HK duty holster

dsjackso · April 18, 2014, 03:05 PM

So I have been issued an HK USP 40 for my duty weapon and I need to provide my own holster. I think I have narrowed down to the blackhawk level 3 duty holster or the safariland ALS level 3 holster. Can you guys give me pros and cons of both and any experiences of note with either.

ftttu · April 18, 2014, 11:38 PM

There is a large hate crowd out there for the Blackhawk Serpa, but that is what I've had for the last several years. It has been the fastest drawing holster I've ever had, and I've had several makes and models after having had 9 duty weapons over the years.

You can watch negative YouTube videos on the Blackhawk which I don't think can be disputed. Even though the locking system can get fouled to the point the weapon can't be drawn to the holster being ripped from the belt to the holster being banned by shooting and/or training academies, I still like it for myself. It is by far the most widely used holster in my agency but that is neither here nor there.

However, I do recommend the Safariland over the Blackhawk, but I just don't rule the Blackhawk out. I don't know anyone in my agency who has had any problem with their Blackhawk, and again, they draw so quickly.

It all comes down to agency policy, price and personal preference.

Destructo6 · April 21, 2014, 09:24 AM

I prefer the Blackhawk Serpa Lvl3. A good, consistent grip gets you out of the holster fast. The only failure I've seen with these is the spring that holds the pivot guard latch in place losing its tension, allowing the pivot guard to pop open. I've used them in filthy conditions without issue.

I've used the Safariland SLS, which lacks the additional ALS lock. Always had trouble getting a consistent grip out of the holster with this. Also had the bale pop open inadvertently (with the SLS, there was little/no retention after that) many times. The springs for the bale would get dirty, gritty, then fail regularly. I have an ALS sitting here on the shelf that I'll probably never use.

mrray13 · April 21, 2014, 09:29 PM

I use an Uncle Mikes Pro3 slim for my level 3 duty rig. Been using them for awhile and love it. I use the Serpa for off duty carry.

45Gunner · April 23, 2014, 05:17 PM

Before I retired, I was issued a .40 HK duty gun. I was a bit more fortunate in that I was also issued a duty holster and magazine holder from Don Hume. I like the molded leather which was also comfortable to wear. Not crazy about the retention strap but if one must wear a retention holster, this was a good choice on the part of my Agency.

Noreaster · April 24, 2014, 01:02 AM

Safariland ALS 6360, best holster I've carried on duty belt.

April 18, 2014, 03:05 PM	#1
dsjackso Junior Member Join Date: February 9, 2014 Posts: 7	HK duty holster So I have been issued an HK USP 40 for my duty weapon and I need to provide my own holster. I think I have narrowed down to the blackhawk level 3 duty holster or the safariland ALS level 3 holster. Can you guys give me pros and cons of both and any experiences of note with either.

April 21, 2014, 09:24 AM	#3
Destructo6 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: Nogales, AZ USA Posts: 4,000	I prefer the Blackhawk Serpa Lvl3. A good, consistent grip gets you out of the holster fast. The only failure I've seen with these is the spring that holds the pivot guard latch in place losing its tension, allowing the pivot guard to pop open. I've used them in filthy conditions without issue. I've used the Safariland SLS, which lacks the additional ALS lock. Always had trouble getting a consistent grip out of the holster with this. Also had the bale pop open inadvertently (with the SLS, there was little/no retention after that) many times. The springs for the bale would get dirty, gritty, then fail regularly. I have an ALS sitting here on the shelf that I'll probably never use. __________________ God gave you a soul. Your parents, a body. Your country, a rifle. Keep all of them clean.

April 23, 2014, 05:17 PM	#5
45Gunner Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2009 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 1,902	Before I retired, I was issued a .40 HK duty gun. I was a bit more fortunate in that I was also issued a duty holster and magazine holder from Don Hume. I like the molded leather which was also comfortable to wear. Not crazy about the retention strap but if one must wear a retention holster, this was a good choice on the part of my Agency. __________________ 45Gunner May the Schwartz Be With You. NRA Instructor NRA Life Member

April 18, 2014, 11:38 PM	#2
ftttu Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2011 Posts: 226	There is a large hate crowd out there for the Blackhawk Serpa, but that is what I've had for the last several years. It has been the fastest drawing holster I've ever had, and I've had several makes and models after having had 9 duty weapons over the years. You can watch negative YouTube videos on the Blackhawk which I don't think can be disputed. Even though the locking system can get fouled to the point the weapon can't be drawn to the holster being ripped from the belt to the holster being banned by shooting and/or training academies, I still like it for myself. It is by far the most widely used holster in my agency but that is neither here nor there. However, I do recommend the Safariland over the Blackhawk, but I just don't rule the Blackhawk out. I don't know anyone in my agency who has had any problem with their Blackhawk, and again, they draw so quickly. It all comes down to agency policy, price and personal preference.

April 21, 2014, 09:29 PM	#4
mrray13 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 911	I use an Uncle Mikes Pro3 slim for my level 3 duty rig. Been using them for awhile and love it. I use the Serpa for off duty carry.

April 24, 2014, 01:02 AM	#6
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	Safariland ALS 6360, best holster I've carried on duty belt.