Customer Reviews

BlackHawk® Carbon-fiber SERPA Holster, BLACK

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I own two other Blackhawk holsters besides the one I just ordered for a full size 1911. I own one for a Glock 26 and another for a Beretta 92FS. The materials are of the highest quality, very light weight, impervious to sweat/moisture, require no maintenance, and otherwise function as described by the manufacturer. I have both of my holsters set up with the paddle attachment. This holster is so secure that you will not have any problems engaging in just about any type of physical activity while wearing it. Your gun will be secure. It will not come off the holster, and the holster will not come off your waistline. This is one of those rare instances where the hype about a product is actually true to the way the product works. I also own magazine carriers, and a flashlight holster from Blackhawk, and they also work well and are very secure.

Update January 2011:

I have purchased two more Blackhawk Serpa holsters since my original review in 2009. The two new purchases fit a Glock 30, and the other a FNH FiveSeven. All fit the guns for which they were designed perfectly and are of the same quality as the ones I originally purchased.

After using the original holsters several times a week, for three to seven hours at a time, for the last couple of years, I can honestly say that they still work perfectly, do not show any signs of wear and tear, and have not damaged the finish of any of the guns they are used with. I have no doubt that the two new holsters will perform any differently. What else can one ask for?

PRODUCTS I HAVE TRIED

Nylon holsters with and without strap - .357 Magnum
Nylon holsters with strap - .45 Caliber 1911
Galco Stow-N-Go

DESIGN:

Many holsters exist and it is quite difficult trying to find which works out best for your pistol. Comprised of Black Carbon Fiber, this system is stable and sturdy. Instead of Nylon or Neoprene, this holster is made of a more solid. It does not scratch the metal slide. A simple button allows a lightning fast release with your hand in the ready to fire position. The weapon cannot be removed unless you push the button and slide the weapon up. Placing the gun back into the holster is easy and seamless (I recommend that you practice, unloaded, before you try this with a chambered bullet).

No visible metal components do allow for a perfect profile without any type of discernible sound when walking. You can hang your pistol on the belt or by the included paddle attachment. The paddle hugs the holster closer to you than the belt attachment. With the paddle, there is more equal weight distribution, allowing for a more comfortable carry and less strain on your pants/belt. It does seem to hang quite low for me, and the only way that I can see this working out for concealed carry is one of two ways: 1) Coat that is below the inseam 2) Shirt that is fit larger than average shirt (untucked), such as a sports jersey (i.e. Hockey, Baseball or Football Jersey). Carrying on the belt attachment keeps the gun even further from your waistline, making the gun obvious to an astute observer.

This is not an ideal holster for concealed carry given the width without a jacket. I know of people who use this for Open Carry - where it is legal to do so (Florida is not one of those states) - or people use it on their own property or on a firing range. I am aware that some Rangemasters and Firearms instructors disallow the use of this specific holster.

One caveat that I have read is the possibility of accidental discharging of the sidearm when drawing the weapon or returning it to the holster. If you release the gun with a straight right index finger and lift up, this is unlikely. Additionally, it is important to perform drills when drawing your weapon, unloaded, to ensure that you are entirely familiar with this safety system. It is with constant practice that this becomes second nature. Under tense situations; however, under duress or panic, a user can mistakenly fire as they draw their weapon.

When it comes to a holster carry, I feel very secure given the low likelihood that the gun will come out on its own and it has a quick release that does not hinder me from drawing my pistol. The cant can be adjusted in 3 positions (vertical, forward or backwards). Blackhawk items are modular in that they can fit other configurations for dozens of uses. That flexibility with its unique design was my major decision to purchase this. There is a lot of versatility with this set up.

Overall, I personally, enjoy wearing my pistol with this holster but the caveats exist and it is up to you to decide if this fits your purpose.

Happy Shooting to You!

Holds a 1911 very tightly. Will NOT let it go at all unless the release catch is pressed. Take a leather holster, ala my Yaqui slide, and hold the gun upside down in it and it will let go of the gun after extended use. These will not. However, that being said, these holsters only fit the FULL SIZE 1911s. My Commander model does not fit the holster completely. The holster is made for a full length slide and there is a full inch of space between the end of the barrel and the bottom of the holster that is just empty. Returned it to the store where I got it. It is made very well and does exactly what the manufacturer claims it will do. Just be aware that it will not perfectly fit all sub-models of a particular gun or gun family.

This is a nice, well-made holster. Build quality is good, the design is great, and it is fairly easy to switch between the paddle and the belt attachments for the holster. However my M9A1 - a member of the 92 family - wouldn't fit in this holster because the M9A1 has a rail under the barrel. Although it is advertised as a holster for the Beretta 92/96, it will not fit one with an accessory rail. That detail was left out of the product description. I returned the holster, and had no problems returning it to the vendor. However I don't like the fact that I had to pay shipping on this holster, twice, because the product description was inaccurate.

this holster comes with both the belt loop adapter as well as the paddle. great holster over all and would buy again

Blackhawk is the only type of holster I ever used for my handguns. The retention is secure and positive, yet intuitive to release on drawing.

This holster is one of the best on the market. There is no way someone else can take the weapon out of the holster without it being at the right angle and pressing the tab. I do not use the paddle option because I have seen them break off in a struggle and they also take a little more time to put on in my opinion. Get it! its worth it!

I am in Afghanistan and purchased this for conceal carry over here, I assume it is fine my wife said it was what the discription said it was. Also, it arrived quite fast!

Thank you

I really didn't think this holster would wear as good as it does. Holds my big and heavy SIG 226 very secure. Comfortable for what it is. If you have a large loose shirt or sweater can be used for concealed carry. Adjustable slant and both belt loops and paddle make this a good deal. The carbon fiber is cosmetic only, looks like its a thin sheet glued on top of the cheaper identical models. Looks kinda cool though, so no biggie. Only question now is what to do with all the other holsters that will be collecting dust.

UPDATE: Used this holster during a combat pistol class. While the super secure retention seems like a good idea in theory, the extra time you will spend removing the gun in a real tac situation may cost you your life. I can almost guarantee you that in a stressful situation you will not hit the small release button right away. Took away 1 star for this.

I bought this for my Beretta 92fs. I love it, fits perfect, easy release when done properly. Also be sure to follow the instructions for applying silicone lube to the inside to help make draw time faster. I loved it so much I also bought the Serpa 3 version as well. I will buy this again for my other Handguns.