Holster Types for USP9

[Wendell]

You'll want a holster that doesn't take a light before you get a holster that does take a light. Most pistol sports won't allow you to use a pistol-mounted light. The only opportunity I've ever had to use a mounted light has been during some pistol courses, which are relatively infrequent, compared to the relatively frequent match opportunities. Unfortunately, due to various restrictions, I think you'll find that most shooting clubs are extremely restrictive in their rules surrounding low-light shooting (as in, 'it's not permitted'). Many IDPA matches will include a low-light stage, but that won't require (or permit) a pistol-mounted light. Bottom line, for IPSC and/or IDPA, and for completing your Black Badge course, your first holster probably should be something simple, like a Blade-Tech Classic OWB.

https://www.ipsc.org/ipsc-rules/rule-books/

https://www.idpa.com/rules

 

[Canuck44]

IDPA does allow flashlights but they must be hand held when shooting dark stages. I would not bother buying a holster/flashlight compatible holster. I have no idea what IPSC allows. Go here for their RB. https://www.ipsc.org and here for IDPA's RB idpa.com.

Take Care

Bob

 

[Rohann]

To the OP I don't want to tread on anyone's favourite pistol but they are a bit pricey, and there are other alternatives that work just as good or better. The HK is not top of mind for most who shoot IDPA. The gun does have it's followers and I am certain it is a good pistol. Other pistols just seem to be more popular. In the hands of a Master shooter who came up to our first Provincials, my stock M&P FS that cost me $500 new beat all the rest of us by a couple of minutes over 12 staqes. It is always the archer not the arrow. If you like the HK use it in SSP if it fits in the box ( I assume it would), and shoot it until the barrel wears out.

Take Care

Bob

Oh don't worry I'm not sensitive about it. I think USP's are strangely large, overengineered (not a bad thing in the least), and things like magazines are pricey. They were intended more for LE and "offensive" use than as a compact carry pistol, with provisions for use with gloves, etc. But they shoot well, are comfy, insanely reliable, and are really cool. I remember being enamoured with HK guns (probably like most people) when I first played Rainbow Six as a kid. I lucked out and got mine from a user on here for about $600CAD. I wouldn't have paid $1200 for it at the time.

You'll want a holster that doesn't take a light before you get a holster that does take a light. Most pistol sports won't allow you to use a pistol-mounted light. The only opportunity I've ever had to use a mounted light has been during some pistol courses, which are relatively infrequent, compared to the relatively frequent match opportunities. Unfortunately, due to various restrictions, I think you'll find that most shooting clubs are extremely restrictive in their rules surrounding low-light shooting (as in, 'it's not permitted'). Many IDPA matches will include a low-light stage, but that won't require (or permit) a pistol-mounted light. Bottom line, for IPSC and/or IDPA, and for completing your Black Badge course, your first holster probably should be something simple, like a Blade-Tech Classic OWB.

https://www.ipsc.org/ipsc-rules/rule-books/

https://www.idpa.com/rules

Looks like they're kosher only in IPSC open or specific divisions allowing for that. Bizarre that IDPA doesn't allow mounted flashlights considering how useful it would be in a CCW situation. My main motivation would be to have one for "SHTF" home use and to get used to the weight of it, rather than use it in competition.

911supply has one on for $60, decent price I take it?

That or the Safariland: https://www.amazon.ca/Safariland-Pa...er&qid=1585248899&s=sports&sr=1-10&th=1&psc=1.

Is one able to run around and do "athletic" things with the Classic OWB? I shoot with cops on occasion and we often do drills that involve sprints, barricades, etc. Pondering the thumb release holster as an alternative.

 

[jimbo14]

The gun will probably hop out of a basic "bucket" holster. I've seen it happen, but these people didn't tighten up the screws too much. It screws up a smooth draw. An IPSC "race" holster would work. Those can lock. Not the most concealable. lol!

I don't know much about other holsters that offer some kind of secondary retention, since the games I play don't require it.

For what you want to do, you and your buddies might need to create your own thing. I know of one type of match run on the mainland that would be up your alley, but it's only run a few times a year.

As for IPSC, (or IPSC-lite as in the SIAS series), or not, you can certainly learn a ton shooting with those guys. Many are really good, and people usually learn best by hanging around better shooters. Get involved. Learn how to shoot accurately and fast. The skills will transfer over to whatever you decide to shoot. All you need to do is learn the particular rules for each game you play.

 

[Rohann]

The gun will probably hop out of a basic "bucket" holster. I've seen it happen, but these people didn't tighten up the screws too much. It screws up a smooth draw. An IPSC "race" holster would work. Those can lock. Not the most concealable. lol!

I don't know much about other holsters that offer some kind of secondary retention, since the games I play don't require it.

For what you want to do, you and your buddies might need to create your own thing. I know of one type of match run on the mainland that would be up your alley, but it's only run a few times a year.

As for IPSC, (or IPSC-lite as in the SIAS series), or not, you can certainly learn a ton shooting with those guys. Many are really good, and people usually learn best by hanging around better shooters. Get involved. Learn how to shoot accurately and fast. The skills will transfer over to whatever you decide to shoot. All you need to do is learn the particular rules for each game you play.

Even out of a Bladetech with basic "friction" retention? https://www.911supply.ca/products/blade-tech-holster-owb-classic-asr?variant=31350504095802
Doesn't need crazy retention, but how did thise pop out? Jumping, running? And good advice re:IPSC. Always happy to learn.

 

[jimbo14]

Even out of a Bladetech with basic "friction" retention? https://www.911supply.ca/products/blade-tech-holster-owb-classic-asr?variant=31350504095802
Doesn't need crazy retention, but how did thise pop out? Jumping, running? And good advice re:IPSC. Always happy to learn.

