I’ve lost track of how many handguns I’ve seen clatter down range at training classes and competitions so I’ve always been an advocate of positive retention holsters.
For some comps, holsters only needed to hold the gun until the start beep, so people sometimes allow sloppy retention from friction holsters. Once they start to shoot more dynamic events that require aggressive movement with a holstered sidearm, such as climbing over things, dragging things, or bailing out of vehicles, they find out pretty fast what a bad idea that can be.
The Safariland ALS was the only viable option for a long time, but now there is something that I’m very impressed with for its features: The ANR Design NIdhogg Level II.
My initial observations:
- As fast as a holster without retention.
- 100% Positive retention during movement.
- No huge opening at the trigger guard that allows something to access the trigger while holstered.
- Open bottom so brass and range gravel can fall out.
- Does not need a muzzle plug for retention. (Muzzle plugs don’t work with Sim guns).
- No interference with RDS (I’ve had to grind down the retention plate on several ALS releases).
- Retention system can’t be locked up by gravel like Blackhawk design.
- Compatible with 3 mounting patterns: Safariland QLS, Blade-tech, G Code.
- Fits G17 with a comp.
- Retention comes from the light: fits both X300U and 300V, in A or B version.
- A comped pistol can be holstered with the slide back.
- Huge release button that doesn’t need an aftermarket add-on like a NubMod.
This is marketed as a competition focused holster, but you will likely start seeing this in certain mil unit pics soon.
Check it out here:
https://www.anrkydexholsters.com/product/nidhogg-level-ii-holster/