How to intelligently choose a hard case for my gun

 

What is a rigid holster? We commonly know them as Serpas, holsters, rigid holsters, lanyards, etc. In essence, it is a handgun (pistol) holster used to hold or block unwanted movements of the pistol, as well as to prevent falls or losses; used in easily accessible places for immediate use.

Correct Holster

Attachment Type

Retention Level

 

Choose only an exact holster. Specifically designed for your weapon or compatible with it. Choosing the right holster according to the brand and model of your pistol and its specifications is extremely important. We should not force it to be too tight or too loose; the weapon must fit snugly so that it does not come out with everyday movement like walking and running, or get damaged by the pistol to the point of breaking or getting stuck when you need to use it in an emergency. Each manufacturer makes holsters according to each pistol model and brand, but they also manufacture some models that are called universal; these have some screws and springs that allow the holster to be adjusted.

 

Choose the type of attachment (Paddle adjustment, Low adjustment, for belt, thigh rig, shoulder holster, ankle holster, for MOLLE system, etc.) This primarily indicates where you will attach the weapon.

 

Paddle adjustment: The paddle adjustment is worn directly on the waist, either on the belt, duty belt, or directly on the waistband of the pants.

 

 

Low adjustment: Like the paddle adjustment, it is attached at waist height and directly to the belt, duty belt, or pants, but unlike the former, it is worn approximately 10 cm below the waist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thigh rig: This accessory usually has 3 belts that adjust, securing it at thigh height. This holster is highly recommended for tactical operations.

 

 

 

 

 

Belt attachment: It is for use and attachment to the belt, commonly used on duty belts

Shoulder Holster:   This type of holster was made to conceal the weapon inside a jacket, shirt, or coat. The holster is attached to one or both shoulders, depending on the case, using a harness.

 

Ankle holster:  The most discreet holster for small support or secondary weapons, as its name indicates, it is worn directly on the ankle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOLLE System Attachment  This holster is very versatile because if you have a platform or vest or backpack with the MOLLE system, you can easily attach it.

 

 Choose the Retention Level

Level I  Traditional leather holsters have an innate ability to retain the pistol through friction. This is commonly known as passive retention, reinforced if the holster is molded to the specific shape of the pistol, which will increase contact across the various areas of the pistol's exterior surface. This can also be complemented if the leather holster has a rough, grippy interior. The leather holsters achieve good retention assuming the leather is of high quality; it will remain in relatively good condition for many years, provided it is occasionally given proper treatment. Unfounded tricks, such as putting the holster in water or a hot oven to adjust the fit, are just that, urban legends. All we will achieve is to ruin the holster's leather.

Kydex or polymer holsters are not affected by moisture, but they also do not naturally grip the pistol, at least not without the help of tension screws. There are also leather holsters with this type of friction reinforcement system. By tightening or loosening these screws, you can precisely dose the friction for a very basic level of security. This feature has led some authors to distinguish between natural or passive friction and active friction. The problem with low-quality holsters is preventing the screws from loosening throughout the day. This level is typical for concealed carry holsters, not at all recommended for duty holsters.

 

 

 

 

 

Level II      Leather holsters achieve good retention assuming the leather is of high quality; it will remain in relatively good condition for many years, provided it is occasionally given proper treatment. Unfounded tricks, such as putting the holster in water or a hot oven to adjust the fit, are just that, urban legends. All we will achieve is to ruin the holster's leather.

Kydex or polymer holsters are not affected by moisture, but they also do not naturally grip the pistol, at least not without the help of tension screws. There are also leather holsters with this type of friction reinforcement system. By tightening or loosening these screws, you can precisely dose the friction for a very basic level of security. This feature has led some authors to distinguish between natural or passive friction and active friction. The problem with low-quality holsters is preventing the screws from loosening throughout the day. This level is typical for concealed carry holsters, not at all recommended for duty holsters.

 

Level III  By adding a second active element to the holster, in addition to maintaining the Level I tension or friction safety system, Level III retention is achieved. As an example of this retention level, we will cite the SERPA holster from BLACKHAWK. Made of carbon fiber and very lightweight, it offers molding that corresponds to our weapon, providing adequate Level I friction retention. Additionally, it has two active safeties, one on the exterior of the holster that is naturally activated by the index finger and a second safety, called "Pivot Guard," which is deactivated simply by pushing the weapon downwards. BLACKHAWK has avoided belt loops and hoods on the rear of the slide in this model, as although they offered good security, they have opted for a more natural approach to drawing the weapon and therefore safer for the user. At this level, it is truly rare to find concealed carry holsters, as the implementation of active retention mechanisms will make the size of the holster not very concealable. It is typical for visible duty holsters and guarantees very good security.

 

 

Three mechanisms, Level IV

A Level IV holster takes these safety measures a step further by adding a third active disengagement element or safety. These are intended for visible duty holsters, in the case of law enforcement officers with high exposure to the aforementioned risks and a good level of training. An example of this type of holster is the 6360 ALS® from SAFARILAND, a Level III holster that can be easily configured to Level IV using a removable thumb-activated device.