Mounting Options

Holsters can be mounted to the belt through a variety of means, including clips, hooks, paddles, micro paddles and belt loops.

MOUNTING OPTIONS by carry style

Start of DUTY tab
Safariland® Duty Holster

DUTY

Holster belt loops provide a secure platform to draw from, and are the foundation of Level I – III Retention. The user feeds their belt through the slits on the belt loop to secure the holster to the belt and hip. Safariland duty holsters come standard with the UBL – Universal Belt Loop Mid-ride.

Find your perfect universal belt loop with our Comparison Chart.

BELT MOUNTS

The Universal Belt Loop (UBL) is a standard belt loop that will not pinch or add pressure to hip bone, locks onto the duty belt with belt slot design, and is compatible with any holster with the 3-hole pattern. The UBL passes the retention pull test, and the duty UBL comes in two belt widths: 2” (50mm) and 2.25” (58mm) and three ride options, low-ride, mid-ride and hi-ride.

 

The Cantable Universal Belt Loop (CUBL) allows the user to choose the cant position on their holster based on their preference. Extremely adaptable, the CUBL integrates with Safariland UBL products and 3-hole patterned holsters. The CUBL passes the retention pull test, and fits belt widths of 2” (50mm) or 2.25” (58mm).

The QLS Universal Belt Loop (QUBL) allows the user to easily raise and lower their holster from low-ride, mid-ride or hi-ride holster height positions without any tools. Based on the VUBL design, the QUBL sits close to the body and is extremely adaptable, enabling quick attachment and detachment of gear from the QLS mounting platform. The QUBL passes the retention pull test, and fits belt widths of 2” (50mm) or 2.25” (58mm).

The Quick Locking System (QLS) allows users to secure a holster anywhere they wish. (e.g. inside a closet, under car dash, under desk). The QLS system is comprised of two parts, the QLS 19 Locking Fork and either the QLS 22 or QLS 22L Receiver Plate. The QLS 19 Locking Fork can be bolted onto any Safariland 3-hole pattern holster mounting point or thigh rig setup.

The Vertical Universal Belt Loop (VUBL) offers a 3-position height adjustment. Compatible with any Safariland 3-hole patterned duty holster, the VUBL allows the user to quickly raise or lower their holster without any tools required. With the VUBL, a user can comfortably position their holster to sit in a low-ride, mid-ride or hi-ride holster height position and will not pinch or add pressure to the hip bone. The VUBL passes the Retention™ pull test and locks onto any duty belt with a belt slot design. The VUBL fits belt widths of 2” (50mm) or 2.25” (58mm).

The 745BL Belt Clip is designed with a 3-hole pattern, allowing interchangeability among various Safariland® holsters. Made of durable nylon, it clips on/off without having to remove the belt and/or other accessories. Fits belts with widths from 1.5″ (38mm) to 2.25″ (58mm). Designed to lower holster by 2” (50mm).

Start of TACTICAL/MILITARY tab
Safariland® Tactical RDS Holster

TACTICAL/MILITARY

Tactical/Military holsters are carried in one of two ways, mounted on a belt using a belt slide, belt clip, or belt loop, or mounted on the thigh with a leg shroud.

Typically holsters mounted to a belt are on either a padded battle belt or good tactical belt.  Padded battle belts usually include a hook and loop under-belt that goes through the loops and attach to the outer belt.  Keepers are often added to line up both belts.  A good tactical belt is considered a lighter and more comfortable option versus the battle belt and can be combined with concealed or duty components. Tactical belts commonly come in a 1.75” (45mm) belt width but wider and stiffer versions are available and are more optimal.

Tactical thigh rig or drop rig holsters are mounted via a leg shroud. The shroud comes in either a single strap, double strap, or lightweight version. The holster can be purchased with the single or double strap installed while the lightweight shroud can be purchased separately.

Tactical Mounts

The Adjustable Vertical Leg Strap attaches the leg shroud on tactical rigs to duty-style belts, riggers style, or battle belts. This strap is made of 2” (50mm) webbing, includes a 2” (50mm) keeper, and is adjustable for length of draw. When sold separately from the leg shroud, the back features the 3-hole pattern and includes Allen screws for attachment to the thigh plate.

The Quick Release Strap attaches the leg shroud onto a belt and includes a buckle to easily disconnect the belt from the tactical rig without having to remove it from the belt.  This strap is made of 2” (50mm) webbing, includes a 2” (50mm) keeper, and is adjustable for length of draw. When sold separately from the leg shroud, the back features the 3-hole pattern and includes Allen screws for attachment to the thigh plate.

