Best BlackHawk Holsters Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Vince Tinebra
Shanena Ketchum
Whether you’re a gun enthusiast or a hobbyist, you’ve most likely heard of Blackhawk. As an industry leader of innovative outdoor products, you can count on high-quality items that will satisfy your sporting needs. They work with prestigious and well-regarded brands in order to provide you with gear that won’t let you down. We know you want to get the best and the safest performance out of your favorite outdoor activities, including hunting and target shooting, and Blackhawk holsters can provide it. Although each model is different and comes with their own benefits, they are all made with the type of craftsmanship you come to expect from them. We’ve reviewed the best-rated holsters they have to offer in an effort to provide you with the best choices on the market!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 18 hrs of research
Especially comfortable
Excellent retention
Works as both a paddle or belt insert holster
Easily concealed
Lasts for years
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BlackHawk Serpa CQC
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BlackHawk Serpa Sportster
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BlackHawk Reversible Inside the Pants
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Blackhawk ITP 73IP00
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BlackHawk Serpa Level 3 Tactical
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Blackhawk Serpa L2 Tactical Holster
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BlackHawk Serpa Level 3 Auto Lock
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BlackHawk Standard CQC Concealment
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BlackHawk Omnivore Streamlight TLR
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BlackHawk Epoch Level 3 Light
10 Best BlackHawk Holsters
1. BlackHawk Serpa CQC
Especially comfortable
Excellent retention
Works as both a paddle or belt insert holster
Easily concealed
Lasts for years
Does not properly fit all advertised models
Mounting screws are not included
BlackHawk! Holsters are typically known for their smooth draw. This holster, however, takes it up a notch with their Serpa Auto-lock technology. It allows for quick draw, easy re-holster, and better all-around security, meaning your weapon isn’t going anywhere until you tell it to. All this comes in a sleek package that draws no attention when concealed.
Read moreRetention
With the side button release, the extra level of retention provided means that your pistol can’t just be ripped from its holster, nor will it just slide out accidentally. Where you go, it goes.
Paddle? Belt loop? How about both!
How do you wear your holster? It doesn’t matter. The BLACKHAWK! SERPA CQC Concealment Holster eliminates that question by providing both. You could switch it up and use both, just to keep things interesting, if you really wanted.
Cost and Value
As what is probably one of the most popular holsters BlackHawk! Makes, the Serpa CQC Is priced well enough that you likely won’t look back on your purchase with any regrets.
2. BlackHawk Serpa Sportster
Paddle holds securely
Simple to adjust
Weapon locks easily into place
Minimal rattle
Intuitive retention release
Too bulky to conceal well
Questionable durability
Hey civilian, nice holster. This is specifically built to be an everyday concealed carry or range holster, and has the durability to prove it. Since it is for everyone, essentially, it has a smooth, quick draw, and adjusts easily to fit your needs. Strap it on, slide in your weapon, and you are good to go.
Read moreCustomize your angles
A math nerd’s dream holster, really. Where do you want to draw from? The world is your oyster with this holster. For those who hate to choose, choose this holster.
Once it’s in, it’s locked in!
As is typical with BlackHawk! Products, once you hear the audible click, your gun is in there, by your side, where it belongs. Bonus, while it’s in there, it fits perfectly, so it won’t rattle around, either.
Cost and Value
Given what it offers for security, draw speed and aesthetics, the BLACKHAWK! Serpa Sportster Holster offers great value for a reasonable price. Without question, you won’t be disappointed.
3. BlackHawk Reversible Inside the Pants
Easy to adjust ride height and cant
Allows for a full grip on the weapon
Works very well for both left and right hands
Stays well hidden when concealed
Weak belt clip
Construction feels kind of cheap
The A.R.C, as the website likes to call it, is a chameleon of conceal carry holsters. There aren’t many ambidextrous holsters out there, so the bar theoretically could be set pretty low on this one. Nope, they made it well, slapped an affordable price tag on it, and shattered the bar.
Read moreLeft hand or right hand? So many choices!
