What Holster Should You Carry? (level 1 vs level 2 vs level 3)

Holster basics and carry positions

The discussion opens with concerns about people open carrying handguns with no retention, making it easy for someone to walk up and take the gun. The hosts introduce the topic of holsters and emphasize that the right choice depends on how the handgun will be used. They note common concealed carry positions such as appendix, the four o’clock position, and the small of the back, mentioning that some older carriers still favor a 1911 in a traditional setup. They contrast concealed carry holsters with duty-rated or outside-the-waistband holsters used for training or service roles, setting up a deeper look at retention levels and holster design.

Holster materials and level 1 retention

They describe the wide variety of holster types on the market, including hybrid designs, synthetic materials, leather, Kydex, and injection-molded plastics. With so many manufacturers and styles, it is easy for buyers to get overwhelmed, so the hosts aim to simplify the key points. They introduce retention levels, focusing first on level 1. A level 1 holster relies on the holster body itself for retention, whether it is Kydex, Boltaron, or leather. The material provides friction and a positive click when the handgun seats, and a rigid shell helps protect the firearm, especially around the trigger guard, reducing the chance of a negligent or accidental discharge while carried.

Friction retention, adjustment, and training issues

Level 1 retention is further explained as friction-based. Many Kydex holsters use tension screws near the trigger guard or light channel so the user can adjust how tightly the gun locks in, seeking that firm, audible click. The hosts stress that a holster must keep the handgun secure during dynamic movement such as running, falling, or training under stress, so it cannot allow the gun to shake loose. A worn leather level 1 holster is shown as an example: it was comfortable for off-duty carry at the four or five o’clock position, but during training the gun repeatedly fell out. This illustrates how comfort alone is not enough if retention degrades and the firearm can be lost during realistic activity.

Level 2 retention and Safariland ALS holsters

They move to level 2 holsters, which add a mechanical locking system on top of basic friction. Law enforcement, military, and other government users commonly rely on level 2 retention. A Safariland 6390 RDO holster is used as an example. It provides standard holster friction plus an additional locking tab, often called a nub, that engages the handgun at the ejection port. When the pistol is inserted, it locks into place, creating a second layer of retention that resists yanking or pulling. The hosts note that Safariland extensively tests these holsters for durability and retention strength, making them suitable for duty roles where weapon grabs and physical confrontations are realistic concerns.

Civilian and duty use of level 2 holsters

The conversation expands to how level 2 holsters apply beyond police or military work. They can be useful for open carry on large rural properties, farms, or in the wilderness, where the handgun must stay secure while the user moves around all day. The hosts acknowledge differing opinions on open carry but focus on the retention benefits. They highlight a Glock 34 MOS with an X300 weapon light carried in a Safariland ALS holster, stressing the importance of choosing a holster specifically molded for the exact pistol and whether it is light-bearing or non-light-bearing. A proper fit ensures the positive click of the ALS system and prevents the gun from coming out unintentionally during normal or strenuous activity.

Level 3 Safariland 6354DO and SLS hood

They then introduce level 3 retention using a well-known Glock holster, the Safariland 6354DO. This holster combines multiple systems: friction retention, the ALS internal lock, and an SLS rotating hood. The SLS hood covers the handgun and optic area, preventing the gun from coming out even if someone manages to depress the ALS. To draw, the user depresses the SLS hood with the thumb, which also clears the optic shroud, and in the same motion defeats the ALS and draws the pistol. The hosts emphasize that effective use requires practice and dry fire, but once the draw stroke is learned, the motion becomes a single, fluid movement that maintains strong retention until the moment of the draw.

Real-world gun grab incident and draw speed

One host explains long-term use of the Safariland 6354DO in various roles and describes real incidents where suspects tried to take his handgun from the holster. In one case, the retention system was partially defeated and the holster became bent and mangled, yet the gun still did not come out. He credits the design with preventing a successful gun grab and believes it likely saved his life, as well as the lives of many officers in similar situations. Addressing concerns that level 3 holsters are slow, he recounts timing comparisons with a colleague using a simple leather level 1 holster. With training, his draw from the 6354DO matched or beat the other holster, demonstrating that a well-practiced, single-sweep motion can combine high retention with fast access.