blackpoint tactical Archives

Preface

Handgun holsters are a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine. I really enjoy having a selection of holsters to accompany my handguns, it diversifies the way I can carry them. Today’s topic is another new to me product, and one that competes with some of my favorite holsters. That holster is the BlackPoint Tactical Slick Duty Holster, a polymer duty-grade holster designed for the professional. The Slick duty holster provides both protection and retention for you chosen sidearm.

most of my testing was done using the **Ruger RXM**

The BlackPoint Tactical Slick Duty Holster

With a molded polymer design, the Slick holster has a perfect fit for whatever model pistol you have; as long as it is a Glock, P320 or Echelon. Only duty pistols need apply here. The Slick Duty holster uses two methods of retention, first is the adjustable friction. And the second is the auto-rotating hood, actuated by pressing the release button. The button itself is tucked away discreetly between the holster and your belt, and is very obscure to the onlooker.

disassembled to show the mounting options and **QLS Fork**

When released, the hood folds out of the way. For pistols with mounted optics, the hood covers both the optic and the back of the slide. The two-piece hood is very robust, giving great protection to both slide and optic. Its not even a little bit exposed.

Note: here you can see the hood release button

According to the manufacturer, this holster is the result of years of feedback on holster design. And after using it I can see exactly how good ideas were incorporated into this holster. Its also compatible with other very popular brands like Safariland, BladeTech, Blackhawk, and True North Concepts. Allowing you to seamlessly add this holster into your kit.

In the Field

As I unboxed the holster, I was quickly impressed with the robust rigidity of the design. This is not some flimsy quick mold, it is a strong .125″ Kydex molded holster. The holster can be purchased with several connection options, I chose the Safariland QLS fork option because that’s what my belts use. You can adjust the cant and ride height with the mounting screws, which are all installed with thread-locker to avoid coming loose.

the **Blackpoint Tactical Slick Duty holster** fit perfectly into my belt configuration

Mounting

The Slick Duty holster snapped right into my belt using the QLS system. After making a couple adjustments on the angle, everything felt right. I dropped my Ruger RXM pistol into the holster, and it was a perfect fit. I only slightly adjusted the friction screw, mostly to reduce any slop within the holster.

attaching the holster to the Safariland QLS mount

Compatibility

I used a variety of different Glock styled pistols with this holster. Mainly my Ruger RXM with both the full size G17 frame, and the compact G19 frame. I also tried my PSA Dagger which fit slightly tighter than the RXM. Several other Glock clone pistols also fit perfectly into the holster.

I was also pleased to see that Blackpoint had left open the end of the holster. Even including an opening for threaded barrels to nest neatly in the holster.

Other Glock clone pistols like the PSA Dagger also fit nicely

Quality

I already mentioned how well built this holster is, but lets get into more detail. The .125 inch thick Kydex is much tougher than most other Kydex holsters I’ve seen. And it is fastened with quality screws and rubber grommets. The hood that covers both the back of the slide and your optic is also quite tough, not just a little flip open cover like some others. I expect you would need a hammer or large pair of pliers to break or remove it.

The two-piece hood also features a little integrating tooth that keeps the two pieces locked together when closed. In a similar fashion, the attachment point for the holster is also reinforced and uses a variety of different screw hole patterns to allow various mounting solutions.

Durability

While I haven’t used this holster as long as many others, I have been immediately impressed with it. Wearing it on a belt all day, getting in and out of chairs, vehicles, ATV’s and such has quickly proven how tough and resistant this holster is. I fully expect it will last for years even with daily wear.

Pros and Cons

For a duty minded holster, I came up with few things to dislike about this holster. Using the QLS fork as I did makes it very easy to remove from your belt for comfort during longer drives. I really like how well it protects my optic from getting contaminated. Even riding ATV’s down muddy roads where everything got messy, my Vector Frenzy red dot stayed pristine. And though I’m glad it hasn’t happened yet, I would fully expect both my gun and holster to stay put even if drove off the steep embankment.

The quick release button is covert and out of sight mostly, but is still quick to blindly hit with my thumb. All while keeping a solid grip on the pistol. Furthermore, it is only a slightly different motion than what I’m used to with my Safariland holsters that I also use frequently.

Additional equipment seen here: my Lead Devil gunbelt and my **WGE Razor hearing pro**

My Conclusion

Holsters are as much about preferences as performance I suppose. After all, if you don’t like the way it fits or functions it can be annoying and even dangerous. The Blackpoint Tactical Slick Duty Holster is an excellent choice that is well worth your consideration. You will likely find, like I did, that it will meet your convenience, retention and durability requirements. With prices starting around $160 I think it is well worth the asking price, I may need to get another one that allows use with my Surefire X300…

-CBM

Check out more holster reviews here

Preface

Holster options are as diverse as the spectrum of pistols they carry. And the different options that people use for carrying handguns can be quite subjective as well depending on the situation. Today we are looking at another new to me holster, like many modern holster designs this one has some unique design features. Our topic today is the Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing OWB holster.

My Ruger RXM fit perfectly in the holster, note belt loops and their diameter

The Blackpoint Tactical Leather WING Holster

Blackpoint Tactical is an American company based in Georgia, with a focus on making holsters that are comfortable and concealable. They manufacture various different holsters but our focus today is on their Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing OWB holster. It uses both traditional Kydex and as its name idicates, Leather Wings.

