Let’s Talk About Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is designed for the serious competitive shooter who demands speed, adjustability, and reliability. Black Scorpion aims to deliver a holster that meets the rigorous demands of 3GUN, IPSC, and USPSA competitions. Its adjustable retention, height, and angle make it appealing, but does it truly live up to the “Heavy Duty” moniker?
I was looking for a competition holster that would allow me to draw my CZ quickly and efficiently, without sacrificing security. My old holster lacked adjustability, hindering my performance in fast-paced shooting scenarios. I needed a holster that could be fine-tuned to my specific draw style and body type.
My initial impression upon unboxing the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster was generally positive. The Kydex felt thick and sturdy, and the adjustability options seemed promising. However, the small retention screws and the overall bulkiness gave me some pause.
I considered the Safariland 5198 Open Top Concealment Paddle Holster and the Blade-Tech Total Eclipse 2.0. I chose the Black Scorpion due to its more aggressive competition-focused design and promise of complete adjustability. I hoped that the Black Scorpion would offer a more tailored fit and faster draw than the other options.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The holster looked the part, but I was eager to test its performance on the range and see if it truly delivered on its promises. Only time and rigorous testing would reveal its true worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster at my local shooting range during a practice session for an upcoming USPSA match. The weather was dry and mild, ideal conditions for getting a feel for the holster. I ran several drills, focusing on drawing and re-holstering my CZ repeatedly.
The initial draw felt smooth and relatively fast. I did notice that the retention was a bit too tight out of the box, requiring significant force to draw the pistol. Adjusting the retention screws proved to be more challenging than expected, as the small Allen key slipped easily.
After about an hour of practice, I noticed that one of the retention screws had already begun to strip. This was a major red flag and a significant disappointment, indicating potential durability issues. The stripping screw issue was unexpected and immediately dampened my enthusiasm for the holster.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use (approximately 3-4 range sessions per week), the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster has shown both strengths and weaknesses. The Kydex body remains relatively rigid, but the hardware is a definite weak point. The stripped retention screw made it impossible to adjust the draw resistance.
Despite my attempts to carefully tighten the screws, another one stripped completely. The holster shows minor scuff marks from regular use but nothing excessive considering the frequency of draws. Cleaning the holster is simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to my previous Blade-Tech holster, the Black Scorpion initially offered more adjustability, but the inferior hardware made it unreliable in the long run. My old holster, while less adjustable, never had any issues with stripped screws or other hardware failures. The Black Scorpion disappointed in terms of long-term reliability due to its fragile screws.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster
Specifications
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is designed specifically for CZ pistols. It’s an Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster constructed from Kydex. It is designed for right-handed shooters.
The holster attaches to the belt via belt loops and accepts belts from 1.5 inches to 1.75 inches. It features user-adjustable height and angle via Phillips head screws and user-adjustable retention via thumb screws. The muzzle is open for accommodating longer pistols or threaded barrels.
The adjustability options allow the user to customize the draw angle and retention to their preference. The Kydex construction provides a rigid and durable platform. However, the small retention screws are a clear point of failure.
Performance & Functionality
When the screws are functioning properly, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster allows for a smooth and relatively fast draw. The adjustable retention allows users to fine-tune the draw resistance. However, the poor quality of the retention screws severely compromises its performance.
The holster does not perform as intended when the screws strip, rendering the retention adjustment useless. While the Kydex body is durable, the unreliable hardware is a significant weakness. The holster meets the basic requirement of holding the pistol securely, but the lack of reliable adjustability hinders its usability.
The holster initially exceeded my expectations in terms of adjustability. But the stripping screws quickly led to disappointment. The overall functionality is compromised by the poor quality hardware, making it a frustrating experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster features a relatively streamlined design, minimizing unnecessary bulk. The Kydex material is molded to fit the CZ pistol snugly, providing good retention. The holster sits comfortably against the body when properly adjusted.
However, the thumb screws for retention adjustment can protrude slightly, potentially causing discomfort during extended use. The learning curve is minimal, as the adjustability options are straightforward to understand. The overall design is decent, but the ergonomic shortcomings related to the thumb screws detract from the experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kydex body of the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is likely to last a long time with proper care. However, the weak point is the hardware, specifically the small retention screws. These screws are prone to stripping, significantly reducing the holster’s lifespan.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. Repairing the stripped screws may require specialized tools or replacement hardware, which may not be readily available. The long-term durability is questionable due to the fragile nature of the retention screws.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster does not come with any additional accessories. It features user-adjustable height and angle with Phillips head screws and user-adjustable retention via thumb screws, which can be considered customization options. The adjustability of the height and angle allows users to fine-tune the holster position to their preference.
However, there are no readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Black Scorpion holster. The holster is compatible with standard belt attachments that fit the specified belt widths. The lack of extensive customization options is a limitation, but the adjustability features partially compensate for this.
Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster
Pros
- Relatively fast draw.
- Adjustable height and angle.
- Kydex construction is durable.
- USPSA, IPSC, and 3Gun compliant.
- Good for shooters looking for an entry-level competition holster
Cons
- Retention screws are prone to stripping.
- Limited customization options.
- Thumb screws can be uncomfortable.
Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster?
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is perfect for entry-level competitive shooters who are on a tight budget and want to experiment with different draw angles and retention settings. It is also suitable for those who need a basic OWB holster for range use and light training. This holster might be good for someone who is only going to use the holster occasionally.
Those who prioritize durability and reliability, or who frequently adjust their holster settings, should skip this product. Competitive shooters who require a holster that can withstand rigorous use and frequent adjustments should invest in a higher-quality option with more robust hardware. Someone who is a serious competitor should not consider this holster.
A must-have modification would be replacing the retention screws with higher-quality alternatives, if possible. Adding thread locker to the screws might also help prevent them from loosening and stripping. The user should also add padding to the thumb screws to make them more comfortable.
Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster promises adjustability and speed for competitive shooters, but its execution falls short. The Kydex construction is solid, and the design offers a decent level of adjustability. However, the poor quality of the retention screws is a major flaw that significantly impacts its reliability and longevity.
At a price of $107.21, the value proposition is questionable. Considering the durability issues, the price is not justified.
I cannot personally recommend the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear CZ OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster due to the unreliable hardware. While it may suffice for occasional range use, the risk of stripped screws makes it unsuitable for serious competition or frequent training. Invest in a more durable option from a reputable brand to avoid frustration and ensure reliable performance.