what duty holster is best?

EricReynolds · October 16, 2010, 05:59 PM

I carry a full size .40 Ruger for work as armed security. None of my gear is issued and right now I used a Galco Cop3 leather holster. It's ok and I have no complaints, but I'm curious about what else is out there. I just don't trust pancake holster or Fobus holsters, but I'm listening. Opinions?

Sherlock · October 16, 2010, 07:18 PM

I am not in LE or in the security field but I like taking a Fobus holster to the range because it holds up better than my DeSantis or Galco. Have you looked at the Blackhawk Duty line:

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Lev...,1175,1412.htm

It looks like this might be a great OWB, rugged holster.

EricReynolds · October 16, 2010, 07:59 PM

Basically, I'm looking for something with good retention but allows easy draw and will stay in place if I have to run or climb with it on. I don't think they make serpa holsters for Ruger models, but I do like them.

tony pasley · October 16, 2010, 08:10 PM

Look at www.galls.com or www.actiongear.com for starters

357 Python · October 16, 2010, 09:57 PM

Do you wear a duty belt? Is it leather or nylon? Exactly what type of gear are you allowed to carry? When I did armed security we were allowed everything a police officer could carry. There are many makers of fine duty gear. Check Safariland, Bianchi, Don Hume, Galco, DeSantis, Gould & Goodrich, Stallion Leather, Tex Shoemaker & Sons, Uncle Mikes, and of course BlackHawk. Each of these companies have a web site so just google them. I'm a police officer now and am issued a Beretta 92FS that I carry in a Blackhawk level II Serpa duty holster. It works just great for my applications.

Erik · October 31, 2010, 12:19 PM

"what duty holster is best?"

Best? The Safariland ALS or SLS holster that suites your mission best:

http://www.safariland.com/dutygear/duty/als.aspx (Example: 6360)
http://www.safariland.com/dutygear/duty/holsters.aspx (Example: 6280)

Ropin4gold · October 31, 2010, 05:36 PM

Safariland makes the best duty holsters. Find one in your price range with the features you want. You can usually pick them up cheap on Ebay. I used a Safariland 070 when I worked patrol, then switched to the 6004 when I put a light on my pistol.

midlandwalther · November 1, 2010, 10:02 AM

I agree, Safariland is best. Also consider Blade-Tech duty holsters.

What material would you prefer?

ClydeFrog · November 1, 2010, 11:45 PM

It's hard to say what model/type of .40S&W Ruger the member is talking about.
In general, I'd check Galco, Bianchi, Safariland, Blackhawk(SERPA), HighNoon Holsters, Blade-Tech, Fobus, COM holsters( www.COMholsters.com ).
Don Hume, Ted Blocker, Mitch Rosen, Milt Sparks, Greg Kramer & Alessi are also big names in the holster/duty gear market.
For belts, LE-security gear, see www.Galls.com www.PoliceHQ.com www.USCav.com or www.QMuniforms.com .

Id spend the extra $$$ and buy the man-made leather type material over the black nylon. Blackhawk makes good nylon kit but it's rare in the US from most popular military/LE supply sources.

Clyde

OfficerJohnson10 · November 2, 2010, 01:18 AM

I carry a blackhawk level III duty holster for work and found it to be the best holster I've had. However, I do not think that they are making a level III for any Rugers at this time because the level III is a relatively new offering but I may be wrong. If thats the case, Safariland offers up some really good holsters which in my experience seems to be the dominating company for the other departments in my area. Gould and Goodrich also has a big showing and offers a quality product. Good Luck.

Snowman1911 · November 5, 2010, 03:30 PM

I used a Safariland SSIII (not the SAME holster) for over 20 years as my duty holster. Rock solid retention, and stable as a brick. Fast presentation once you learn your holster.

I carried a 1911 for years, then switched to my beloved Glock 21's....never had an issue.

THEZACHARIAS · November 5, 2010, 06:00 PM

I've always preferred a Serpa but since that's not an option, Safariland would be the top of my list. My unit has a spare safariland set up that we have been trying to break for years that still works like it was new. I also know a few AF security forces guys that swear by them.

JC5503 · November 18, 2010, 03:36 PM

I use a Bianchi duty rock its a double retention holster and it has held up quite well through scuffles and everyday duty use for two years now. Drawing your weapon is very easy and quick, However I also like the serpa holster's just never bought one for my service weapon.

