Given the recent occurances and related discussions. I seek the wisdom of this community. Just how much retention is really required of a good kydex tacticle holster? I've never really gotten comfortable with my Serpa. And am looking to switch to something else. I'm considering a Blade tech level 2 duty holster with DOH. This will be used in 3 gun matchs. My main reason for a retention device is to prevent the pistol from falling out while moving. I also like the G code. But it has no retention. Or am I over thinking this? I really like the drop and offset. Or at the least the drop. Any advice from those of you with more holster experiance would be appriciated. This holster is for my P14 .45. Thanks

Most Kydex level 1 retention holsters are Friction Based.

Which means the Kydex is molded to the pistols exact shape and pressure/friction is applied via an adjustable screw.

On my G-Code holsters the friction is actually a positive "NUB" that locks snugly on the trigger guard.



From there, various manufactures add more levels of retention via Thumb break, Hood, Levers, Combination Locks, Jerky Movements, Twists and Turns ect..



Go for a Standard Level 1 G-Code and don't look back..



CXS

I've just recently discovered these G-Code holsters and I am going to do exactly what you suggested. I love the simplicity of these holsters. While a Level III holster might be a good idea for a law enforcement officer out working their beat, I actually find them more complicated than they need to be for my needs. I run Glocks for the simple reason that all you need to do to effectively employ them is to draw, extend and squeeze off. No safeties to manipulate, no decockers to deal with, etc. Just a dirt simple system. I like the same in a holster. If I ever need to draw my gun for serious business, I don't want to be slowed down by trying to manipulate a bunch of retention release features under stress. I want to be able to get a proper firing grip on my weapon and have to do nothing more than simply pull the weapon upward. While a thumb break, a rotating hood and a number of retention features don't seem like any big deal, under stress we often see people struggling to get their weapons unholstered and into the fight when SHTF. One well known example is the incident between the two Ohio troopers and the Kehoe brothers. In the dash cam video, one of those troopers was observed spending more time trying to unholster his gun than he actually spent engaging the threat. I don't want that to be me. One way to prevent that is to keep things simple.

YoteSlayer,

If you make it to the next ASC practical shoot I'll show you the Safairland holster I have, the 6377-53, it is their 'CCW" version of the 6280 and has a thumb press release. It is a steal at only $30.  My only complaint is the button has no texture, but a bit of grip tape fixes that right up.

I've become a fan of the Safariland ALS system which I think is what Dawg180 is referencing. A small nub situated right under your thumb is pressed down and out comes the handgun. Very intuitive and quick to release. I've also got one holster with both the ALS and the SLS hood, you can leave the hood deactivated and still have active retention via the ALS but if you are doing something strenuous with little need for a quick draw you can up the retention level with a little flip of the hood.

Dawg180. I plan on not missing any of the ASC shoots and as long as there is not a rush of broke down trucks in Chicago I will be there. Safariland seems to have a very good reputation and lots of feature's with a broad selection. I like the G code as well. In my research I found an article by an LEO that went in depth into holsters and the various retention levels. This article and my experience is what prompted me to re think retention. This article praised what I'm positive was the origins of G code holsters and rated them as the best hands down. Wish I would have book marked that page. I like adaptability. And so at this point my 2 top choices are G code. And Safariland which also rates very very high among shooters. I want to keep it simple. My problem with the serpa has been not in practice. But in competition. In the house with an empty gun. I can hit the button and draw the pistol quickly. But stand me on the line with a loaded pistol. And where my trigger finger is going to be when I pull that pistol is foremost in my mind.
I here the buzzer and do not apply enough force to deactivate the lock fearing my finger going into the trigger guard on the draw stroke. Resulting in me pulling my pants HARD into my neather reaches.
  NOT a good way to start a stage. But I really like having a pistol securely held in. Dawg I'll check yours out at the match. I really wish there was a way to compare it side by side with a G code.
   I noticed that G Code has a holster with a strap I wonder does that strap just flip out of the way? As in when I'm on the line and given the load and make ready command. And then return the pistol to the holster. I can leave the strap off and just have the pistol held in by tension? And then upon re holstering and having to move. Flip the strap back over securing the pistol?
   Sorry about the long post. Your responses are very helpful. And research and loading are what I do in the winter. Hopefully by spring I will have made a wise choice soon enough to have put in the practice to become competent in it's use.

The holster I think your thinking of with the thumbreak/strap is the XST system.

Friction Retention like a standard G-Code, but adds a hood that springs out the way.






Mounted to the front of an Eagle Plate Carrier.








Close up without flash to show fabric.. (Need to work on white balance)








View of the XST System.








How to grip and press the Lever.








Springs out the way.








In my HSGI UDHP.








All wrapped up..






CXS

Thats the one. I really like that holster alot..... Now Gcode lists 5" 1911. Will it fit the Para P14 double stack? Me thinks a phone call may be in order.

What's the difference between the Standard and RTI style XST?

On an OWB holster I definitely prefer the hood. I don't like carrying a loaded weapon that can easily be grabbed, unless concealed.

Yote, I've got a Safariland 6004 you can check out.  G-Code and Blade Tech are also great.  I like their thumb brakes better than than the Safariland.  I'm in the Northwest 'Burbs.

The RTI (Rapid Transition Interface) allows you to quickly move the holster to another location that has the RTI wheel.

I can use the same holster on my Belt, Drop Leg, Chest, Under Desk Mount, ect...



CXS



 

I am going to pickup the HSGI universal drop leg holster so I assume this will work fine with it if I get the RTI model. What other piece would I need to use the holster to mount it under my desk?

You will need to mount the RTI wheel in the UDHP, and you can screw a RTI wheel to the underside of a desk, dash, coffee table, bed frame, ect...



CXS



 

CXS

I'm in the northwest burbs as well. And would like to check out that holster. Seems a new problem has cropped up. Do either of these holsters fit a P14? I'm calling Gcode today and asking. Safariland fit charts are confusing as hell and will probably require a call as well. I know phone calls are not a problem but believe it or not I have about 30 mins of time to make them during bussiness hour's so It takes my awhile.

Custom X.....Those pics are a HUGE help. And very appriciated. Thats the kind of adaptability I like!

Bring your P14 to the next ASC and we'll see if it fits my safariland

Just got off the phone with G code. They will have a holster to fit my P14 coming out in March or April. It's a bitch sometimes finding a holster for that fat pistol. Oh crap this means I'll need 2 holsters. One for the single stack as well

I want a holster like this for my SR9.
Is there one available?

Thanks!

John

Edited...VA-gunnut

Anyone have any thoughts on reforming
an existing holster to work with my
SR9?

John

Thats great news. I'm really liking G code. Let me get my funds together and I'll give you a call

i love the idea of mounting the RTI on the HSGI leg drop, making it useful for multiple holsters... does g-code make an adaptor to be able to use the RTI with safariland holsters? i thought i saw something like that the other night...

The adapter on the far left..









CXS



 

cool...thanks!!

Also check out the garrett industries silent thunder, another good fast option

Just found this pic..







CXS