Holsters and Gear Recommendations
Modular Holster Guide: Systems, Mounts and the 3-Hole Pattern
Quick answer: A modular holster lets one holster shell move between carry setups by swapping the mount: IWB clips, an OWB paddle or belt slide, a drop leg, or a MOLLE or belt platform. There are two kinds: a modular system like Alien Gear’s ShapeShift, and duty-style shells on the Safariland 3-hole pattern that bolt to aftermarket mounts and quick-release plates.
What Is a Modular Holster?
Alien Gear describes its ShapeShift line as “an advanced modular holster system that allows users to seamlessly switch between multiple carry styles, such as IWB, OWB, appendix, and drop-leg configurations.” The pack “includes modular adapters that let users transform their holster into an IWB, OWB paddle, OWB belt slide, appendix, or drop-leg rig.”
The appeal is one holster, molded for your gun, that changes with the day: concealed under a shirt, then on a belt at the range, then on the thigh. Police1’s tester described the same idea with Alien Gear’s Rapid Force duty holster and its Quick Disconnect System, “allowing the user to transition their holster easily and quickly between four different configurations.”
Two Kinds of Modular Holster
| Modular carry system | 3-hole pattern + mounts | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | One shell clips into the maker’s own adapters | The holster bolts to a mount through a standard hole pattern |
| Example | Alien Gear ShapeShift (IWB, appendix, paddle, belt slide, drop leg) | Duty holsters such as Mission First Tactical’s, “Compatible with the industry-standard 3-hole pattern” |
| Typical use | Everyday concealed carry plus range or open carry | Duty, battle-belt and competition rigs |
Mounts for 3-Hole Pattern Holsters
Aftermarket mounts set the ride height and angle. True North Concepts, for example, says its aluminum Modular Holster Adaptor “fits all Safariland™ 3-hole pattern holsters, supports mid-ride carry, and offers adjustable height and cant,” with “20° total cant adjustment (10° forward, 10° rearward)” and “Three ride height options (½” increments).” It works with quick-release systems: “Works with QLS, MLS, ELS, and Tek-Mount systems.” Safariland itself sells a “QUICK LOCKING SYSTEM KIT” as an add-on for its duty holsters. Tourniquet brackets use the same 3-hole pattern; see our tourniquet holder guide.
For more on duty and tactical mounting, see our guides to duty holsters, drop leg holsters and MOLLE holsters.
The Kore Holster Mount
The Kore Holster Mount we carry is this kind of mount. Kore says it “is designed for use with Safariland “3-hole” pattern holsters” and “offers three different ride heights.” It’s “constructed from lightweight and durable 6061-T6 aluminum,” includes “two different belt attachment options, fitting belts of 1.75″ and 2.25″ width,” and “comes with a 1.5″ wide leg strap that can accommodate up to a 30″ diameter leg.”
Two Kore notes to follow: “Level 3 Retention Holsters require the use of a spacer,” and the mount “is designed to be attached around the outer belt, NOT through the MOLLE.” It’s made to pair with the Kore battle belt and Kore duty belts. Our duty belt setup guide covers layout and belt keepers.
Is a Modular Holster Right for You?
- Yes, if you want one holster molded for your gun across several setups, such as concealed carry during the week and a belt or leg rig at the range. (For rifles, see AR-15 holster mounts.)
- Check that each mount holds the shell solidly and that retention stays the same in every configuration.
- For daily concealment only, a dedicated IWB holster may be simpler; see our IWB vs OWB comparison.
Modular Holster: Questions People Ask
What is the Safariland 3-hole pattern?
A standard set of mounting holes on many duty holsters that lets them bolt to compatible mounts and quick-release plates from different makers.
Can a modular holster go IWB and OWB?
Systems like ShapeShift are built for it, with adapters for IWB, appendix, paddle, belt slide and drop leg.
Does the Kore Holster Mount fit a 1.5″ belt?
Kore lists brackets for 1.75″ and 2.25″ belts.
Does a Level 3 holster need anything extra on the Kore mount?
Yes: Kore says Level 3 retention holsters require a spacer, which is included.
Written by the Cloudster Pillow team. We make the Cloudster Pillow and the Cloudster magnetic mag carriers, and carry Kore belts and gear. We don’t sell holsters or firearms, and no maker paid to be mentioned here. This is general information, not a substitute for professional training; check the carry laws where you live.
