ShapeShift Adjustable Retention

ShapeShift Series Holsters will have our proprietary adjustable retention unit.  From virtually no retention to impossibly tight, this retention unit can be adjusted anywhere in-between.  This article will cover making the adjustment, trouble shooting and special considerations. 

When we build ShapeShift holsters, the Adjustable Retention Unit is set to minimum retention. Be advised that the minimum retention setting is zero or no retention beyond gravity.  Using a Twist Lock from your holster or the extra one in the parts pack, insert the squared off side of the Twist Lock into the square hole.  Twisting clock-wise will increase the retention.  It is recommended to use half turns initially and then test after each adjustment to find your ideal retention. 

It is important to note that the "Half Shell" configurations, which do not use the other half of the shell with the thumb release, will leverage a certain amount of body retention.  This means that the pressure from your body and belt will increase the retention of the holster when worn.  Most folks find that when they achieve the desired retention, backing off the adjustable retention unit a quarter or half turn is enough to get the perfect retention when they put the holster on.  "Full Shell" configurations for open carry do not rely on body retention at all.  For more information on ShiftShell Configuration, check out our Expansion Pack article. 

NOTE: holding and shaking the holstered pistol upside down is not an accurate indicator of acceptable retention.  

Troubleshooting

If the Adjustable Retention Unit feels stuck or does not turn reasonably freely, it may be possible the gears underneath are not synced and interfacing as interfacing as designed.  This can usually be rectified with a little extra leverage.  A 1/4 inch bit driver is ideal, but a flat head screwdriver big enough to seat diagonally will work in a pinch. A screwdriver may mar the polymer but should not impact performance of the retention device.  If the extra leverage does not realign the gears by turning clockwise, apply pressure on the alien head and try again by twisting the driver back and forth.  This should ensure both gears within the retention unit align.  

From here, the retention should move more easily with the Twist Lock. 

Special Considerations

It is possible to make the retention so aggressive that your firearm will not fully seat into the shell because the trigger guard cannot move beyond the retention bump on the inside of the shell. It is recommended to make the retention adjustments without your firearm seated into the shell to prevent the gun from being locked into the shell.  You should always test holster fitment with the firearm unloaded and double checked for safety.

The Adjustable Retention Unit may be removed altogether if desired.  With the ShiftShell disassembled, the screw holding the retention unit can be removed. While this is uncommon, it can be done.  The only exception is our ShapeShift Pocket Holster, which uses an integrated adjustable retention unit and will have the standard retention unit in the parts bag for use on other configurations.