Retention Holster and gun belts

[OldeTSgt]

I currently carry a Serpa and I like it but some of the reviews about the mechanism getting locked up by dirt and such has me wondering is there a good level II or III retention holster - I carried Safariland SSIII before and I would like a good level 2 alternative and a good gun belt that won't break the bank

 

[Mahalo_.32]

I love to brag about my BH serpa simply because I have abused it from banging it on bars, desks, walls, chairs, it's been on the ground wrestling with an idiot and I have sand everywhere. This holster has NEVER broken or become an issue.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

I assume we are discussing duty gear. Safariland seems to be the market leader in my area. We still have Level II SLS duty holsters that are holding up OK. I would look at an ALS model if buying now.
I would try one of the padded duty belts out now to save wear and tear on your back. I am recovering from a herniated disc now and am researching alternatives to our issued gear which will reduce the weight and still be acceptable to upper management. Good luck in your search and stay safe.

 

[OKFC05]

I have an ALS on a Looper Leather belt (plastic insert made inside belt).

 

[shell627]

For taking the weight off your hips and lower back.Look at Back Defense they are in TX.I use their suspender system with a outside uniform shirt carrier.It has done wonders for my 60 yr old back.They also have a system you wear under a uniform shirt if you are not allowed outside carriers.

 

[shell627]

Sorry for my thread drift.Holster I went back too after trying Serpa for a few years is Safriland als for glock 21 with light.

 

[OldeTSgt]

I assume we are discussing duty gear. Safariland seems to be the market leader in my area. We still have Level II SLS duty holsters that are holding up OK. I would look at an ALS model if buying now.
I would try one of the padded duty belts out now to save wear and tear on your back. I am recovering from a herniated disc now and am researching alternatives to our issued gear which will reduce the weight and still be acceptable to upper management. Good luck in your search and stay safe.

Not duty gear I retired from the military 10 yrs ago and resigned my commission as a police officer 16 yrs ago - just a good retention holster (I carry a serpa already) that would be a good alternative to my Serpa - and a bit stiffer belt - I currently have a basketweave underbelt but it is stretching a bit with my bigger guns. Most retention holsters I see for just concealed carry are made right handed and not for my M&P 45 or M9

 

[Rastoff]

I despise the way the term "retention holster" is used. ALL holsters are retention holsters. I mean, if they didn't retain the gun, what good would they be?

The term "retention levels" was coined by Safariland and it has nothing to do with the number of actions that need to be take to remove the gun. It has everything to do with how long the gun stays in the holster while trying to be removed by someone who isn't the owner. *Rant off*

OK, I like the Safariland ALS system. It's much better than the SERPA mechanism.

The best belt for the money is the Uncle Mike's Instructor's belt. It has a kydex insert to make it stiff and costs less than $35 if you look a little.

 

[OldeTSgt]

I despise the way the term "retention holster" is used. ALL holsters are retention holsters. I mean, if they didn't retain the gun, what good would they be?

The term "retention levels" was coined by Safariland and it has nothing to do with the number of actions that need to be take to remove the gun. It has everything to do with how long the gun stays in the holster while trying to be removed by someone who isn't the owner. *Rant off*

OK, I like the Safariland ALS system. It's much better than the SERPA mechanism.

The best belt for the money is the Uncle Mike's Instructor's belt. It has a kydex insert to make it stiff and costs less than $35 if you look a little.

Cool - I don't think they make the ALS for the M&P45 in left handed will check for my Beretta M9.

I remember as a young Deputy when Safariland came out with the SSIII it required 3 separate actions to unlock the gun for the draw - you had to break the thumb snap and the trigger snap and rotate your gun back to draw - the standard was 2 seconds to pass - I think my best draw and shoot on a timer was well under the 2 second limit to pass. somewhere around the 1 second area -

 

[okiegtrider]

I currently carry a Serpa and I like it but some of the reviews about the mechanism getting locked up by dirt and such has me wondering is there a good level II or III retention holster - I carried Safariland SSIII before and I would like a good level 2 alternative and a good gun belt that won't break the bank

I carry one too (Serpa) daily for several years. I've read the same reviews and I know some folks knock em. But it sure works for me. The release is very intuitive for me, and the silly plastic holster seems nearly indestructable, and economical.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

OP, sorry for the original misunderstanding. That being said, I have a Serpa and use it when I have a plainclothes assignment.
I bought two double thickness bull hide belts from Wild Bill's Concealment Leather and am very pleased with them. Just finished a 2.5 year stretch in Internal Affairs wearing these belts daily. Still look like new and supported the weight of my gear well. Good luck in your search!

 

[OldeTSgt]

Anyone have experience with SOE belts? Guess I will have to continue with my Serpa