Typically for concealed carry or some completions you want a level one retention holster. Open carry you want level 3.

I genuinely don’t even know the difference

1 is friction, 2 is manual operated, 3 is both combined, and apparently there's 4 but idk what it is other than it's not recommended for civilian use

Not recommended? That’s weird

Manual I guess would be like a finger trigger yeah?

Oh like the button on the thumb

A good quality kydex holster will grip your pistol and snap into place but anyone can take it out, and it can still fall out under high stress. 2 is something like soft nylon sheath with a button flap, not recommended.

Also level 3 holsters that are operated with the trigger finger, like the serpa, are only good for shooting your leg

Well, I've used level IIIs before, and yes they are more secure. And generally not too bad. I've had problems with them overseas though. Namely the Blackhawk Serpa holsters.

I have had some good ones though

To make it simple
Kydex aiwb for concealed
Safariland als for open. With hood if you're in law enforcement or security.

Serpa bad

Yep, ran one of these POSs

🤮

Well you didn't have a choice i guess lol

I normally ran it off of belt or on my chest though

I don't care for drop leg.

Yeah i don't really like drop leg because it slows me down

It gets irritating after wearing it for a long time.

I want the weight more balanced and up to the center.

Rather than on my leg.

Oh man I don't have the picture anymore but there was one of a guy on Facebook. He had a baby holder chest rig thing with molle on the outside, and his serpa mounted to it

Father of the year

Omg, that is cringe, hahaha

And checked safariland, they don't make the kind of holster I want. The ones with light cuts, don't have optic cuts.

JM custom kydex makes some good stuff. I have an owb holster from them for competition and class, but it looks like they don't do active retention. Very high quality kydex though, it's thick and grips like crazy.

https://www.jmcustomkydex.com/p/OWB-V2-LB.html

Hmmm, thick you say?

It's ugly as hell, but if it works, it works.

Comes in different colors at least, though lead times can be a bit long

I've got one for my vp9 with tlr1. I also have a couple cheap kydex holsters for comparison, and they feel completely different, almost like they're using different materials. The cheap ones are super flimsy but this thing is rock solid.

I've also noticed that no companies make holsters with a TLR-3 as a light choice. So I may have to spend a little and also get a TLR-1

Fuck it, I might just have to find a guy to make me a custom holster again.

I had a custom one made, but I didn't have it molded for a light.

Yeah tlr1 is the only streamlight flashlight that people usually make holsters for unless it's a subcompact, in which case tlr6

I might just upgrade to the TLR-1 anyway for it's more rugged construction.

Plus, I sitll got one of those old ass Army drop legs that were thick nylon. Hahaha

It's a good light. They also make extended switches for them

https://www.phlsterholsters.com/shop/arc-enhanced-wml-switches/