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Poll: Your Retention Level
- Thread starter kmcdowel
- Start date
abrink
Regular Member
imported post
FightingGlock19 wrote:
FightingGlock19 wrote:
I think i'd say level one at least. And if you do concealed carry you really dont need that much retention because no one can see it.
abrink
Regular Member
imported post
Mjolnir wrote:
Mjolnir wrote:
I guess i can understand that. But the fact that it's IWB would prob make it harder for someone to grab.
nh92d
Regular Member
imported post
had to vote level 0
though upon holstering my gun,i do hear a slight click.so maybe a level 1
had to vote level 0
though upon holstering my gun,i do hear a slight click.so maybe a level 1
Thundar
Regular Member
imported post
I have many guns and thus many holsters. The Serpa for my 229 has never let go unless I pressed the button, a definite 3.
IWB for my Uncle Mike's J Frame S&W is at the other end of the spectrum a definite zero.
I have many guns and thus many holsters. The Serpa for my 229 has never let go unless I pressed the button, a definite 3.
IWB for my Uncle Mike's J Frame S&W is at the other end of the spectrum a definite zero.
Texaschl
Regular Member
imported post
I use a Blackhawk SERPA CQC is a level 2 auto-locking holster.worn at 3:30 with a FBI cant,and its easy to operate and keeps my 1911 where no one can draw it out and use it on me.
I use a Blackhawk SERPA CQC is a level 2 auto-locking holster.worn at 3:30 with a FBI cant,and its easy to operate and keeps my 1911 where no one can draw it out and use it on me.
deepdiver
Campaign Veteran
imported post
DreQo wrote:
DreQo wrote:
The Blackhawk CQC Serpas are level II or III. The level III has a thumb latch added. There is a level 1 CQC holster that doesn't have the SERPA retention lever you hit with your finger as you draw.
imported post
It seems to me like the Serpas are incorrectly labeled. It's already been clarified that the level is based on the number of individual locking mechanisms that must be bypassed in order to draw the weapon. A holster that "hugs" the gun, but only requires a regular drawing motion is not considered a retention holster, or Level 0. A holster with a single thumb break, or in Serpa's case, the trigger guard catch, is lvl 1. Blackhawk's supposed lvl 3 holster, with a trigger guard catch AND a thumb-released rear-of-slide catch, would really only be lvl 2.
http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=4105&C=C2091
Whereis the second retention device on that holster?(Level 2 Serpa Matte Finish)Is there some other release on these holsters that I don't know about?
It seems to me like the Serpas are incorrectly labeled. It's already been clarified that the level is based on the number of individual locking mechanisms that must be bypassed in order to draw the weapon. A holster that "hugs" the gun, but only requires a regular drawing motion is not considered a retention holster, or Level 0. A holster with a single thumb break, or in Serpa's case, the trigger guard catch, is lvl 1. Blackhawk's supposed lvl 3 holster, with a trigger guard catch AND a thumb-released rear-of-slide catch, would really only be lvl 2.
http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=4105&C=C2091
Whereis the second retention device on that holster?(Level 2 Serpa Matte Finish)Is there some other release on these holsters that I don't know about?
swillden
Regular Member
imported post
DreQo wrote:
DreQo wrote:
Blackhawk claims that the retention screw that allows you to make the holster grip tightly is the other mechanism. I like my Serpa, but I consider it a level 1 holster.
deepdiver
Campaign Veteran
imported post
swillden wrote:
ETA: I meant to add this review of the SERPA level III from officer.com:
To be called a "Level III" holster, there have to be three different and independent retention devices built into the holster. In this case the three retention devices are:
swillden wrote:
Given the design of the CQC holster, even with the SERPA button depressed, if properly tensioned, it really cannot be removed in any direction except straight out. At any angle it stays put which I guess meets the level 1 requirement of only easily removed by the wearer. Unless someone draws it straight out and up it ain't coming out (at least at my tension level).
ETA: I meant to add this review of the SERPA level III from officer.com:
To be called a "Level III" holster, there have to be three different and independent retention devices built into the holster. In this case the three retention devices are:
- Tension. Adjust it with any Philips head screwdriver.
- The SERPA lock, which secures the trigger guard of the weapon until activated/released by the shooter during the draw stroke.
- What BlackHawk calls a "Pivot Guard," which is a spring-loaded chunk of polymer which pivots up and over the back of the weapon slide and, again, is released/activated during the natural draw stroke.
imported post
swillden wrote:
Yeah, thats what I thought. It makes sense to say that holsters that grip the weapon and prevent it from falling out are indeed retaining the weapon. However, according to the original definition of the "Retention Levels", that doesn't count.
Here's a good example of an ACTUAL level 3 holster, and the video shows a level 4 version of the same holster. You'll notice that the weapon has to be physically moved to clear the last device, not simply pulled in the right direction.
One should also note that the retention levels were originally introduced by Safariland in the first place.
http://www.safariland.com/product.aspx?pid=6070
VIDEO: http://www.safariland.com/media/pop.asp?model=6070
swillden wrote:
Yeah, thats what I thought. It makes sense to say that holsters that grip the weapon and prevent it from falling out are indeed retaining the weapon. However, according to the original definition of the "Retention Levels", that doesn't count.
Here's a good example of an ACTUAL level 3 holster, and the video shows a level 4 version of the same holster. You'll notice that the weapon has to be physically moved to clear the last device, not simply pulled in the right direction.
One should also note that the retention levels were originally introduced by Safariland in the first place.
http://www.safariland.com/product.aspx?pid=6070
VIDEO: http://www.safariland.com/media/pop.asp?model=6070