Holsters

How to narrow a holster search

Fitment is three things, not one. A holster is cut for a specific pistol, for a specific weapon light (or none), and for a slide with or without a red-dot optic. A Glock 17 holster for a bare slide will not accept the same pistol with a TLR-1 mounted. Every listing here names all three; the Holster Finder filters on all three.

Retention level. Duty holsters carry a retention rating in the listing name (Level II or Level III on Safariland ALS/SLS models). Concealment holsters usually rely on friction or a single thumb break. Match the level to department policy before comparing brands.

Mount and ride height. Duty holsters mount by belt loop (UBL), mid-ride or low-ride drop, or a leg shroud. The mount is often sold separately; check the listing's included hardware. Mid-ride on a 2.25-inch belt is the usual patrol setup; low-ride and drop adapters clear body armor and vehicle seats.

Material. Molded polymer (SafariLaminate, Kydex) for duty and most concealment; leather from Galco, Bianchi, Aker and Gould & Goodrich where uniform policy or plainclothes comfort calls for it. Finish options on duty leather and laminate (plain, basketweave, hi-gloss) should match the belt and cases.

Hand. Right and left are separate SKUs. Agencies ordering for a group should count hands before quoting.

Procurement notes

Department holster orders are quote-lane purchases: the pistol, light and optic are fixed by policy, the retention level is fixed by policy, and the quantity is known. request a quote with the sidearm model, light, optic and hand split, and we will return a line-item quote with lead time. Safariland duty models are built to order on many fits; the listing states the current lead time. Brand pages: Safariland, Blackhawk, Gould & Goodrich, We The People, Alien Gear.

Prepared by The Gear Desk · Reviewed October 4, 2026