At their most basic definitions, the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 holsters are the retention levels. Generally, a Level 1 holster is going to only offer a single method of retention that requires little more than the draw stroke to unholster the gun. Level 2 kicks that up to something with more positive retention that often includes a mechanical release or lever-like strap.

They both have their benefits, but they also have some specific uses. In a moment of timely grace, I just happened to visit my local deli the other day when a U.S. Marshal walked in with a nice and well-worn leather outside-the-waistband Level 2 holster on his hip. 

That got me wondering just how many people might be tossing out even the idea of perfectly good OWB holsters – depending on their needs – in favor of all the marketing hype behind inside-the-waistband holsters these days. I think it might be far too many people.

Table of Contents

Level 1 vs. Level 2: What’s the Difference?
OWB vs. IWB
Pros & Cons: Level 1 Holsters
Pros & Cons: Level 2 Holsters
Final Thoughts: Pick Your Purpose

Level 1 vs. 2: What’s the Difference?

When I was living down in North Carolina, I remember going out to the store for some groceries and being rather surprised by the number of people open carrying their firearms. Some had high-end, custom leather holsters with very nice 1911s while others favored ones from Galco and Bianchi, and there were a few budget-friendly options from Uncle Mike's and the like.

It didn’t bother me, but I couldn’t help but notice the choices some open carriers made with their outside-the-waistband holsters. A few had active retention straps, and some just rolled with Kydex or leather. 

Well, I just so happened to spend the last two years testing out two leather OWB holsters from Galco – Level 1 and Level 2 Glock 19/17 holsters, to be more specific. To my surprise, the Level 2 holster has really grown on me.
 

Open carry is a choice where it is allowed by law, but it can make you an easier target for opportunists in public. Frankly, there’s a reason most law enforcement and military use a higher level of retention. But that doesn’t mean a Level 2 holster can’t do the job for concealed carry.

Obviously, you don’t want someone else to have access to your firearm. There’s also the fact that hard work and physical activity impact how you can carry safely, comfortably enough, and regularly. 

But just because a gun is carried outside the waistband doesn’t mean it is always carried openly. Coats, jackets, vehicles, and loose-fitting clothing can offer plenty of concealment options for those willing to expand their wardrobe. My go-to hiking gear always includes a looser flannel and a pack.
 

OWB vs. IWB?

OWB holsters are generally going to be bulkier under normal clothing without a solid belt pulling them into your body under a layer of clothing. But that’s not always an issue. I hate blowing snow with my appendix IWB holster. It is uncomfortable and can come into direct contact with the snow blower. I also hate hunting with it. It’s hard to get to it under my other layers and equally uncomfortable.

So far, Galco’s Fletch High Ride and Combat Master have been great work companions for long days in the snow or on the range or both. Mine are both formed for the Glocks. Other models are available, and they offer a level of friction that is hard to come by with anything outside of leather. 
 

I won’t blow too much smoke here. I favor my IWB holsters for most of my concealed carry needs. But that has become less of a hard fact than a general rule of thumb. I live up north, and you’ll now find me carrying a holster outside my belt line for about half of the year. For the last two years, that has been one of the OWB Galco holsters mentioned above.

I favor appendix carry when it comes to most holsters that fit inside my pants. But the 4 o’clock position off my right hip is where my OWB normally fits for my needs. Those include general daily tasks and outdoor adventures, particularly in winter. It’s comfortable enough while driving, conceals well for winter and spring clothing, and fits my hiking and hunting rigs well. 

The leather on the OWB holster also forms well to the body, and I haven’t noticed significant wear on it or my body beyond the break-in period. 
 

Pros & Cons: Level 1 Holsters

Anything I carried outside of the military started with a Level 1 IWB holster. This made the Galco Combat Master quite appealing. It drew almost the same, felt comfier in my belt line, and hit my price range well enough.

So, here are my top pros and cons for the Galco Level 1 Combat Master leather holster:

Pros:

• Very easy to use and train with
• No extra straps, snaps, or buttons
• Looks sharp and feels like quality
• Lots of gun and caliber options
• Easy to put on, take off, and wear all day
• Nice leather that has held up over time

Cons:

• Less easy to conceal than many IWB holsters
• Lack of positive retention for rough work
• Use extra caution if you want to open carry it as a Level 1 holster
   

Pros & Cons: Level 2 Holsters

Galco’s Level 2 leather has actually become my go-to option for most OWB needs. It’s comfortable, shares a similar draw to any other holster I carry at the 4 o’clock position, but still offers that positive retention for hard work that sometimes includes climbing down slopes or moving around vehicles like boats, trucks, or tractors packed with other gear.

It only takes a small change to your draw to program in the thumb motion that breaks the snap. Better yet, that motion does not alter my draw with other Level 1 holsters in a significant way. 

So, here are my top pros and cons for the Galco Level 2 Fletch High Ride leather holster:

Pros:

• Audible and positive snap to the retention
• Comfortable draw motion with little retraining
• Extra level of positive retention when needed
• Easy to put on, take off, and wear all day
• Nice leather that has held up over time
• Can fit multiple gun models depending on fit
• More security for open carry needs

Cons:

• It is a bit bulkier
• You do need to train for that snap
• Less easy to conceal than many IWB holsters
   

Final Thoughts: Pick Your Purpose
 

Holsters aren’t so much meant to really make carrying a gun comfortable as making it practical, safe, and effective. I don’t carry my wallet because I love all the plastic, paper, and receipts inside of it. It’s just better than the alternative.

If I'm going to be knocking my gun around doing work or want to open carry, I rather prefer the Level 2 Galco Fletch High Ride options over most of the Level 1 Kydex and leather I have tested. But, the Galco Combat Master is definitely a holster I have trusted on my belt for casual work when I could conceal it under another layer of clothing.
 

The real decision comes down to your needs. So far, Galco has been a solid performer for my open and concealed carry needs. There are, of course, other options such as chest holsters that also come with Level 1 or Level 2 retention. If you are going to put it around your waist, definitely invest in a quality gun belt. They should last you for years.