FOBUS or Black Hawk or ?

[Brett]

What brand of Kydex tactical style holster do you like best and why?   I'm getting a S&W M&P .40 pistol and am thinking about getting a Tupperware holster for it.  I have always used leather holsters and have no experience with these ridged plastic types of holsters.  If it were a steel framed 1911 or CZ I would stick with leather but since the M&P is a polymer frame pistol I thought I would stay within that theme. 

The major differences that I can see is that FOBUS uses a snug fit with adjustable retention screws to hold the pistol firmly in the holster were as the Black Hawk uses a finger release lever retention devise.  I'ld like to hear thoughts/evaluations from users of one or both systems. 

Thanks.

       

[shvlhead.45]

Brett,

Have used both and prefer the Blackhawk.  When drawing from the Backhawk Serpa holster your firing hand index finger goes naturally to the latch release and lays along the frame above the trigger guard in the position everyone it taught these days.  There is no resistance once the latch release is depressed, draw is quick and effortless.

Another reason I liked the Blackhawke Serpa is that it can be used with a MOLLE mount and worn on military issue body armor or racks and while the location changes the muscle memory for the draw is the same.

I did not like the FOBUS or the other kydex holster I used.  When tension is set tight enought that I felt comfortable that the pistol would not come out unintentionally the pistol had to be twisted and pulled very vigerously to draw the pistol. 

v/r
Shvlhead.45

[Noreaster]

My buddy did a quick sprint with his P229 in a fobus holster and it bounced out onto the ground. Not good for retention. I haven't tried the other holsters.

[simplicity]

I have the same pistol M&P 40 both full size and compact. I looked at both and I went with the blackhawk just do toonce that lever is released it's effortless to draw and it's in a very natural position. The fobus holsters I tryed I had to almost change the way I drew everytime in order to get the gun out of the holster. Also the blackhawk will work with both the fullsize and compact M&P's the fobus I don't know I didn't get to try. i mainly got the holster for specifically doing 3gun events. In other words i'd say go for the bllackhawk spend the little bit extra for it and I have a hard time beleiving that you'd be dissapointed with it.

[Brett]

I'm leaning toward the Black Hawk and you guys just about have me convinced.  My M&P is the full size LEO version. It came with two 15 round magazines and three interchangeable back straps (small, medium and large).  It does not have a magazine disconnect or a goofy lock in the frame).  I intend to open carry it and use it as a range gun/woods tramping gun/home defense gun so concealability is not a big issue.

I think I like the positive latching mechanism of the Black Hawk.  I have an open top leather holster that retains my S&W M60 very well (I have even fallen down a flight of stairs without jarring it loose) but that is leather on steel.  Logic tells me that smooth plastic on plastic is a little slipperier so I have my doubts about the friction retention method employed by the FOBUS.

Anyone familiar with the Sportster model?

http://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-SERPA-Level-Sportster-Holster/dp/B001QGI1U8/ref=pd_sim_sg_1
  

[williamlayton]

Brett
I got one I will give you if you want it----you know me and scabbards.
Give me a headsup and its yours.
Blessings

[Brett]

Thanks Bill, that makes the decision process a whole lot easier.  

[pneuby]

Do yourself a favor, and check out the site WarriorTalk.com. Search the term 'SERPA'.
Not favorable to the product at all.

[Old Griz]

I have not tried the Blackhawk holster. I got a Fobus paddle holster long before the Blackhawks came out and I've had no reason to try anything else. The Fobus paddle is the most comfortable way I have ever found to carry a heavy Glock 21. So far I have not had a single mishap, and it has taken a beating over the years. I don't remember how many years ago I bought it, but it was when they first came out. I later bought a K-frame and J-frame paddle, but I don't carry them as much. I just stick the J-frame in a pocket holster.

[williamlayton]

Brett
Was the one I sent you a boom or a bust?
No need to be politically correct--it was a gift cause I didn't use it.
A report might be of interest to others--and I am curious also.
Does it narrow your focus?
Blessings

[Brett]

Bill,
Guess you didn't get the PM I sent.  The M&P fits the Sig 239 scabbard fairly well and will work in a pinch.  I did not realize you were sending an IWB holster.  I intend to use the M&P as a house gun/range gun/field gun and do not intend to use it as a concealed carry gun.  I'm not a big guy (5'6", 147#) so carrying a full sized service pistol concealed for me is a bit tricky to say the least.  So for CC duties I will have to stick with my J-frame and P-11. 

I will use the scabbard you sent until I find a suitable OWB replacement.

If anyone out there needs an IWB holster for Sig 239 I would be happy to pass it along.  If you happen to have a OWB holster for a S&W M&P40FS that you are not using I would be happy to take it off your hands.

[williamlayton]

I got the PM Matt--but wanted to pass it on to others as a point of conversation.
Blessings