Again, not a lot to choose from if you don’t want to be confined by the constraints of having a dominant hand, so why not pick the one that does it so well?
Fits how you want it to.
There are other holsters that boast versatility, but nothing like this. Not only can you use it left or right handed, but you can also set it up to your heart’s desire. Cant? Ride? Angle? You got it.
Cost and Value
This is a very affordable conceal carry holster, and the option to use it either left or right handed makes it a no-brainer.
4. Blackhawk ITP 73IP00
Fits most small revolvers
Thin fabric is comfortable to wear
Nylon lining for quick draw
Compact size
Trigger guard can get caught
Doesn’t grip the gun
If you’re looking for a less complicated holster for your gun, then this is the right model for you. The Blackhawk ITP 73IP00 is a simple pistol holder that fits 2"-3" Barrel small and medium double-action revolvers. The belt clip makes it easy to connect to your pants or belt, which makes it's great for hunting and security. The three-layer nylon laminate ensures that it will feel comfortable even if it is against your skin.
Read moreUltra-Thin
Thanks to the ultra-thin layers of nylon laminate, this product feels pleasant next to your skin. It’s great if you prefer to keep your weapon concealed.
Easy Draw
Because you never know the exact moment when you need your gun for self-defense, this holster won’t stand in your way. The nylon lining permits you to draw your gun in a second. In some circumstances, this can save your life!
Cost and Value
Having such a simple design makes Blackhawk ITP 73IP00 one of the lowest-priced products in this category. However, the cost varies depending on your selection. You can opt for right or left orientation and different sizes from 0 to 9.
5. BlackHawk Serpa Level 3 Tactical
Y harness allows unrestricted movement
High-quality build
Doesn’t slide around
Lots of safety features
Plenty of mounting locations for accessories
Can occasionally jam
Doesn’t easily fit all stated weapons
Top of the line. Every company has a product that customers and critics consider their crown jewel, and for BlackHawk!, it’s this one right here. It’s a tactical holster, so it needs to be well built. Check. It cannot restrict movement. Check. It HAS TO have a wealth of safety features to help keep the user safe, Bingo. This holster was made for a specific situation, and it fits the bill to a tee.
Read moreSafety first
Did I say the wealth of safety features? Yes, I did. The leg strap was designed to stay put, thumb activated pivot guard for added security, and immediate retention upon re-holster are just a few of the features that make this holster super safe.
Great mobility
One of the most uncomfortable things with using this type of holster is unwanted movement. This selection eliminates that for you by implementing a design that reduces the unwanted movement.
Cost and Value
The BLACKHAWK! SERPA Level 3 Tactical Holster is one of the pricier holsters on this list. With all the features included to improve safety, security, and function, it is worth it. Remember, the people who use this holster on a regular basis rely on it to perform, and boy does it.
6. Blackhawk Serpa L2 Tactical Holster
Easily conforms to leg size
Rear sight protection
No slide design
Features swivel buckles for quick disconnection
Does fit all models it claims to fit
Inconsistency with quality
This is one of the best-reviewed holsters produced by Blackhawk. It has the ability to fit snuggly to your leg. This means that you’ll feel comfortable while wearing it. The form of the harness suspension system is ideal because it distributes weight evenly and keeps holster vertical when kneeling. This holster is also easy to mount and dismount thanks to the swivel buckles. It also features rubberized leg straps, reducing the likelihood to slide.
Read moreFlexible Thigh Platform
One of the best things about this holster is its flexibility and ability to conform to your thigh size. What’s more, you won’t feel any inconvenience because you’re the one who makes the necessary adjustments!
Superior Maneuverability
This particular model was designed to allow easy and comfortable maneuverability. They are also equipped with swivel buckles that make mounting and dismounting as simple as possible.
Cost and Value
The price is varies depending on hand orientation, size, and color. If you want your holster to blend in with your clothes, don’t worry! You can choose from a large range of colors and sizes.
