Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
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On any given day, every police officer in America may be subjected to threats of violence or actual attacks on their lives. A duty holster is not only designed with safety in mind; it strives to protect officers during routine office work and in dangerous situations when they are in full uniform. Choose a duty holster that gives you a superior carry with access and security for performance that suits professionals. In this article, we will help you select the best duty holsters available in the market.
Every self-defense carrier is worried about the way to secure their gun. So, they must select a holster that provides ease of access and quick release of their firearm. The duty holsters are mainly used for carrying handguns by police officers during security duty or investigation work.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best duty holsters, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Duty Holsters
To fight criminal activities, police forces require routine firearms, so they need to carry them everywhere to reduce the crime rate. They also have different requirements for different seasons, like cold winters, so they need more safety than usual days against moisture and water. This type of holster is mainly preferred by people who work on duty all day long because it has specific features that provide added protection with easy accessibility. Keeping the above discussion in mind, we have selected some of the best duty holsters. We have considered all features like comfort level, price, security and easy usage while choosing these holsters.
5 Best Duty Holsters (Ranked And Reviewed)
Specifications
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Brand:
BLACKHAWK
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Hand Orientation:
Right
-
Material:
Polymer
-
Color:
Black
When it comes to the most trusted name in the industry, everyone knows that BLACKHAWK Serpa is always in demand because of its quality products. It provides excellent accessibility to your firearm with solid locking mechanisms so you can feel comfortable when carrying your weapon during extreme conditions or tactical operations. It has an adjustable retention pressure along with a 360-degree rotational capability. This holster also features a speed-cut design for quick drawing and re-holstering of the weapon. It has a lightweight, rugged design that can withstand any weather condition. The BLACKHAWK SERPA CQC Carbon-Fiber Holster is a standard duty holster, but it stands out because of its unique qualities.
The outer shell of the holster is manufactured from carbon fiber for extreme durability and resistance to scratches and other wear-and-tear damage. The inner core is made from molded polymer materials that provide an excellent fit regardless of size or weapon preference for repositioning flexibility while on the job. It also boasts a passive trigger guard lock which ensures total protection while drawing your firearm in a high-stress situation. The SERPA design prevents your pistol from slipping out even if you fall or get knocked over during an attack, giving officers maximum safety against potential threats.
The retention unit is double-locking with passive retention, which gives you quick access to your firearm. The SERPA Auto Lock release uses pressure from your waistband as well as an index finger or thumb as a control lever to allow you easy access to your weapon when needed. This rig includes both automatic locking and active retention mechanisms for added security. Still, it has patented Serpa Technology built-in, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally releasing the lock while drawing or engaging targets. This feature gives you peace of mind that if an accident does occur, you will be safe. The holster includes a belt loop and paddle platform for easy wear with multiple positions to choose from. Whether sitting or standing, this holster can be worn comfortably all day long.
The polymer core of the holster is lightweight, so it won’t bulk up your uniform while out on patrol, which also helps reduce fatigue after a shift. The SERPA CQC Carbon-Fiber holster is perfect for uniformed employees who must wear their weapons at all times. This duty holster has a black matte finish that looks professional and stylish, making it an excellent choice for any law enforcement agency or individual officer. Due to the holster’s high-quality construction materials, this product comes with a full lifetime warranty from its manufacturer, so you can have peace of mind when buying.
Positive
- Internal locking system for enhanced safety
- Thumb-activated pivot guard
- No snaps or hoods to accidentally open
- Constructed with injection molded carbon fiber for added strength
- Adjustable paddle platform
Negatives
- Not made for thick belts
- A tight fit for some models
2. Safariland ALS/SLS, Level 3 Retention Duty Holster
Specifications
-
Brand:
Safariland
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Hand Orientation:
Right
-
Material:
Safari Laminate
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Color:
STX Tactical Black
The Safariland Group is one of the most reliable names for duty gear and tactical equipment. This Duty Holster is the most popular level 3 duty holster among police officers. The Safariland Level 3 Auto Lock Duty Holster is a versatile and durable product designed to give officers the most efficient possible carry methods. It boasts active retention technology that locks your firearm into place if it detects sudden, violent movement from anyone attempting to gain control of it.
It provides an extra level of safety for you even if you become involved in a high-speed pursuit or physical altercation with a suspect who is trying to disarm you by any means necessary. The holster’s full sight channel prevents the front from hanging up on clothing, helping ensure a smoother draw stroke every time you need your firearm. To prevent discomfort while wearing this product throughout the day, Safariland made sure to include padded injection-molded belt loops on this model. These allow for more freedom of movement and keep the holster positioned correctly on your belt even while walking or running.