The 567BL is an injection-molded polymer belt loop that can be used in conjunction with Safariland tactical rigs. The 567BL can be attached to the Universal Flex Adapter (UFA) which replaces the standard vertical leg strap and raises the height of the system.  The 567BL attached to the UFA can then be looped through the belt adding stability to the rig. This belt loop comes in seven sizes to fit belt widths from 1.5” to 2.25” (38mm – 58mm) and features two 1 inch drop versions.  The belt loop can also be used on any standard 3-hole pattern holster. The 567BL, UFA, and leg shroud must be purchased separately.

This 568BL is an injection-molded polymer paddle that can be used in combination with the Universal Flex Adapter (UFA) on the Safariland tactical rigs. The 568BL attaches to the UFA which replaces the standard vertical leg strap and raises the height of the tactical rig. The 568BL paddle slides over the belt and its molded contours hold the rig tight to the hip. The paddle can be quickly removed from the belt, making it easy to remove the entire tactical rig from the belt and thigh. The paddle fits belt widths up to 1.75″ (45mm) and is available in both right and left-hand options. The 568BL can also be used on any standard 3-hole patterned holster, its ergonomic contoured design fits comfortably behind the hip. The 568BL, UFA, and leg shroud can be purchased as an add-on part or all three items can be purchased separately.

The low-ride Universal Belt Loop (UBL) is used on the 6235 Ambidextrous Belt Slide Holster. Considered the “Tactical Choice” the low-ride UBL is frequently chosen by tactical teams because it clears body armor the best. The low-ride UBL places the butt of the pistol 1.5” below the belt-line and is considered the fastest position to draw from because it’s closest to the hand. Often favored by female users due to body type give a more comfortable draw position.

Quick-Lock™ Belt Fastener securely attaches the Bianchi military holsters to belts up to 2.25” (58mm). It easily slides onto the belt and can be quickly removed.

Start of CONCEALMENT tab
Safariland® Concealable Holster

CONCEALMENT

For those with a CCW permit, retention may be less of a concern than concealment, comfort and a holster that rides close to the body.

Plainclothes or detective holsters are concealment based. These are holsters with concealment mounts, and you’ll see paddles, or paddle ride UBLs or belt slide kits. These holsters will usually have Level I or II Retention, with the ALS® (Automatic Locking System)  or SLS™ (Self Locking System). However, they may be required to have the holster secured to their person, in which case belt loops are required for retention purposes. This also eliminates the use of a paddle or hook attachment (IWB) for retention. Some CCW individuals that are more comfortable with retention of the holster may choose a retention option as well.

Paddle holsters are designed for concealment firearms, and have a paddle section which fits inside the waistband while the holster sits over the waistband. This allows for a more comfortable carry, and the Safariland 568BL paddle is specific to right or left hand carry. 

Micro-paddles have a paddle section which fits inside the waistband, and are designed for holsters that fit smaller concealed carry pistols like the Glock 43X and P365. They can be inadequate for full sized handguns.

BELT MOUNTS

The Model 565BL Hi-Ride Belt Loop rides 1” higher than standard belt loops. Designed for use on any Safariland 3-hole patterned holster, it is available in black, in 1.5” (38mm) or 1.75” (45mm) belt widths.

The 567BL Injection Molded Polymer Belt Loop is designed for use on standard 3-hole pattern holsters. It can be adjusted for cant and allows for cross draw. This belt loop comes in seven sizes to fit belt widths from 1.5” to 2.25” (38mm – 58mm) and features two 1” drop versions.

The 568BL Injection Molded Polymer Paddle is designed for use on standard 3-hole pattern holsters. It includes a self-locking feature – a hook that slides under the bottom of the belt to keep the pouch secure on the belt. Its ergonomic contoured design fits comfortably behind the hip, and is available in both right and left hand options.

The Injection Molded Small Paddle is installed and included on 571 models (also seen on 7371 models). The was designed to be as small as possible, focusing on very slender, CCW friendly weapons.

A J-hook belt attachment secures the holster to the belt, and accommodates all belt widths. With the J-hook, you can easily adjust the cant of the holster by loosening the button head screw on the J-hook, adjusting to where you want the holster cant (angle) to be, then re-tightening the screw. The 27 Inside-the-Pants Holster is a J-Hook concealment holster.

Get the Safariland Newsletter

Get the SITREP on promotions, product news and exclusive offers.

Sign Up

Find a Dealer

Find a dealer near you with Safariland’s dealer locator.

Search