Holster Retention Levels Explained
If you have ever researched holster retention, you have probably seen terms such as Level I, Level II, and Level III retention. However, these terms do not have one universally accepted definition across the holster industry.
Different holster manufacturers may use different methods, terminology, and testing procedures when describing retention. Because of this, a Level II holster from one manufacturer may be constructed or classified differently from a Level II holster made by another manufacturer.
Understanding what actually retains the firearm is more useful than relying on the retention-level number alone.
What Is Holster Retention?
Holster retention describes how securely a holster holds the firearm in place.
Retention generally falls into two broad categories:
Passive retention comes from the shape and fit of the holster itself. With a properly fitted molded holster, specific areas of the holster provide resistance that helps keep the firearm securely seated.
Active retention adds a separate mechanical retention device beyond the molded fit of the holster.
Some holsters combine passive and active retention systems.
Is There an Industry Standard for Holster Retention Levels?
There is currently no single universal definition of Level I, Level II, or Level III retention that every holster manufacturer follows.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has previously identified the lack of existing standards for holster weapon-retention capability, along with the different retention mechanisms used by manufacturers, as reasons for developing standardized testing for duty holsters.
Safariland has also developed its own Duty Rated Retention system with specific definitions and testing requirements. When discussing Safariland retention levels on this page, we refer to Safariland’s own published definitions.
Because manufacturers may define retention levels differently, DME Holsters believes customers should understand the actual retention system being used rather than relying on the Level I, Level II, or Level III label alone.
How DME Holsters Defines Retention Levels
| Level | DME Definition | Retention Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | Molded Kydex | Positive molded detent (tactile “click”) |
| Level II | Molded + Active | Molded fit + mechanical retention strap |
| Level III | Multi-Layer | Molded fit + strap + additional secondary feature |
At DME Holsters, we clearly define what Level I, Level II, and Level III retention mean when those terms are used on our website.
Level I Retention — Positive Molded Retention
At DME Holsters, Level I retention refers to positive molded retention built directly into the holster.
The thermoplastic material is formed with a defined retention point that engages an appropriate area of the firearm or attached light. This creates the familiar positive “click” when the firearm is fully seated in the holster.
That positive molded engagement is what DME considers the first level of retention.
Level II Retention — Molded Retention Plus Active Retention
DME considers a holster Level II retention when a second, independent retention system is added to the Level I molded retention.
Our Level II configuration adds an active retention strap across the rear of the slide in addition to the positive molded retention already built into the holster.
Because the holster incorporates two separate forms of retention, DME classifies it as Level II.
Level III Retention — An Additional Retention Feature
DME is also developing a Level III retention system.
Under DME’s definition, Level III adds another independent retention feature to the existing Level II system.
The three retention elements are:
- Positive molded retention
- An active retention strap
- An additional protective retention feature
This is how DME Holsters defines Level I, Level II, and Level III retention. Other manufacturers may use different definitions, which is why customers should always review how a manufacturer defines its retention levels rather than comparing the number alone.
The Safariland Retention Rating System
Safariland uses its own formal Duty Rated Retention system.
Under Safariland’s current system, retention levels are determined according to the number of distinct hand movements required to clear its security mechanisms. Safariland also states that passive retention by itself is not considered a retention level within its rating system.
Safariland’s Duty Rated classification also involves its own retention testing requirements and approved mounting configurations.
This is an important and widely recognized retention system, but it should not be confused with a universal standard that every holster manufacturer is required to follow.
Why Two Companies May Rate Similar Holsters Differently
Two holsters may use similar forms of retention while receiving different retention-level classifications from their manufacturers.
One manufacturer may describe molded passive retention plus an additional mechanical retention device as Level II because the holster incorporates two separate forms of retention.
Another manufacturer may classify retention according to the number of separate actions associated with its active retention system.
Neither label, by itself, completely describes how the holster is constructed.
That is why customers should look beyond the number and determine exactly what the manufacturer’s retention designation means.
Retention Level vs. Retention System
When comparing holster retention, ask a simpler question:
What actually retains the firearm in the holster?
A clear product description should explain whether the holster uses:
- Passive molded retention
- An active mechanical retention device
- A combination of passive and active retention
- Additional independent retention features
The terms Level I, Level II, and Level III are most useful when the manufacturer clearly explains what those classifications mean.
The Bottom Line
There is no universal holster-industry definition requiring every manufacturer to classify Level I, Level II, and Level III retention exactly the same way.
Safariland has developed its own tested Duty Rated Retention system, while DME Holsters and other manufacturers may use different terminology and classification methods.
For that reason, DME recommends looking beyond the retention-level number and reading the manufacturer’s description of the actual retention system.
At DME Holsters, we clearly explain what our retention terminology means so customers understand exactly how each holster is classified.