General

1. What is a Level II retention holster?
   A Level II retention holster combines adjustable passive retention with an active retention device to help prevent unauthorized firearm removal. The Dara Light Bearing Level II Duty Holster uses an adjustable retention system along with a spring operated rotating hood that must be intentionally released during the draw.
   
   
2. How does a Level II retention holster work?
   The holster secures the firearm using two independent retention systems. Adjustable passive retention allows you to fine-tune the draw resistance, while the rotating hood remains locked until the thumb release is intentionally activated during your draw stroke.
   
   
3. Who should use a Level II duty holster?
   The Light Bearing Level II Duty Holster is designed for law enforcement officers, military personnel, armed security professionals, firearms instructors, and competitive shooters who require active retention and dependable firearm security.
   
   
4. What is the difference between a Level I, Level II, and Level III holster?
   

   Level I holsters use passive retention only, Level II holsters combine passive retention with one active retention device, and Level III holsters combine passive retention with two active retention devices, providing progressively greater security against unauthorized firearm removal.

5. Is a Level II holster suitable for everyday carry?
   Yes, though it is not concealable. For a Concealable OWB Holster, click here.
   
   
6. Why choose a Level II holster over passive retention alone?
   Level 2 Holsters offer more security for dynamic movements.
   
   
7. Is this holster designed for law enforcement?
   Yes, this holster is intended for Law Enforcmenet and built to withstand the rigors of duty.
   
   
8. Can civilians purchase a Level II duty holster?
   Yes, anyone can purchase the Level 2 Holster.

Retention & Safety

9. What type of active retention system does this holster use?
   A spring loaded rotating hood activated by an intuitively placed thumb button.
   
   
10. Is passive retention adjustable?
    Yes. The passive retention system is adjustable, allowing you to customize the amount of retention to match your preference while maintaining a smooth and repeatable draw.
    
    
11. How secure is the firearm during physical activity?
    The combination of adjustable passive retention and the active rotating hood is designed to keep the firearm securely retained during demanding physical activity while still allowing a fast, intentional draw.
    
    
12. Will my firearm stay secured if I fall or run?
    Yes. The combination of passive retention and the active retention is designed to keep the firearm in place without the firearm falling out.
    
    
13. Can someone else easily remove my firearm?
    No. The thumbe release is intuitive for the wearer, but is not positioned in an easily accessible spot.
    
    
14. Does the retention release require a natural drawing motion?
    Yes. The intuitively position thumb release forces a master grip and natural draw stroke.
    
    
15. Can I safely reholster with one hand?
    Yes.
    
    
16. Does the retention system wear out over time?
    No. However, our holster is backed by a lifetime warranty.
    
    
17. Does dirt or debris affect the retention mechanism?
    The spring operated rotating hood is fully enclosed.
    
    
18. Can I adjust the retention tension?
    Yes, the trigger guard passive retention is adjustable.

Firearm Compatibility

19. Which firearms does this Level II holster fit?
    We offer it for over 400 firearms. See our Full Firearms List.
    
    
20. Is the holster molded specifically for my firearm?
    Yes the holster is made and fit test using the exact firearm listed on the drop down menu.
    
    
21. Does it support optics?
    Yes. All Dara Holsters come optics ready.
    
    
22. Does it fit enclosed emitter optics?
    Yes.
    
    
23. Will suppressor-height sights fit?
    Yes, up to .5" tall.
    
    
24. Can I use a threaded barrel?
    Yes.
    
    
25. Does it accommodate compensators?
    Only if the compensators are the same width of the slide or smaller. No rail mounted compensators.
    
    
26. Can I use aftermarket slides?
    Possibly. You'll need to confirm the model with customer service.
    
    
27. Will it work with aftermarket triggers?
    Yes

Weapon Light Compatibility

28. Which weapon lights are supported?
    All of the major light manufacturers such as Streamlight (TLR-1, TLR-7, etc.) and Surefire (X300), as well as others. Please see the Full Firearms List.
    
    
29. Does the holster lock onto the firearm or the weapon light?
    There are different retention points for different firearm/light models. Usually the retention is placed where the light is mounted to the firearm.
    
