What type of retention holster do I need?
When it comes to carrying a firearm, the choice of holster can be just as critical as the firearm itself. Your ability to draw and fire effectively from the holster can be just as critical as even carrying a sidearm in the first place. There are various types of retention available in holsters, from various types of thumb breaks that control mechanical devices inside the holster, to those that rely simply on a tight fit to retain the pistol.
Retention holsters can be categorized based on the level of retention they provide. Here are the most common types:
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Level 1: These holsters rely on friction and tension. These are among the most popular and easy to conceal holsters. Popularized in leather holsters, we now see this type of retention used at length in the many different types of thermoformed (kydex) holsters on the market today. These are typically slim, light, and easy to conceal. This level 1 holster for the Jericho 941 9mm pistol is one of our most popular offerings:
https://www.hillsideholsters.com/collections/hillside-holsters-kydex-holsters/products/kydex-holster-for-jericho-941
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Level II: These combine the above retention fit with some type of thumb break or internal mechanism, often manipulated by the thumb, to release the pistol. One of these most popular offerings can be found in the Safariland ALS series that we offer. These do require more training to become proficient with than the level 1 offerings.
https://www.hillsideholsters.com/collections/holsters
3. Level III Retention Holsters. These holsters will typically combine a thumb break internal release mechanism with a hood or over the top retention system to add another layer of security. These holsters are most commonly seen used by law enforcement and military units with needs for a higher level of security. I have carried these holsters both in Iraq and during my career with the Kentucky State Police. We typically carried these types of holster to make our pistols more secure during bursts of high intensity activity, and making them harder for someone to take from us in a fight. While high levels of proficiency can be obtained, they can take significantly longer to obtain.
If you plan to carry your firearm daily, perhaps as an every day carry item concealed underneath clothing, a Level I or II retention holster may be sufficient, while a Level III holster may be more suitable to law enforcement and the military uses.
Whatever style of holster you choose, make sure it is comfortable to carry, suits your needs well, and you have the ability to practice drawing and shooting from it. The higher the level of security added to the holster, the longer it can take to put into action, leaving you with an even greater need to practice to build proficiency.
Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/jU0lLcA1eo0
Happy shooting!