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Blackhawk! CQC Level II SERPA Holster (Matte Black finish, for Springfield XD)

After realizing that getting my CCDW Permit here in Delaware was going to be the biggest PITA, I started considering Open Carry (OC), and began my research on the subject. But with OC (as well as concealed carry) comes the need for a really good holster - one that satisfies many requirements. And the Blackhawk CQC seems to cover all the bases for OC:

1. Keeps the gun securely IN the holster, regardless of body position or activity

2. Provides an active retention system for security without straps or snaps

3. Completely covers the trigger

4. Provides a full firing grip during draw

5. Features adjustable cant

6. Goes easy on the wallet

I had called my local gun store and asked if they carried this holster. They told me that they did, and asked if I wanted them to hold it for me. I said "yes" of course! After two weeks of waiting for funds, I was able to go pick it up. I could hardly wait until I got home to "test" it out!

My investigations and analysis of my new holster became easier for me when I put it down on paper (or in this case, my computer). I thought I'd publish my findings and opinions on my website so that other people could put my information to good use if they're researching holsters, too. So, without further delay, here we go...

Here's what it looked like, all nicely packaged:

Product Packaging:

Front: Colorful and simple, it catches the eye on the shelves. And yes, it was $39.95 (no tax in Delaware). Your store prices may be lower.	Back: This holster seems to cover all the bases, with plenty of features and options. And it's even made in the USA!!

Package Details: "410507BK-R Blackhawk CQC SERPA Hlstr TM Fnsh SpringfieldXD-Blk"

The instructions that came with the holster were thorough in some aspects, but lacking in others. The instruction's 4-pages are broken down as follows:

0.5 pages of logos and features

1.0 pages of instructions for use

2.0 pages of warnings

0.5 pages of the limited warranty

While it was very nice to read about all the features of the holster (which is partly on the packaging) and find out that it has a one-year warranty (which is a good thing), 50% of the instruction booklet is warnings of "Always..." and "Do not" kind of statements. Which I understand is a basic necessity of any manufacturer of firearms accessories to avoid potential lawsuits, but to me, it's still a little... disheartening. Especially considering that only 1 page was devoted to the actual "how-to" instructions for use (engaging the retention system and drawing the gun). What the instructions DID NOT include was any mention of how to:

1. use the paddle platform. At first, I had assumed that the belt platform snapped onto the paddle somehow. But it doesn't. It's an either-or situation.

2. adjust the cant. I tried just loosening the screws, but you actually have to take the screws out all the way.

OK, that's enough about the instructions. I'm sure some of my disappointment w/ the instructions stems from my total inexperience with one of these holsters, but at the same time, since I never used one of these holsters, I wish the instructions would have mentioned these important (to me) points somewhere.

Now, we'll get to the good stuff:

Holster Details:

Front (w/ Belt Loop Attached):	Rear (w/ Belt Loop Attached):
Right out of the box, the holster comes with the Belt Loop Platform attached. The Paddle Platform is also included. The finish is definitely "matte" and non-reflective. The holster itself is very strong, sturdy and well-made, yet it's very lightweight. The Belt Loop and Paddle Platform "pieces" are also sturdy, and the three screws which hold the holster to either platform create a solid connection.

Removing the Belt Loop from the Holster provides a better view of the components. Each "piece" is photographed and written in more detail below:

Belt Loop Front:	Belt Loop Rear:
The Belt Loop Platform is a simple design w/ an adjustable "slider" on each side to adjust the platform snug against your belt. The overall dimensions of the belt loop platform are approximately 4" wide and 3" high. The largest belt width using the adjustable "sliders" measures 1-5/8". The belt opening measures 2-1/4" without the sliders in place. So, I'm not sure how a 1-3/4" wide belt would work - I guess it would be crumpled inside the loop area a little (?)....

Paddle Front:	Paddle Rear:
The Paddle Platform fits very nicely inside the waistband and hugs the belt perfectly (thanks to the adjustable "sliders" on each side). The little "lip" near the bottom of the paddle also help keep the holster where it should be while drawing. The "system" actually works better than it should, because I find it sometimes challenging to remove the holster! The overall dimensions of the paddle are roughly 5.5" wide and 5" high.

Both Platforms provide multiple positions (screw head "wells") for adjusting the cant. The holster comes packaged with a straight-up cant. There are two additional positions available in either direction (forward or rearward) for finding the best angle for you.

Front of holster: The finger-activation platform can easily be seen here, with the passive retention adjustment screw just underneath.	Rear of Holster: The three screw holes for adjusting the cant can be seen on the rear of the holster, along with the back end of the retention screw and "nut".
The front of the holster is where the SERPA finger-activation platform ("access button") is located, providing a natural way to disengage the retention system WHILE drawing the gun using a full firing grip. The dimensions of just the holster overall are roughly 5.75" high and 3.25" wide.

Back side/edge of holster:	Inside the holster:
The holster is 1.5" deep at the bottom and is 1.75" wide across the top at the flared opening. Adding the thickness of the platform gives you about 2" of added "width" to your person when wearing the holster. Looking inside the holster you find nothing but smooth slippery surfaces. The retention system is simple yet VERY thorough in keeping your gun IN the holster. I have literally tried just yanking the gun out of the holster many times, using a LOT of force. Unless you have the "finger-activation platform" depressed, you're not removing the gun without bringing the entire paddle along (or ripping the belt off).