This dual material construction has its advantages. The traditional Kydex gives that perfect fit and retention, while the leather gives the durability and dexterity that handgunners have enjoyed since the beginning of carrying a gun. Extremely durable metal belt loops are attached using steel fasteners, the same ones are used to attach the leather to the Kydex as well. The leather wings give a natural flex-point for comfort when moving, sitting and other activities.

These holsters are available for a variety of popular pistols, mine is made for a Glock 17 pattern pistol. You can order the holsters molded for specific weapon light combinations, and since I usually use the Surefire X300 thats what I got.

When you order the holster you can specify much more. Different color patterns of both Kydex and leather can be specified for customization, as well as right or left-handed. You can also select a canted angle or straight depending on how you like to carry your gun. Different belt loops are also available, allowing you to fit whatever belt you plan on using.

Features

Leather Wings– Allow for ultimate comfort, reliability, and concealment by allowing the leather to curve naturally to the body.

Metal OWB Loops– Eliminates a common failure point on many OWB holsters.

Sweat Guard– Standard option that extends from top of holster between body and firearm. Protects gun by providing a sweat barrier from the body. Protects body from gun when holstering. Provides touch point for ease in holstering.

Cant Options– Available straight up and down or at a 15° forward cant.

OWB Concealable– The thin mounting profile of the holster allows for OWB concealment.

Thread Locker– Applied to all screws to prevent loosening over time.

Additional OWB Loops– Available in 2.00”, 1.75”, and 1.5”. Our adjustable loop is 1.75” and allows for adjustments in ride height.

OWB/IWB Conversion– All OWB holsters can be converted to IWB by removing the OWB loops from the back of the holster and attaching IWB loops to the front of the holster.

Wearing the Blackpoint Tactical Leather WING Holster

Over the course of several weeks of daily carry, I familiarized myself with the Lether Wing holster. My main pistol for carrying in the holster was a Ruger RXM. This pistol is also configurable using either a G19 sized grip or the G17 sized grip. I used both during my testing but as you might imagine the smaller grip was more concealable. I also used another Glock clone pistol, this one was the BCA Grizzly 9mm. A full size G17 clone.

Comfort and Fit

For this type of holster I prefer carrying behind my right hip. But I did try different variations both further towards the hip and further towards the back. As always with such things, this greatly depends on the comfort and preference of the person doing the carrying.

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The flexibility of the leather on this holster did make it a little more comfortable, allowing it to move just enough. I did notice when worn more towards my hip, the natural pivot point when sitting did cause a little pinching sensation. As clothing/holster flex when I sat, there was sometimes a little bit of a squeeze where I didn’t want it. This also could be related to my physical shape (more round than not), and will of course depend on yours. In the end I found it wasn’t a problem by moving the holster further around towards my back.

There is a Kydex “ear” that extends up to prevent the slide from riding against your clothes or skin. This is always a nice touch, especially for those of us who aren’t as slender as we once were.

Retention

The tight fitting Kydex kept my pistol secure in the holster. There is a definititve snap sensation when the pistol is seated or pulled from the holster. I wouldn’t call it a hard pull, it felt like just the right amount of retention to keep the pistol safely secured. Without making it hard to access. The retention varied obviously with different pistol designs. Friction alone should be plenty to keep a CCW pistol like this secured, and the clutch of the Kydex is just right in my opinion. Unless you plan on riding roller coasters or doing tuck and roll dismounts you shouldn’t have a problem.

Blackpoint Tactical, blackpoint, tactical, leather IWNG, holster, ccw, concealed carry, kydex, glock 19, glock 17, leather, ruger RXM, drawing from holster on pistol shooting range, — the **Ruger RXM** and **Surefire X300** combination fit perfectly in the Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing holster

Due to the two sided Kydex clam-shell design, there is a natural split at the bottom of the holster. Left open to prevent accumulation of debris and the dreaded CCW fuzz-ball. The gap is almost enough to even use my RXM with the threaded barrel installed. Even if I needed to trim it slightly it would still work.

Quality

Blackpoints build quality is great, with quality fasteners holding the whole thing together. The screws do not come loose, and there are strong rivets holding the individual pieces together. The nicely finished edges make it less likely to snag on clothing, or harsh against skin. And the handsome different patterns available allow you to match your holster to your style and tastes.

Pros and Cons

Almost all of my complaints when it comes to CCW issues stem from comfort and printing. Both of these issues should be reason enough for me to get in better shape, which should fix the issues. But as it pertains to this holster specifically, there is little to complain about.

Other Glock patterned pistols like this **BCA Grizzly** also fit nicely, even with large optics like the **Gideon Omega**

I mentioned the slight pinching issue I had, but I already mentioned how that can be remedied. I suppose the only other thing I would change about it if I could would be to make an option for thinner belt loops. I found there was just enough slop between my belt and holster loops to allow some movement. Not a big deal, but something I would prefer given the chance to change it.

Blackpoint Tactical, blackpoint, tactical, leather IWNG, holster, ccw, concealed carry, kydex, glock 19, glock 17, leather, ruger RXM, — My **Ruger RXM 9mm** fit perfectly with both **large and small frames**, you can read more about the Vector Optics Frenzy red dot here

This holster gives a very secure place for your CCW pistol. With great retention and placement, without giving up some dexterity in how you wear it. It also allows plenty of room for pistol mounted optics, like the Gideon Omega seen here.

Final Thoughts

As I mentioned at the beginning, a holster is a lot like a ladies purse; which one you use depends greatly on what you intend to put in it that day, what you are wearing for an outfit, and where you plan on going. I have found that this means you are bound to end up having various holsters for different occasions and activities. I have found that the Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing OWB holster is a great asset to have in my inventory.