The best drop-leg holsters worth buying

It’s hard to describe what makes the 7005 7TS the best overall drop-leg holster without first explaining what made previous Safariland models so great. Among serious users of duty holsters, Safariland has a legendary reputation for dependability, and the 6005 model I was issued in the USCG stood the test of time with near-daily hard use in a saltwater environment. The excellent SLS and ALS retention systems have each been trusted by law enforcement and military units to keep their firearms secure for decades. Fully adjustable straps mean there’s no guesswork on sizing: If you get a Safariland holster, you know it will fit no matter how you’re shaped.

The 7005 7TS takes that solid reputation as a starting point and builds from there. The 7005 7TS is lighter than its predecessors, increases weather resistance, includes an innovative low-contact pass-through design that keeps debris and moisture off your firearm, and can be quickly swapped to any carry method compatible with the optional QLS system. As part of the 7TS series, there are similar models to choose from that use the ALS retention system, can accept slide-mounted optics, or come in different finishes. The 7005 only represents one of a whole range of holsters that can suit any need. My particular model also accommodates my attached Surefire X300U light, which is an option most of Safariland’s range offers.

The 7TS series also tackles one of the only gripes I had about Safariland’s previous generation of holsters: the suede lining that reduces holster wear and makes for a smoother draw than polymer alone. While comfy, the suede took forever to dry if it got splashed or submerged in saltwater and I suspect that if I’d been issued a firearm with a finish any less durable than a Sig P229R DAK, I’d have seen a lot more rust. The 7TS series instead uses strategically placed standoffs and a muzzle plug to hold the firearm securely while debris and water have ample room to flow through and out the front of the holster. A special nylon blend, dubbed SafariSeven, is advertised as being a completely no-scratch material, and that claim has certainly held up.

My only criticisms of the 7005 7TS are that it has more limited firearm compatibility than the previous generation of Safarilands. Due to the way the firearm is supported at the muzzle, threaded barrels are also a bit tricky compared to other holsters, and Safariland recommends getting a holster for the next size up if you have a threaded barrel (e.g., if you have a Glock 19 with a threaded barrel, get a holster for a Glock 17), but that hardly seems like an ideal solution and won’t work for every firearm either.
In general, the 7005 7TS gets my Best Overall Holster title for its straightforward innovation on a proven design philosophy, great modularity, and light weight without sacrificing durability.

I can remember a time when value-priced drop-leg holsters were only found among cheap nylon “universal” models and the Blackhawk SERPA series. Dark were those days, with many a budget-minded operator shooting themselves in the leg from poor retention systems, or discovering scratched finishes and long draw times. In a surprise entry from Israel, the C-series holster from Orpaz comes to save us from that awful age, solidly clinching the coveted Best Value holster championship.

In a sub-$100 package, the C-series offers all the essentials of a tactical drop-leg holster in a solidly built design. Precision molded polymer offers the secure fit and proper protection a drop-leg holster needs, and the Level II retention option is a simple, no-frills thumb lock that releases the firearm without putting your trigger finger dangerously near the trigger. All straps are fully adjustable, meaning no meddling about trying to figure out if you’re a Small, Medium or Large. At this price point, the holster is even interchangeable with numerous other carry options from Orpaz, and the build quality is exceptional.

The C-series isn’t available for every pistol out there and does not have lighted or optics-ready options, but I wouldn’t expect that in the value-priced bracket, and the more expensive T40X model from Orpaz fits that niche. The drop-leg platform itself is also functional, but a bit bare bones compared to pricier options. Attaching the holster to the drop-leg platform is also a pain, having to unthread a large strap and line up some small screws in an awkward position to get the job done. Once attached, the adjustable cant angle of the holster can also be knocked out of position if whacked sufficiently hard enough in the right spot, but not enough to lose control of the firearm.
Overall, it checks all the boxes of a proper drop-leg holster at half the price. For the entry-level professional, the Orpaz C-series has your back.

For the most discerning operators, G-Code offers a customizability bonanza. I had an extremely hard time picking between Safariland and G-Code for the Best Overall spot, because the XST is just that good. The XST’s durability rivals anything I’ve seen from Safariland, and nothing beats the modularity of G-Code’s RTI hanger system. With the pinch of two locking lugs, G-Code equipment can be quickly, easily, and positively swapped between any RTI plate. The XST’s power-assisted retention canopy also allows for the fastest draw of any active retention holster I’ve tried, nearly indistinguishable from my passive retention draw times after a little practice.

Even with the most expensive options, the XST with DLS drop-leg platform comes out to less than some of the Safariland selections and G-Code offers a better warranty to boot (lifetime versus Safariland’s two years). So what gives? Why did Safariland get the Best Overall title while G-Code gets the more mysterious Honorable Mention? Well, sometimes one’s biggest strength can also be a weakness.