    
30. Can I change weapon lights later?
    The holster will only fit the firearm and light is was designed for.
    
    
31. Will the holster fit Streamlight lights?
    Yes, as long as a streamlight model is selected.
    
    
32. Does it fit SureFire X300 models?
    Yes, as long as that model is selected.
    
    
33. Does it support the TLR-1 HL?
    Yes, as long as that model is selected.
    
    
34. Will different generations of weapon lights fit?
    Possibly, it depends on the model. For TLR-7 compatibility, see this blog post: https://daraholsters.com/blog/tlr7-holsters/

Construction

35. What material is the holster made from?
    Depending on the color/pattern, the material may be Kydex or Boltaron. See this blog post for information on those manufacturers: https://daraholsters.com/blog/holster-material-kydex-vs-boltaron/
    
    
36. Why use .125" Boltaron instead of thinner materials?
    Because thinner materials flex and cannot offer the rigidity needed for a Duty Holster.
    
    
37. Is Kydex or Boltaron better for duty use?
    They are essentially the same material, just a different manufacturer. See our blog post: https://daraholsters.com/blog/holster-material-kydex-vs-boltaron/
    
    
38. What hardware is used?
    Black oxide coated Stainless Steel hardware, custom made for each product.
    
    
39. Will the hardware rust?
    No.
    
    
40. How is the holster manufactured?
    Our manufacturing methods are proprietary, using holster presses designed and built by Jon Dara. For more information, see this blog post: https://daraholsters.com/blog/dara-holsters-production-process-how-a-holster-is-made/
    
    
41. Where is the holster made?
    In our facility in Wendell, North Carolina.
    
    
42. Is every holster individually test fit?
    Yes, each holster is fit tested with the actual firearm and light attachment, then draw weight tested before being quality checked.

Mounting & Attachments

43. Which belt widths are supported?
    1.5", 1.75", 2", and 2.25"
    
    
44. Can I mount this on MOLLE?
    Yes with our DM1 attachment.
    
    
45. Does it work with a drop-offset attachment?
    Yes.
    
    
46. Is ride height adjustable?
    Only on some attachments like the DBL2-L.
    
    
47. Can I adjust the cant?
    Yes, every attachment allows for cant angle adjustability.
    
    
48. Does it work with quick disconnect systems?
    Our holster readily adapts to our ALQD System, however a Bridge™ Adapter will be needed to mount to a third party system.
    
    
49. Can I use Safariland-compatible attachments?
    A Bridge™ Adapter will be needed to mount to any third party system.

Durability

50. Is this holster waterproof?
    Yes.
    
    
51. How does it perform in extreme heat?
    Under normal circumstances the holster material will be completely fine. Be mindful of leaving the holster in a hot vehicle for long periods of time as it is a thermoform plastic.
    
    
52. Can it handle freezing temperatures?
    Yes
    
    
53. Is it resistant to chemicals and cleaning solvents?
    Yes
    
    
54. How long should a duty holster last?
    The Dara Duty Holster was built to last a lifetime.
    
    
55. How has the holster been tested?
    We test the breakaway point of each component in several different scenarios. We also use our products weekly to ensure optimal performance under stress. See the following videos to understand how we test our products.
    Stress Test: Jon Dara test the DM1 Molle Attachment
    D3 Prototype: Grappling for the Gun

Duty Use

56. Is this holster approved for law enforcement duty?
    Yes. Agencies world-wide use the Level 2 Retention Holster.
    
    
57. Is it suitable for military applications?
    Yes, there are many Level 2 Retention Holsters currently in the field.
    
    
58. Can security officers use this holster?
    Yes. The Level 2 Retention Holster is the preferred Level 2 Holster for security detail.
    
    
59. Is it appropriate for firearms instructors?
    Yes, The second level of retention offers enhanced security for instructors.
    
    
60. Can I use this holster for range training?
    Yes. The Level 2 Retention Holster is perfect for tactical training.

Maintenance

61. How do I clean my duty holster?
    Wipe the holster down with a wet rag or use a compressed air duster.
    
    
62. Should I lubricate the retention mechanism?
    No, do not lubricate the retention mechanism.
    
    
63. How often should I inspect the hardware?
    You should visually inspect your hardware daily to avoid losing your screws.
    
    
64. Can replacement hardware be purchased?
    Yes, but hardware is also covered under warranty. Contact customer service to start a claim.

Warranty & Support

65. Does the holster come with a warranty?
    Yes, full lifetime warranty.
    
    
66. What does the Lifetime Warranty cover?
    Our Lifetime Warranty covers defects, breakage, or damage caused by normal use
    
    
67. What if I change optics later?
    Our warranty covers damage, however we do offer a service fee for upgrading to a larger rotating hood.
    
    
68. What if I switch weapon lights?
    This is not a warranty issue.
    
    
69. Can the holster be repaired?
    Usually if damage occurs to the holster is cannot be repaired, it will likely have to be remade.
    
    
70. How do I contact customer support?
    Email support@daraholsters.com