what "Level" would a Old West SA holster be?

[Squid]

I've heard "Level I" is basically 'nothing' and just pulling out the gun, and Level II is just a thumb snap.

Would typical old west little strap around the hammer qualify as "Level II"?


This is more a private security question but I figure LEO might know.


Yes, I know it is unlikely any guard company would allow SA in old west quick draw holsters.

And I know to qualify it can't be in SA mode.

[Notorious]

Old west holsters are basically zero. That little leather sliver might qualify as Level 1.

For a good chart, go to Safariland's website and read their designations of what the levels are.

We were issued the Top Gun holsters when I first started and that was considered Level 1. The SLS is Level 2 and the ALS or 070 is Level 3.

There are lots of ways to get to the different levels, including thumb snaps, SLS hood, tension screw, additional finger release mechanism, etc.

[Squid]

thx, I don't see any 'Governing Body' for holster level ratings.

But somehow I doubt 'homemade' would go down to well with any employer or agency.

Any info on that?

What if someone added a rotating hood to a holster similar to Raptor?

[BigDogatPlay]

A simple open top pouch holster is going to be a level 0 as mentioned above. A leather thong, or slotted strap over the hammer would be considered level 1 as there is one device requiring some extra action to draw the gun, basically so it can't just be lifted out of the holster without any passive or active resistance.

Level 2 is generally considered a snapped strap plus a passive device of some kind which locks the gun into place in the holster making more resistant to a gun grab. Passive devices, such as the trigger guard blocks that are found in many higher level holsters and many kydex concealment rigs, are a good thing, IMO.

Level 3 is considered to be a strap, plus a passive device, plus a second active device all of which must be cleared to execute the draw.

While it might be a private security application I believe earnestly that anyone who carries a firearm while working in some uniformed capacity needs to be aware of the potential of a gun grab. They need to learn to protect their sidearm and carry it in gear that is suited to the task.