7. BlackHawk Serpa Level 3 Auto Lock
Great for on-duty use
Natural release
Nice draw speed
Eye-pleasing design
Well built
Fits almost too snug
Slightly oversized
Level 3 retention holsters are pretty standard for law enforcement use. BlackHawk! Went and added their SERPA technology for superior retention, creating a holster that allows for rapid draw perfect in high-stress situations. You’ve got draw speed, natural release, and a cut down body with a tapered trailing edge for optimal concealment. What more could you want?
Read moreExcellent duty holster
It does what it’s supposed to do. What more could you ask for with a holster that’s relied upon by so many people? Whether on duty or at the range, it will do the job, admirably, again and again.
Release system ease of use
In a high-pressure situation, when you need your weapon in your hand, NOW, this holster will not let you down. It gives you a full grip, for a nice, natural release.
Cost and Value
Whatever it costs for the feelings of safety, confidence, and reassurance that this holster gives you, it’s minimal at best.
8. BlackHawk Standard CQC Concealment
Excellent bargain
Very comfortable
Great fit
Comes with both belt loop and paddle
Excessive wear on the weapon
Poor retention
A more cost-conscious offering of the Serpa CQC Concealment holster, the standard CQC holster is accessible to every type of shooter and can be used for work or for play. While it doesn’t offer the same retention of some of the other BlackHawk! Holsters on the market, the included belt loop, and paddle, along with other bells and whistles you’d expect from the company, more than makeup for this minor issue. Better still, it is COMFORTABLE.
Read moreYou get (more than) what you pay for
The BLACKHAWK! SERPA CQC Concealment Holster is a fantastic holster. It’s also expensive, and maybe a bit too much holster for the average “sport” shooter. No problem. This version offers the same peace of mind and leaves you at peace with your wallet.
Paddles and loops
Much like the BLACKHAWK! SERPA CQC Concealment Holster, this holster gives you the option of a paddle or a belt loop. Both are simple to figure out, and the holster is comfortable once installed. This versatility goes a long way to providing excellent value.
Cost and Value
This holster has much of the same appeal as the Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster for less than half the cost. That means it is a great bargain.
9. BlackHawk Omnivore Streamlight TLR
Welcome versatility
Heavy duty construction
Locks onto the light securely
Fast draw
Holds the gun very securely...
Weapon sometimes gets stuck
A bit too large
Omnivore. That implies that this holster shouldn’t be picky, and it’s not. With over 150 pistols equipped with an accessory rail, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a gun it doesn’t like. It is an extremely versatile holster that goes out of its way to make users happy.
Read moreSo many guns!
This holster can fit many different types of pistols to ensure you can carry the right one for the occasion. While it is pretty huge, that just increases the range of weapons it can hold.
Like a tank
It looks good, it fits well, it’s designed well. All around, the holster was built to perform, and for a long time at that. If you fear commitment, stay away, because this holster isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Cost and Value
For as solid-built as the holster is, it would be perfectly acceptable if it was also expensive. It’s not. BlackHawk! Missed an opportunity to charge a lot more when they built it, given the quality.
10. BlackHawk Epoch Level 3 Light
Responsive and easy to use
Smooth draw
Compatible with several lights
Fits well
Clunky
Bulky
This holster has three levels of retention. THREE. That gives the EPOCH Level 3 Light Bearing Duty Holster the highest level of security that BlackHawk! Offers. It also fits several types of lights, locking on and not letting go. That in and of itself demands attention and should be enough of a selling point. But wait, there’s more.
Read moreCompatibility!
It’s hard enough to find any light bearing holsters worth talking about, so to find one with so many options is a breath of fresh air. Not only does it fit lots of gun/light combinations, but it also holds them well, too.
The Hold
Not only was this one designed to hold your firearm securely in place. It was also developed to allow you a quick and smooth draw of the weapon. Promising you that while drawing the weapon you won't get a snag.
Cost and Value
Not a value priced holster per se, but if you factor in how many lights it’s compatible with, that really doesn’t matter. If you need a light bearing holster, it’s affordable and well made, so why don’t you own one?
