Holsters and Gear Recommendations
Tourniquet Holder for a Gun Holster: Mounts, Pros and Cons
Quick answer: A tourniquet holder for a gun holster is a bracket or pouch that bolts a tourniquet to the holster itself, usually through the Safariland 3-hole pattern, so it rides with the gun. It keeps a tourniquet in reach, but adds bulk in front of the holster and limits holster choice. Many carriers keep it on the belt or vest instead.
What Is a Holster Tourniquet Holder?
Alien Gear defines it: “A holster tourniquet refers to a tourniquet holder or mount attached to a gun holster, making lifesaving gear immediately accessible.” Most of these mounts are built around Safariland duty holsters. Safariland’s own Tourniquet (TQ) System pairs a pouch with an aluminum bracket “designed to fit all Safariland duty holsters, including the SafariVault, 7TS, and 6 Series, as well as any 3-hole pattern Safariland holster.”
GunMag Warehouse’s reviewer, a police officer, saw the same pattern: “Just about all the brackets I’ve seen for attaching a tourniquet to a holster are made for Safariland holsters,” which he puts down to the “standard three-hole pattern with removable brackets.”
Ways to Mount a Tourniquet on or Near a Holster
| Option | What the maker or reviewer says |
|---|---|
| Bracket + pouch on a 3-hole holster | Safariland’s pouch “securely retains major tourniquet brands” and is “Designed to be used with the Safariland Bracket without interfering with draw or re-holstering on SafariVault, 7TS, or 6TS holsters.” |
| Front plate built into the holster | Blade-Tech’s Valor: “The Front Mounting Plate and Tek-Mount Mini allow a tightly-packed tourniquet to be quickly attached and removed to the front of the holster without interfering with the retention mechanisms.” |
| Leg strap that holds a tourniquet | Alien Gear’s TAQ-Strap “doubles as a pivoting leg strap and emergency tourniquet.” |
| On the belt or vest | Safariland’s pouch can also go on “1.5 (38mm) – 2.25” (58mm) width belts” with its belt clip, or on MOLLE with an adapter. |
For holster mounting systems in general, see our modular holster guide and our duty holster guide.
Pros and Cons, From a Hands-On Test
GunMag Warehouse’s reviewer built one on a Safariland 6378 and found mixed results:
- Solid: “Once installed, the bracket is sturdy and won’t be going anywhere.”
- Bulky: “this bracket really sticks out in front of the holster.”
- Limits holsters: “you are limited to what holsters you can use,” and optic models may not work: “a flip-open hood like those on the RDS models may not.”
- His verdict: “If I have room on my belt, I think I’d prefer to keep it on a belt holder or vest.”
Keeping the Tourniquet on the Duty Belt Instead
If you’d rather not add bulk to the holster, the tourniquet can ride on the belt. Our duty belt setup guide places it at the front, reachable with either hand. The Kore duty belts we carry come in 2.25″ duty and 2″ patrol widths, are rated by Kore for up to 30 lb of gear, and include the inner belt.
Tourniquet Holder for Gun Holster: Questions People Ask
Will a holster tourniquet mount fit my holster?
Most are made for Safariland 3-hole pattern holsters. Check optic and hood models before you buy.
Does a tourniquet mount get in the way of the draw?
Safariland says its pouch is designed not to interfere with draw or re-holstering on listed holsters; GunMag Warehouse’s reviewer found one bracket position sat too close and used the further one.
Holster, belt or vest?
All three are used. The tester preferred the belt or vest when there’s room, to keep bulk off the holster.
Do I need training to use a tourniquet?
Yes. Get hands-on training from a qualified course before you rely on one.
Written by the Cloudster Pillow team. We make the Cloudster Pillow and the Cloudster magnetic mag carriers, and carry Kore belts. We don’t sell holsters, tourniquets or firearms, and no maker paid to be mentioned here. This is general information, not medical advice or a substitute for professional training.
