TN), work for a Private Security Contractor, and Private Military Contractor (combat "medic").




With that said, here is my review of the Safariland Model 6365 Level III duty holster:

When I first saw it online, I was a bit skeptical about the ease of operation. The big, clunky hood made my head spin, but I ordered it anyway. Nationwide backorder for 4-5 weeks. GREAT. It FINALLY comes in, take it out of the package, and immediately put it on my belt. I ordered the low-ride with the 1.5" drop, and it sat PERFECT beneath my body armor. I spent the first 3 days walking around the house wearing my belt and drawing my XD from it. The first time I drew was interesting; I pushed the "thumbreak" down and forward (all you have to do to draw for the Level II), then pushed the SLS button back. Nada. Apparently, you're supposed to push it DOWN, thus releasing the locking mechanism and allowing the pistol to be drawn.

After 3-4 days of wearing it around the house, I took it to the range to practice firing immediately after draw. It naturally put my hand in the firing position on the pistol, sans my thumb. The first time I fired, my thumb didn't make it below the slide in time..we all know how bad a case of Slide Bite sucks. Anyway, the second time I fired, I re-trained my thumb to work the release mechanisms and reposition on the grip as it was originally supposed to do. After that, I never had another issue.

Flash forward 2 days, and I FINALLY get to carry it at work. Wouldn't you know, guy pulls a .38 on his wife but never presents it to us. Either way, I got to draw that night and it was FLAWLESS. It carries well on the hip while both seated and standing/crouching/running.


As far as protection goes, the trigger is covered, the thumb break covers nicely, and the hood protects the thumb break/ALS release.






Overall, I'd give this holster a 5 out of 5. It's comfortable and provides an outstanding level of retention/security. Just like any other Level III, it takes PRACTICE to become proficient at drawing smoothly.






Plain Black finish:


Carry position:


Hood down/forward:


The ALS:

[NismoFire]

Bump for pics posted.

[KenW.]

Seems to have everything but a combination lock. I'm a fan of simplicity.

[mbquimby]

I just got this holster in STX Tactical. Every review I've read has been glowing. I hope to have the same opinion.

*Sent from my Galaxy S3 cause pirate-zombie-ninjas ate my computer.

[rmccracken]

I've been using this holster for about 5 months now myself. I LOVE it. It, like any other retention holster, becomes second nature after about 1000 draws. Muscle memory is an amazing thing, isn't it?

[KenW.]

If your weapon hand/arm is disabled, how do you get the weapon out with just the support hand? Looks like the hood thing would interfere.

[Fileobrother]

Originally Posted by KenW.

If your weapon hand/arm is disabled, how do you get the weapon out with just the support hand? Looks like the hood thing would interfere.

If your reliable hand is damaged and your weapon is STILL holstered, the last thing you want to do is remove it. A duty holster is specifically designed to keep people from removing your weapon from you. An officer who is only able to fire weak-side, and still has to remove his weapon from a holster on the opposite side of his body is better off using the taser on his left side.

If you absolutely need it, a quick unsnapping of your keepers and you can swing your belt around to the other side of your body.

[drs1321]

I'd give my right arm to have one of those over my 070 SSIII

[KenW.]

Originally Posted by Fileobrother

If your reliable hand is damaged and your weapon is STILL holstered, the last thing you want to do is remove it. A duty holster is specifically designed to keep people from removing your weapon from you. An officer who is only able to fire weak-side, and still has to remove his weapon from a holster on the opposite side of his body is better off using the taser on his left side.

If you absolutely need it, a quick unsnapping of your keepers and you can swing your belt around to the other side of your body.

I was just thinking back to when I was in uniform. My last duty belt didn't use keepers. It was velcro-backed. We had to demonstrate on the range that we could draw with the support hand only. My TASER was only good to 21 feet. I'd still get my weapon out if I could so I could fight back effectively as I could.

[mbquimby]

Originally Posted by KenW.

I was just thinking back to when I was in uniform. My last duty belt didn't use keepers. It was velcro-backed. We had to demonstrate on the range that we could draw with the support hand only. My TASER was only good to 21 feet. I'd still get my weapon out if I could so I could fight back effectively as I could.

XDs in a weak side ankle holster?

*Sent from my Galaxy S3 cause pirate-zombie-ninjas ate my computer.