After putting the ANR Design Nidhogg Level II Retention Holster through its paces over the past five months at my local training range and during the challenging Old Eighteen Defense Dead Cat Ranch event, I can confidently say this holster has exceeded every expectation.
Training Range Performance
During weekly range sessions focusing on draw techniques and target transitions, the Nidhogg consistently delivered sub-second draws while maintaining absolute weapon security. The patented light-specific locking mechanism is brilliantly engineered – it provides just enough resistance to ensure positive retention without impeding the natural draw stroke.
What impressed me most during extended training sessions was the holster’s consistency. Whether I was working on single-target precision drills or rapid-fire multiple-target engagements, the release mechanism performed identically every single time. The development of muscle memory was seamless, and within just a few practice sessions, the draw became completely intuitive.
The holster’s construction handled hundreds of draws and re-holsters without any signs of wear or loosening of retention. Even during hot summer training days with heavy perspiration, the grip texture and retention mechanism remained effective.
Dead Cat Ranch Event Experience
The Old Eighteen Defense Dead Cat Ranch event put this holster to the test. If you are unfamiliar, this is a tactical competition that features challenging terrain, varied shooting positions, and scenarios designed to push both the shooter and their equipment to the limit.
Throughout the event, the Nidhogg performed flawlessly. The light-specific retention system proved its worth – my weapon-mounted light integrated perfectly with the holster’s locking mechanism, providing rock-solid retention even during aggressive movement through brush and over obstacles.
The holster’s retention held firm during crawling exercises, rope climbing, and even an unexpected tumble down a rocky embankment. Not once did I worry about weapon security, which allowed me to focus entirely on the course challenges rather than equipment concerns.
Standout Features
Lightning-Fast Draws: The retention mechanism releases smoothly and predictably, enabling consistently fast presentation times without compromising safety. No need for aftermarket push-release enhancements. There is plenty of purchase for your thumb to depress the release without fail.
Innovative Design: The patented light-specific locking system is genuinely unique in the market. It accommodates various weapon light configurations while maintaining optimal retention.
Built to Last: After months of heavy use in demanding conditions, the holster shows minimal wear and maintains its original retention strength.
Competitive Edge: For competitive shooters, the speed advantage is noticeable. The holster easily shaved tenths of a second off my draw time compared to my previous setup.
Minor Considerations
The only adjustment period was learning the optimal draw angle to work with the retention mechanism, but this became second nature within a week of regular practice.
Bottom Line
The ANR Design Nidhogg Level II Retention Holster delivers! Whether you’re a competitive shooter seeking every possible advantage or a tactical professional who demands absolute reliability, this holster belongs in your gear rotation. The combination of lightning-fast draws and retention makes it an exceptional choice for serious shooters.
Highly recommended for: Competitive shooting, tactical training, and anyone who refuses to compromise between speed and security.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely, at this point I have 3.

This is a significant upgrade from the Level II holster I was using before. The locking mechanism is secure but does not hinder draw speed. Fit and finish is top quality and works great with the QLS system. Highly recommended.

5/5 stars. Easily. Running a G17.5/x300. The retention is spot on. Very secure and locked in, no play or rattling whatsoever. Trigger is well protected, with zero concerns of anything finding its way into the trigger/trigger guard. The real amazing part is the button press. The button press is so smooth and quick. Zero limitation on draw speed. Love the oversized goose neck button, works extremely well in very cold temps while wearing gloves and dealing with limited dexterity. No hunting for a nub, just press and you are clearing retention lightning fast. Your thumb just naturally lands where it’s needed. You can get a great grip with proper finger index on the firearm without any sort of interference from extra material. The holster is built rock solid, and I appreciate the thicker kydex. There’s ZERO reason to hesitate buying one. This was very very much worth the wait, and seeing the effort and design cues that went into the holster to make sure it was correct and functions as flawlessly as it does, I can appreciate the time it took. Every one of my CCWs lives in an ANR holster, and with the Level II now available, there’s no reason to go anywhere else for a holster. Just order the holster already, there’s not enough good things to say.