How to choose the best Duty holster?

When selecting a duty/police holster, it is important to consider many aspects, mostly related to safety, security and durability. Having the right duty holster at your side can make all of the difference for comfort as well as function during the workday. It should have great retention and be safe.  Not necessarily maximum retention but a retention that is useful for the job you are doing.

Law enforcement and security officers may find themselves in situations where a criminal is physically attacking them, and trying to disarm them. Under these circumstances, they need to have a holster with a great retention level.

Police officers, Security guards, probation/parole officers, correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, and anyone who open carries a gun for a living should take picking out a duty holster for their duty pistol seriously.

Consider this 4 aspects when buying a duty holster:

1. Retention Level

There are different kind of retention levels. The retention level defines the locking system in the holster. This is one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a holster.

While more retention levels can mean more safety, there also could be a delay with the speed of the draw. Training is absolutely critical here. Even if a law enforcement officer is comfortable drawing regularly from a level 3 holster, they need to also be able to make that draw while under stress.

Level II and III are the most secure for duty holsters.

Retention Level I have a single retention method also known as passive retention. This holsters are most common for concealed-carry, and some professional uses (military). This offers no real protection against accidental or unauthorized access to the firearm.

Retention Level II feature a combination of two methods, such as friction and button release, or a thumb strap over the back of the slide plus a button release. This is probably the most common holster. 

Level III retention holsters may offer a third level of retention along with the friction fit and a strap or hood. Typically they have a push button device which must be pressed in before drawing the holster. To use a level III holster requires regular practice to be able to release and draw your gun in a single, fluid movement. These types of  holsters are most common with law enforcement and people who openly carry their handgun.

2. Carry Position

Over the years, security operators have been faced with more demanding and more specific needs, particularly when it comes to how and in what position to carry a short weapon. 

The holsters carry positions are available very high, high, mid or low rise, it should be purchased accordingly. The gun needs to be angles right which is why carry position is important.

We develop a series of loops and platforms that we call V.C.S.P. “VEGA CARRY SYSTEM PROGRAM”

Carry position identification is subdivided in 4 ways: 

1. IP+2: the weapon grip is very high in respect to the belt. This is especially useful for concealed carrying. -

2. IP+1: the weapon grip is high in respect to the belt. This is useful when use occurs in a vehicle, where the weapon may press on the seat and thus create a dangerous situation.

3. IP0: the weapon grip is on the belt line. This system is used during normal duty in uniform, allowing a good draw and comfort. -

4. IP-1: The weapon grip is below the belt line. This is ideal for a quick draw.

3. Comfort 

A duty holster should be comfortable to wear on and made of durable material. You will be wearing it all day long. Make sure you inspect the material and check the level of comfortable before investing money on the purchase.

4. Safety and Security

It is important to pick a duty holster which provides safety of the gun as well as the user and maximum security.

Despite the number of snaps, twists, switches, etc. the holster should enable you to withdraw the gun during emergency easily.

Choosing the right holster could take you some time because it's a lot to consider... 

Take your time, compare holsters, check product reviews and buy what you think best fit your needs. Choose wisely.