Holster Comparison

Compare Duty & Tactical Holsters

Expert comparison of duty and tactical holsters. Compare retention levels, features, and prices from Safariland, Blackhawk, and more. Find the perfect holster for your carry needs.

Top Duty Holsters Compared

Select Products to Compare (2-4 products):

7TS ALS Concealment Holster
Safariland
7TS ALS Concealment Holster
$54.99
4.8/5
Best Concealment
Retention Level:Level 2 (ALS)
Material:SafariLaminate
Mount Type:Belt Loop/Paddle
Draw Angle:Straight
Best Use:Plainclothes/Detective
Weapon Light:No
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6390 ALS Mid-Ride Duty Holster
Safariland
6390 ALS Mid-Ride Duty Holster
$119.99
4.9/5
Best Overall Duty
Retention Level:Level 2 (ALS)
Material:STX Tactical
Mount Type:UBL/QLS
Draw Angle:Straight
Best Use:Patrol/Duty
Weapon Light:Yes (molded)
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7TS ALS/SLS Duty Holster
Safariland
7TS ALS/SLS Duty Holster
$149.99
4.9/5
Best Level 3 Retention
Retention Level:Level 3 (ALS+SLS)
Material:SafariLaminate
Mount Type:UBL/QLS
Draw Angle:Straight
Best Use:Uniformed Patrol
Weapon Light:Yes
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Safariland

7TS ALS Concealment Holster

Pros
  • +Excellent concealment profile
  • +ALS retention - automatic on holstering
  • +Durable SafariLaminate construction
  • +Quick, intuitive draw
  • +Affordable price point
  • +Multiple mounting options
Cons
  • -No weapon light accommodation
  • -Level 2 only (not suitable for uniformed patrol)
  • -Less protective than duty holsters
  • -Limited adjustment options

Safariland

6390 ALS Mid-Ride Duty Holster

Pros
  • +Industry standard duty holster
  • +ALS retention - proven reliability
  • +Accommodates weapon lights
  • +Excellent durability
  • +Wide weapon compatibility
  • +QLS system for quick changes
Cons
  • -Only Level 2 retention
  • -Larger profile than concealment
  • -More expensive than basic holsters
  • -Requires correct light/weapon combo

Safariland

7TS ALS/SLS Duty Holster

Pros
  • +Level 3 retention for uniformed officers
  • +ALS + rotating hood (SLS)
  • +Excellent weapon security
  • +Accommodates lights
  • +Proven in countless agencies
  • +Durable construction
Cons
  • -More complex draw sequence
  • -Requires training to be proficient
  • -Higher price point
  • -Bulkier than Level 2 holsters

Holster Selection Guide

Retention Levels Explained:

Level 1 (Passive): Friction/tension only. Holster grips the weapon. Use: Concealment, competition, low-risk plainclothes.
Level 2 (Active): One active retention device (like ALS button) + friction. Use: Plainclothes duty, detectives, some patrol (check policy).
Level 3 (Active): Two active retention devices (ALS + hood or similar). Use: Uniformed patrol - required by most agencies for weapon retention security.

Critical Considerations:

  • Agency Policy: Many departments mandate Level 3 for uniformed patrol
  • Weapon/Light Fit: Holster must be molded for your exact setup
  • Draw Training: Practice with retention holsters until automatic
  • Mounting System: Ensure compatibility with your duty belt
  • Durability: Duty holsters take abuse - invest in quality

Recommended Holsters by Role

Uniformed Patrol

Overt duty carry, high risk of confrontations and weapon grabs

Recommended: Safariland 6360 or 7360 Level 3

ALS + SLS retention, weapon light compatible. Industry standard. $150-170.

Plainclothes/Detective

Concealed carry, professional appearance, quick access needed

Recommended: Safariland 7378 ALS

Level 2 retention, low profile, excellent concealment. $55.

Tactical Team

Operations-focused, speed important, often have long gun

Recommended: Safariland 6390 ALS or T.Rex Ragnarok

Level 2 sufficient for tactical ops, fast draw, light compatible. $60-120.

Why Safariland Dominates Law Enforcement

Safariland ALS (Automatic Locking System) holsters are issued by the majority of US law enforcement agencies for good reason. The ALS system automatically locks the weapon on holstering and releases with natural thumb pressure during the draw stroke.

This provides security against weapon grabs (critical for uniformed officers) while maintaining reasonable draw speed with proper training. The system is simple, reliable, and proven through decades of real-world use.

When combined with the SLS (Self Locking System) rotating hood, you get Level 3 retention that's defeated only by someone who knows the specific release sequence - unlikely during a weapon grab attempt.

While other manufacturers make quality holsters, Safariland's market dominance means universal acceptance, widespread parts availability, extensive weapon compatibility, and proven court defensibility. For duty use, Safariland is the safe choice.

Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions