THE CONTRAPTOR

   If you actually think you might need it quick, you can just cheat and undo the devices ahead of time, like you’re already preprogrammed to do on your old level three or four. The only down-side is those pesky firearms instructors who won’t let you train that way on the range. Those masochists love to make you strap and snap everything back up, telling you to practice with it like you carry it. I hate to tell them, but that’s how most of us carry on the street – especially when our instincts tell us something’s not right. Those prima donnas never have bought into the benefits of all these retention levels in the first place. They think simpler is better, and put way too much emphasis on access, train-ability, proper grip and gun presentation. Realistic training is way over-rated anyway; it’s hard on our bodies and egos.  It also eliminates the need for those brutal weapon retentions classes. Hallelujah! finally you don’t have to worry about those macho DT guys walking around and disarming you at will. They will have to focus more on verbal de-escalation drills. (“Stop! Or I’ll yell stop again.”) And what about re-holstering quickly? Let’s not go there, since it isn’t a consideration when talking about the benefits of “Retention Levels.” Besides how many times do you have to re-holster your weapon during a shift anyway? My motto is 'No pain'. That’s it, just 'No pain'.   If it’s difficult, don’t do it.   Not only will this holster eliminate the need for training; you can be assured with the addition of more “retention levels,” you and your gun are safer.

THE TRUTH

    Okay, there isn’t a Retention Level Eight Holster. It’s just a twisted attempt at humor. And, as we all know humor involves tragedy to some extent. The tragedy here is as cops or trainers we can relate to it. You’ve discovered the fallacies of a concept developed for marketing purposes and seen it somehow become an “industry standard.” A Standard that, in an effort to address user needs, addressed only one aspect of holster performance and complicated it to the point of compromising the very thing it meant to provide – Officer Safety.
The evidence of this acceptance is reflected in the fact most officers when looking at a holster will ask, “What level is it?” They’ll go on to say, we can’t have anything but a level three, or it has to be at least a level two. Or our policy says this, or new guys can have this, but old guys are grandfathered in and can carry these. You’d think the world revolves around “retention levels.” Many don’t fully understand what they’re subscribing to or endorsing.

If retention levels were the answer, why was there
a marked increase in disarmings in 2003 and 2004, over the previous 15 years?

And as alarming as these statistics are, they minimally reflect the magnitude of the problem when considering disarmings not resulting in an officer’s death, or guns just falling out of holsters. It is because complexity brings compromise.

WHAT ARE THESE LEVELS?

    Retention levels were developed to describe and define single to multiple methods used to retain a weapon in the holster. From a level one that minimally provides passive or pinch retention, to level fours that combine or layer several different retention features. The multiple retention features were driven by the industry – a demand for more security than currently provided.

By definition, it justifies complexity to make up for the security inadequacies of the previous level.   At the same time, restricting or obstructing access and ignoring re-holstering capabilities, both of which are critical and more frequently used.  But they don’t define a “safe” holster. In fact, they can be seen as defining just the opposite.

    We can’t agree among ourselves as to what defines a safe holster. Some define them “offensively” by putting an emphasis on access. Others definitions are “defensive” through complexity. Defining a safe holster means addressing all three aspects of performance criteria and obtaining the proper balance between a pocket and a padlock.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

    The term describes the needs of holsters as defined centuries ago. All users need quick access and security, not retention, no levels, not cool marketing, but security. Security means prevention of the weapon being inadvertently dislodged and reasonable protection against unauthorized removal. These should be the minimum requirements in defining any holster – let alone a security holster.
A security holster should go beyond these and also provide a quick and unobstructed transition between access and security, durability defying human strength, and a concept proprietary to the user. Passive and pinch retention holsters are convenient by not robust enough for the dynamic environments cops find themselves in at any given moment. Complacency justifies the concept – only because they haven’t faced the harsh reality of being disarmed – and assume they won’t be.
All duplication and layered technologies do is effectively retain a firearm – “when they’re applied.” But therein lies the problem.. Most of these features are defeated intentionally and prematurely by the user in anticipation of accessing the weapon, and never reapplied due to the distraction, obstruction and lack of fine motor skills necessary to effectively re-secure them. Another fallacy is the expectation that proficiency can be achieved through thousands of repetitions. The reality of human nature tells us it won’t happen.

METHODOLOGY

    Holster methodology should incorporate an understanding of human nature and reactions as well as a real understanding of the needs (performance requirements) supported by the sciences. It must be driven by reality – or it only benefits the people selling it. Why is it you’re finally seeing several manufactures discount twisting and rocking motions as being unnatural after years of producing holsters requiring those motions? Because it doesn’t work, that’s why.
    Another common misconception is that top straps provide a visual deterrent and are effective in retaining a gun or deterring an attack. They’ve done nothing for cops disarmed and killed to date, and actually play a bigger roll in obstruction and distracting the officer. The best and most effective deterrent is a professional demeanor reflecting an awareness that can anticipate and react appropriately.
What influences your decision when selecting a holster for yourself or your department?   Is it price point, cosmetics, tradition, opinions, or existing relationships with manufacturers?  Or is it liability, durability, trainability, performance capabilities and safety?  Selecting a holster should be similar to selecting a firearm. It must be simple, reliable, durable and feasible.

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Mike Lowe is the President of Tactical Design Labs. Mike retired after 21 years as a cop, with 3 years prior Military service. He was a DETAC and firearms instructor. If you wish to discuss holster technology, holster methodologies, retention techniques and realistic training resources, contact Mike at: info@tdlabs.com​