Holster question

Grantmac

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Hello all,

I'm pretty new to the pistol shooting game and I'm not terribly familiar with holsters.
I might give IPSC a try in production but I see myself being more interested in IDPA (if it was available locally).
I see that Bladetech has a pretty big following, but the Serpa holsters seem like they would retain the pistol a lot better. Just how much retention is there with a Kydex holster?
Is there such a thing as a do-all holster for both games? I want to do some defensive shooting courses and such, do I need more retention for moving over obsticles and such?

Thanks for the help,
Grant
 
The blade tech is a great holster. You can tighten the screws to give you more retension if required. The Serpa is ok. I personally do not like the retention on this unit. Its one more thing that has to be pushed in before you can draw. This will cost you a second or maybe two when you need it the most. Ask around the club and see what other people are using maybe even try out their rigs.

You would be happy with the Bladetech and it will last you a long time for all your action sport needs.

what pistol are you using?
 
Glock 17

I'm thinking I'll just get the Bladetech belt-mounted one that comes with a couple of mag pouches.
Any idea what makes a holster legal for IDPA or IPSC?
Thanks,
Grant
 
You can look at either sports handbook and it will tell you what holsters are ok and more importantly, which one's aren't. I know that Serpa's are ok for IDPA as that's what I use.
 
For IDPA there is a list of 'approved' holsters. IPSC has rules about retention consult a rule book or a more knowledgable competitor....
 
Blade Tec makes holsters that can be used in both sports effectively. The Blade Tec belt holsters come with two types of back pieces. One allows for a dropped and offset placement favoured in IPSC and allowed. The other back piece holds the holster in tight to the belt and is legal for IDPA use. The dropped and offset set up is not allowed in IDPA.

Changing the back piece takes but a few minutes. When I use my Blade Tec in IPSC I use it the same way I do in IDPA.

Their holsters are very well made and very popular.

Take Care

Bob
 
Alright so I can buy a DOH holster and then just attach a paddle and it'll be legal both ways? Or conversely I could get one of their package deals and buy to drop attachment at a later date. I think I'd like to get proficient with just a belt holster though, not much practical use for something on an extender.
There isn't really any IDPA here (which is too bad, I'd prefer it to IPSC), but I'd like to be legal for both games.

Thanks,
Grant
 
I was looking at getting one of these as well. I don't have it yet, but from what I've looked at online, my understanding is the DOH/SR has a drop/offset bracket between the belt loop and the holster. Take out this bracket, attach the holster directly to the belt loop, and you will essentially have a SRB setup which is IDPA approved. Or you could buy the SRB and later get the bracket to make it into the DOH/SR if you wish.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, like I said, I have no first hand experience with this holster.
 
Alright so I can buy a DOH holster and then just attach a paddle and it'll be legal both ways? Or conversely I could get one of their package deals and buy to drop attachment at a later date. I think I'd like to get proficient with just a belt holster though, not much practical use for something on an extender.
There isn't really any IDPA here (which is too bad, I'd prefer it to IPSC), but I'd like to be legal for both games.

Thanks,
Grant

Yes, I think Blade Tec still have a Bobby McGee special on that gives you the mag holders as well. I found it easier to just run with the IDPA style of attachment. I didn't find the DOH any faster on the draw frankly.

Where are you located.

Take Care

Bob
 
BladeTech makes a good holster.

As mentioned, check with approved list.

If you want Blackhawk...you might not need the Serpa level 2 retention. They also make a level 1 retention holster which would be more comparable to the Bladetech.
 
BladeTech makes a good holster.

As mentioned, check with approved list.

If you want Blackhawk...you might not need the Serpa level 2 retention. They also make a level 1 retention holster which would be more comparable to the Bladetech.

If you are talking IDPA there is no approved list of holsters. Click on the Rule Book at the bottom of the page here: idpa.com

The rules for holsters and examples are listed there.

Take Care

Bob
 
The Bobby McGee special looks good, but they have this deal which seems pretty decent for a starter too:
http://www.blade-tech.com/Combo-Pak-Special-pr-897.html#product_images
I'm guessing the difference is in the holsters.
I'll most likely order it up when I'm closer to home (currently deployed).

I'm located on Vancouver Island near Victoria. I don't think I'll ever get really heavy into the shooting games, but I'll probably do my Black Badge. I think that IDPA is more interesting to me, it seems more grounded in reality.

Cheers,
Grant
 
The Bobby McGee special looks good, but they have this deal which seems pretty decent for a starter too:
http://www.blade-tech.com/Combo-Pak-Special-pr-897.html#product_images
I'm guessing the difference is in the holsters.
I'll most likely order it up when I'm closer to home (currently deployed).

I'm located on Vancouver Island near Victoria. I don't think I'll ever get really heavy into the shooting games, but I'll probably do my Black Badge. I think that IDPA is more interesting to me, it seems more grounded in reality.

Cheers,
Grant

Well if you ever get over to Chilliwack they shoot wednesday nights.

The cheaper holster is not Kydex and I am not so sure it will last like Kydex. Injected molded material I believe. It is less expensive though and certainly would do.


Take Care

Bob
 
Last edited:
Alright so I can buy a DOH holster and then just attach a paddle and it'll be legal both ways? Or conversely I could get one of their package deals and buy to drop attachment at a later date. I think I'd like to get proficient with just a belt holster though, not much practical use for something on an extender.
There isn't really any IDPA here (which is too bad, I'd prefer it to IPSC), but I'd like to be legal for both games.

Thanks,
Grant

The IDPA rulebook does not use the specific word "paddle" in it's descriptions of either the "approved" or the "not permitted" holsters.

It does specify that (the holster) "...must be worn on a standard belt..." and speaks at length about allowable spacing of holster to belt and belt loops to belt, etc., etc.

I would not assume that a paddle holster is necessarily IDPA-legal.

You'd best ask IDPA.
http://www.idpa.com/default.asp
info@idpa.com
 
The IDPA rulebook does not use the specific word "paddle" in it's descriptions of either the "approved" or the "not permitted" holsters.

It does specify that (the holster) "...must be worn on a standard belt..." and speaks at length about allowable spacing of holster to belt and belt loops to belt, etc., etc.

I would not assume that a paddle holster is necessarily IDPA-legal.

You'd best ask IDPA.
http://www.idpa.com/default.asp
info@idpa.com

The paddle holsters are fine for IDPA.

Take Care

Bob
 
thanx for the input everyone, now that I am better 'educated' will look into alternatives to the Fobus holster.

all the best

TB
 
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