Kreyzhorse · November 18, 2010, 03:51 PM

From my experience, I don't know that you'll really find a "better" holster than your Galco. It's secure and well made so what else are you looking for out of a holster?

gimike · November 20, 2010, 05:22 PM

There a several good duty holsters available. giholsters.com has developed a spring loaded hood for their Silent Thunder and Excalibur lines that work very well for added retention. Also see Bianchi, Blackhawk, Desantis, Galco, Safariland.....

Combatshop · December 4, 2010, 05:23 AM

The Blackhawk Serpa's are the best in my opinion. Great retention and a very rugged piece of equipment. But like everybody else has already said you don't have that option for the Ruger.

langloisandy · December 4, 2010, 08:49 AM

I run the Safariland 6280 (mentioned above with a link), great holster, VERY sturdy, absurdly fast once you learn the retention system.

Andy

Kevin Rohrer · December 7, 2010, 05:13 PM

Like Snowman, I use a Safariland SSIII. Been using it for >20years and it does just it's supposed toL: Keep the gun secure until you need it. Drawing is easy once you train yourself.

October 16, 2010, 05:59 PM	#1
EricReynolds Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 393	what duty holster is best? I carry a full size .40 Ruger for work as armed security. None of my gear is issued and right now I used a Galco Cop3 leather holster. It's ok and I have no complaints, but I'm curious about what else is out there. I just don't trust pancake holster or Fobus holsters, but I'm listening. Opinions?

October 16, 2010, 07:18 PM	#2
Sherlock Member Join Date: September 24, 2010 Posts: 20	I am not in LE or in the security field but I like taking a Fobus holster to the range because it holds up better than my DeSantis or Galco. Have you looked at the Blackhawk Duty line: http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Lev...,1175,1412.htm It looks like this might be a great OWB, rugged holster. __________________ Sherlock NRA Member Traveling Man - Hoover #770 F&AM Freedom exists so long as freemen stand united and devoted to protecting it.

October 16, 2010, 08:10 PM	#4
tony pasley Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2006 Location: western north carolina Posts: 1,641	Look at www.galls.com or www.actiongear.com for starters __________________ Every day Congress is in session we lose a little bit more of our Liberty.

October 31, 2010, 12:19 PM	#6
Erik Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: America Posts: 3,479	"what duty holster is best?" Best? The Safariland ALS or SLS holster that suites your mission best: http://www.safariland.com/dutygear/duty/als.aspx (Example: 6360) http://www.safariland.com/dutygear/duty/holsters.aspx (Example: 6280) __________________ Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective

November 1, 2010, 11:45 PM	#9
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Duty gear for Ruger pistols... It's hard to say what model/type of .40S&W Ruger the member is talking about. In general, I'd check Galco, Bianchi, Safariland, Blackhawk(SERPA), HighNoon Holsters, Blade-Tech, Fobus, COM holsters( www.COMholsters.com ). Don Hume, Ted Blocker, Mitch Rosen, Milt Sparks, Greg Kramer & Alessi are also big names in the holster/duty gear market. For belts, LE-security gear, see www.Galls.com www.PoliceHQ.com www.USCav.com or www.QMuniforms.com . Id spend the extra $$$ and buy the man-made leather type material over the black nylon. Blackhawk makes good nylon kit but it's rare in the US from most popular military/LE supply sources. Clyde

October 16, 2010, 07:59 PM	#3
EricReynolds Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 393	Basically, I'm looking for something with good retention but allows easy draw and will stay in place if I have to run or climb with it on. I don't think they make serpa holsters for Ruger models, but I do like them.

October 16, 2010, 09:57 PM	#5
357 Python Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 941	Do you wear a duty belt? Is it leather or nylon? Exactly what type of gear are you allowed to carry? When I did armed security we were allowed everything a police officer could carry. There are many makers of fine duty gear. Check Safariland, Bianchi, Don Hume, Galco, DeSantis, Gould & Goodrich, Stallion Leather, Tex Shoemaker & Sons, Uncle Mikes, and of course BlackHawk. Each of these companies have a web site so just google them. I'm a police officer now and am issued a Beretta 92FS that I carry in a Blackhawk level II Serpa duty holster. It works just great for my applications.

