Safariland recently dropped the Pro-Fit GLS (grip locking system) IWB holster. I have a couple of Pro-Fit OWB holsters, and they work great. But for an IWB GLS holster, I was curious and skeptical at the same time.
Having some type of locking system on your OWB holster is common nowadays. Locking and retention systems help to keep the handgun from falling out or, even worse, someone grabbing it. For an inside-the-waistband holster (IWB), however, some type of passive retention is generally accepted.
And my skepticism didn’t come from an IWB holster with locking retention, but from the placement of the grip locking system. More specifically, I was concerned that I would not be able to get a full grip on the gun and activate the GLS lever with it inside the waist.
Turns out, I was worried about nothing, but I’ll get to that part as we go over the GLS part.
While the Pro-Fit series of holsters are made to fit multiple models of handguns, you can specify the gun when ordering. I ordered my Pro-Fit holster for an M&P Shield 2.0.
Model 575 Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grip Lock System (GLS) | Active mechanical retention, disengages via middle finger on a standard draw grip |
| Cant | Fully adjustable, forward and neutral |
| Optic Compatibility | Low-cut channel fits slide-mounted micro red dots |
| Material | SafariSeven nylon blend, non-abrasive to firearm finish |
| Thermal Tolerance | -50°F to 300°F |
| MSRP | $84.50 |
Concealability and Everyday Comfort
You need a slim profile holster when carrying it inside the waistband. A bulky holster causes some obvious issues, like printing, but more importantly, they are uncomfortable. Regardless of how well a holster is made, if it’s uncomfortable, it ends up in the holster drawer. You know, the drawer we all have full of holsters we don’t really use…
I want an IWB holster to fit in my everyday jeans and be comfortable enough to wear all day. Because this is non-negotiable for me, it’s the first thing I evaluate when reviewing an IWB holster.
The Safariland Model 575 has a low-cut, semi-rigid shell. This helps it ride low in the waistline and helps with engaging that GLS lever I mentioned before.
Durable, light, multiple carry options
Safariland used their proprietary SafariSeven nylon blend on the Pro-Fit 575 GLS IWB holster. This keeps the holster lightweight and non-abrasive, which helps reduce wear on your firearm’s finish. It also resists extreme heat, cold, and moisture.
The Pro-Fit 575 includes two distinct belt attachments that provide two options for how the holster interacts with the belt.
Over-the-belt clip
This is the fastest on-and-off style of belt clip for an IWB holster. As you tuck the holster inside the waist, the belt clip travels over the top of the belt and has a “clip” that fits over the belt. This keeps the holster from pulling up as you draw the gun. To remove it, simply pull the bottom of the clip away from the belt and lift the holster.
Under-the-belt J-hook clip
With a J-hook style, the belt clip goes under the belt instead of over it. Because you must fit the clip under the belt, it’s not as quick to put on. The bottom of the clip has a “J” hook on it that extends past the belt, keeping it from moving upward. Because this belt clip runs under the belt instead of over it, the holster is more concealable. When the clip runs over the belt, the clip can cause light printing in your shirt if it’s not loose enough.
Multi-Frame Pro-Fit Adjustment Mechanics
The 575 Pro-Fit is most known for its adjustability, making it multi-firearm-compatible. Instead of buying a separate dedicated holster for every micro-compact in your safe, the 575 Pro-Fit adapts to multiple firearm profiles with a simple adjustment.
The holster relies on an internal tensioning mechanism paired with an integrated adjustment screw. To fit different frames, just follow these steps:
- Loosen the exterior Allen adjustment screw located at the bottom edge of the holster on the trigger-guard side.
- Insert your handgun until it fully seats into the locking block.
- Tighten the screw until there is no wobble in the handgun. Re-holster and draw the gun a few times to make sure it’s not too loose or too tight. It should be snug with no wobble, and the locking system should work smoothly.
After carrying my Shield 2.0 in the 575 Pro-Fit for a while, I decided to try some other guns out in it. My Masada 9S and CZ P10 M both worked in the Pro-Fit holster just great. All I had to do was loosen the adjustment screw, insert the gun, and snug it up. The Masada has an optic on it, but the Pro-Fit IWB holster has a low front-end cut so it can accommodate optics.
GLS Active Retention
Active retention on an IWB holster can be tricky. As I mentioned in the beginning, I was a little concerned about drawing from an IWS holster and still activating the GLS lever.
When you are pulling your shirt out of the way and drawing a gun that is up against your body, there is not as much room for your hands. Some styles of locking mechanisms would also cause you to change your grip before drawing. Safariland’s Grip Lock System (GLS) was designed to activate when you grip the gun. And I was happy to find I didn’t have any problems activating it when drawing from a concealed position.
Here is how it works
The GLS lever sits directly under the trigger guard where your middle finger naturally falls during a standard draw. When you reach for your pistol and establish a proper master firing grip, your middle finger depresses the low-profile lever automatically.
The retention lock disengages instantly without any secondary motions or unnatural thumb swipes. The handgun can then clear the holster smoothly with a straight upward pull.
Re-holstering is just as easy. When you seat the handgun back into the holster, the GLS snaps shut with an audible click. You get that immediate confirmation that your handgun is safely locked in place. This gives you a little more peace of mind that your gun will stay put with movement.
Final Verdict
On the range, the 575 Pro-Fit was easy to draw and re-holster. After a few drills, I realized I wasn’t even thinking about the releasing mechanism. With my duty holsters, I had to create muscle memory for drawing my handgun. But with the Pro-Fit GLS, this isn’t required. When you grab the gun, it unlocks.
Of course, duty holsters are made to keep someone from drawing your gun when they grab it. This type of holster would not protect against that, but it does work great for any type of movement. For an IWB carry gun, that’s what you need.
The mouth of the holster is reinforced, so it stays wide open after you draw. This allows safe, one-handed re-holstering without the mouth of the holster collapsing under the pressure of your belt.
At first, I thought the biggest benefit with the Pro-Fit IWB holster would be multi-gun use. But after using it, I think it’s a great holster regardless of how many guns you plan to carry in it. I like the idea of a concealed carry handgun that has an active retention locking system, and the 575 Pro-Fit IWB holster works great.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Does the Safariland 575 fit red dot-equipped pistols?
Yes — the low front-end cut on the Pro-Fit 575 accommodates slide-mounted optics without needing a separate RDS-specific model.
What’s the difference between the Safariland 575 and 578?
The 575 is built for inside-the-waistband (IWB) concealed carry, while the 578 is the OWB Pro-Fit GLS model — same GLS retention system, different carry position.
