What is a Level 2 Holster?
A Comprehensive Guide
A holster is a device that is designed to hold one or several firearms. The holster itself provides some degree of protection for the weapon(s) it has, whether from impact, debris, moisture, or accidental contact with another object. The composition and design of the holster should also protect the gun’s external mechanisms (i.e., trigger guard) from damage. This article is about what is a level 2 holster?
Table of Contents
Most holsters also provide a method of securing the firearm to either the user or an object such as a belt or waistband, although holsters are not generally designed to be attached directly to the body; instead, they are bound to clothing, bags, equipment belts, and other objects.
Retention Holster
The vast majority of retention holsters are designed to retain the firearm actively or passively. Some retention holsters use a form of mechanical locking device either integrated with the holster itself or in the form of a small lock that is operated manually, which provides an extra level of security against someone who does not have the key or combination to unlock it. In addition, many such holsters are designed with a locking device that prevents them from being opened while the firearm is attached.
Other holsters use reinforced materials and specialized designs to maintain weapon retention without any form of physical fastener. In particular, modern law enforcement and military practices have fostered increased use of retention holsters that hold the gun very tightly against the body, making it difficult for an assailant to snatch it away. These holsters are designed specifically to meet retention guidelines established by various government agencies.
Types of Retention Holsters
Level 1 Retention Holster
Use a safety strap and friction to keep the gun in the holster.
Level 2 Retention Holster
Use any one of several devices for security for the handgun, with the most common one being a hooded lock that surrounds the gun’s trigger guard.
Level 3 Retention Holster
Use a safety strap and a hooded lock to keep the gun secure.
Level 2 Holster
A level 2 holster is a tactical belt/pants holster with an additional locking security feature. It’s used by many law enforcement agencies and military personnel. This type of holster is designed to offer extra security for the firearm attempting to grab it. Locking the gun inside a level 2 holster keeps it from being grabbed and prevents it from falling out. The locking device is usually operated by a minor key that is attached to this type of holster, and it has a secondary safety strap that prevents the gun from being pulled out or pushed in by accident. The main difference with a level 2 holster is that you cannot simply pull out the weapon if needed since one has to unlock the mechanism to access it.
Types of Level 2 Holsters
The main features of a level 2 holster are the safety strap and locking mechanism. This type of holster usually comes with an additional metal or plastic clip that attaches it to an external belt loop or equipment belt, making it much easier to carry around the waist (i.e., standard police/military belt set-up). If this extra feature is used, it makes the weapon more accessible if needed. These kinds of holsters are used in tactical situations when there’s a risk of the gun being grabbed and aren’t meant for routine applications such as routine police/military operations or public security. Also, they’re usually not found in stores and must be ordered directly from the manufacturer. There are a few different designs as far as locking mechanisms go, and here are some of the most common ones you will come across:
The button lock locks by using a spring-loaded metal key that protrudes from one side of the holster near the trigger guard area, and you push it to release the gun. An automatic lock that works by locking a metal part of the gun into a companion piece on the holster itself, locking it inside. A 2-part system that uses both a safety strap and a button release to provide an extra level of security if needed. All you have to do is unlock the mechanism with one hand, pull out the gun with the other hand, and then re-lock it when you’re done. To put it in simple terms, a level 2 holster is an essential part of every tactical loadout since having one ensures that your weapon won’t fall into the wrong hands during a confrontation. So if you want to avoid losing your expensive firearm to a potential assailant or bad guy, make sure to get a level 2 holster as soon as you can.
Pros
- Extra security makes it harder for a potential assailant to grab your weapon from you
- Since the locking mechanism is not visible, it's less likely to be noticed because a standard holster doesn't have a similar feature
- It's less likely to be lost during combat due to the safety strap
- It looks professional and is also present in many law enforcement agencies/military organizations around the world, making it a must-have item for security personnel such as detectives and bodyguards
- It's also used to keep pistols safe when attending gun shows or in other tactical situations
- It's also very practical for safety, especially in public places or inside your car
- It’s easy to access your firearm when needed
Cons
- If no security strap is attached, the weapon can be quickly taken out by whoever wants to grab it
- To unlock the mechanism, you have to put your finger inside the trigger guard area, thus increasing the risk of accidental discharge
- You must use both hands to access your weapon, which is a significant downside in combat
- Using the metal clip instead of a security strap, you have to dismount it from your belt loop by yourself, which can be complicated if you're wearing bulky clothes or other items
- It can be challenging to put the gun back in the holster, but with time it gets easier
- When you need your weapon and don't have both hands accessible, getting it out quickly becomes a tricky proposition
FAQs
Important Note:
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.
Retention holsters are safe. However, no device is 100% foolproof. Retention level 2 holster has many safety features to help prevent accidental discharge. Still, it’s always better to keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot than rely on any retention device.
Important Note:
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.
The primary reason police officers choose to use retention holsters is the same as other security personnel. They must attend gun shows or different situations where their weapon might be looked at closely by others.
Important Note:
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.
The main difference is that a level 2 holster has retention capabilities and additional safety measures against loss or theft. A Level 3 holster enhances this protection with physical actions to make it very difficult for someone to steal your weapon.
Conclusion
A retention holster is an excellent choice for those needing to keep their weapon safe in tactical situations. However, there are several issues that one should be aware of before using a level 2 holster. As with any tactical accessory, the best thing to try it out in different circumstances is to see how well it performs. We have covered the question of what is a level 2 holster in this article. Thanks for reading.
Author Profile
- 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.
