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Comfortable Carry: Blackpoint Tactical Leather WING OWB Holster

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.

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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.

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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.

-CBM

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Safariland Incog X Holster

Preface

There are few bigger names in the holster business than Safariland. I was told by a friend years ago that its hard to go wrong with one of their holsters, after years and several holsters later I echo his opinion. Today I am bringing you something a little different, as most of my holsters are OWB style. Today we are looking at the Safariland Incog X IWB holster for concealed carry.

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the Ruger RXM is a G19 clone I used extensively while testing, it was outfitted with a Vortex Defender red dot

Options

The Incog X holster is available in a variety of options. With four different color options with it’s Cordura wrap, and you can order it with or without the magazine caddy. Another option is right or left handed draw, for those who carry on the wrong side. You can of course choose between various popular weapon light compatibility, as well as pistol optic cuts. These varying options can change the price from $100 to $132.

Setup and Assembly

Opening the package, I found the typical Safariland presentation. The holster and side-car came with a plastic baggy with additional fasteners and other small parts. The holster can be used with ot without the side-car (magazine caddy), the extra screws are for different configurations.

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As well there are different sized spacers to install on the concealment strut, the polymer extension on one end to enhance concealment. You can change the thickness of the strut spacer to engage with your belt, causing the ride of the holster to hug your body.

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The belt loop clips allow for various belt sizes. And the mounting holes are slotted so you can adjust the ride-height. There are two screws accented by a red washers, one on the holster itself and one on the side-car. The red washer identifies it as the tension screw, which you can tighten or loosen to set holster retention to your taste.

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The back side of the Incog X holster has a comfortable microfiber suede soft lining. This makes it less abrasive where it contacts your body and waistline. As maximizing comfort is important when carrying.

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Concealed Carry with the Incog X Holster

IWB holsters definitely favor the slimmer folks out there. If you’ve got a bit of extra tummy, it can make these style of holster a little less comfortable. With that said, I was happy with how well the Incog X holster fit me, despite my dad-bod. I definitely wasn’t going to be able to sit down with it in the appendix position though.

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As you can tell, this is not me in the picture. You can see how a trim person can easily tuck this whole combination

It was impressive how well my gun hid under a simple t-shirt when I did carry it appendix. I thought for sure my abdominal profile would have pushed the pistol print out more than it did.

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you can see on this trim model, there is some printing. Oddly enough having a dad-bod helped cover up the print

The security of my pistol was outstanding in the Incog X holster. I typically carry on the back of my hip, it was pleasing to have this comfort and control using this holster. And having the side-car with an extra mag was icing on the cake, as I don’t always carry an extra mag when I carry.

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I also used the PSA Dagger pistol during testing, it fit perfectly as well

Adjusting the tension on the holster pocket was easy, I was actually surprised at how much tension could be added. To the point of making it irritatingly secure. After a few tries I found a good level of retention, as well as the correct ride height and fit.

I tried various Glock style pistols in the Incog X, mainly my Ruger RXM, and a PSA Dagger compact. Both are G19 size pistols, and compatibility with all of them seemed great.

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the side-car magazine caddy is convenient and sturdy

Pros and Cons

The negative aspects of the Incog X holster are much like other IWB holsters. Meaning that its application greatly depends on the build of the person wearing it. In my opinion, if you are a chubby fellow it might be a little more challenging to use.

On the plus side, the holster offers great comfort and portability of your CCW pistol. It keeps it secure and close, for those times when you might need it. High quality fasteners and materials come pretty standard with safariland products. The Incog X comes with all the things that has made Safariland product so desirable.

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Last Words

With so many great options out there, you definitely have choices. The Safariland Incog X holster is certainly a good option in my opinion. It brings high quality and compatibility and to be honest a handsome look to your CCW holster. You owe it to yourself to give these holsters a look if you are shopping for one.

-CBM

Check out more holsters here

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Safariland Gravity Holster

Preface

As my love affair with pistols has matured, it has been commensurate that holsters have become a bigger and bigger part of my inventory. There are so many different options out there it can often be hard to choose. I’ve become a bit of a fan of Safariland holsters, the style and quality fit my taste and needs. Perhaps knowing I am a fan, Safariland sent me one of their new Gravity holsters. Today I aim to share with you my experience with it.

