Theย ANR Design Nidhogg Level II Retention Holster is a game-changer for competitive or tactical shooters who demand both speed and security. This innovative holster features a unique, patented light-specific locking active retention mechanism that delivers lightning-fast draws while maintaining positive retention.
Key Features:
- Active Retention:ย Provides an extra layer of security with a large push-button release for rapid deployment.
- Light-Specific Locking:ย Currently available for Surefire X300 Ultra series lights, with more options coming soon.
- Durable Construction:ย Unibody 0.125″ thick KYDEX construction for rugged reliability.
- Open Bottomed Design:ย Allows water and debris to clear easily.
- Optic and Suppressor Sights Ready:ย Accommodates most optics and suppressor-height sights up to 0.5″.
- Rigorous Testing:ย Withstands 400 lbs of hanging weight and 30,000 presses in various conditions without failure (Spec Sheets Available Upon Request).
- Competition Focused:ย Ideal for Tactical Games, PCSL, USPSA, and other competitive shooting sports.
Benefits:
- Lightning-Fast Draws:ย The unique push-button release mechanism enables incredibly fast draw speeds.
- Secure Retention:ย Provides a secure hold on your firearm when not in use.
- Durable and Reliable:ย Built to withstand the rigors of competitive shooting.
- Versatile Compatibility:ย Accommodates optics and suppressor-height sights.
Upgrade your competition setup with the ANR Design Nidhogg Level II Retention Holster and experience the difference.
The mechanism must be pressed first before the pistol can be drawn from the holster. If you are to draw the pistol prematurely before pressing the button release, The holster will not release the firearm. The firearm must be then seated before pressing the push button release. This holster is NOT compatible with gas pedals, thumb rests, Antimatter Gas Pedals, and Emissary Development Switches.
We do not warrant the fitness or merchantability of this holster for Duty use.ย This holster was NOT designed for Duty use. It was specifically designed for the commercial market for avid shooters in mind. This holster is a fantastic addition to any battle belt or race belt configuration for Tactical Games, PCSL, USPSA or other competitive shooting sport league. It was designed to have lightning fast draw speed capabilities for competition purposes, while maintaining solid positive retention on the firearm when not in use.
If you are interested in bulk purchasing, please use theย https://www.anrkydexholsters.com/contact/.
For bulk military purchases, please visit:ย https://www.anrdesignsoldiersystems.com/contact/
Warranty: There is a Lifetime Warranty on the active-retention mechanism itself. Any issues with the mechanism will be repaired and replaced by ANR Design.
Dave (verified owner) –
I wish I could give this thing 10 stars. Itโs magnificent. The way itโs designed feels like the pistol springs right into your grip. Holstering feels like straight butter, effortless. Retention is solid, no wiggle or wobble whatsoever, locked in. I would buy this holster time and time again. As I do with all ANR holsters. You go buy now, what you waiting for?
Alex Costa –
Thank you Dave!!!!
vante512 (verified owner) –
This is EASILY the best Level 2 Iโve ever used. Iโve got a few others I can compare this to, but wonโt for the sake of not bashing any other companies. The level 2 I got was for a G19/17/34 w/x300. I personally believed in the design of this holster BEFORE it was even finished. So I went and got an X300 and G47, just so Iโd be able to buy it. Worth every penny. The fit is EXTREMELY NICE. Snug, tight, no rattling or anything. The button press is the absolute star of the show. Iโm not sure what kinda sorcery was done here, but THIS should be the industry standard in push buttons. This is the FASTEST button press on a level 2. Hands down. The lockup is pretty damn solid. You canโt get the gun to come out of the holster by accident. I can get a full firing hand grip on the gun without any residual kydex hitting my handโฆunlike the other company that I wonโt name. Trigger guard is completely covered. Canโt get any fingers or random stuff in there. I canโt wait for a Walther PDP option to become available. This holster I can see being flexed in a USPSA/IDPA/3Gun role. I feel like it can also be used in security and certain duty applications despite not being marketed as such. 5/5 Stars. This was DEFINITELY worth the wait.
Alex Costa –
thank you Vante!!!
Jason (verified owner) –
The holster is amazing. So smooth and effortless. The customer service is also 5 stars. Needed the holster for a class and they delivered just on time. Great company great product.