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
BLACKHAWK! also goes out of the way to make sure their holsters feel snug and comfortably on your person. And to make sure you don’t feel weird or weighed down when your gun’s in the holster.
Ease of Use
Being able to pull out your gun quickly and effectively in an emergency situation can make a difference between life and death. And the last thing anybody wants is for the gear to restrict that effectiveness too much. BLACKHAWK! understands this and made sure their holsters grant you that effectiveness.
Safety Hazards
BLACKHAWK! holsters are best known for their “auto-lock” system/technology. The company ensures that your gun is safely in their holster. Not flopping around in it when you’re walking. And, most importantly, not pulled away by somebody else when in the heat of the battle. Training is important and available to users of BLACKHAWK!’s patented SERPA “auto-lock” technology.
Durability
BLACKHAWK! raises the bar away from the polymer plastic that’s been used since the ’60s. Their polymer is of high-density and mixed proportionally with carbon fiber materials. The other parts of their holsters are made of stainless steel and brass, For their holsters that don’t rely on metal or polymers; the nylon and leather they use are of high quality.BLACKHAWK!’s holsters are widely known for their durability and long-lasting toughness. Conceal carriers, police, security officers, and soldiers mainly choose BLACKHAWK!’s holsters with little regrets.
Fit
BLACKHAWK! holsters have been designed to make sure they fit onto your person, and the guns fit into them, without difficulty nor issues. If fitting does become an issue; there are fellow gun enthusiasts on websites like YouTube, the people at BLACKHAWK!, and the dealers who sell the holsters who are more than happy to help.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Comfort Ease of Use Safety Hazards Durability Fit 
We forget sometimes that there are people in the living, and cartoon, the world who can utilize a gun in each hand. Be it Cho Yun Fat’s characters he plays in past movies or Revy from the anime Black Lagoon. BLACKHAWK! had made products for this type of people.
One of the main issues with concealed weapon carriers is the feeling of uneasiness from people who don’t carry weapons. The supposed idea behind “concealed carry” is that other people aren't supposed to know that you have a gun on them. BLACKHAWK! goes out of the way to make sure that nobody knows that you’re packin’.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How did it all start?
With a wish, a wish to achieve a goal. During the ’90s, one of our proud Navy SEALs was going through a minefield. However, his gear pack ripped apart on him and the stuff he needed became dangerously out of his reach. What was going through the back of his mind at the time (probably after a few, elongated curse words that can’t be posted on this site) was a goal to achieve if ever he survived his ordeal. And that goal was, and is today, to create the type of gear that would not fail any soldier or anybody else; EVER.
q: What IS the SERPA system?
Michael Serpa had heard about how the police and plain-clothed officers had their guns pulled out of their holsters and killed with them. So he decided to create the technology to cut down on situations like these ever happening again. It’s been considered an amazing system despite him not being a gun enthusiast.BLACKHAWK!’s SERPA comes in 3 levels; #3 being the highest. And it mainly consists of a padded lock that holds the gun tightly in the holster. The tightness can be adjusted by one or more screws on the holster.
q: So what is CQC?
“Close Quarters Concealment;” a “younger sibling term” for “close quarters combat.” “Close quarters concealment” is a term that’s used for police officers in a sting or plain-clothed bodyguards.
q: Wait. Wasn’t there an effort to ban BLACKHAWK! Holsters?
Recently, the Los Angeles Police Department had outright banned the use of them this summer. There are also a number of shooting ranges, training agencies, and police agencies that would rather not use them. To be more precise; the Serpa auto-lock holsters. One of the main issues is dirt, sand, and other small particles will jam the parts of the auto-lock feature. The other is that the unlocking mechanism of the holster is right next to the trigger finger. So someone might accidentally discharge the handgun while trying to pull it from out of the holster. The third is the complaints about the shoddy material holding the holster; someone’s belt or something else. And the “bad guy” might rip the whole holster away from its owner. (Although it would be totally cool of the “good guy” is able to shoot from the holster, like in the movies or cartoons, doing it unintentionally and accidentally would be in-between the realm of bad and worse.)
