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Level 1 Duty Holster

Valor Logo
LEVEL 1 RETENTION
VALOR Level 1 Duty Holster product
Valor Logo

LEVEL 1 RETENTION

Fast, simple draw with one deliberate action. Ideal for SWAT/tactical entries where weapon control is high and speed is paramount.

  • One active mechanical retention mechanism
  • Auto-Locking Ejection Port (no hood, no cover)
  • Modular and duty-ready for modern attachments
Build Yours Learn More
Level 1 in use — tactical
Level 1 retention — detail
Level 1 holster on duty belt

Level 1 Duty Holster Retention — Explained

At Blade-Tech, ā€œretention levelā€ counts active mechanisms only — each level adds a distinct, mechanical action you must defeat before the pistol can clear the holster. (We do not classify passive friction as Level 1.)

VALOR Level 1 retention holster mechanism
What is Level 1?

One active retention mechanism. On VALOR, Level 1 uses the Ejection Port Auto-Lock with a single, deliberate defeat before the draw.

1
Pull Button BackDefeats the Ejection Port Auto-Lock for a straight-up draw.
  • Fastest draw with a single positive action
  • Clean, intuitive motion for trained users
  • Best for SWAT/tactical entries where speed is paramount
VALORĀ® Level 1 shown: one active, deliberate action is required before the gun can be drawn.

Why Teams Choose Level 1

Level 1 minimizes steps for the quickest access while preserving an active, mechanical lock on the ejection port. It’s built for controlled environments where public gun-grab risk is lower.

How Level 1 Works on VALOR

A single pull-back motion defeats the Auto-Lock at the ejection port. The draw remains straight up, with a firm, tactile confirmation when the lock disengages.

Which Level Fits Your Use Case?

Level Definition Typical Use Security vs. Speed
Level 1 Level 1 retention example
One active mechanism to defeat before the draw. SWAT / tactical entries where weapon control is high and speed is paramount. Fastest draw; lower public gun-grab resistance.
Level 2 Level 2 retention example
Two active mechanisms to defeat before the draw. Patrol — routine public contact with elevated retention needs. Balanced: high security with an easy, trained draw.
Level 3 Level 3 retention example
Three active mechanisms to defeat before the draw. Crowd control, corrections/jail environments, high gun-grab risk. Maximum security; more steps before the draw.
Ready to configure your Level 1 VALORĀ® duty holster?
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Level 1 Retention — FAQs

Do you consider passive friction a level?

No. Our levels are active only. Level 1 requires a deliberate mechanical action (pull back) to defeat the lock.

Where does Level 1 make the most sense?

SWAT/tactical entries and controlled environments where the focus is speed and weapon control, not frequent public contact.

Can I upgrade to Level 2 or 3 later?

No. VALOR can be changed between levels 2 and 3, but cannot change from Level 1.

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View product instructions or download the full PDF.

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