Does a Duty Retention Holster Make You Slower?

Published on July 31, 2019
Duration: 6:31

This video from QVO Tactical, featuring instructor Roger Barrera, addresses the common question of whether duty-style retention holsters slow down a firearm draw. Through practical demonstrations with both retention (Safariland ALS) and non-retention (QVO Tactical) holsters, the video concludes that with proper training, draw times are comparable. The intuitive placement of the ALS thumb lever allows for a fluid draw stroke, minimizing extra movement.

Quick Summary

With proper training, duty retention holsters like the Safariland ALS do not inherently slow down your firearm draw compared to open-top Kydex holsters. The intuitive placement of the ALS thumb lever allows for a fluid draw stroke, making consistent practice the key to speed.

Chapters

  1. 00:20Introduction: Retention Holster Speed Question
  2. 00:44Background: Why This Video?
  3. 01:13Holsters Used: Safariland ALS vs. QVO Tactical
  4. 01:37Open Top vs. Retention Holster Draw
  5. 02:00Training is Key for Speed
  6. 02:26Introducing New Shooter (Guy)
  7. 02:45Explaining Safariland ALS Mechanism
  8. 03:10Draw Time Comparison Results (Open)
  9. 03:52Concealed Draw Test with Garment
  10. 04:28Concealed Draw Time Comparison
  11. 04:38Intuitive Control Placement
  12. 05:00Draw Stroke Similarity
  13. 05:13Conclusion: Training Over Holster Type
  14. 05:28Holster Models Used
  15. 05:58Outro and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Are duty retention holsters slower than open-top holsters for drawing a firearm?

No, with proper training, draw times from duty retention holsters like the Safariland ALS are comparable to open-top Kydex holsters. The key is consistent practice to master the retention mechanism, making it an intuitive part of the draw stroke.

How does the Safariland ALS retention system work?

The Safariland ALS (Automatic Locking System) features a thumb lever that engages the ejection port. When acquiring a grip on the firearm, the shooter's thumb naturally contacts this lever, releasing the weapon for a smooth draw.

What holsters were used in the QVO Tactical video comparing draw speeds?

The video used Safariland 6390 ALS models (including an RDS version) for retention holsters and QVO Tactical's Standard and Secondary OWB holsters, which are non-retention Kydex designs, for comparison.

Does carrying concealed affect draw speed with retention holsters?

The video's tests indicate that drawing from concealment under a garment with a retention holster does not significantly increase draw time compared to an open-top holster. The intuitive design of systems like the Safariland ALS minimizes extra movement.

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