Retention holster for Open Carry in a shop?

[cutter]

Hi,

What retention holster(s) would you recommend for a shopkeeper and his wife to wear around the store doing a open carry? Or would you even recommend the use of a retention holster. Some friends of mine just completed their CCW and have some crappy nylon and plastic holsters for their guns and I am trying to steer them in the right direction as far as training and equipment. I was throwing out some names of IWB and strong side holsters I like and then the lightbulb went off about the use of a retention holster. I don't know squat about retention holsters.

[bdcheung]

I'm very partial to the Safariland 6378.

[JDM]

Safariland sets the standard in retention/duty holsters. They range from simple (ALS only) to complex (ALS, SLS, Hood). Look through the 6000 series of Safariland holsters, (www.safariland.com)

Edit: http://holsterfinder.safariland.com/

[SecondsCount]

Another vote for Safariland. I really like the ALS system.

[JeffJ]

Agree with Safariland - avoid serpa

[JDM]

Keep this discussion focused on the merits and demerits of various retention type holsters.

PFC has already had enough open carry drama for the entirety of 2012.

[Sparks2112]

Safariland als.

[jrm]

Safariland for sure personally I would go with the ALS and rotating hood like 6367.

[matman]

When I'm in uniform/forced to openly carry for whatever reason my preference is the 6378 (commonly referred to as the ALS). This holster with practice is fast enough to rival most other kydex and leather rigs on a clock (won a 3 gun match using mine during pre-deployment training). The holsters are cheap also when compared to many of the "tactical holsters" out there. I mount mine to the QLS backers (Quick Lock System),and set up various mounts on my battle belt, riggers belt, best etc. IF the gun moves to a new position for various reasons then I switch holster and all eliminating 1 more thing to carry. I've concealed mine some as well and it works fine for that as well. It's sure he'll to try and grab a gun out of that thing though!

[jlw]

I carry in a 6378 on duty. It will meet your needs.

[Madnik]

Jumping on the "Safariland ALS bandwagon." They set the standard.

[FotoTomas]

I want to through in some other options. I am required by regulation to use the Uncle Mikes Triple Retention holster when on duty. Been that style for ten years now. If working plain clothes I can wear a less restrictive holster as long as it is concealed. I MUST wear the UM if not concealed. As such I have purchased the high ride adapter for my UM to wear concealed. It gives me the same draw stroke as the regular duty rig and meets regulation if I want to work openly but out of uniform. I would think that would be a great option for a shop keeper since a openly carried handgun will sometimes invite a grab attempt.

Since I am forced to use the UM on duty I have bought several for different guns I use for training and competition as well as using it as a duty option for my part time LE job. Why try to fight the different styles of draw when I HAVE to use one method for most of my working days.

It was NOT my first, second or fifth choice BUT over the years and after LOTS of training I am quite happy with the system. Like most things it has good and bad points but it does work well for me and my agency.

[Chuck Haggard]

I have been pissed off at BAE/Safariland for years, but I am forced to recommend their ALS system as the best police duty holsters available. Nothing else is even remotely close. Being that they survive street cop work really well they are more than capable for other open carry missions.

And, BTW, if you are going to OC I'd strongly recommend you also carry a BUG.