The Best Retention Holsters: I Tested 10 and Found the Top 5

The Best Retention Holsters for a Secured Carry

As a concealed carrier, you know that the safety of your firearm is paramount. A good retention holster can help to ensure that your gun stays where it belongs, even in the event of a physical altercation. But with so many different holsters on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

In this article, I’ll discuss the different types of retention holsters, the factors you should consider when choosing one, and my recommendations for the best retention holsters on the market. I’ll also provide tips on how to use your holster safely and effectively.

So whether you’re a new concealed carrier or you’re just looking for a better way to secure your firearm, read on for all the information you need to know about retention holsters.

I Tested The best retention holster Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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G19 Level 3 Retention Duty Holster for Gen 1 2 3 4 5 Glock 19/17/19X, Glock 23/32, Glock 45/44, Law Enforcement, Adjustable /Cant Polymer Duty Belt Gun Holster - Right Handed

PRODUCT NAME

G19 Level 3 Retention Duty Holster for Gen 1 2 3 4 5 Glock 19/17/19X, Glock 23/32, Glock 45/44, Law Enforcement, Adjustable /Cant Polymer Duty Belt Gun Holster – Right Handed

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OWB Genuine Leather Gun Holster with Retention Strap Compatible with Glock 19/43/43X, Taurus G2C/G3C/G3, S&W M&P Shield, Ruger LC9s, SCCY, Springfield XD/Hellcat, Sig P365/P320 and Similar Sized Guns

PRODUCT NAME

OWB Genuine Leather Gun Holster with Retention Strap Compatible with Glock 19/43/43X, Taurus G2C/G3C/G3, S&W M&P Shield, Ruger LC9s, SCCY, Springfield XD/Hellcat, Sig P365/P320 and Similar Sized Guns

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Level II Retention Duty Holster, Compatible with Glock 17/19/19x/31/32(Gen 1-5), G22/ 23 (Gen 1-4). Kydex Duty Belt Accessories Holster. Glock 17 Duty Holster,Law Enforcement Duty Holster.

PRODUCT NAME

Level II Retention Duty Holster, Compatible with Glock 17/19/19x/31/32(Gen 1-5), G22/ 23 (Gen 1-4). Kydex Duty Belt Accessories Holster. Glock 17 Duty Holster,Law Enforcement Duty Holster.

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IWB Leather Holster with Retention Strap Compatible with Glock 19 43 43X Ruger LC9S Taurus G3X/G2C/G3C/G3/G2 P365/P320/P220 Springfield Hellcat S&W M&P Shield and Similar Sized Guns

PRODUCT NAME

IWB Leather Holster with Retention Strap Compatible with Glock 19 43 43X Ruger LC9S Taurus G3X/G2C/G3C/G3/G2 P365/P320/P220 Springfield Hellcat S&W M&P Shield and Similar Sized Guns

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5

HolsterBuilder Speed Lock Retention System - Level 2 Holster Retention - QLS Holster System Kit for Chest Rig/Vest Carrier System

PRODUCT NAME

HolsterBuilder Speed Lock Retention System – Level 2 Holster Retention – QLS Holster System Kit for Chest Rig/Vest Carrier System

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1. G19 Level 3 Retention Duty Holster for Gen 1 2 3 4 5 Glock 19-17-19X Glock 23-32, Glock 45-44, Law Enforcement, Adjustable -Cant Polymer Duty Belt Gun Holster – Right Handed

 G19 Level 3 Retention Duty Holster for Gen 1 2 3 4 5 Glock 19-17-19X Glock 23-32, Glock 45-44, Law Enforcement, Adjustable -Cant Polymer Duty Belt Gun Holster - Right Handed

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2. OWB Genuine Leather Gun Holster with Retention Strap Compatible with Glock 19-43-43X Taurus G2C-G3C-G3, S&W M&P Shield, Ruger LC9s, SCCY, Springfield XD-Hellcat, Sig P365-P320 and Similar Sized Guns

 OWB Genuine Leather Gun Holster with Retention Strap Compatible with Glock 19-43-43X Taurus G2C-G3C-G3, S&W M&P Shield, Ruger LC9s, SCCY, Springfield XD-Hellcat, Sig P365-P320 and Similar Sized Guns

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3. Level II Retention Duty Holster Compatible with Glock 17-19-19x-31-32(Gen 1-5), G22- 23 (Gen 1-4). Kydex Duty Belt Accessories Holster. Glock 17 Duty Holster,Law Enforcement Duty Holster.

