So I have been thinking about getting a level 2 retention holster for training on my war belt rig. I know there are some out there but I feel like I am looking for something that doesn’t exist. I want a kydex thumb break (not spring loaded hoods) for a glock 19 with x300u and rmr. With all my struggles in finding one I pose the question, is a level 2 holster necessary? I have not had a gun fall out of my open top holster but it’s always on my mind which is not good. Valid concern? Do I need to relax on this? Have any of you all lost a pistol in training? Opinions please. Got any good custom options?
RCS does have that option in their custom line,:
Another option is to use a lanyard. I use a retractable one from GearKeeper one to minimize snagging.
Pardon my ignorance but I can’t fine the custom line on their website. Where is it burried on the website? I already have a phantom so this would be ideal.
Safariland is a no go for you? The hood has to be rotated. It’s not spring loaded.
Your setup would be just fine in a standard RCS holster. That pull the dot strap looks like a terrible idea to me. Those things can be finicky if the little ring inside gets spun around enough to change the tension on the snap.
Thanks for the link defaultmp3. Not really keen on the rotational hoods either. The dot buttons are the farthest I want to go with mechanics. I hear you nightstalker about the buttons. I have had some old buttons on old kevlars be a real bitch. But they were real old. I assume the life of the button must be pretty long. Plus I don’t need to strap it down unless I see the need. Still not 100% sold on my thought process though. Appreciate all the input guys.
I will say this: for overt retention, if ALS is an option, ALS should be the answer. And the best part is, the Glock 17 with an X300U is one of the very few models that Safariland makes an optic compatible ALS holster, the 6354DO. It is very intuitive, and adds basically zero time to one’s draw. Depending on how your RMR is mounted, you might have to do some sanding of the ALS mechanism, but it’s almost a trivial mod. It’s definitely the path I’d take if I were looking for retention for your Glock.
I run black hawk and Safariland lvl 2 and threes.
I second the als system its glass smooth and reliable.
If I may ask what is your apprehension to mechanical retention?
Black hawks are also very fast and smooth but not as as nice on the weapon, limited light options unless you go with the new lvl three epoch
I have concerns of debris getting into the mechanism preventing the operation of it. For example bush whacking thru the woods and vines or the like getting in there. Or alternatively gravel/mud getting in. The likelihood is a bit of a stretch I know but there is the possibility.
Edit: I did some research on the ALS system. It looks like its just a single short bar that grabs onto a section of the pistol. Not bad as that it minimal mechanics as well. I will jump on their we sight and see if they have all the options I need available.
Good decision to give ALS a try. As stated, ALS is minimalist in execution, the mechanism iswell protected by the holster body and I’ve experienced none of the concerns you identified for field use. ALS is also so intuitive, the muscle memory is minor to master. I’m personally moving from SLS hoods to ALS.
I can say that o have tried to jam it up on both the black hawk and the safariland lvl 2 and three
The only one I was able to jam was the hood on a Safriland lvl three, and that took me placing small gravel and sand into the mechanism just taking handfuls and dumping it over it did not work.
So unless you plan to mount it to your chest and belly crawl though the sand dunes I don’t see it being an issue… 
I love trying to break my gear if I do then I don’t buy the same gear again lol
Depends on what you plan to do with the holster.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?26561-Possible-Malf-issues-with-Safariland-ALS-Holsters
Caveat, the ALS mechanism can potentially fail if gravel or other debris is stuck behind the internal ALS tab. The gun is holstered, but then locks in. Apparently it takes some work to get it un-stuck. I tried to mock this up and couldn’t. Not sure if later versions of the holster rectified this. Something to be aware of; not sure if their environment matches yours.
I am currently using a Safariland ALS 7390 with a 6008 hood guard for work and it’s by far my favorite setup from Safariland. I highly recommend it, especially for the price. Ignore the unfinished stippling.
http://www.safariland.com/retention/model-7390-7ts-als-mid-ride-duty-holster-34843.html
http://www.safariland.com/hardware-and-accessories/model-6008-hood-guard-and-als-guard-34495.html
Norinco,
How do you like 6006 ALS guard on that rig? I personally like second layer of activation and am considering ordering it for a few of my older ALS holsters that don’t have the SLS loop.
I love it man…silky smooth draw. It’s worth the $12.
Good to know. I ordered one of the lvl 1 7tSs for my vp9 and ALS guard along with it to play with.
I’m in the business of bus whacking through the woods and carry safariland retention holders exclusively. G23 in either an als or als/sls(6330). Never had an issue with debris jams. Buy confidently.
Another recommendation for als. Fast, secure, reliable. To jam it, I think you would need something perfect size to get into the holster, then fall “up”. I’ll look at the innerds when I get home.
Edit, there is a plate in front of the lever, so anything going that direction is very unlikely. Stuff COULD fall into the small space up top, but that side of the lever opens so I don’t see how it could jam. I’m not saying it can’t happen, but it looks like a solid design. I never worried, now after looking at it, I’ll worry less.
The holster is quite intuitive. Once you get some practice it, the pistol feels like it shoots into your hand just by getting a grip on it. I train pretty rough sometimes and dumped a steel pistol out of a comptac, so I went with retention for my current pistol.
Thanks for the feedback guys. I ended up going with the 6354DO, I am hopeful it can hold the 19 and 34. Should be in next week so I can start messing with it and hit the range a few times before I comment on it.