[SHOT 2025] Safariland BALLAST Duty Holster

Further expanding their extensive catalog of holsters, Safariland introduced the new Ballast duty holster at SHOT Show 2025. The company calls this holster their most advanced Duty Rated Holster for law enforcement professionals. The Ballast is a lever three retention holster with a modular design that can be configured to fit different-length firearms and handguns with different accessories.

“Decades of feedback and design improvements have shaped Ballast’s functionality. Ballast’s lightweight and durable design stands up to the toughest conditions. A proprietary crush-resistant design shields Ballast’s internal components and Safariland’s new Ingress Guard further protects the trigger inside the holster.”

Unholstering the firearm from this holster requires a forward and backwards motion of the hand and engaging of two levers/buttons. That may sound complicated and slow, but I guess it just takes some practice to get used to it … the reps at the Safariland booth were doing it really fast and smoothly. If you want to learn more about the Safariland holster retention system, read this article.

The Safariland Ballast holster has an open muzzle design not to trap dirt and debris. The holster is compatible with reflex sight-equipped pistols and features a removable RDS lid that protects the red dot sight of your firearm. The redesigned cantable UBL belt mount allows for a 15-degree forward and rearward cant in addition to the vertical position. The holster is advertised to work in extreme temperatures remaining structurally sound from -50°F to +160°F.

The MSRP of the Safariland Ballast holster is $222.5. This holster is compatible with all Safariland 3-hole pattern holster mounts and accessories.