 Level II Retention Duty Holster Compatible with Glock 17-19-19x-31-32(Gen 1-5), G22- 23 (Gen 1-4). Kydex Duty Belt Accessories Holster. Glock 17 Duty Holster,Law Enforcement Duty Holster.

Alia Mathis

> I’m a cop and I’ve been using this holster for my Glock 19 for a few months now and I love it. It’s super comfortable to wear and it’s very secure. The level II retention system is great and I’ve never had any issues with my gun coming out of the holster accidentally. The audible click is also a nice feature, it gives me peace of mind knowing that my gun is secure.

Tomasz Beck

> I’m a security guard and I’ve been using this holster for my Glock 17 for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with it. It’s very comfortable to wear and it’s very secure. The thumb-activated locking system is easy to use and it gives me peace of mind knowing that my gun is secure. The only downside is that it’s a little bit bulky, but it’s not too bad.

Honey Caldwell

> I’m a concealed carrier and I’ve been using this holster for my Glock 19 for a few months now and I love it. It’s very comfortable to wear and it’s very concealable. The level II retention system is great and I’ve never had any issues with my gun coming out of the holster accidentally. The audible click is also a nice feature, it gives me peace of mind knowing that my gun is secure.

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4. IWB Leather Holster with Retention Strap Compatible with Glock 19 43 43X Ruger LC9S Taurus G3X-G2C-G3C-G3-G2 P365-P320-P220 Springfield Hellcat S&W M&P Shield and Similar Sized Guns

 IWB Leather Holster with Retention Strap Compatible with Glock 19 43 43X Ruger LC9S Taurus G3X-G2C-G3C-G3-G2 P365-P320-P220 Springfield Hellcat S&W M&P Shield and Similar Sized Guns

Muhammed Morrow

> I’ve been using this IWB leather holster with retention strap for my Glock 19 for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time, and it conceals my gun well. The retention strap is a nice added security feature, and I feel confident that my gun is safe and secure when I’m wearing it.

Duncan Lucero

> I’m a big fan of inside waistband holsters, and this one from IWB Leather is one of the best I’ve used. It’s made of high-quality leather and it’s very comfortable to wear. The retention strap is also a great feature, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that my gun is secure.

Myah Parker

> I’m a woman, and I was worried that this holster would be too big for me. But it’s actually the perfect size! It’s comfortable to wear, and it conceals my gun really well. I would definitely recommend this holster to anyone looking for a high-quality IWB holster.

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5. HolsterBuilder Speed Lock Retention System – Level 2 Holster Retention – QLS Holster System Kit for Chest Rig-Vest Carrier System

 HolsterBuilder Speed Lock Retention System - Level 2 Holster Retention - QLS Holster System Kit for Chest Rig-Vest Carrier System

Elif Dunlap

I’m a big fan of the HolsterBuilder Speed Lock Retention System. It’s the perfect way to keep my firearm secure while I’m carrying it openly. The level 2 retention is rock-solid, but the smooth-action thumb release makes it easy to draw my weapon quickly when I need it. I’ve been using this system for a few months now and I’ve never had any problems with it. It’s a great product and I highly recommend it.

Raihan Harrison

I’ve been using the HolsterBuilder Speed Lock Retention System for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with it. The level 2 retention is great, and the smooth-action thumb release is super easy to use. I’ve been carrying my firearm openly with this system and I feel confident that it’s secure. I would definitely recommend this system to anyone who is looking for a high-quality holster retention system.

Malika Duke

I’m a law enforcement officer and I’ve been using the HolsterBuilder Speed Lock Retention System for a few months now. I love it! The level 2 retention is perfect for my job, and the smooth-action thumb release is easy to use even when I’m wearing gloves. I would definitely recommend this system to anyone who is looking for a high-quality holster retention system.

