If you prefer to wear your everyday carry pistol on your hip, but find IWB holsters to be a bit uncomfortable, then look no further than the Blackhawk Serpa OWB holster. I picked this holster up for my P250 and I couldn’t be happier with the performance and durability. However, trying to summarize them all wouldn’t do this OWB holster justice, so I’ll be delving deeper into my experience as a whole.
Table of Contents
Blackhawk Serpa OWB Holster Features
This model of OWB holster has caught some negative media attention because of negligent discharges that have occurred at the hands of some military personnel. Far be it from me to judge the actions of our men and women in uniform. However, I can say that I have used this holster on the range hundreds, if not thousands, of times without incident. Furthermore, the holster is comfortable as well as safe when used properly.
Handgun Fitment
Unlike universal holsters, the Blackhawk Serpa Sporter holster is model specific. While there may be models of similar dimensions that will fit into this OWB holster, I highly recommend you check with the manufacturer to make sure the holster is meant to accommodate your model. This is not unusual in the industry, and other holsters such as the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck fall into this category. When you purchase, you’ll need to indicate if you are right or left hand dominant.
Adjusting Pistol Retention
One of the unique features of this holster is the pistol retention system. Your pistol secures in place with an audible “click” when the pistol is seated appropriately. In order to unholster the pistol, you’ll need to press the pistol release mechanism on the side of the holster. This is absolutely fantastic for making sure the firearm will not fall out during rigorous activity.
Additionally, you can tighten or loosen this mechanism to your preference. Simply adjust the retention screw positioned just below the pistol release button. You’ll need a phillips head screwdriver to modify.
Adjusting The Cant and Ride Height
Pictured above is a view of the pistol cant adjustment settings. Changing the cant requires you to move two screws in tandem. In order to adjust the pistol cant forward, you’ll need to lower the front (left) screw, and move the bottom screw to the right. However, to adjust the cant rearward, adjust the back (right) screw, then move the bottom screw to the left. All adjustments to the cant can be made with a phillips head screwdriver.
Because of the retention screw, and out of habit, I actually left this holster in the stock configuration with a 90 degree setup. At this point I’ve become accustomed to this draw style with this holster in particular.
Unfortunately, changing the ride height isn’t something this holster is equipped for. Simply lowering the top 2 screws won’t allow your pistol to safely sit lower since the bottom screw will have no point of attachment. However, you can opt to remove the paddle portion of the holster and use the alternate plate for use as a traditional belt loop holster, which requires you to thread your belt through for attachment. I prefer the paddle style because I can hook and unhook the holster from my waist at my leisure.
Draw Orientation And Holster Location
As with many holsters, you need to choose your draw orientation when purchasing this OWB holster. The Blackhawk Serpa Sportster comes in both right and left hand draw. This holster is exclusively used for hip carry. Unfortunately, the paddle style holster isn’t suited for appendix carry or even 3/4 carry which I prefer.
Serpa Sportster Care Instructions
There’s really no need to clean this holster, unless you’re traipsing through a field of poison ivy. However, if you’re so inclined, simply remove the molded holster from the backing, and set aside the screws. Wash with soap and warm water and dry off before reassembly. The only item you really need be concerned about if the pistol retention mechanism, which I don’t recommend taking apart completely unless absolutely necessary.
Material And Construction
The polymer frame of the Blackhawk Serpa Sportster holster is extremely durable, and won’t warp over time. The skeletal frame of the holster allows for some breath-ability where other paddle holsters may be lacking. The only other material used is the metal screws, which seem to be corrosion resistant, as they are as easy to adjust now as the day I received the holster.
My Experience With The Alien Gear IWB Holster
Over the past few years, I have had no problems with this OWB holster. The Blackhawk Serpa Sportster has performed up to my expectations in every category. I’ve safely carried my firearm with on in the chamber countless times. On the range, I’ve pulled my weapon without an accidental discharge an equally abundant number of times. There’s been no signs of breakdowns in either the polymer, or the retention mechanism. The only qualm I have with this holster, is that it can actually be difficult to remove from your waistline at the end of the day. With a small hook on the bottom of the paddle, it can often snag on the interior of the waistline causing it to bunch.
Parting Shots
If you’re looking for a quality OWB holster, then the Blackhawk Serpa Sportster OWB holster delivers. Quality craftsmanship ensure a durable and comfortable holster. After extended daily use of this holster, I highly recommend the Cloak Tuck for your everyday carry pistol. If you wish to protect your handguns’ finish, while providing an adjustable holster that is as comfortable as it is concealable then this is the platform for you. This is one of the best, if not the best holsters I’ve ever had the pleasure of purchasing.
