Rothco Police Holster Review

Grit & Gear: Testing the Rothco Police Holster

The Rothco Police Holster presents itself as a no-frills, functional option for carrying a duty-sized handgun. Rothco, known for its budget-friendly tactical and outdoor gear, aims to provide a reliable holster without breaking the bank. Featuring a hook & loop adjustable thumbsnap and designed to fit 4-inch and 5-inch autos like the Beretta 92, this holster seeks to balance affordability with practical utility.

I needed a holster for range days with my Beretta 92FS that wasn’t overly bulky or expensive. I had been using a universal nylon holster that lacked retention and felt flimsy. The Rothco Police Holster seemed like a reasonable upgrade based on its listed compatibility and price point.

Out of the package, the holster felt surprisingly sturdy for its price. The poly webbing felt reasonably thick, and the leatherette lining in the thumbsnap offered a touch of refinement. However, the overall construction appeared somewhat basic, lacking the molded precision of higher-end holsters.

I considered other options like the Blackhawk Serpa and the Safariland ALS holsters, but their prices were significantly higher. I also looked at some other nylon holsters from Condor, but the Rothco seemed to offer better retention with its thumbsnap. I chose the Rothco Police Holster for its balance of affordability, compatibility, and retention design.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. While it didn’t exude high-end quality, it seemed functional and well-suited for its intended purpose: securely carrying a handgun during range sessions. I was eager to test its real-world performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Police Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Rothco Police Holster at an outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. I ran several drills, including drawing and re-holstering, as well as practicing movement while secured. The holster was attached to my regular leather belt.

The weather was dry and mild, so I didn’t experience any extreme conditions during the initial test. The holster performed adequately in terms of retention and accessibility. However, the thumbsnap required some adjustment to achieve a smooth and reliable draw.

It took a few minutes to adjust the hook & loop closure of the thumbsnap to get the right balance between retention and ease of access. Once adjusted, the draw stroke felt relatively consistent. There were no major issues during the first range session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of moderate use, the Rothco Police Holster shows signs of wear, particularly around the thumbsnap and belt loops. The poly webbing is starting to fray slightly in a couple of spots. However, the holster remains functional.

The holster hasn’t suffered any catastrophic failures, but the thumbsnap has become slightly looser over time. The leatherette lining inside the thumbsnap shows some wear from repeated use. Cleaning is simple; I usually wipe it down with a damp cloth.

In comparison to a previous leather holster I owned, the Rothco doesn’t offer the same level of comfort or refined aesthetics. However, it has proven more durable than the cheap nylon holster I initially used. The Rothco Police Holster is performing as expected for a budget-friendly option.

Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Police Holster

Specifications

The Rothco Police Holster is designed to fit 4-inch and 5-inch autos, including the Beretta 92. The holster is made of poly webbing with a leatherette lining on the thumbsnap. The color is black, and it is a belt holster style with a front snap fastener.

• Manufacturer: Rothco.
• Holster Type: Belt Holster.
• Holster Material: Poly Webbing and Leatherette.
• Fastener/Closure Type: Hook & Loop Adjustable Thumbsnap.

These specifications are important because they dictate the holster’s compatibility, durability, and functionality. The poly webbing provides a degree of weather resistance and ruggedness. The adjustable thumbsnap ensures a secure fit for a range of handguns.

Performance & Functionality

The Rothco Police Holster performs its primary job of retaining and providing access to a handgun reasonably well. The adjustable thumbsnap is crucial for achieving a secure fit and consistent draw. However, it lacks the speed and refined retention of more expensive active retention systems.

A key strength is its adjustability and compatibility with multiple handgun models. A weakness is the relatively slow draw compared to open-top or active retention holsters. It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rothco Police Holster features a simple, utilitarian design. The build quality is decent for its price point, with reasonably thick poly webbing and reinforced stitching. The holster is lightweight but can feel slightly bulky depending on the handgun it’s paired with.

The user-friendliness is adequate, with a minimal learning curve for adjusting the thumbsnap. However, the lack of padding or contoured shaping can lead to some discomfort during extended wear. The basic design prioritizes function over comfort.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rothco Police Holster is expected to last for a reasonable period with proper care. The poly webbing is resistant to abrasions and moisture, but the stitching and thumbsnap are potential points of failure. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is recommended to prevent dirt and grime buildup.

The holster is not designed for easy repair, and significant damage may require replacement. The simple construction makes maintenance straightforward. The Rothco Police Holster offers reasonable durability for its budget price point.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rothco Police Holster does not come with any accessories. It is designed as a standalone holster with minimal customization options. Some users might choose to add aftermarket belt clips or loops for improved stability.

Due to its basic design, the holster is not highly compatible with accessories from other brands. The focus is on providing a simple, functional holster at an affordable price. It does not offer modularity or extensive customization.

Pros and Cons of Rothco Police Holster

Who Should Buy Rothco Police Holster?

The Rothco Police Holster is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a functional holster for occasional range use or training. It is also suitable for security guards or law enforcement officers who require a simple and affordable duty holster option. The Rothco Police Holster is an ideal choice for individuals prioritizing affordability and basic functionality.

This product is not recommended for users who demand high-speed draws, maximum comfort, or extensive customization options. Those who require superior durability for harsh environments or specialized applications should consider higher-end holster brands. Users demanding top-tier performance should skip this product.

A must-have modification might be replacing the standard belt loops with more robust clips for enhanced stability.

Conclusion on Rothco Police Holster

The Rothco Police Holster provides a functional and affordable solution for carrying a duty-sized handgun. While it lacks the refinement and features of more expensive holsters, it offers reasonable retention, compatibility, and durability for its price point. The value proposition is strong for budget-conscious buyers.

I would personally recommend it to individuals who need a basic holster for occasional use and are not willing to spend a lot of money. It’s a solid option for those seeking a dependable holster without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a no-frills, functional holster that gets the job done without emptying your wallet, the Rothco Police Holster is worth considering. Grab yours today!