The Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Retention Duty Holster for Glock 17

The Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Retention Duty Holster for Glock 17 represents the pinnacle of firearm retention and accessibility for professionals who demand uncompromising security and rapid deployment. Crafted meticulously from robust, injection-molded polymer, this right-handed, black holster is engineered to provide a secure and stable platform for your Glock 17, especially when equipped with a tactical weapon light. Designed to integrate seamlessly with 1.5-inch belts, it offers a versatile mounting solution for a variety of tactical and duty applications, making it an essential piece of gear for anyone prioritizing firearm safety and operational readiness.

Who Needs Unwavering Firearm Security? Understanding the Ideal User

This highly advanced duty holster is specifically designed for individuals whose lives or livelihoods depend on their firearm remaining securely in place until needed, and then being drawn with fluid precision. The primary beneficiaries of the Safariland 6360's advanced features include:

• Law Enforcement Officers: For patrol, tactical operations, and everyday duty, where weapon retention against a potential disarm attempt is paramount. This holster provides the crucial layers of security required to keep an officer's sidearm safe in high-stress, dynamic environments.
• Military Personnel: In combat zones or training scenarios, the ability to prevent accidental loss or unauthorized access to a firearm is non-negotiable. The 6360 meets rigorous demands for reliability and durability in harsh conditions.
• Armed Security Professionals: Whether guarding high-value assets, providing personal protection, or maintaining order, security personnel require holsters that offer both accessibility and strong retention to deter and defeat disarm attempts.
• Competitive Shooters (e.g., 3-Gun): While not universally allowed in all divisions, some competitive shooting formats that permit open carry and demand high levels of firearm retention can benefit from the speed and security of the 6360.
• Responsible Citizens Utilizing Open Carry: For individuals who choose to openly carry a Glock 17 for self-defense, especially in environments where potential threats or interactions with curious onlookers might occur, a Level III retention holster provides peace of mind and significantly reduces the risk of accidental loss or theft.

The core problem this holster solves is the critical balance between immediate access to a firearm and the absolute necessity of preventing its unauthorized removal. It answers the fundamental question: "How can I carry my duty weapon securely while ensuring I can draw it instantly when circumstances demand?"

The Science of Security: Deciphering Level III Retention

The Safariland 6360 stands out due to its Level III Retention rating, a gold standard in the realm of duty holsters. What does Level III mean, and why is it so vital?

• Understanding Retention Levels: Holster retention levels are typically measured by the number of independent, active mechanisms that must be defeated to draw the firearm.
  • Level I: Relies on passive friction or a single active retention device (e.g., a thumb break).
  • Level II: Requires defeating two active retention mechanisms.
  • Level III: Demands the defeat of three independent, active retention mechanisms before the firearm can be drawn. This is the highest standard for duty-grade holsters, offering superior protection against weapon takeaways.

The Safariland 6360 achieves its Level III status through a sophisticated combination of two distinct, patented technologies: the Automatic Locking System (ALS®) and the Self Locking System (SLS).

• Automatic Locking System (ALS®): This ingenious mechanism provides a significant portion of the 6360's retention. Upon holstering, the ALS automatically engages, securing the firearm's ejection port. This active retention is instinctive and immediate, requiring no extra steps from the user to secure the weapon. To draw, the user simply presses a thumb lever, releasing the firearm. This action is designed to be natural and integrated into the drawing motion, allowing for a swift, smooth draw once practiced. The beauty of ALS is its simplicity and reliability; it's always "on" when the weapon is holstered.
• Self Locking System (SLS): The SLS is a rotating hood design that further secures the firearm by covering the top of the weapon. When holstering, the hood rotates forward and locks into place, creating an additional barrier. To disengage the SLS, the user pushes the hood forward and then rotates it downward. This two-part motion, combined with the ALS release, constitutes the Level III retention. The SLS offers an additional layer of security, particularly against grabs from the rear or attempts to lift the weapon from the holster.