Lock mechanism engaged:	Lock mechanism disengaged:
The retention system of this holster is unbelievable! I tried with all my might to yank and wiggle the gun OUT of the holster. The only thing that'll release the retention system is depressing the finger-activation platform. This simple design is extremely reliable and only lets go when you want it to.

Since I currently have two options of OC, I tested both of my XD-9's in the holster. Following is a side-by-side comparison of the two in the holster...

Gun "Fit" and Dimensional Comparisons:

XD-9 subbie (3" bbl):	XD-9 Service (4" bbl):

Right side: Subbie Model	Right Side: Service Model
As you can see, both models fit the same around the trigger guard area. Only the grip length and muzzle (inside the holster) vary at all. Both models "stick out" of the holster about 1.5"

Top View: Subbie Model	Top View: Service Model
Both models look the same from this view.

Rear View: Subbie Model	Rear View: Service Model
The only difference here is the grip length.

Front view: Subbie Model The subbie is tucked back about 1-1/8" from the edge of the holster	Front view: Service Model The service is almost in-line with the edge of the holster, only being "hidden" by about 3/16"

Front angled view: Subbie Model Just a different view to show how far recessed the subbie is from the edge....	Front angled view: Service Model ... and how close the service model is to the edge. My guess is the tactical would stick out a little.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for.... (where's that drum roll??)

D A V E ' S P R O D U C T R E V I E W : B L A C K H A W K C Q C S E R P A H O L S T E R

	Pro's / Good things:	Con's / Bad Things:

Holster:	Workmanship is mostly top-notch, especially on the "exposed" surfaces of the holster. No major rough spots that I can see or feel. The matte black is a nice non-reflective finish.	There are two "imperfections" that I found (one on the holster and one on the paddle). These are near the seams and are probably from the mold (at least that's my best guess).

Platform:	Includes BOTH the Belt Loop and Paddle Platforms. Each platform allows for adjustment of cant AND "tightness" against the belt for added security and stability. All the screws sit IN small "wells" which help to secure your personal settings, and help to keep the setting even if a screw is a little loose.	The "switch" from the Belt Loop to the Paddle Platforms (and vice-versa) is a bigger PITA than I expected. It's NOT a quick process. You need to REMOVE (not just loosen) the three screws and swap them to the other platform, and then re-set your cant for the next platform. If you switch from one platform to the other often, this will get old REALLY fast.

Retention:	The retention system on this holster is unbelievable! It's such a simple design, but holds like crazy. The only thing that seems to work on the release of the gun is properly depressing the finger-activation platform.	N/A

Drawing:	Drawing from this holster is awesome. With the proper retention setting, and a little practice, drawing the gun is one simple fluid motion. It surprised me how easy and fast the system is to use. By keeping your trigger finger extended (like we all do anyway), your hand wraps around the grip for a full firing grip on the gun, AND your trigger finger naturally and effortlessly just "hits" the release platform, allowing the proper "grab" of the gun and release of the locking system in one fluid motion.	N/A

Reholstering:	Fast and simple. Just put the gun back in the holster all the way and hear the "click."	N/A

Size:	The holster has no excess material to get in the way of a draw. It's relatively low profile and only adds about 2" in width to your body (OWB configuration).	N/A

Fit:	The holster provides a nice secure enclosure for the gun. The grip is easily accessible for a natural and fast draw.	Both of my XD's fit kind of loosely in the holster. The retention system in engaged perfectly, but the gun rattles back and forth (front to back) about 1/8". I would have thought the gun would be snug in the holster, but this is not the case.

Instructions:	Instructions on drawing and using/adjusting the retention system were thorough.	Said nothing about HOW to use or change the Platforms or really adjust the cant. It's left up to the owner to figure it all out.

Final thoughts: Although you can "get away" with a regular belt as long as the proper holster/platform adjustments are made, a GOOD gun belt is STILL necessary to properly complete the system. I use the Paddle Platform at home and it holds the gun tight against my body just fine. Changing platforms is annoying to say the least, since you need to remove all the screws to make the change. If you're going to use both platforms off and on, for the price ($40), you may as well buy another one. That way you can keep both platforms (and the cants) set and ready to go. It really bothered me that the holster did NOT hold the gun snugly. The gun would rattle a little from front to back. The retention was perfect, but I expected the gun to be held perfectly still and snug. The holster and Paddle Platform were VERY comfortable to wear for an extended length of time. I had my 4" service model on me in the holster (at 3:00 hip) using the Paddle Platform for about 5 hours and it was perfectly comfortable, even while standing, sitting, cooking, walking up and down stairs, etc. I would recommend this holster to everyone who needs a VERY high quality yet affordable retention holster. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars, or an "A-" grade, or about a 92% out of 100% (all depending on how your rating system works). It doesn't score "perfect" w/ me because of the "looseness" of the gun in the holster, and the seemingly tedious nature of switching between the two platforms. But beyond that, this holster is awesome, especially the retention system AND the ease of draw.

Well, that's it. I hope this review was of some help to people.

Updated: 09.03.2007