Most people carry every day with a holster that doesn’t have any retention beyond simple friction or being custom-molded for your particular model of carry gun. But not everyone is comfortable with that, particularly if they open carry.
It’s easy to justify no active retention if you carry concealed, but open carry is different. At least Level 1 retention gives you a level of peace of mind that your gun can’t be grabbed. And some, depending on their job, are required to carry with a holster that has active retention…one that needs a distinct hand motion like the press of a lever to release the pistol.
If you open carry and feel more comfortable a rig on your hip that has active retention, DeSantis’s QuickSafe holster with Level 1 security is worth a look . . .
DeSantis Gunhide showcases the Quick Safe Holster.
A self-locking OWB plain clothes level I Kydex concealment holster with a host of optional adjuncts. Its intuitive thumb release is well concealed and extremely effective in securing the weapon in place and out of the eyes of a potential adversary. It also features user adjustable tension settings. The Quick Safe’s 1 3/4″ belt loops can be adjusted slightly for height and cant and 1 1/2″ loops are also available. The patent pending ejection port lock has been strength tested and has exceeded all standards. The Quick Safe will self-secure with or without the weapons light attached. This innovative holster ensures rapid, secure access to firearms, allowing the elite agencies tasked with protecting our borders to respond swiftly to threats while maintaining control in high-pressure situations. Adjuncts include High Ride Belt Slide, Border Patrol back, and Drop Leg which are available separately. This new fitment follows the one that is already available for the MSRP is $175.99
Please visit our website for more info: https://www.desantisholster.com/quick-safe/
This holster currently has fitments for the
– GLOCK 17, 17 GEN 5, 19, 19 GEN 5, 19X, 22, 23, 31, 32, 45, W/ RED DOT SIGHTS AND W/ OR W/OUT STREAMLIGHT TLR-7/7A AND SIMILAR SIZED LIGHTS.
– GLOCK 43X MOS W/ TLR-7 SUB, 43X MOS W/ SUREFIRE XSC, 48 MOS W/ TLR-7 SUB
I would if I open carried in public.
Do You Use a Retention Holster When You Open Carry?
Yes, level II.
This holster is not level 1. the web site calls it level 2 at the link you provided in the article and the retention release is a level 2 retention.
At the link provided in the article it says this.. “A self-locking OWB plain clothes level II Kydex® concealment holster…”
Yes I do. The best retention holster is one that was made for that gun frame. Not a general fits all frames type.
This topic is one of those that dares a person to dissent with the popular opinion held by the majority of those who comment here.
“Which caliber/cartridge is best for handgun?”
“Open carry or concealed?”
“Hammer or striker fired?”
“Iron sights or red dot?”
“Weaver or isosceles?”
I carry AIWB in a soft holster, and when I carry OWB (when outside CA), I carry in my favorite molded holster that grips the gun well without any of the retention levers or gadgetry that hinders a clean draw. And no…you won’t change my mind. You do you, boo.
Oh look…an advertisement for DeSantis holster disguised as a thought provoking article.
Cool. I’m still running an old Fobus for a G21. I’ve fallen, done somersaults and never lost the pistol. In unknown company I turn slightly sideways away from same and keep a hand in my belt near.
My open-carry holster depends on the environment.
If I am in an urban or suburban environment, then I almost always use a retention holster when carrying openly.
If I am in a rural environment or merely ducking into/out of a convenience store in an urban/suburban environment, then I often do not have a retention holster.
Note that I am especially alert and careful when ducking into/out of a convenience store if carrying openly in a non-retention holster.