For added protection, this duty holster also has an ALS (Automatic Locking System) and SLS (Self Locking System) feature that automatically locks the firearm into place when inserted into the unit. This feature makes tactical training more productive by preventing the gun from accidentally coming out during tasks like reloading or moving to a secondary weapon if possible. A reinforced steel sight track prevents your gun’s front sight from wearing down or being damaged during use. If you are looking for a durable duty holster with excellent safety features, this product may be the one that you need.
Positive
- Automatic locking system
- Self locking system
- Rotating hood for protection against attempted takeaways
- Sleek design
- Durable
Negatives
- Too snug for some models
3. BLACKHAWK EPOCH Level 3 Light Bearing Duty Holster
Specifications
-
Brand:
BLACKHAWK
-
Hand Orientation:
Right
-
Material:
Polymer
-
Color:
Black
If you are looking for a holster that you can use in both civilian and law enforcement applications, the BLACKHAWK EPOCH Level 3 Light Bearing Duty Holster may just be right for you. This level 3 duty holster has been designed to be ultra-lightweight. It has a low profile for easy concealability, making it perfect for plainclothes officers who need to keep their firearms concealed when off duty. This product is also much easier to clean than similar designs, thanks to its quick-release trigger guard locking system, which allows users to quickly remove the firearm from the holster in case of an emergency. The most significant selling point of this unit, however, is its built-in light mount.
The nylon belt loops on the side can easily hold a tactical light without creating too much bulk, allowing you to get the most out of your duty belt. This feature lets you build your agency’s entire duty belt around this product, making it more versatile than other designs that cannot hold lights. A total 360° thumb release makes drawing the firearm easier than ever, ensuring that officers can quickly deploy their guns when they are needed most. Finally, this unit will fit comfortably inside any standard uniform pants or cargo pockets without adding too much bulk or weight due to its low-profile design. It has an extremely low-profile design.
The exterior is smooth to the touch without any extra insulation layers, which helps prevent chafing or discomfort while you wear it throughout your shift. It also features injection-molded belt loops, which are very lightweight compared to leather counterparts. These loops give officers added flexibility in their daily activities since they can quickly move around while wearing them without fear of discomfort. This Duty Holster is an excellent choice for officers who use their sidearms in combination with an attached flashlight.
Positive
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Good retention
- Provide additional safety
Negatives
- Poor battery life
- A little stiff to draw
4. Quanlei Level 3 Auto Lock Duty Holster
Specifications
-
Brand:
Quanlei
-
Hand Orientation:
Right
-
Material:
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
-
Color:
Black
The Quanlei Level 3 Auto Lock Duty Holster is designed to give law enforcement agents and security guards a reliable way to keep their firearms at the ready throughout their shifts. This unit features an injection-molded belt loop that allows you easy access to your weapon when it is time to draw while still providing comfort and flexibility similar to leather loops without the high cost of upkeep. The Quanlei Level 3 Auto Lock Duty holster is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a durable and affordable level 3 retention holster for law enforcement. To enhance safety while carrying, this holster has both automatic locking and active retention systems built-in.
When the gun is inserted into the unit and pressure is applied, an internal sensor sets off a trigger locking system that secures your firearm until you release it by using your index finger or thumb. It also features a quick-release belt system that allows you to quickly mount and dismount your holster from your belt. The construction used in this holster makes it very easy to clean while still retaining its shape after extended usage, allowing you to use it for years before having to get it replaced.
Positive
- Active retention feature
- Full firing grip for draw
- Injection-molded carbon fiber composite provides strength
- The speed-cut design allows rapid draw
Negatives
- The holster is not compatible with many models
5. TEGE OWB, 360° Adjustable Paddle Holster
Specifications
-
Brand:
TEGE
-
Hand Orientation:
Right
-
Color:
Black
The TEGE OWB Holster is designed with law enforcement agents in mind. This unit has a highly adjustable and removable belt clip that will hold it securely in place on your duty belt or tactical vest, even when running or engaging in physically demanding activities such as climbing fences. It also features an adjustable locking retention system to keep your firearm secure when holstering and drawing your weapon when necessary. The holster comes with a key for easy adjustment of the retention level you would like to use during any given situation. This product is specially made to fit the Glock handgun.
