A Brief Duty Holster Guide: Holster Types and Materials

There are numerous different types of duty holsters out there that vary not only in terms of material but in how they are carried and in what level of retention they offer.

Generally speaking, duty holsters vary considerably from those carried by civilians and as a general rule also lack some of the diversity.

This short guide will break down some of the main categories of holsters typically carried by LEOs as well as special considerations for material type and retention level or “class.”

In the world of duty holsters, far and away the most common type will be an OWB, or outside waistband holster.

Outside waistband holsters are hip or belt mounted on the officer’s dominant side, affording good access to the weapon.

These types of duty holsters are similar to another type of holster carried primarily by civilians for the purposes of concealed carry, known as IWB or inside waistband holsters.

However, carrying concealed inhibits access to the duty weapon, so the majority of officers who carry on the hip or belt do so outside the waistband.

Also known as cross-draw holsters, shoulder holsters are carried on the officer’s non-dominant side, typically under the arm.

This style of holster is preferred to an OWB belt or hip duty holster in some instances; for instance, carrying larger, heavier weapons like full-sized pistols and revolvers can be more comfortable in a shoulder holster.

With that said, special training is required to carry in a shoulder holster, not only because access to the service weapon is restricted, but because when you draw the gun, it is very easy to unintentionally muzzle yourself or other friendly targets.

Another thing to consider with shoulder holsters is that if the officer is pressed up against an obstacle, face-forward (such as against the wall or the ground) it becomes difficult if not impossible to access and draw the weapon.

The two materials from which most duty holsters are made are thermoformed plastics such as nylon and Kydex.

Both of these materials are lightweight, strong, can be easily formed, and are extremely low in maintenance requirements. They do not absorb moisture or oil, are weather and temperature resistant, and can provide an excellent friction fit.

In addition to affording excellent friction retention and being low-cost and low-maintenance, there is no break in period with either nylon or Kydex holsters. You can carry from day one with no need to break in the holster.

It is also easy to adapt certain nylon and Kydex holsters to different carry methods and disciplines, and some holsters are readily compatible with MOLLE systems and chest rigs.

The one major drawback to some nylon and Kydex holsters is comfort. They have sharp angles and are fairly rigid, so some users find them somewhat uncomfortable to wear and carry for long periods of time.

Leather holsters are not as common among duty holsters as they once were; there was a time when most military men and LEOs wore leather holsters, and now it is somewhat more of a rarity.

All the same, there are numerous advantages to the use of a leather holster, despite the expense. For one thing, leather is extremely durable and when properly cared for will last a long time.

Leather also forms to the gun over time, affording a custom-like fit. On top of that leather is soft, providing cushioning for the gun. Another effect of the suppleness of leather is that it is more comfortable to wear.

At the same time, there are drawbacks to the use of leather. It can trap moisture, which can accelerate corrosion, and it requires conditioning from time to time or the leather will crack and deteriorate. Compared to nylon and Kydex holsters, leather is also much more expensive.

Duty holsters are also categorized into classes or levels, based on the degree of retention afforded.

• Level one holsters: These holsters secure the weapon through a friction fit only.
• Level two holsters: These holsters secure the weapon through friction as well as one other form of retention, which could be a strap, a clip, a snap, or some sort of lock mechanism.
• Level three holsters: These secure the weapon through friction and two additional forms of retention.
• Level four holsters: These secure the weapon through friction and three additional forms of retention.

Naturally, the higher the level or class of duty holster, the better it will secure the firearm.

For more than 50 years Kiesler Police Supply has been a trusted supplier of police gear, including duty holsters. Explore our collection and if you have questions about quality, quantity, or pricing, get in touch with one of our representatives that serves your area.