Together, the ALS and SLS create an almost impenetrable system against opportunistic or even determined disarm attempts, while still allowing the trained user to achieve an incredibly fast draw time. This dual-system approach is a hallmark of Safariland's commitment to user safety and operational efficiency.

Precision Engineering: Diving into the 6360's Design and Materials

• Injection-Molded Polymer Construction: The holster's body is crafted from a proprietary injection-molded polymer. This material choice is deliberate, offering several key advantages over alternatives like Kydex or leather. Polymer is exceptionally durable, resistant to extreme temperatures, moisture, and common solvents, ensuring longevity and reliable performance in diverse environmental conditions. It maintains its shape and retention properties over time, unlike leather which can soften and deform, or Kydex which can become brittle in extreme cold or heat. This robust construction contributes significantly to the holster's ability to withstand daily abuse, impacts, and the stresses of dynamic situations.
• Open-Top Design with Weapon Light Compatibility: A critical feature for modern tactical setups, the 6360 is an open-top holster, meaning there's no strap or flap covering the top of the slide. This design facilitates a faster draw. Crucially, it's specifically molded to accommodate a Glock 17 with an attached weapon light. Many professionals rely on lights like the Streamlight TLR-1 or SureFire X300 for target identification in low-light conditions. The 6360 ensures that the firearm, with its attached accessory, can be holstered securely without modification or compromise to retention. This seamless integration is a significant advantage for users whose duty or operational requirements include weapon-mounted illumination.
• Mid-Ride Position: The 6360 is classified as a "mid-ride" holster. This refers to its vertical positioning on the belt, placing the firearm's grip roughly at or slightly below the belt line. This position offers an excellent balance of comfort, concealment (for open carry), and draw speed. It keeps the firearm clear of body armor or duty belts laden with other equipment, allowing for an unhindered grip and smooth presentation. The mid-ride height is often preferred by law enforcement and military personnel for its ergonomic advantages during extended periods of wear and while seated in vehicles.
• Right-Hand Configuration: This specific model is designed for right-handed users, ensuring an intuitive and natural draw stroke. The ALS thumb lever and SLS hood operation are optimized for right-hand manipulation.
• Belt Size and Adaptability (1.5" compatibility): While many duty holsters accommodate wider (2" or 2.25") duty belts, this particular model is specified for a 1.5-inch belt. This indicates its versatility for use with standard casual or reinforced EDC belts, or potentially that it comes with a specific belt loop attachment for this size. This adaptability broadens its appeal to individuals who may not wear a full duty rig but still require maximum retention, such as armed citizens or plainclothes officers utilizing an OWB (Outside-the-Waistband) setup. The secure attachment ensures the holster remains stable during vigorous movement and draw.

Real-World Scenarios: Where the Safariland 6360 Excels

The practical applications of the Safariland 6360 extend across a range of high-stakes and demanding environments:

• Patrol Duty: For law enforcement officers, the 6360 is a trusted companion. It provides the assurance that their firearm is secure during foot patrols, vehicle pursuits, and interactions with the public, drastically reducing the risk of a weapon takeaway, which is a major concern for officers. The rapid, intuitive draw ensures the officer can respond effectively to immediate threats.
• Tactical Operations: In dynamic entry situations, search and rescue missions, or close-quarters combat (CQB), accidental firearm displacement is unacceptable. The Level III retention ensures the weapon stays put even during strenuous physical activity, grappling, or navigating challenging terrain.
• Executive Protection and Close Protection Details: Security professionals tasked with protecting principals require their firearm to be both highly secure and instantly accessible. The 6360 offers the necessary balance, preventing opportunistic grabs while allowing the protector to react decisively.
• Range Training and Qualification: While training, repetitions of drawing and re-holstering are crucial. The durability of the 6360 ensures it stands up to thousands of draws, and its consistent retention mechanism reinforces proper muscle memory for real-world situations. It’s ideal for range instructors and serious trainers.
• Preventing Weapon Disarms: One of the most significant benefits of a Level III retention holster like the 6360 is its ability to deter and defeat disarm attempts. The multi-layered retention system makes it exceedingly difficult for an assailant to snatch the firearm from the wearer, buying critical seconds for the user to react or counter the threat. This provides a significant tactical advantage in a close-quarters confrontation.
• Ensuring Firearm Security During Movement: Whether running, jumping, crawling, or climbing, the Safariland 6360 keeps the Glock 17 firmly in place. This prevents accidental loss of the firearm during physically demanding tasks, a critical factor for operational safety.

