Duty Holster Outside the Waistband (Level II Retention)
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Highlander Level II Retention Kydex Duty Holster
This is a duty holster for open, uniformed carry. It holds the pistol on the outside of your belt and locks it in place with a retention hood, so it cannot simply be pulled out of the holster by someone else. To draw, you push the hood forward and down with your thumb as you take your grip, and strong springs snap it clear of the pistol.
It is built for police, security officers and anyone who carries openly on duty. Every holster is made to order for one specific firearm, and for the weapon light fitted to it if you run one.
Fitted with Highlander's Proprietary Level II Retention Hood
- Material: The holster is made from 0.125" (3mm) Kydex® T, with the Level II retention hood constructed from ASA and carbon fibre nylon for strength and durability.
- Level I retention: Passive retention on the trigger guard or weapon light holds the pistol securely with no mechanism to operate. Adjustable to your preference.
- Level II retention: The hood locks the pistol in place and is set by drawing it back over the slide when you reholster. To draw, a forward and downward push of the thumb releases it, and strong springs snap the hood clear of the pistol so nothing obstructs the draw.
- Thumb action: Released with a forward and downward thumb motion, rather than the sideways or rearward movement other hood designs use. That keeps your thumb clear of a full firing grip.
- Self-cleaning hood: Minimal moving parts, with no spring-loaded balls or lubricated steel plates. It needs no oil or grease, just an occasional flush with clean water if it gets dirty.
- Fail-safe: The pistol can still be drawn if the mechanism fails.
- Mounting: Drilled to the Safariland hole pattern, which fits UBL, QLS and most standard duty mounting hardware.
- Optic compatible: Accommodates most pistol optics. The hood has to close over whatever sits on top of the pistol, so taller optics need the large hood.
- Hammer-fired pistols: Some models are built with the large hood as standard so it clears the hammer in any condition the pistol is carried in. We apply this automatically where it is needed.
- Threaded barrel compatible.
- Extended height sight compatible.
- Smooth draw and reholstering.
Our duty holsters are our signature product. The rugged holsters are made from durable 0.125" (3mm) Kydex and are secured with our locally designed and manufactured Level II retention hoods, for a crisp and quick draw when needed in real combat situations.
Questions about hood sizes, UBL ride height, the QLS or the thigh strap? See the Duty Holster FAQs.
Every holster is made to order. Check the available models list for your firearm and light combination before ordering.
Specifications
- Kydex thickness
- 0.125" (3mm) Kydex® T
- Retention
- Level II (proprietary retention hood)
- Carry position
- Duty OWB
- Mounting
- Safariland or Combat Loop
- Optic ready
- Yes
How It Attaches To You
The holster on its own cannot be worn. You need something to hold it on your belt, and there are a few extras that make it sit better. Here is what each part actually does.
UBL
Universal Belt LoopThe part that holds the holster on your belt. It bolts to the back of the holster and loops over the belt.
It hangs the holster a little below the belt, which does two things: your grip clears body armour, and you get room to take a proper grip on the pistol before you draw.
Mid-ride sits higher and tighter to your body. Lower profile, better in a vehicle, and the right choice for most people.
Low-ride hangs further down your thigh. Choose it if you wear body armour or a chest rig, or run a long-slide pistol.
Skip only if you already own a Safariland UBL.
QLS
Quick Locking SystemA two-part clip. One half bolts to your belt mount, the other to the holster, and they lock together.
It lets you pull the holster off the belt in a second and click a different one on in its place, all sharing one mount. It also holds the holster slightly further out from your body, which helps clear bulky armour.
Get it if you own more than one pistol or holster, or if you chose low-ride above.
Thigh Strap
Keeps it stillAn adjustable strap from the bottom of the holster around your thigh.
It stops the holster lifting and swinging when you draw, run, or wrestle for the weapon. The holster stays in the same spot every time, so your draw stays the same every time.
If a holster has ever shifted out of position on you, this is the fix.
Swivel
Leg Strap Pivot PlateA small plate that sits between the holster and the thigh strap.
It drops the thigh strap lower and lets it move, so the strap stops riding up and catching in the crotch. That is the difference most people notice first.
It also lets the holster swing with your leg instead of being locked solid, so you can bend, sit, drive or run without it twisting out of place.
Needs a thigh strap to work. Worth it for long shifts and vehicle work.
Not sure? Start here
- General duty, starting from scratchUBL Mid-Ride and a thigh strap. That is a complete rig, ready to wear.
- Over body armour or a plate carrierUBL Low-Ride and the QLS. The QLS is not really optional here, it gives your thumb room for the hood release.
- More than one pistol or holsterAdd the QLS so they share one belt mount.
- Long shifts, seated or in a vehicleAdd the swivel to the thigh strap.
- You already own a Safariland UBLSelect No on the mounting option. It ships drilled and ready to bolt on.
How it goes together
The holster on its own, the mounting hole pattern, and each attachment option fitted.
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The shell
Thermoformed Kydex, moulded to one firearm and one weapon light. Level II duty shells are 0.125 inch (3mm).
2 / 7
Mounting holes
Drilled to the Safariland hole pattern, which fits UBL, QLS and most standard duty mounting hardware.
3 / 7
UBL belt loop
Bolts to the back of the holster and loops over the belt. Mid-ride sits higher and tighter to the body. Low-ride hangs further down the thigh for body armour or a long slide.
4 / 7
QLS fork
One half of the quick locking system, bolted to the holster itself.
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QLS fork and receiver
The receiver bolts to your belt mount. The two lock together, so you can pull one holster off and click another on in a second.
6 / 7
The full set
Holster, belt mount and quick locking system fitted together as one duty rig.
7 / 7
Combat loop
A simpler loop that threads straight onto your belt. Fewer parts, less hardware, and it holds the holster higher and closer to the body.
Note: the holsters shown do not have a Level II retention hood attached.



