Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster Review

First Impressions of Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster

The Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster promises a blend of security and speed, a critical combination for law enforcement and security personnel. Gould & Goodrich, a well-established name in the duty gear market, aims to deliver Level 3 retention in a package accessible to the average officer. The promise of light-bearing compatibility further piqued my interest, as this is a common requirement in modern duty environments.

I was in the market for a new duty holster to accommodate my Glock 19 equipped with a weapon light, having grown weary of the bulkiness and complexity of my previous Level 3 setup. The Gould & Goodrich TELR appeared to offer a streamlined design with a more intuitive draw, a significant advantage in high-stress situations. Its relatively low price point also made it an attractive option.

Upon unboxing the TELR Duty Holster, my first impression was one of utilitarian simplicity. The nylon material felt durable enough for duty use, although not as refined as some higher-end Kydex options. The retention mechanism seemed solid, and the overall construction felt reasonably robust. Compared to my existing Safariland ALS holster, the TELR seemed significantly less bulky, a welcome change. I ultimately chose the TELR due to its advertised light-bearing capability and level 3 retention at a significantly lower price.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The price was great, but I had concerns if a holster at this price point could provide the security and reliability needed for duty carry.


Real-World Testing: Putting Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster took place at my local shooting range, followed by a week of familiarization drills in a controlled environment. I focused on drawing and re-holstering under simulated stress, practicing both strong-hand and support-hand draws. I tested the holster primarily in dry conditions, though I did expose it briefly to simulated rain to evaluate retention.

The initial draw stroke felt relatively smooth, although the thumb release required a deliberate and precise movement to disengage the Level 3 retention. Re-holstering was generally straightforward, though I occasionally encountered slight resistance if the weapon wasn’t perfectly aligned. One initial surprise was the amount of pressure needed to engage the final “click” when reholstering.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster has shown some signs of wear, primarily in the form of minor scuff marks on the nylon material. The retention mechanism continues to function reliably, although the thumb release has become slightly smoother with use. Maintenance has been minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.

The TELR has proven to be a decent holster, although it doesn’t quite match the performance and durability of my higher-end Safariland options. The slightly rough draw and occasional re-holstering issues are areas where it falls short.

Breaking Down the Features of Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster

Specifications

The Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster is designed for outside-the-waistband carry and features Level 3 retention. It is constructed from durable nylon material and is specifically molded for the Glock 19 (9mm Luger) with a light attachment. The holster is only available in black and is designed for duty applications.

These specifications are important as they dictate the holster’s compatibility with specific firearms and its level of security. The Level 3 retention provides a high degree of weapon retention, essential for duty use. The light-bearing capability makes it suitable for officers who require a weapon-mounted light.

Performance & Functionality

The Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster generally performs its job adequately, providing secure weapon retention and a reasonably smooth draw. Accuracy is unaffected, as the holster’s primary function is weapon retention and accessibility. However, the draw can be slightly slower and less consistent compared to higher-end Level 3 holsters.

The main strength of the TELR is its affordability and light-bearing capability. The weaknesses include a slightly rough draw and occasional difficulty re-holstering. While it meets expectations for a budget-friendly duty holster, it doesn’t exceed them in terms of performance or refinement.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster is acceptable, given its price point. The nylon material feels durable, although it lacks the rigidity and molded precision of Kydex. The weight is relatively light, and it carries comfortably on a duty belt.

The holster design is user-friendly, with an intuitive thumb release for disengaging the Level 3 retention. However, the learning curve involves mastering the precise thumb movement required for a smooth draw. The thumb release could be improved to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes and thumb lengths.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on several months of use, the Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster appears reasonably durable. The nylon material is resistant to abrasions, and the retention mechanism continues to function reliably. With proper care, including regular cleaning and inspection, the holster should provide several years of service.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional wiping with a damp cloth and lubricating the retention mechanism as needed. Replacing worn or damaged parts may be difficult, as the holster is not modular and parts are not readily available.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster comes with an extra belt loop attachment, offering some flexibility in belt width and carry angle. However, customization options are limited, with no readily available aftermarket accessories. The light bearing specification is specific to the weapon light it was designed around, so users are limited in their choice of light.

Compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited, as the holster is molded specifically for the Glock 19 with certain weapon lights.

Pros and Cons of Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster

Pros

  • Affordable price point for Level 3 retention.
  • Light-bearing capability for Glock 19.
  • Durable nylon construction.
  • Reasonably comfortable for duty carry.
  • Easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

  • Draw stroke can be slightly rough and inconsistent.
  • Re-holstering can sometimes be difficult.
  • Limited customization options.
  • Nylon material is less rigid than Kydex.


Who Should Buy Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster?

The Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and private citizens who require a Level 3 retention holster at an affordable price. It’s also a good option for those who carry a Glock 19 with a weapon-mounted light and want a reliable retention system. This holster is best suited for professionals who need a budget-friendly holster for low-risk situations.

Those who demand the highest level of performance, customization, and durability should skip this product and invest in a higher-end Kydex holster from brands like Safariland or Blackhawk. Also, anyone needing to accommodate a wider range of weapon lights or accessories should seek a more modular system. A quality duty belt is a must-have accessory to provide a stable and secure platform.

Conclusion on Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster

The Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster offers a compelling combination of security, functionality, and affordability. While it may not match the refinement and performance of higher-end holsters, it provides a reliable Level 3 retention system for the Glock 19 at a significantly lower price. The value proposition is strong, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals.

I would recommend the Gould & Goodrich TELR Duty OWB Belt Holster to anyone seeking a cost-effective Level 3 retention holster for their Glock 19 with a weapon light. Consider your budget, needs, and priorities when making your decision. Then, go ahead and make the purchase that best fits your needs!

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