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Is the Kore Locking System Duty Rated? A Deep Dive into the “KLS”

Is the Kore Locking System Duty Rated? A Deep Dive into the “KLS”

Summary:

  • The Kore Locking System (KLS) stands out against the competition as a duty-rated holster-swapping system.

  • The Kore Locking System (KLS) is designed for professionals and everyday people who need a quick and reliable way to swap their holsters and gear. The KLS provides that.

Holster-swapping systems are not new to the firearms industry and for the longest time, they’ve remained relatively untouched. Any innovations in this product category only seem to make things more complicated than they need to be, which is a common theme in this industry. Simple problems need simple solutions, but instead, big companies make complicated and overpriced solutions that often address one problem while creating five more along the way. 

At Kore, we are constantly working to create innovative solutions that address simple problems with simple solutions. We take pride in our back-to-basics approach to product design that integrates science-driven engineering with real-world experience to deliver exceptional products that not only work, but exceed expectations in every way (without making your life any harder than it needs to be). The Kore Locking System (KLS) is a perfect example of this, and today, we’re going to be taking a deep dive into the KLS and its applications. We’ll also be comparing the Kore Locking System with the current iteration of the Safariland QLS.

But before we get started, let’s introduce the KLS.

What is the Kore Locking System (KLS)?

The Kore Locking System (KLS) is a duty-rated, fully serviceable holster-swapping system that allows users to quickly attach, detach, or swap holsters between multiple mounting platforms. Constructed with aluminum and high-temp glass polymer, the Kore Locking System is built for heavy-duty applications, delivering exceptional stability for your firearm. This fully serviceable unit utilizes a Level 2 locking mechanism for enhanced firearm security and dependable performance in demanding environments. Engineered for broad compatibility, the KLS works with Safariland, Blade-Tech, Alien Gear, and Blackhawk hole patterns. The KLS also integrates seamlessly with all Kore Essentials holster mount systems, including the Aluminum Holster Mount, Mid Mount, and Mini Mount. 

The Kore Locking System is the most dynamic and reliable holster-swapping system on the market today, and it’s no surprise that it’s making such a splash amongst law enforcement. With zero plastic in critical load-bearing locations, this is a true duty-ready holster swapping system that’s purpose-built for high-intensity environments. 

 

How Does the KLS Compare to Safariland QLS?

Safariland is one of the most well-known companies in the law enforcement and firearms industries, having produced countless products over its 62 years in operation. Their primary bread and butter are their holsters and holster attachments, which include the Safariland QLS. The QLS was the first holster-swapping system to hit the market, and it’s still widely used today, despite growing concerns over its “duty-rated” label (at the time of writing this article, however, Safariland has since dropped the moniker of “duty-rated” from its QLS system). When you’re at the top of the food chain, rarely do you have to do anything to hold that position. 

No need to change your strategy if no one can stop you.

To Safariland, this is no issue. They get to produce the same pieces of plastic year after year without making any groundbreaking changes to their holster-swapping system. As a company that has historically controlled the market for this product, this has led to little innovation and change, leaving customers stuck with the same products they’ve had since 2009, when the QLS was first introduced. 

What sets the KLS apart?

Firstly, the construction. As we’ve mentioned before, the Kore Locking System is made of high-temp glass polymer and aluminum, with zero plastic in critical load-bearing components. The Safarliand QLS is made entirely of plastic. A fully aluminum KLS mount attaches to your holster using the Safariland, Bladetech and Alien Gear hole patterns. The KLS Mount seamlessly inserts into the high-temp glass polymer KLS Receiver, which similarly uses the same hole patterns. 

The Kore Locking System is a level 2 retention holster swapping system, meaning there are two locking mechanisms that keep the KLS in place, as opposed to just one in the Safariland QLS. The primary locking mechanism of the KLS is a specialized socket that locks in place once the KLS Mount is inserted. Embedded within the KLS Receiver is a modified AR detent switch that acts as the second level of security. Both mechanisms sit flush with the body of the KLS receiver, making them easy to access for those wearing the Kore Locking System, but very difficult to access for anyone who isn’t. 

The simplified design of the Kore Locking System gives way to several user benefits. The Kore Locking System is a fully serviceable unit. This means that if you ever run into a problem, you can simply repair your KLS without purchasing a replacement, saving you countless dollars and time. We offer a KLS Field Repair kit that includes all of the pieces required to replace any parts of your KLS, should the need arise.

The Safariland QLS on the other hand, is a level 1 retention holster swapping system, with one locking mechanism keeping the device in place. The QLS is bulky and uses a less ergonomic design than the Kore Locking System, which can make accessing the prongs to remove your holster cumbersome for some people. On the other hand, because the Safariland QLS is a level 1 retention device, it’s potentially easier for outside parties to remove the QLS from your person. This is a major concern for police officers and law enforcement personnel, where maintaining positive control of your firearm is essential.

The next big thing that sets the Kore Locking System apart from the Safariland QLS is the compatibility. The Safariland QLS is only designed for holsters and holster mounts that use the Safariland 3-hole patterns. This severely limits the diversity of holsters and holster mounts that you can use with the QLS. As previously mentioned, the Kore Locking System, on the other hand, is compatible with the Safariland, Bladetech, Alien Gear, and Blackhawk hole patterns, making it the most universal holster-swapping system on the market today. 

 

Is the Kore Locking System (KLS) duty rated?

Yes, the Kore Locking System is duty-rated and designed for high-intensity environments. There is zero plastic in critical load-bearing components of the Kore Locking System, which helps to make it incredibly reliable under pressure. Unlike competitor products, the KLS is also fully serviceable, meaning if you ever need to make modifications or repairs to the unit, you can do so without ever having to purchase a new system. 

Key Features of the KLS (Kore Locking System) 

  • Rapid, secure holster locking system

  • Dual-locking mechanism for ultimate security and retention

  • Constructed from high-temperature glass-reinforced polymer and aluminum

  • Aluminum receiver and mount - zero plastic in critical load-bearing components

  • Most Comprehensive Holster Swapping System - Compatible with Safariland, Blade-Tech, Blackhawk & Alien Gear hole patterns

  • Fully compatible with all Kore Essentials holster mounts (Aluminum Holster Mount, Mid MountMini Mount)

  • Enables quick holster swaps in seconds without compromising firearm control

  • Duty-rated holster swapping system

  • Fully serviceable unit 

 

Is the Kore Locking System Right for You?

The Kore Locking System is designed for duty purposes and adaptable for everyday use. If you are looking for a premium and low-profile holster-swapping system that’s simple to install and easy to use, then the Kore Locking System is perfect for you. Whether you’re in law enforcement, private security, range training, or someone who carries a firearm every day, the Kore Locking System can be an excellent addition to your loadout.

At Kore, we like to make our gear as adaptable as possible so that you don’t need to change your loadout to accommodate new equipment. We like to play fair and provide premium products that work for you, and with you. We’re a small team making a big difference, and that gives us the freedom to innovate without complicating things. We produce simple, high-quality gear that enhances your lives. Whether it’s the Kore Locking System or one of our ratcheting gun belts, we’ve built the best gear possible for your mission.

 


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