Popped out while running at the start of a stage. The holster has screws you can tighten/loosen to adjust the friction. The looser they are, the less friction, and the less retention. The tighter they are, the more the gun will stay in there. However, if it's really snug, it'll be hard to draw the gun out of the holster. The crappier your belt is, or the "softer" your side is, the more the holster will rotate about the belt, and be hard to draw smoothly. I see those people too - they will be yanking on the gun trying to get it out of the holster.

If you're going to be doing parkour (lol!), then you might want a proper active retention system of some kind. One that when you release it, you will have a smooth draw.

This situation will vary from person to person. We are all different shapes/sizes, will move differently, have different belts/guns, draw speed, blah, blah, blah. Not sure what will apply to you.

 

[Rohann]

Good to know.
Just trying to figure out what YouTube instructors seem to be using, as they seem like regular drop-in paddle holsters, though they look different than the classic "OWB".

Haha not parkour, just being able to do sprints, lie down flat, etc. I'll consider a Safariland too. PS -- Does the TekLok attachment matter? The OWB at 911supply doesn't come with it.

 

[jimbo14]

Good to know.
Just trying to figure out what YouTube instructors seem to be using, as they seem like regular drop-in paddle holsters, though they look different than the classic "OWB".

Haha not parkour, just being able to do sprints, lie down flat, etc. I'll consider a Safariland too. PS -- Does the TekLok attachment matter? The OWB at 911supply doesn't come with it.

Teklok is handy to add your holster to the belt when you are already wearing the belt. Just loosen your belt, snap the teklok attachment in place, and you're gold. I have teklok on my IDPA mag pouch, and just the basic thread through attachment on my holster, as pictured in your link a few posts above. I do prefer my IPSC double belt setup though. Everything is locked in place already. lol!

Tell ya what I'll do for you later today - I'll take my Bladetech holster for my Shadow, and tighten up those screws and see what'll happen. I'll use my regular street belt, so it'll be the worst case scenario. Not sure I'll try burpees, since I'm old and might break something, and the hospitals are full. lol!

 

[Rohann]

Teklok is handy to add your holster to the belt when you are already wearing the belt. Just loosen your belt, snap the teklok attachment in place, and you're gold. I have teklok on my IDPA mag pouch, and just the basic thread through attachment on my holster, as pictured in your link a few posts above. I do prefer my IPSC double belt setup though. Everything is locked in place already. lol!

Tell ya what I'll do for you later today - I'll take my Bladetech holster for my Shadow, and tighten up those screws and see what'll happen. I'll use my regular street belt, so it'll be the worst case scenario. Not sure I'll try burpees, since I'm old and might break something, and the hospitals are full. lol!

Haha thanks a bunch, I appreciate the field test! And yes, please stay out of the hospital!

 

[jimbo14]

Haha thanks a bunch, I appreciate the field test! And yes, please stay out of the hospital!

Field test complete - without the ambulance. lol!

It'll work fine. It can be snug enough to run around, get down, etc, and stay in place. The only concern I may have for you is "will the increased friction contribute to accelerated holster wear on the finish?"

No idea.

To me, the gun is a tool, and I just don't care about holster wear. Others may have a different opinion.

 

[Still alive]

Field test complete - without the ambulance. lol!

It'll work fine. It can be snug enough to run around, get down, etc, and stay in place. The only concern I may have for you is "will the increased friction contribute to accelerated holster wear on the finish?"

No idea.

To me, the gun is a tool, and I just don't care about holster wear. Others may have a different opinion.

That’s more than you’ve ever moved jimbo!
Now go get a Guiness!

 

[jimbo14]

That’s more than you’ve ever moved jimbo!
Now go get a Guiness!

Ran out!
It's almost tequila time. That was hard work!

 

[Rohann]

Field test complete - without the ambulance. lol!

It'll work fine. It can be snug enough to run around, get down, etc, and stay in place. The only concern I may have for you is "will the increased friction contribute to accelerated holster wear on the finish?"

No idea.

To me, the gun is a tool, and I just don't care about holster wear. Others may have a different opinion.

Thanks a bunch! Did you find that degree of snugness made the draw difficult, or was it still smooth?

Good point re: tool. No sense in it being tough as nails but being dainty with it.

 

[Still alive]

Thanks a bunch! Did you find that degree of snugness made the draw difficult, or was it still smooth?

Good point re: tool. No sense in it being tough as nails but being dainty with it.

The more you tighten it, the harder to draw. It will be like a hard tug then it gives. A good gun belt that doesn’t let the holster flop around will make it easier but it won’t be as smooth or fast compared to a looser retention. Any use of a holster will eventually cause finish wear, if you draw and holster enough.

 

[jimbo14]

^^^ what Still alive said

You can also get thumbscrews to replace the phillips screw head on the holster adjustment. Snug it down by hand when you’re about to do parkour. Loosen it for dryfire practice or general range use.

 

[Wendell]

Good to know.
Just trying to figure out what YouTube instructors seem to be using, as they seem like regular drop-in paddle holsters, though they look different than the classic "OWB".

Haha not parkour, just being able to do sprints, lie down flat, etc. I'll consider a Safariland too. PS -- Does the TekLok attachment matter? The OWB at 911supply doesn't come with it.

Tek-Lok offers the advantage of being able to place, remove, and replace the attachment without threading on or off the belt, so that means that you don't need to thread anything else on or off the belt either.

Having used both Tek-Lok and 'Sting Ray Loop', I prefer their 'Sting Ray Loop' or 'ASR' (over the Tek-Lok), despite the fact that you need to thread it on and off the belt, because I find it to be more comfortable; in my experience, the single-point Tek-Lok creates a hot spot on the pelvis that is avoided with the two-point ASR.