Common Questions Answered: Insights for Prospective Users

• "What is the best duty holster for a Glock 17 with a weapon light?" Many professionals consistently recommend the Safariland 6360 as a top-tier choice. Its combination of Level III retention, weapon light compatibility, and proven durability makes it a leading contender for secure and efficient firearm carry.
• "How does a Level III retention holster work?" As detailed above, the 6360 utilizes two distinct, active mechanisms—Safariland's ALS (Automatic Locking System) and SLS (Self Locking System)—that must be intentionally manipulated by the user to release the firearm, providing superior security.
• "Is the Safariland 6360 easy to draw from?" While requiring specific training to master the dual release mechanisms, the draw from the 6360 is designed to be intuitive and fast once practiced. The motions for disengaging ALS and SLS are integrated into the natural drawing sequence.
• "What are the benefits of a mid-ride holster?" A mid-ride position offers an excellent compromise between comfort, accessibility, and weapon clearance. It positions the firearm high enough to avoid snagging on obstacles but low enough for a comfortable draw, especially for individuals wearing body armor or other duty gear.
• "How durable are Safariland holsters?" Safariland is renowned for producing exceptionally durable holsters. Their injection-molded polymer construction is engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, impacts, moisture, and continuous use in demanding environments, making them a long-term investment for professionals.
• "Where can I buy a genuine Safariland 6360 holster?" Authentic Safariland products, including the highly sought-after 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Retention Duty Holster, are available through reputable dealers such as DEGuns. When investing in critical life-saving equipment, always ensure you purchase from authorized sellers to guarantee product authenticity and quality.

The Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Mid-Ride Level III Retention Duty Holster for Glock 17 (and often Glock 22, especially with light attachments) stands as a testament to advanced holster engineering. It offers a secure, reliable, and highly functional solution for professionals and armed citizens who cannot compromise on firearm retention or accessibility. Its durable construction, intuitive retention systems, and thoughtful design make it a consistently recommended choice for those operating in high-stakes environments, ensuring peace of mind and operational readiness.

Key Features of the Safariland 6360 Holster

• Level III Retention: Utilizes both ALS and SLS for maximum security.
• Automatic Locking System (ALS): Instantaneous firearm retention upon holstering.
• Self Locking System (SLS): Rotating hood provides additional security and protection.
• Injection-Molded Polymer: Highly durable, weather-resistant, and maintains shape over time.
• Weapon Light Compatible: Custom-molded for Glock 17 with tactical weapon lights (e.g., Streamlight TLR-1, SureFire X300).
• Mid-Ride Design: Optimal positioning for comfort, accessibility, and clearing duty gear.
• Open-Top Design: Facilitates quick and unhindered drawing.
• Right-Hand Configuration: Ergonomically designed for right-handed users.
• Duty-Grade Reliability: Field-tested and trusted by law enforcement and military personnel worldwide.
• Enhanced Security: Significantly reduces the risk of weapon takeaways and accidental loss.
• Designed for Glock 17: Precision fit ensures stability and smooth function.

Feature	Description	UPC
Belt Size	1.5 inches	843396109984
Type	Mounting System/Holster	843396109984
Color	Black	843396109984
Material	Injection Molded Polymer	843396109984
Hand	Right	843396109984
Firearm Fit	Glock 17 (with weapon light)	843396109984
Compartments	1 (for firearm)	843396109984
SKU	SSHK-0601-RH-R-15	843396109984
Retention	Level III (ALS® & SLS™)	843396109984
Position	Mid-Ride	843396109984
Brand	Safariland	843396109984