I was recently looking for a suitable duty holster for my SIG Sauer M17 with Streamlight TLR-2 green laser/light combo.
I was having some problems finding one. While a number of companies made holsters for the M17 with the Streamlight TLR-1 light attached, the protruding laser module bump on the TLR-2 prevented holstering. I did some online research and found Red River Tactical custom concealment holsters.
Red River Tactical is a three-man operation that specializes in concealment holsters but also makes police duty holsters. The company currently offers 10 different holsters — all individually customizable. Let me walk you through the customization process I went through for my duty holster, which is the same for any of the Red River concealment or tactical holsters.
Customizing My Red River Tactical Holster
After looking the holsters over, I selected the “Duty Light Holster,” which would accommodate my M17 and the Streamlight TLR-2. Once I picked my holster type from the OWB/IWB selections available, I was able to select specific features. Here are the basic steps (which vary somewhat based on holster type):
- Choose Model
- Choose Draw (Right Hand or Left Hand)
- Select Mounting Options
- Select Kydex (There are approximately 75 color, pattern or emblem choices — shoppers may select different choices for the front and back of the holster.)
- Choose Eyelet Color (There are nine colors available for those who didn’t select basic black Kydex as I did.)
- Choose Level II Retention Kit (if offered)
- Select Angle of Draw (I chose neutral — straight vertical.)
- Indicate if you have a Threaded Barrel
- Specify if you have Suppressor Sights
- Indicate if you have an RMR Sight
After completing my list of features, I placed my order. The total price was $95, which was right in line with what I expected to pay for a standard holster with a security feature like this one has. Average time for delivery right now is 5-7 weeks (remember that this is a three-person shop and that the holsters don’t sit pre-made on the shelves).
A Holster Well Worth the Wait
My holster arrived in about four weeks. I was VERY pleased when I saw it. The construction and design are what one should expect from a custom holster maker. It fit my M17 with the Streamlight TLR-2 perfectly, with no looseness or play! The retention hood flips out of the way in a split second when activated and springs quickly back into place (I highly recommend this option if you select an RRT holster that offers it). The Kydex construction makes the finished rig lighter than leather duty holsters or some of the other standard synthetic duty holsters out there. Considering all the other gear I have to carry, I really appreciate this. Every ounce (or fraction thereof) counts! The DD/OS Gen 2 belt-loop mount positioned the holster at just the right height for an easy vertical draw.
When I purchased my Red River Tactical custom duty holster, I never intended to write an article about it. After all, I was purchasing a police duty holster, not one for concealment. However, given the holster’s quality and professional appearance — and having worked with it on the street for several weeks — I realized I could wholeheartedly recommend Red River’s concealment holsters too.
Concealment Holsters and More
If you are looking for a new concealment/duty/tactical holster, check out the Red River Tactical custom line. The list of handguns the company makes holsters for (including revolvers) is extensive, and you can tailor a holster precisely to fit your needs. If you don’t see your handgun on the RRT list, you can request a custom configuration, which may or may not be approved.
Red River Tactical is not just about holsters. The crew there also makes magazine pouches as well as other accessories that allow you to modify your RRT rig, including Blade-Tech mounting equipment. I highly recommend that you check it out.
Sources
Red River Tactical: RRTHolsters.com
About Scott W. Wagner
After working undercover in narcotics and liquor investigations, Scott W. Wagner settled down to be a criminal justice professor and police academy commander. He was also a SWAT team member, sniper and assistant team leader before his current position as a patrol sergeant with the Village of Baltimore, Ohio, Police Department. Scott is a police firearms instructor certified to train revolver, semi-automatic pistol, shotgun, semi- and fully automatic patrol rifle, and submachine gun.