Alex Costa –
Thank you Jason!
Tj Lucas (verified owner) –
Absolutely amazing! I cannot say enough good things about this holster. This new Level 2 is a perfect fit and functions perfectly. Iโm looking forward to getting some use out of it and putting it to the test!
Alex Costa –
Thank you TJ!
Reynaldo Sanchez (verified owner) –
Have a few Level II holsters, bar far this is my favorite! It took a little to get use to, but an after a good range day Iโm dialed in! Ordered 3 so far for each battle belt. Highly recommended.
Alex Costa –
Thank you so much for believing in us!
Vincent Cappello (verified owner) –
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.
Alex Costa –
Thank you Vincent
John Kronuch (verified owner) –
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 itโs 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. Thereโs 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, thereโs no reason to go anywhere else for a holster. Just order the holster already, thereโs not enough good things to say.
Alex Costa –
Thank you so much John!!!
Ulises H (verified owner) –
Itโs my first OWB holster. Was between this one or a Safariland and all I got to say is this one did NOT disappoint! Absolutely fucks hard. 10/10 for my Sig P320 X5 legion.
Alex Costa –
Thank you sir!!!!
Branden G. (verified owner) –
My immediate thoughts on the Nidhogg Level 2 are that I like running it a lot, and that it’s definitely a worthy competitor in a market jam-packed with options. I’ve only run Safariland active retention holsters for my handguns on belts so a few of my points will be using their ALS holsters for reference and comparison to the Nidhogg 2. With this being part of my first purchase, I am incredibly pleased with ANR’s customer service and will definitely be a returning customer in the future.
+ Handgun (G19 Gen 3, X300T-A) fitment in the holster is like a glove. Just like in their Instagram reels, the pistol is very secure in the holster even when being shaken with force and held upside-down.
+ The retention mechanism and button action is butter-smooth. I was skeptical on ANR saying the push-down button resulted in a much more natural draw, but having tried it myself in agreement!
+ There’s a few options for mounting patterns, but it has an option for a QLS fork and that’s perfect for me as well as many others already on the Safariland hardware ecosystem.
+ The bottom pass-through isn’t just great for muzzle devices, but it’s also great for letting debris and spent casings fall through freely. Don’t have to buy another Portal!
+ There is plenty of clearance for optics, even ones that take up more space going forward on the slide such as the SRO or RMR HD.
+ There is also plenty of space for taller iron sights like from Dawson Precision or Trijicon.
= Weight-wise, the Nidhogg 2 isn’t much heavier than a Safariland 6390RDS (11.5oz vs 10.5oz), but the Nidhogg feels a bit more bottom-heavy.
= There’s no optic protection so your optic will get some dirt, dust, and rain on the lens. ANR has stated they’re working on an optic hood add-on, but their main focus remains getting the Level 2 ready for as many models as possible at the moment.
= There’s red threadlocker used inside on the mounting screws, so that stuff’s not coming off whether you want it to or not. I’m not the brightest guy, so a guide on how to unmount the holster from hardware would be appreciated.
– The 0.125โณ kydex is great for prolonged life, but results in a slightly bulkier-feeling holster on your leg relative to its size.
– Due to the nature of the thicker kydex, there’s not nearly as many color options as is typical for ANR’s other IWB/OWB holsters. I’d have picked a tan or khaki over coyote brown otherwise.
– The Nidhogg 2 is a decent bit taller than an equivalent Safariland, sticking roughly 0.5″ further out due to needing clearance for the retention mechanism.
Overall, the Nidhogg Level 2 is turning out to be an excellent active retention holster that I will be using alongside my Safariland ALS holsters. It works great and feels fantastic. If you have a problem either with the holster being too tight for your pistol and scraping kydex, or the button action being gritty or binding, contact their customer support and they’ll have it fixed for you with a shipping label. They really want this holster to succeed and their hard work for it shows.
Alex Costa –
Branden, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review. It is very much appreciated.
Jason (verified owner) –
Superb!
Overall fit and finish are perfectly executed.
Thumb release button intelligently located and feels 100% natural and instinctive. Button face fits the thumb perfectly.