High ride or low ride holster

[FM16]

As a prospective new armored car guard, which type of holster does anyone reccommend on the duty belt...high ride or low ride & what are they advantages of either or both. Obiviously I will spend a lot of time riding/driving & lifting and carrying. Thanks for any opinions & help.

[DeltaV]

Most of the high-ride holsters I've seen are level one. That reason alone is a good reason not to get one. Plus, high ride holsters are difficult to draw from while in a sitting position.

[Switchback]

I really don't think that either is better than the other when seated. They are both difficult to get to when sitting. If you want something that is great for seated drawing, you really need to look to a shoulder rig or a chest rig (more tactical). Thisgh rigs also stink when drawing when drawing from a seated position... especially a car, where thigh room is a hot commodity when wearing gear.

The only reason you see more retention on low-rise holsters is because they tend to be used more often for duty use. Almost all holsters that I know that come in an option for low or high ride have the same level of retention, only vatrying the hight of the holster ride. Most guys that I know carry level 2 high-ride holsters for duty... then again, we are all plain clothed.

...which brings me to the answer of the biggest difference (in my opinion) between the 2 carry techniques. High ride holsters offer better concealment, but make for a harder draw. It is harder to pull the gun nearly up to your armpit to get it to break leather.... like a desantis I used to have for my Glock. It makes for GREAT concealment, but comes at the cost of speed.

Lower is most often used by uniformed personnel because concealment is not an issue and it proves to be a little faster... and more easily accessible wearing jackets and such.

[corporal716]

Most of the high-ride holsters I've seen are level one. That reason alone is a good reason not to get one. Plus, high ride holsters are difficult to draw from while in a sitting position.

Safari Land used to make a high ride level III for the Glock 22. For weapon retention, I think that was the best. I've carry them all and felt the most comfortable with that one. Once I got used to the hight, it was no problem.

Practice with what ever you get, drawing and weapon retention. Both will save your life.

[Bearcat06]

This is what I carry....along with all the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Kansas City MO LEOs that are in uniform.....

http://www.safariland.com/products.asp?id=130

[lepdford]

High, mid, and low ride is a matter of personal preference. Try on a few different styles before selecting which one is right for you.

[Rad Diver]

I prefer the low ride, easier to access from a sitting or standing position. But that's my personal preference.