It uses a spring steel belt clip that gives it superior strength no matter how much pressure you apply to the rig while you are wearing it. The polymer construction of the holster will resist rust and corrosion even after years of use while remaining light enough for all-day comfort when on duty. The holster’s design also includes a rubberized paddle that makes it highly comfortable to wear even during long shifts because it reduces the amount of pressure your belt puts on your hips, allowing you to walk around freely without feeling any discomfort.
The design used in this unit keeps your sidearm safe from dents, scratches, and dings while securely holstered inside the holster. Finally, the rotating belt loops featured in this unit allow you to adjust the holster’s orientation by up to 360 degrees for unrestricted wearing comfort. This feature makes it easy to wear on either your left or right-hand side without having to remove any parts of your uniform first. The TEGE OWB holster is an excellent choice for someone who needs a durable and affordable paddle holster that can be used as a backup piece when carrying their sidearm around off duty
Positive
- Auto-locking system
- Fully adjustable
- Quickly rotate paddle 360 degrees
- Push side buttons to achieve fast opening and closing
- Low maintenance material
Negatives
- Too tight for some models
- Difficulty drawing weapons for some models
What To Consider While Buying The Best Duty Holsters?
What are the factors to consider when purchasing a duty holster? You should take care of some of the following features before making the purchase.
Proper Fit
At first, you must make sure that the holster has a proper fit for your gun. You cannot buy a duty holster if it doesn’t fit your weapon or vice versa. The best-duty holsters must have a proper fit for your gun to ensure that you can draw and reholster quickly without unintentionally releasing it.
Multi Fit System
You also have to see if the duty holster is adaptable to other gear on your belt. It should be able to clip on and off without making any modifications. Also, check if it can function with other law enforcement tools like handcuff cases, magazine pouches or TASER holders.
Retention Strength
To prevent accidents, you must see whether the holster has a robust retention mechanism that will help keep your gun securely in place while sprinting or fighting without accidentally releasing it. The quality of materials used for the locking mechanism is crucial when checking the strengths of your holster’s security system.
Material
After you have selected the perfect holster for your gun, you must also check the craftsmanship’s material and quality, which depends on how long it will last. Additionally, check whether its design is at par with law enforcement standards, which should quickly draw and reholster your firearm without accidentally releasing it in any circumstance.
Concealment Factor
Lastly, find out how well it conceals from sight, which depends on the size of the holster and not its design. Also, consider if you can wear it with a cover garment or a tactical vest. The best way to determine the right holster for you is to try it on. Doing this will show how well it holds up against movement, sweat, etc. Ensure that the retention is sufficient enough that you don’t have to worry about losing your gun during an altercation; however, make sure that it is not so tight as to cause problems if holstering/unholstering quickly. Keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another.
FAQs
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Duty holsters give law enforcement officers and security guards ways to carry their firearms safely during their shifts. They also offer more accessible access to the weapon when needed.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Some advantages include easy access when necessary, no chance of accidents due to proper storage, no accidental firings and reduced liability in terms of safety issues. One should use only.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Metal Duty Holsters are heavy, bulky, expensive and break easily. There are many disadvantages of using metal holsters as most law enforcement officers do not carry them on their waist due to weight issues. They are mainly used by police who patrol cars for easy access to guns stored inside boxes beneath seats or elsewhere in vehicles.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Open top belt loops have a piece of leather or fabric attached to them with a metal loop at the rear. The upper lip of the holster is exposed so that the wearer can place their hand behind it and pull out the gun with ease.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
There are several different types of duty holsters, including concealment holsters, open-top belt loops, leg drop holsters and ankle holsters, among others.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Duty holsters are used for carrying tactical equipment, firearms and pistols on the belt of law enforcement officers or security guards. Some people may think that it is not a holster as no pistol is being placed into it, but the fact remains that a gun needs a holster to carry it from one place to another safely.
Conclusion
The best duty holsters are easy to use and provide the best kind of protection for your firearm at all times. When you choose a holster made out of high-quality material, has the necessary adjustable features and provides superior protection for your weapon, there is no limit to how much easier it will be to perform your duties. These five best duty holsters listed above make great choices for people looking to buy new tactical equipment, firearms or pistol rigs. These items provide secure retention systems, highly adjustable belt clips and enough comfort that you can wear them all day without discomfort. We hope this list helps you find what you need to get more done on the job with less effort involved.
Our Research Process
Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.