October 31, 2010, 05:36 PM	#7
Ropin4gold Member Join Date: November 19, 2007 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 44	Safariland makes the best duty holsters. Find one in your price range with the features you want. You can usually pick them up cheap on Ebay. I used a Safariland 070 when I worked patrol, then switched to the 6004 when I put a light on my pistol.

November 1, 2010, 10:02 AM	#8
midlandwalther Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2005 Posts: 263	I agree, Safariland is best. Also consider Blade-Tech duty holsters. What material would you prefer?

November 2, 2010, 01:18 AM	#10
OfficerJohnson10 Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2007 Location: Eastern Pennsylvania Posts: 102	I carry a blackhawk level III duty holster for work and found it to be the best holster I've had. However, I do not think that they are making a level III for any Rugers at this time because the level III is a relatively new offering but I may be wrong. If thats the case, Safariland offers up some really good holsters which in my experience seems to be the dominating company for the other departments in my area. Gould and Goodrich also has a big showing and offers a quality product. Good Luck. __________________ "The day I've learned everything about policework is the day I retire." - Sgt Your goal in a gunfight should not be to simply survive...it should be to prevail.

November 5, 2010, 03:30 PM	#11
Snowman1911 Junior Member Join Date: November 5, 2010 Location: Arizona Desert Posts: 5	I used a Safariland SSIII (not the SAME holster) for over 20 years as my duty holster. Rock solid retention, and stable as a brick. Fast presentation once you learn your holster. I carried a 1911 for years, then switched to my beloved Glock 21's....never had an issue. __________________ *If I was a smart feller, I'da avoided spending 22 years running to the sound of gunfire."*

November 5, 2010, 06:00 PM	#12
THEZACHARIAS Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 537	I've always preferred a Serpa but since that's not an option, Safariland would be the top of my list. My unit has a spare safariland set up that we have been trying to break for years that still works like it was new. I also know a few AF security forces guys that swear by them.

November 18, 2010, 03:36 PM	#13
JC5503 Member Join Date: October 4, 2010 Location: southeast Ohio Posts: 76	I use a Bianchi duty rock its a double retention holster and it has held up quite well through scuffles and everyday duty use for two years now. Drawing your weapon is very easy and quick, However I also like the serpa holster's just never bought one for my service weapon.

November 18, 2010, 03:51 PM	#14
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	From my experience, I don't know that you'll really find a "better" holster than your Galco. It's secure and well made so what else are you looking for out of a holster? __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

November 20, 2010, 05:22 PM	#15
gimike Member Join Date: November 20, 2010 Posts: 47	duty holster There a several good duty holsters available. giholsters.com has developed a spring loaded hood for their Silent Thunder and Excalibur lines that work very well for added retention. Also see Bianchi, Blackhawk, Desantis, Galco, Safariland..... __________________ "the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." [email protected] giholsters Last edited by gimike; November 21, 2010 at 01:19 PM. Reason: removed link

December 4, 2010, 05:23 AM	#16
Combatshop Junior Member Join Date: December 4, 2010 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 8	The Blackhawk Serpa's are the best in my opinion. Great retention and a very rugged piece of equipment. But like everybody else has already said you don't have that option for the Ruger. __________________ Combat Shop Tactical Supply - Your Source for Affordable Tactical Gear

December 4, 2010, 08:49 AM	#17
langloisandy Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 104	Duty Rigs I run the Safariland 6280 (mentioned above with a link), great holster, VERY sturdy, absurdly fast once you learn the retention system. Andy __________________ Andy Langlois' Scout Rifle Ching Slings www.andysleather.com Will swap my custom leather for: VZ61 parts, 9mm AR upper and AK Bits

December 7, 2010, 05:13 PM	#18
Kevin Rohrer Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2010 Location: Medina, Ohio Posts: 1,049	Like Snowman, I use a Safariland SSIII. Been using it for >20years and it does just it's supposed toL: Keep the gun secure until you need it. Drawing is easy once you train yourself. __________________ Member: Orange Gunsite Family, NRA--Life, ARTCA, and American Legion. Caveat Emptor: Cavery Grips/AmericanGripz/Prestige Grips/Stealth Grips from Clayton, NC. He is a scammer