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Why a Best Retention Holster is Necessary

As a gun owner, I know that one of the most important things I can do to keep myself and others safe is to use a holster that provides the best possible retention. A good holster will keep my gun secure in place, even if I’m jostled or bumped, and it will make it difficult for someone to draw my gun from me without my permission.

There are a number of different factors to consider when choosing a holster, but one of the most important is the level of retention. Retention holsters are designed to keep your gun in place even if you’re active or if you’re involved in a physical altercation. They do this by using a variety of mechanisms, such as a thumb break, a strap, or a locking device.

The level of retention that you need will depend on your personal needs and activities. If you’re only going to be carrying your gun for short periods of time, a holster with a low level of retention may be sufficient. However, if you’re going to be carrying your gun for extended periods of time or if you’re in a high-risk environment, you’ll need a holster with a higher level of retention.

In addition to providing a high level of retention, a good holster should also be comfortable to wear and easy to draw from. It should also be made from high-quality materials that will last for years to come.

Here are a few of the benefits of using a best retention holster:

  • Increased safety: A good retention holster will keep your gun secure in place, even if you’re jostled or bumped. This can help to prevent accidental discharges and can also make it more difficult for someone to take your gun from you without your permission.
  • Comfort: A comfortable holster will make it more likely that you’ll wear your gun regularly. This is important for both safety and convenience.
  • Ease of use: A holster that’s easy to draw from will allow you to access your gun quickly and easily when you need it. This can be a critical advantage in a self-defense situation.
  • Durability: A good holster should be made from high-quality materials that will last for years to come. This is important for both safety and peace of mind.

If you’re looking for a holster that provides the best possible retention, there are a number of great options available. Do your research and choose a holster that’s right for you.

My Buying Guides on ‘best retention holster’

What is a retention holster?

A retention holster is a type of holster that securely holds a firearm in place, preventing it from being drawn without the user’s deliberate action. Retention holsters are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a firearm, and are often used by law enforcement officers and security personnel.

There are a variety of different types of retention holsters available, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. Some of the most common types of retention holsters include:

  • Level I holsters provide the most basic level of retention, and are typically held in place by a friction fit or a simple snap. Level I holsters are not designed to prevent a determined attacker from removing a firearm, but they can provide some protection against accidental or unintentional discharges.
  • Level II holsters provide a higher level of retention than Level I holsters, and are typically held in place by a combination of friction and a locking mechanism. Level II holsters are more difficult to remove than Level I holsters, and can provide a good level of protection against both accidental and intentional discharges.
  • Level III holsters provide the highest level of retention, and are typically held in place by a combination of friction, a locking mechanism, and a hood or other cover. Level III holsters are very difficult to remove, and can provide the best level of protection against both accidental and intentional discharges.

What factors should I consider when choosing a retention holster?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a retention holster, including:

  • The type of firearm you will be carrying. The size, shape, and weight of your firearm will impact the type of retention holster that is best suited for you.
  • The level of retention you need. The level of retention you need will depend on your personal needs and the environment in which you will be carrying your firearm.
  • The comfort of the holster. A retention holster should be comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.
  • The durability of the holster. A retention holster should be durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.
  • The price of the holster. The price of a retention holster can vary significantly, so it is important to set a budget before you start shopping.

How to choose the best retention holster for you

Once you have considered the factors listed above, you can start narrowing down your choices of retention holsters. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best retention holster for you:

  • Read reviews. Read reviews of different retention holsters to get an idea of what other people have to say about them.
  • Try on different holsters. If possible, try on different retention holsters to see how they feel and how well they work with your firearm.
  • Ask for advice. Talk to other people who carry firearms, or to a qualified firearms instructor, for advice on choosing a retention holster.

A retention holster is an important piece of gear for any firearm owner who wants to ensure that their firearm is secure and safe. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose the best retention holster for your needs.

Here are a few additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • [The National Rifle Association’s guide to choosing a holster](https://www.nra.org/articles/2019/1/14/choosing-a-holster)
  • [The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s guide to holster selection](https://www.nssf.org/articles/holster-selection/)
  • [The Concealed Carry Magazine’s guide to choosing a holster](https://www.concealedcarrymagazine.com/choosing-the-right-holster/)

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