The XST is so modular that it’s hard to just pick up and go. Rather than simply going “I want this holster package,” the G-Code method is more of a build-it-up from scratch approach. Think of custom shop cars versus buying one off a lot. You need a better idea of what your setup will be ahead of time, which is definitely a strong point for more advanced operators who know what they want and what they like, but an entry level police officer or fresh out of training private/lieutenant is going to have a harder time knowing where to start.

Additionally, the super slick power-assisted retention canopy needs a little extra practice to use. While extremely quick, it’s possible to outpace the canopy and draw at the same time you’re depressing the release, thus pinning the canopy up with the slide. Drawing requires a more deliberate push-then-pull motion, which can be extremely quick with practice, but there is that narrower margin for error. Technically, it’s possible to do the same thing with Safariland’s SLS hood, but the manual hood release and more generous tolerances mean you’re less likely to try to push and draw at the same time.

However, all that said, I don’t think I’ve seen a more high performance production holster with a wider array of options. Like a finely tuned Formula One car, the G-Code XST rewards expertise, thus earning itself a very enthusiastic Honorable Mention.

Slide-mounted optics are getting more and more popular every year, and for a while, the custom holster market was the only place to get a proper fit with one unless you were really comfortable hacking away at your own gear. Several years down the road, production holster brands are supporting slide-mounted optics more and more with Safariland offering a healthy number of models. Of these, the 6354DO feels the most modern, the most natural, and the most solid example of what an optics-ready holster should be.

The holster offers the solid performance and durability Safariland is known for, adding a very sturdy shroud to protect the optic that’s molded directly into the holster rather than a separate piece like on other models. The ALS retention system is perfect for an optic-enhanced pistol, leaving the backend clear of hoods or straps that could snag on the extra equipment. Even if you’re still stuck in the Iron Age, with no pistol optic, the 6354DO will hold your pistol just as securely. And, the Cordura overwrap not only looks super slick, but it also reduces reflections in the IR band to keep prying eyes looking elsewhere.

My only complaint is that the 6354DO is only offered for Glock pistols at the moment, though Safariland offers similar optics-ready holsters for other firearm models. Given how mature the design of the 6354DO is, the future looks bright for optics-ready holsters.

I couldn’t go an entire drop-leg holster review without mentioning the holster I used the most during my military service. Not only is the 6005 still an excellent holster for those who like to stick to the basics, but it also has the best firearm compatibility for a holster in this quality bracket. There are still some models it won’t fit (my fellow CZ SP-01 fans are still out of luck), but the Firearm Select dropdown menu for this model is simply staggering.

The 6005 is the perfect example of what made Safariland famous: dependability, security, and ease of use. While the 7TS line updates these brand fundamentals, the 6005 and its sister models are the Safariland original crew. It comes standard with the excellent SLS retention system or can be found in ALS variants for an even easier draw.

SafariLaminate thermo-molded construction and suede inner lining gives maximum protection to your firearm both inside and out. And with Safariland’s superb fit, you have full adjustability in all directions without ever having to worry about accidental bumps, weird draw angles, or aggressive motions compromising your holster.

Whether you’re in search of a holster for a less common gun or are just a fan of the classics, the 6005 is the foundation upon which Safariland’s name rests.

Now, I know I’ve dunked on nylon holsters throughout this review, but if you are absolutely hands-down, dead-set committed to getting a nylon holster, this is the one. The Omega VI Elite is designed for either Glock or 1911 pistols, avoiding many of the pitfalls the “universal” nylon holsters fall into, meaning it offers great trigger protection, a decent draw, and properly supports the firearm when moving or going hands-on with a suspect. The Omega VI Elite also offers full adjustability with a single-strap design.

However, being a nylon holster, it can still pick up debris and hold it against your gun, potentially leading to nasty scratches. Bare nylon can also cause increased wear on your finish while slowing down your draw from the extra friction. Nylon holsters also have no modularity, meaning what you see is what you get, with no real options to swap to another platform or carry option.

The Omega VI Elite also has a lot of thick hook-and-loop fasteners that increase the rigidity of the straps, meaning more fatigue for your hip joint. And lastly, the retention strap offers decent security, but with just a thumb snap closure, it’s one of the easiest styles to compromise. There’s also no native option to completely remove the extra hook-and-loop or grip straps, meaning if you don’t cut them off yourself, there’s an extra buckle and hook pad that can snag or make noise.

Bottom line is that if you have a particular obsession with nylon holsters (or are part of a department or security company that only offers nylon holsters), then the Omega VI Elite is functional and a solid performer. But considering the Orpaz C-series is right in the same price range while offering full polymer construction, modularity, and a better retention system, if the choice is fully up to you, then I say go for the Orpaz.