coloradokevin
Member
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2008
- Messages
- 3,285
My recent holster quest landed me with a Blackhawk Serpa CQC Level II holster. This was unexpected, and I don't usually add gear reviews on here, but here's my story on this decision:
So, I went to my local police supply store the other day, seeking an off-duty holster for my duty weapon (a Glock 37 - .45GAP. Mind you, that's a bit of an odd-ball chambering still, but most Glock 21 holsters fit it fine).
I've used a leather Level II Safariland holster for duty use with this weapon for the past four years, and haven't had any complaints with it. However, until now I've been carrying my *wife's* Glock 27 while off-duty (nice and small-like). Given that she finally told me she wanted *her* gun back, I decided to shop for my off-duty holster.
Anyway, I swore off kydex/plastic/polymer style holsters years ago, after having a bad experience where a cheapie one scratched the finish on my Glock 22. Plus, who doesn't like the look and feel of premium leather anyway?
So, my search started with Galco holsters. I tried a few on, and tested my weapon for fit. They are certainly a quality holster, but I wanted to be sure that I was aware of all of my options. As I searched the store I came across the display stand for the Blackhawk Serpa holsters... I couldn't help but play with it because, naturally, I'm inclined to play with toys just like every other self-respecting man I know! I guess the marketing scheme worked, because I ened up buying one of their holsters.
Here's my review:
-The holster ran just shy of $60, which is more than I'd normally be inclined to pay for a polymer holster. In fact, I only broke down and bought it after 5-6 other officers walked by and told me how much they liked that holster!
-The retention system on this holster is phenomenal, at least in my limited (1 week) use of it. Instead of a conventional snap/hood on the holster, this setup uses a release mechanism that is located exactly where your trigger finger would index when properly drawing the weapon.
-The gun seems very secure in the holster, and I've already worked through a number of retention drills with my wife (who is an experienced shooter with some combat shooting training under her belt). The gun seems to stay in place until you want it to come out, and it isn't particularly easy for someone else to take it from you in most positions.
-This thing is FAST. I actually think I'm faster with this holster than I am with the couple of Level I retention holsters I have around here. You don't need to think about it, your hand just naturally lands on the release mechanism, assuming that you are drawing as you should. Even though I'm using this rig for concealed carry, I still like the Level II retention, just for sake of knowing that the weapon is going to stay where I put it!
-Reholstering is very easy on this rig, much more so than my Level I leather holsters, and perhaps even a slight bit easier than my duty holster.
-Initial durability has impressed me. I haven't given this holster a long run in the field yet, but I just happened to take an unexpectedly bad fall with it on the second day I had the thing! I was simply walking into the laundry room, and slipped on a plastic coat hanger that I didn't see. I came down directly on the holster, and hit hard on the concrete floor (I now have one heck of a bruise on that spot). The holster seems no worse for wear.
-The package includes a paddle attachment option, though I intend to stick with the belt setup. Personally, I just never really liked paddles. But, if you like those, then the option is there.
-Finally, I don't see any signs of wear patterns showing up on my weapon's finish. Obviously this is a short term test at this point, but I've surely already completed over a thousand holster presentations on this new rig (I'm anal like that).
So, like I said, I may be converting to this whole plastic idea after all! I guess it is only fitting, given that I've carried Glocks for years. Just thought I'd share this story, in case any of my other fellow leather-carrying shooters are in the market for a new holster
So, I went to my local police supply store the other day, seeking an off-duty holster for my duty weapon (a Glock 37 - .45GAP. Mind you, that's a bit of an odd-ball chambering still, but most Glock 21 holsters fit it fine).
I've used a leather Level II Safariland holster for duty use with this weapon for the past four years, and haven't had any complaints with it. However, until now I've been carrying my *wife's* Glock 27 while off-duty (nice and small-like). Given that she finally told me she wanted *her* gun back, I decided to shop for my off-duty holster.
Anyway, I swore off kydex/plastic/polymer style holsters years ago, after having a bad experience where a cheapie one scratched the finish on my Glock 22. Plus, who doesn't like the look and feel of premium leather anyway?
So, my search started with Galco holsters. I tried a few on, and tested my weapon for fit. They are certainly a quality holster, but I wanted to be sure that I was aware of all of my options. As I searched the store I came across the display stand for the Blackhawk Serpa holsters... I couldn't help but play with it because, naturally, I'm inclined to play with toys just like every other self-respecting man I know! I guess the marketing scheme worked, because I ened up buying one of their holsters.
Here's my review:
-The holster ran just shy of $60, which is more than I'd normally be inclined to pay for a polymer holster. In fact, I only broke down and bought it after 5-6 other officers walked by and told me how much they liked that holster!
-The retention system on this holster is phenomenal, at least in my limited (1 week) use of it. Instead of a conventional snap/hood on the holster, this setup uses a release mechanism that is located exactly where your trigger finger would index when properly drawing the weapon.
-The gun seems very secure in the holster, and I've already worked through a number of retention drills with my wife (who is an experienced shooter with some combat shooting training under her belt). The gun seems to stay in place until you want it to come out, and it isn't particularly easy for someone else to take it from you in most positions.
-This thing is FAST. I actually think I'm faster with this holster than I am with the couple of Level I retention holsters I have around here. You don't need to think about it, your hand just naturally lands on the release mechanism, assuming that you are drawing as you should. Even though I'm using this rig for concealed carry, I still like the Level II retention, just for sake of knowing that the weapon is going to stay where I put it!
-Reholstering is very easy on this rig, much more so than my Level I leather holsters, and perhaps even a slight bit easier than my duty holster.
-Initial durability has impressed me. I haven't given this holster a long run in the field yet, but I just happened to take an unexpectedly bad fall with it on the second day I had the thing! I was simply walking into the laundry room, and slipped on a plastic coat hanger that I didn't see. I came down directly on the holster, and hit hard on the concrete floor (I now have one heck of a bruise on that spot). The holster seems no worse for wear.
-The package includes a paddle attachment option, though I intend to stick with the belt setup. Personally, I just never really liked paddles. But, if you like those, then the option is there.
-Finally, I don't see any signs of wear patterns showing up on my weapon's finish. Obviously this is a short term test at this point, but I've surely already completed over a thousand holster presentations on this new rig (I'm anal like that).
So, like I said, I may be converting to this whole plastic idea after all! I guess it is only fitting, given that I've carried Glocks for years. Just thought I'd share this story, in case any of my other fellow leather-carrying shooters are in the market for a new holster
