If you live in an open carry state and plan to carry your firearm with you even occasionally, a retention holster is an absolutely essential accessory. As the owner of a firearm, it is your duty to practice responsible gun usage, and that includes ensuring that your firearm is safely secured whenever you are carrying it.
But what kind of retention holster do you need? Holsters are classified by a level system, and your needs will dictate what type of holster is best for you. If you have questions about what the best retention holster for you is, you’ve come to the right place!
Today, ModGuns is going to break down what exactly a retention holster is, and explain the different levels available. By the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the best retention holster for you.
What is a Retention Holster?
Retention holsters offer a safer and more secure way to openly carry your firearm with you than a traditional holster does. A retention holster includes at least one retention device to prevent unauthorized access to the weapon.
Retention holsters receive a rating between levels 1 to 3, based on the amount of protection they offer. All retention holsters are designed to securely hold the firearm, while making it difficult for an attacker to wrest the weapon from you.
Also known as duty holsters, they are usually carried on the hip or thigh, making them impractical for concealed carry. When you carry a retention holster, everyone will know.
Many retention holsters are made of leather, and provide a timeless look. Newer synthetic retention holsters are made from sturdy materials, such as Kydex. They offer a lightweight and durable alternative, with a modern aesthetic.
While materials can vary, all retention holsters use a variety of features to ensure the weapon is secure and cannot be discharged unintentionally. For example, if the user slips and falls, the holster will keep the weapon snugly secure so that it will not fly out of the holster.
Passive vs Active Retention
A retention or duty holster will use at least one level of retention. The type of retention used can be either passive or active.
A passive retention system uses the shape and material of the holster itself to secure the weapon in place. Duty holsters that use passive retention are often molded from durable polymer materials and are fitted for a specific model of firearm. Some passive holsters may also allow the holster itself to be tightened around the firearm with a retention screw, to firmly hold the weapon in place.
An active retention holster takes things a step further by adding additional retention devices to the holster. The level a holster is assigned is determined by the number of retention devices it uses. Each additional retention device requires a corresponding movement to release the weapon, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized access to the weapon.
Retention Holster Levels
Deciding what type of holster you need depends on your intended use cases. We’ll break down the holster levels available, as well as who would typically need them:
What is a Level 1 Holster?
A level 1 retention holster provides the minimum amount of protection needed for securely carrying your firearm at your side. Level 1 holsters are classified as passive, because they rely only on a friction fit to secure the weapon snugly inside the holster. There is no additional means of securing a weapon on a level 1 holster.
These are ideal if quick access to the weapon is a priority, but don’t offer much protection if someone is trying to snatch the weapon from your holster. However, passive protection is still probably as much as a casual or recreational shooter needs.
What is a Level 2 Holster?
A level 2 holster takes things up a notch, adding a secondary form of securing the weapon. Level 2 holsters retain the friction fit of a level one holster, but may also incorporate a hood or retaining strap known as a thumb break, to provide 2 forms of retention. The thumb break is typically held in place with a snap. This requires an extra movement, pushing the thumb break up and lifting to release the weapon.
Because of the extra level of retention, level 2 retention holsters are considered active. A level 2 holster reduces the draw speed of the weapon, and usually requires additional training and practice for the user to become comfortable enough to be able to quickly release the weapon.
Adding this additional step helps prevent unauthorized people from snatching the weapon, as well as keeping it firmly in place when the wearer is running, jumping, fighting, or performing any other vigorous activity.
For this reason, level 2 holsters are typically used by patrol officers or security personnel who need to balance security with speed.
What is a Level 3 Holster?
A level 3 retention holster offers the maximum security, and is typically used by highly trained police or military personnel. Level 3 holsters often utilize an advanced 3 point locking system that includes a friction fit, thumb break, and a trigger guard lock.
A trigger guard lock prevents the weapon from being discharged by physically blocking the trigger. It must be released to remove the weapon from the holster.
With three separate retention devices, a level 3 retention holster is typically overkill for a recreational shooter. They require extensive practice to be able to be released swiftly, and thus are primarily used by military and advanced police units.
There are retention holsters rated level 4, which include 3 retention devices in addition to the passive friction fit, but they are exceedingly rare and only available to highly trained military or police specialists.
Open Carry vs Concealed Carry
The types of retention holsters that we have discussed so far are intended for open carry, due to their size and ease of access for the user. There is no question that you are carrying a weapon if you are using any level of duty holster.
Concealed carry holsters, on the other hand, are designed to be hidden from view. They are often lighter and prioritize comfort over easy access. Most concealed carry holsters are considered level 1 holsters, using only friction fit or a thumb break to secure the weapon. However, some manufacturers do produce level 2 holsters designed for concealed carry use.
Conclusion
So do you need a holster? If you plan to carry your weapon with you, you absolutely need a holster. A retention holster will provide ease of access when the firearm is needed, and more importantly, protects the weapon from unauthorized access. Determining the best retention holster level for you will be dependent on your intended use.
For most recreational shooters, a level one duty or concealed carry holster is all you need. Level 2 and 3 holsters are designed to meet the needs of officers in the line of duty and may be overkill for most other shooters.
No matter what type of retention holster you need, ModGuns is sure to have the perfect choice for you. We have an incredible selection of duty holsters rated from level 1 to level 3. Our sales staff is highly knowledgeable in firearms and accessories and can help you find the best retention holster for your needs.
Contact ModGuns to get yourself equipped with the best gear today.