Blackhawk Holsters – Best 2024 Buying Guide

Blackhawk have built up an enviable reputation amongst serious gun owners over the past few years, and it is not hard to see why. Their holsters combine the latest technology with years of testing in tactical environments, meaning they can be relied upon in even the most extreme situations.

Blackhawk have been making equipment since 1990, and in that time have produced a huge number of holsters. Accordingly, choosing the perfect holster can be a challenge.

That’s where we come in. After looking at some of the most popular Blackhawk holsters, reading hundreds of reviews, and talking to people who have owned a number of these holsters, we highly recommend the Blackhawk Serpa CQC Carbon Fiber Holster. Built on the SERPA platform, this holster incorporates all of the adaptability and ruggedness of other SERPA holsters, whilst also shaving some ounces from the weight of this type of holster.

If you are looking for a Blackhawk holster which will provide superior protection, whilst also being comfortable to carry for long periods, this is the one for you.

How to Choose A Blachawk Holster

First and foremost, get the Blackhawk holster that best fits your gun, and matches your carrying style. For most weapons, this will not be a problem, because Blachawk make such a wide range of holsters that you should easily find one that suits.

The importance of this point cannot be overstated – too many people are blinded by a brandname such as Blackhawk, and go for the logo instead of the best holster. Ultimately, your weapon should fit inside your holster like a glove.

Beyond this, when choosing any holster, you should keep in mind the following:

Weapon Security

With any holster, including Blackhawk holsters, the first thing you should look for is weapon security. The consequences of accidental discharge, or of dropping your gun, can be severe.

Most Blackhawk holsters now come with fully adjustable retention screws. These mean that it is possible to adjust the tightness with which the holster grips your weapon. This is useful if you own several similar weapons, because you can adjust the holster for each.

It is also very useful if you are setting up a holster for competition, because you can adjust the level of weapon retention to your purpose.

Another thing to look for is the trigger guard mechanism. The guard on your holster should ideally cover the entire trigger mechanism, to avoid accidental discharge.

Type of Holster

There are several different positions in which you can carry your pistol – inside or outside your waistband, on your hip, or even in a pocket holster. Blackhawk holsters offer the full range of different carrying positions, so pick a holster that suits your preferred method.

That said, if you are new to carrying a weapon regularly, it is worth reading up on the differences between IWB and OWB, as different people prefer different styles.

Though the Blackhawk holsters we reviewed were all IWB or OWB items, if you prefer a different type of carrying position, Blackhawk has a holster for you!

Ease of Access

Ideally, you want a holster that holds your weapon securely, whilst also allowing you to draw it really quickly. In the real world, though, there is a slight compromise to be made between security and ease of draw.

In general, though, draw speed is more dependent on practice than on the type of holster you use. Hours spent practicing your draw are more productive in this regard than hours spent looking for holsters which promise a quick draw.

Another feature to look for is variable cant – the angle at which your weapon sits when in the holster. Different people prefer different cants, and you can even adjust this angle depending on the situation.

Concealment

If you carry your pistol concealed, it goes without saying that you want a holster that hides your weapon well. Though some Blackhawk holsters offer a good level of concealment right out of the box, it is also worth reading up on how to conceal your weapon to get the best from any holster.

If you live in a hot climate where light clothes are standard, printing can be a problem, where the shape of your weapon shows through your clothes. Though some people worry unduly about this, it can be a problem with any type of concealed carry.

Durability

Last, but of course not least, look for a holster that will provide years of reliable service. Whilst it may look like hard-case holsters, typically made from extruded plastic, will last the longest, this is not necessarily true. Soft holsters, if made from tough fabric, can last equally as long.

In recent years, hi-tech materials have started to be used in holsters. One of our favorites is Kydex, an extruded plastic that offers great protection for both you and your weapon.

Best Blackhawk Holsters Reviewed

Here are just a few of our favorite Blackhawk Serpa Holster favorites.

	Product Name	Where to Buy
	Blackhawk SERPA CQC Carbon Fiber Holster
	Blackhawk SERPA Concealment Holster
	Blackhawk Sportster Ambidextrous Holster
	Blackhawk Inside-the-Pants Holster
	Blackhawk T Series Holsters

1. Blackhawk SERPA CQC Carbon Fiber Holster

This is our favorite Blackhawk holster, for a variety of reasons. Whilst, on the surface, this carbon fiber edition of the SERPA holster appears quite similar to other Blackhawk holsters, the innovative design here manages to include all the great features of the best Blackhawk holsters, whilst saving a few ounces from the weight of the holster.