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the Ruger RXM with the Vortex Defender red dot fit perfectly in the Gravity

The Gravity Holster

The Gravity holster is a paddle style holster, using a polymer paddle as an anchor point underneath your belt. Like other paddle holsters, the Gravity can be put into place or removed without the need to remove or even loosen your belt.

There is a flexible hook feature to keep the holster affixed to your waistline during the draw. Removing the holster requires flexing the holster away from the paddle to allow the retension hook to pass the belt.

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Like most Safariland holster, the Gravity is made from a polymer blend molded to fit your pistol. In this case a Glock 19 pattern that will fit a variety of my handguns. The holster pocket can be adjusted for tension by a clamping screw backed by a rubber stopper. Inside the pocket, you will find a suede liner to protect your pistol from rubbing on the steel fasteners. And on the exterior you will find the traditional Safariland Cordura wrapping, in whatever pattern you choose.

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Wearing the Safariland Gravity Holster

The Gravity holster rides outside your belt, meaning you are either open carrying or covering it with a shirt or jacket. Due to my daily program I often carry openly, or at least with no concern for concealment. This allowed me to put the Gravity through vigorous daily use; driving in the truck, sitting in my office, walking around a busy shop, etc.

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my Shadow Systems DR920 fit perfectly as well, the cut seems made for the US Optics RISE red dot

For the most part I used my Ruger RXM for the daily carry in the Safariland Gravity holster. The fit was perfect, and allowed excellent draw access which I often practice during my day. While you can carry the Gravity holster in various locations, the most obvious and comfortable for me was at the back of my right hip.

Adjusting the cant of the holster to best fit my draw angle was easy, using the provided Allen wrench. I had ordered the Gravity cut for pistol optics because that how I roll now. My RXM and several other G19 pattern clones fit and functioned great. There is no mechanical retention other than the squeeze of the polymer and tension screw, so keep that in mind.

Safariland Gravity Holster Features

  • Adjustable Cant
  • Fully covered trigger guard
  • Adjustable tension allows for customized draw resistance
  • Front sight clearance 13/32” (0.406”)
  • Accommodates any Safariland 3-hole pattern holster mount
  • Fits belt widths up to 1.75” (45mm)
  • IDPA and USPSA approved

Pros and Cons

I carried my pistols for the better part of two months using the Gravity, and have come up with what i think are some fair assessments. Having the ability to quickly put on and take off the holster was one of my favorite features. I did find that I frequently did have a bit of a challenge getting the hook over my belt and pants. While this might make for comedic gold when watched from a safe hearing distance, it was a touch irritating. However I would much rather it be secure and solid when attached with a little effort to remove, than to have it come off too easy. I also noticed that when wearing a shirt, there is the classic problem of getting shirt jammed into the holster when re-holstering. This is simply a part of concealed carry, and something you need to be aware of.

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OWB holsters are far more prone to printing, which this one certainly could be depending on my fashion sense any particular day. But again, these are things you just deal with as a CCW enthusiast. It appears at printing that the Gravity is only available for right-hand draw, and I didn’t see a weaponlight option either.

Carrying a concealed weapon can involve a lot of compromises, and I think the Gravity Holster does a fine job of giving folks options. I’m a member of the clean plate guild, which means IWB holsters are often uncomfortable. The Gravity gives a very secure alternative that doesn’t require wearing a Mu’umu’u. It keeps my pistol right where I expect it to be, and has the adjustability to customize. It can even be mounted using the Safariland QLS system which I am also a big fan. All this in a holster that looks sharp and comes from a company with great service history.

Conclusion

I have enjoyed using the Gravity Holster the past few months, and I expect I will continue to enjoy it for years to come. Handguns and their holsters have become to me like my wife’s shoes. I often select a holster and firearm based on the days activities and wardrobe, having the Gravity holster is another excellent tool to have on my belt when carrying.

-CBM