Retention: active or passive?

ghbucky · June 11, 2021, 11:40 AM

I've always used passive retention for my holsters and didn't give it much thought. However, my new alien gear holsters have the option of using active retention.

I certainly understand the need for law enforcement to have active retention because of the threat of being in a scuffle and someone grabbing their gun. But otherwise I just assumed pretty much everyone went with passive retention.

I'm curious: do non-law enforcement people use active retention devices? If so, why?

Shadow9mm · June 11, 2021, 03:44 PM

Most law enforcement uses active retention. This is due to open carry and the possibility of someone trying to take the gun.

Also it eliminates the need for passive retention. the gun does not need to click in or out. when you press the release the gun will just slide right out with no resistance.

I would recommend trying it see if you like it. If not you can take it off.

Sharkbite · June 11, 2021, 07:39 PM

Im a huge fan of Safariland’s ALS holsters as an OWB option. My IWB holsters would be so equipped if they made a version that allowed for it.

No speed lost on the draw and the gun wont fall out regardless of activity level.

jwamplerusa · June 11, 2021, 08:08 PM

Big fan of the Safariland ALS holsters.

June 11, 2021, 11:40 AM	#1
ghbucky Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2020 Posts: 1,177	Retention: active or passive? I've always used passive retention for my holsters and didn't give it much thought. However, my new alien gear holsters have the option of using active retention. I certainly understand the need for law enforcement to have active retention because of the threat of being in a scuffle and someone grabbing their gun. But otherwise I just assumed pretty much everyone went with passive retention. I'm curious: do non-law enforcement people use active retention devices? If so, why?

June 11, 2021, 03:44 PM	#2
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,969	Most law enforcement uses active retention. This is due to open carry and the possibility of someone trying to take the gun. Also it eliminates the need for passive retention. the gun does not need to click in or out. when you press the release the gun will just slide right out with no resistance. I would recommend trying it see if you like it. If not you can take it off. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

June 11, 2021, 07:39 PM	#3
Sharkbite Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2013 Location: Western slope of Colorado Posts: 3,679	Im a huge fan of Safariland’s ALS holsters as an OWB option. My IWB holsters would be so equipped if they made a version that allowed for it. No speed lost on the draw and the gun wont fall out regardless of activity level.

June 11, 2021, 08:08 PM	#4
jwamplerusa Member Join Date: January 8, 2017 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 34	Big fan of the Safariland ALS holsters.