Retention Holsters

**jlw** · 10-13-2010, 08:30 PM

Due to a discussion in another thread, I think a separate discussion on retention holsters is in order.

Perhaps the first thing to consider is if you need a retention holster in the first place. For the average person carrying concealed, I really don't see a need for it other then the peace of mind the retention provides. After all, if it is concealed, who is going to see it for a gun grab?

For those that open carry, perhaps a retention holster makes a little more sense.

As I have posted many times elsewhere, I am not a fan of the Blackhawk Serpa holster. It is my opinion that the design and placement of the retention release is prone to debris getting into it and jamming it. It also would be more prone to accidental release during a ground fight scenario than some of the other holsters I will discuss. I concede that I have not tested the above theories. They are simply based upon examination of the holster.

5.11 has introduced the Thumbdrive holster as a direct competitor to the Serpa. I recently obtained one of these holsters, but haven't tested it enough to make a truly valid comparison, but in theory I prefer this design to that of the Serpa.

One issue that concerns me about both of the above holsters is the screw attachments for the belt attachment devices. This seems to be a weak point in both designs.

In roughly the same price point of the previous holsters is the Galco M4X Matrix Auto Locking holster. I have no hands on experience with this holster, but I very much like other products in the Matrix series; so, I included this holster here.

Moving up only slightly in price point but infinitively in quality we get to the Safariland 6378. This holster is strong enough and secure enough to be a duty grade holster. In fact, I actually use one on duty on a regular basis when in uniform. There are several variations of this holster in the Safariland product design with different model numbers, but they all operate off the same premise, and there are models that will accept a pistol with an attached light.

I have several of the ALS design holsters. I have each equipped with the MLS attachment system that allows me to easily switch the holster from duty belt, to paddle, to a MOLLE system in a matter of seconds.

One thing to keep in mind with the ALS holsters is that they don't pull the butt of the pistol in as tight to the body as does a true concealment holster; so, choose your cover garment carefully if trying to conceal. The cant is adjustable depending upon attachment system; so, perhaps the pistol being canted somewhat would minimize this somewhat, but this isn't an issue for me most of the time.

The last holster that I will mention is the Safarland 0701. This holster is a variation of the venerable Safariland SSIII and 070 duty holsters. It is very secure and allows for a very fast draw. A drawback to this holster is that it is somewhat belt dependent on two levels. First, the belt slots may not accept some of the thicker pistol belts on the market. The other is that this holster is somewhat prone to rolling away from the body slightly, and this may cause some printing issues in a concealed carry situation. This holster was designed more around the plainclothes detective or administrator that would be openly carrying while providing a retention similar to that of the uniformed duty holster of similar design. A good cover garment would probably hide it, but a t-shirt worn over it may not work well. This is the most expensive of the holsters mentioned in this piece.

**TheLaw** · 10-13-2010, 09:16 PM

Thanks for the info. Excellent right up as always. I'll be glad to test drive that 5.11 for you.

**jlw** · 10-13-2010, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by TheLaw

Thanks for the info. Excellent right up as always. I'll be glad to test drive that 5.11 for you.

You're welcome to give it a spin.

**TheLaw** · 10-13-2010, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by jlweems

You're welcome to give it a spin.

I forgot what model it was for.

**blackriderhank** · 10-13-2010, 09:29 PM

Hey JL how you doing. Nice write up but I differ on one point. I carry with a blackhawk Serpa level 2 and like it very much. I cannot comment on the ground fight scenario as I have not yet had that happen. I have had it caught in my seat belt numerous times (Im a lefty and 200 lbs+) So far I have had nothing bad and everything good about the Serpa and will keep using it. As far as debris jamming that has not happend so far after 1 year. I pay attention to my firearm and all things associated and no problems so far. There is no concealed carry in Wisconsin only open carry so that is what I know.

**jlw** · 10-13-2010, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by TheLaw

I forgot what model it was for.

19/23/32

The bottom is scalloped so that it won't accept the larger models. I haven't tried putting in the subcoms to see if they work.

**TheLaw** · 10-13-2010, 09:35 PM

That's perfect as I own a 19.

**jlw** · 10-13-2010, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by blackriderhank

Hey JL how you doing. Nice write up but I differ on one point. I carry with a blackhawk Serpa level 2 and like it very much. I cannot comment on the ground fight scenario as I have not yet had that happen. I have had it caught in my seat belt numerous times (Im a lefty and 200 lbs+) So far I have had nothing bad and everything good about the Serpa and will keep using it. As far as debris jamming that has not happend so far after 1 year. I pay attention to my firearm and all things associated and no problems so far. There is no concealed carry in Wisconsin only open carry so that is what I know.

I should clarify, by debris getting into the mechanism refer again to the ground fight scenario, which may very well be the case in a gun grab situation.

**VolGrad** · 10-14-2010, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by jlweems

I have several of the ALS design holsters. I have each equipped with the MLS attachment system that allows me to easily switch the holster from duty belt, to paddle, to a MOLLE system in a matter of seconds.

I don't own a single retention holster for the reason you mentioned ... I carry concealed as a civilian. I very rarely open carry and when I do I am uber alert to a potential pistol snatch. If I OC'd regularly I might look into a retention holster and it would probably be a Safariland ALS system. I have a Detective buddy that uses one for on-duty plain clothes work and have played with it some. Unfortunately, he's a lefty so I can't wear it and try it out.

**jlw** · 10-14-2010, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by VolGrad

I don't own a single retention holster for the reason you mentioned ... I carry concealed as a civilian. I very rarely open carry and when I do I am uber alert to a potential pistol snatch. If I OC'd regularly I might look into a retention holster and it would probably be a Safariland ALS system. I have a Detective buddy that uses one for on-duty plain clothes work and have played with it some. Unfortunately, he's a lefty so I can't wear it and try it out.

I'm a righty. You can try out one of mine at the range some time.

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