Whilst this may not seem like much, in practice, and especially if you are carrying your weapon for extended periods, it makes all the difference to your comfort.

This holster also incloudes plenty of other features:

• First and foremost, the SERPA auto-lock system has been the envy of other manufacturers for some time now, offering unparalleled weapon security. To our mind, when looking for a holster for any weapon, this should be your primary concern, and you will be hard pressed to beat the SERPA system for safety.
• The cut of the top of this holster has a unique design, which allows for extremely quick draws. This is especially useful of you are planning to use your Blackhawk holster for competition.
• The carbon fiber finish on this holster, in short, looks great. We know some people claim not to care about such things, but in our opinion this is one of the best looking holsters available at the moment.
• As for disadvantages, in truth we can find very few. This is not the most slimline holster we have reviewed, but its other features more than make up for this.

2. Blackhawk SERPA Concealment Holster

This is a remarkable holster, which combines the weapon retention properties of the best Blackhawk holsters, whilst also being specifically designed for concealed carry.

Whilst some more slimline holsters might hide your weapon better, this holster offers a great level of concealment, especially considering that it is a hard body holster.

In addition, this holster comes with some great features:

• This holster is slimline, whilst also providing a good deal of protection for your weapon. It offers a great compromise between concealment and safety.
• The design of this holster is such that it encourages correct weapon grip. If you have got into bad habits on your draw, or are just starting to carry a pistol and want to learn the correct draw technique, then this holster will help.
• The audible click when the weapon is holstered is another great feature, allowing you to be sure that the weapon is held securely and safely.

3. Blackhawk Sportster Ambidextrous Holster

A more minimal holster than the two above, but still offering a good level of protection for both you and your gun.

The polyester construction of this holster means that it is more adaptable than most rigid holsters. As a result, it can be carried either IWB or OWB, and is ambidextrous. This is perfect if your handgun is shared by a few people, as your wife or son can just pick up the holster and get going.

We especially value the slim profile of this holster, which makes carrying it concealed very easy. In addition, though, this holster has several other advantages:

• For the price, this holster offers great value. Significantly cheaper than most rigid body holsters, if you only carry your pistol occasionally, this Blackhawk holster could be a good option.
• If it’s important to you, this holster is entirely designed and made in the USA. This also ensures the highest level of workmanship.
• As for disadvantages, obviously this kind of slimline holster is never going to offer the same level of protection as its larger brothers. The trigger guard mechanism here might be too basic for some, but for most people will be sufficient.

4. Blackhawk Inside-the-Pants Holster

If you are looking for a truly minimal Blackhawk holster, this is a great option. The ultra-thin construction here means that this holster offers a remarkable level of concealment, even if you are wearing light clothing.

Whilst a holster like this cannot offer the protection of a rigid body holster, for occasional carry, or for situations when you need to carry your firearm in deep concealment, this is almost the perfect holster.

In addition, this holster has some great features:

• The material used here is a high quality neoprene, waterproof and offering just the correct level of friction to hold your gun securely whilst also allowing for a quick draw.
• Neoprene is also comfortable against the skin, so when carrying your pistol in an IWB configuration you will be able to wear this holster for long periods without discomfort.
• As for disadvantages, be aware that this holster has been primarily designed for revolvers. Blackhawk produce similar holsters in a variety of sizes, though, so if you lie the look of this one it is worth checking out their product range.

5. Blackhawk T Series Holsters

Blackhawk has a line of holsters that provide reinforced outer polymer plus a smooth, sound dampening, hydrophobic lining. Many of the Blackhawk T-Series Holsters have a streamlined thumb-activated retention system.  T-Series Holsters will give you excellent performance in every situation and elements.

Conclusion

What you should look for in a Blackhawk holster depends, to a great extent, on how you use it. All of the holsters we have reviewed today offer a good compromise between safety features, comfort, and concealment.

Whilst bulky, rigid holsters offer the best protection for you and your weapon, we understand that some people prefer a more minimal holster.

That said, we would recommend the Blackhawk Serpa CQC Carbon Fiber Holster. Built on the SERPA platform, this holster incorporates all of the adaptability and ruggedness of other SERPA holsters, whilst also shaving some ounces from the weight of this type of holster.

If you are looking for a Blackhawk holster that will provide superior protection, whilst also being comfortable to carry for long periods, this is the one for you.

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