For most of the American shooting public, duty holsters don't warrant much consideration because their bulk, plus their multi-level locking and firearm retention system, aren't relevant for those who carry concealed on a daily basis. For the average American, it's enough to have a holster that has solid friction retention while still remaining easily concealable. But, duty holsters have their place, particularly in law-enforcement and security circles, and they do provide some benefits to civilian users, too. Watch our latest "I Carry" video above for the rundown on some of the latest models.
"For many years, Safariland was the 800-pound gorilla in the room for duty holsters, Safariland, and, well, I'm having a hard time thinking of another company, for a long time, and they make an excellent, excellent product," American Rifleman Executive Editor Jay Grazio said. "We've seen a lot more companies, a lot more holster companies, coming out with duty-related holsters."
For the most part, duty holsters can be separated into different categories based on their firearm-retention levels.
"Basically, you've got level 1, level 2 and level 3. Level 3 is your highest. Level 1 is your lowest level," Grazio said. "If you want the ultimate security, look for a level 3. That's how I'm going to leave it for you today. You can do a lot more research."
Safariland Ballast
Safariland developed its latest Ballast duty holster after listening to years of feedback from users and incorporating new design elements. Notably, the Ballast has a lightweight, compact form factor with a proprietary crush-resistant design, along with a new Ingress Guard that protects the trigger of a firearm inside the holster. Like many Safariland holster designs, the Ballast uses an ALS lever lock spring shield that protects the core security mechanism of the holster.
"Basically, you've got a hood to cover a red-dot sight if you've got one on your pistol, and you've got a very secure retention mechanism that keeps it nice and safe inside that holster," Grazio said.
Alien Gear Rapid Force Level 3
Available for Glock, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson and Archon Firearms guns, the Alien Gear Rapid Force duty holster is designed to be one of the quickest, most secure and durable holsters on the market while also maintaining the highest retention level. Multiple models are available for light-bearing handguns, as well as guns with no mounted light.
"Yes, that's Alien Gear, who has actually carved quite a good name for themselves in the duty-holster market," Grazio said. "It has a hood to cover and protect your red-dot sight, has a two-tier mechanism for release. Very, very simple belt loop attachment."
BlackPoint Tactical Enhanced Duty Holster
The first duty holster produced by the company, the BlackPoint Tactical Enhanced Duty Holster relies on what it calls the "Master Grip Concept," which allows users to comfortably depress the retention lever to deactivate the holster's patented retention systems without requiring the hand articulation and movement required of other holsters.
"This is relatively new holster from from a fairly well-established company," Grazio said. "Black Point Tactical has been one of the forerunners in having holsters available for new guns."
Falco C911 2021
One of the latest duty-style holsters on the market comes from Falco Holsters, and while the C911 2021 only offers level 2 retention instead of the level 3 retention of other holster models, one of the benefits of the C911 2021 holster is that it is available to fit an incredible array of different firearm makes and models, virtually ensuring that you'll find a fit for your preferred handgun.
"This one, you'll notice, just has a very simple hood, locks the pistol in, along with the molded retention to keep the pistol in place," Grazio said. "One thing you'll notice with this holster, compared to the others, it's much smaller, much lighter. This is something it might be more possible to carry on an everyday basis."
Mission First Tactical Guardian
As part of its expanded Guardian series of holsters, the Mission First Tactical Guardian offers a number of benefits, including a rattle-free magnetic retention system, a Full Containment ILS arm that locks the top of the holster in place if a holstered firearm is pulled in multiple directions, and an easily configurable design that works with and without weaponlights.
"Mission First Tactical has been in the holster business for quite a while. I traveled to visit their facility about 10 years ago to take a look. They got a great process. They make some great products, and they've recently come out with the Guardian Duty Holster," Grazio said. "You have an auto-locking system where it closes automatically. You don't have to remember to flip the hood up. It's set up for a red-dot sight. Again, this uses a common three-point screw system, so you can put a whole bunch of different belt attachment systems."
Fundamentally, while all duty holsters are similar in offering different levels of retention, each duty holster provides its own set of unique benefits that can be useful to the average handgun enthusiast.
"You may not ever use a duty holster if you're not law enforcement, security or military," Grazio said. "They are great for if you're taking a training class and you want to have it accessible, for example. You're going to be out in the woods, they do make them for guns like 10 mms, 1911s, that sort of thing, if you want to have one available but secure."
