Holsters. If you’re carrying a pistol or revolver, you need to be using one (yes, even if it’s a pocket pistol). Remember, we’re to be the responsible ones.
But there are so many options for holsters to choose from. And even among the the different options (in waistband, outside of waistband, appendix carry, ankle, shoulder, etc.), you, then, have the question of retention levels. What retention level does your situation need?
Now, if you’re not familiar with what retention level is for a holster, it comes down to how easy it is to pull the pistol out of the holster.
A level 1 retention holster, for example, is a holster that relies on just the friction between the holster and the gun to keep the firearm in the holster. Friction retention is sometimes called passive retention.
When you start looking at level 2 and higher holsters, you’re talking about active retention which means that there are additional actions that need to be taken before the firearm can be pulled from the holster. Maybe it’s a thumb release that has to be pushed to remove the firearm from the holster. Maybe it’s a snapping strap across the back of the firearm’s grip, which is another common example.
The primary difference between level 2 and higher level holsters has to do with the number of steps that a person has to go through before being able to pull the firearm from the holster.
Even with this information about retention levels, some people will still wonder what retention level that they need for their holster. If that’s you, you can watch the video below to give some food for thought and, probably, help you to answer that question for yourself.
So, what level of holster do you need to have?
The answer to that depends on whether you are carrying concealed. If you are carrying concealed, then, level 1 is probably fine for that purpose. If you are open carrying and/or carrying as part of a security detail or law enforcement, though, you really should be considering level 2 or higher retention to ensure the safety of both yourself and others.
Tell us in the comments what level you need for your holster and why.
