● Holster Retention: What are Retention Levels?

Safariland purchased the Rogers Holster Company in 1985. At the time of purchase, Safariland adopted a security rating system that had been developed by the Rogers Holster Company in 1975. This system was based on a series of simple tests that could be conducted in the field by the end user. At the time of purchase, the Rogers SS2 and SS3 holsters were the only holsters that could pass the described Level II and Level III tests.
 
The holster designers at Rogers had noticed there was a great deal of confusion and inconsistency with regard to holster retention.  To clarify types of retention the designers created specifications and tests which defined four specific levels of retention.

Retention Level I ™
In simple terms, Level l retention is defined as being able to hold the gun in place for 5 seconds while an adversary attempts to remove the gun with force in any direction for 5 seconds.  An example of Level l retention is a holster with a single device which holds the gun in the holster.  By flipping open a thumb break the gun is  now free to be removed from the holster.

Retention Level lI ™
Requires two actions or two mechanisms be manipulated in order to release the gun from the holster.  An example is a holster which has a pivoting thumb break.  The mechanical thumb break must be rolled forward before the gun can be released but first a button must be pressed to unlock the thumb break. To draw the gun step one is to press the thumb break release button and step two is to roll the thumb break forward.

The Safariland model 2955 is a Level ll holster.  To release the gun the thumb break snap must be released then the gun must be pivoted forwarded to unlock the gun from the holster.

Blackhawk SERPA® Level ll.  To release the gun the side button must be pressed by the index finger.  The gun must be drawn straight out of the holster.  The level ll retention pressure may be manually adjusted.

Retention Level llI ™
Where Level lI retention requires a second motion or action required by the user to release.  Level III requires a third element.  An example is holster which has thumb break which must be pressed down to unlock, then rolled forward and next the gun must be drawn straight out of the holster.  If the gun is pulled from an off angle the holster will bind and continue to retain the gun.

Blackhawk Tactical SERPA® Level lll

Safariland Model 6360 ALS® Level III

 

Retention Level lV ™
Level four retention requires a combination of four motions or actions to release the gun.

Summary
When shopping for your next holster do your homework!  Make sure you clearly understand the different features.  Your holster is critical in your ability to protect, draw and use your firearm.  Choose a holster based on your carry method and your skill level.   While a level lV holster works well for law enforcement professionals it may not be the best choice for EDC (every day carry) for a citizen who is just going about his or her personal business.