Let’s Talk About Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster is a purpose-built piece of kit designed for speed and efficiency. Black Scorpion has crafted this holster specifically for the competitive shooting world, emphasizing fast draws and secure retention. With its Kydex shell and adjustable features, this holster promises to enhance the performance of any 1911 platform enthusiast.
I’ve been searching for a competition holster that offers both speed and stability during draws. My existing holster, while serviceable, lacked the rigidity needed for consistent performance in timed drills. The Black Scorpion holster caught my eye due to its reputation for its secure belt attachment and adjustable retention.
My initial impression of the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster was positive. The Kydex shell felt robust, and the Nylon 6 belt attachment inspired confidence. The aluminum thigh support bumper seemed like a well-thought-out addition.
Compared to a Safariland ALS holster (duty use) and a Blade-Tech Classic OWB (general range use), the Black Scorpion stood out with its focus on competition speed. While the Safariland offers superior active retention and the Blade-Tech provides a solid all-around option, the Black Scorpion promised faster draws and greater adjustability for competition scenarios. I chose the Black Scorpion for its specialized design.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and anticipation. I was eager to test its speed and adjustability on the range, hoping it would live up to its competition-ready billing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster at my local outdoor shooting range during a club-level IDPA match. The weather was sunny and mild, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the holster’s performance. I focused on draw speed and stability during various shooting stages that involved movement and target transitions.
The holster performed admirably even when the heat was on. The Kydex provided a smooth and fast draw. The retention was snug enough to prevent the pistol from moving during movement drills, but not so tight as to hinder a rapid draw.
The holster required minimal adjustment. I tweaked the retention screw slightly to achieve my preferred draw resistance, and I found the user adjustable height and angle allowed for a natural draw stroke.
I was pleasantly surprised by the holster’s stability during rapid movements. The aluminum thigh support bumper did its job of preventing the gun from shifting inwards.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use in weekly shooting matches and practice sessions, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster has held up remarkably well. There is no evident wear or tear on the Kydex shell, and the belt attachment remains secure. The adjustment screws haven’t loosened despite repeated use.
The holster has proven to be exceptionally durable. The Kydex showed no signs of cracking or deformation despite exposure to varied temperatures and minor impacts.
Cleaning the holster is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is sufficient to remove any dirt or residue from the Kydex.
In comparison to my previous holsters, the Black Scorpion has significantly improved my draw speed and consistency. It inspires confidence during fast-paced shooting scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster
Specifications
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster is designed specifically for the 1911 platform. The holster is an outside-the-waistband (OWB) type, prioritizing speed and accessibility over concealment.
The belt attachment system utilizes a Nylon 6 belt loop, compatible with belts ranging from 1.5 to 1.75 inches in width. It features an aluminum thigh support bumper. The holster shell is constructed from Kydex.
- Gun Make: 1911 Platform
- Holster Type: Outside the Waistband Holster
- Accessory Attachment System: Belt Loop
- Application: Sporting
- Quantity: 1
- Belt Loop/Snap Width: 1.5 – 1.75 in
- Condition: New
- Fabric/Material: 6066 Aluminum, Kydex
- Hand Orientation: Right
- Belt Attachment Type: OWB – Outside the Waistband
- Material: Kydex Holster, Nylon 6 Belt Attachment, Aluminum Thigh Bumper
- Holster Height & Angle: User adjustable w/ Phillips screwdriver
- Retention: User Adjustable via Thumb Screws
- Holster Muzzle Open
These specifications contribute significantly to the holster’s performance. The Kydex shell provides a rigid and durable platform for fast draws. The Nylon 6 belt attachment offers a secure and stable connection to the belt.
Performance & Functionality
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster excels in its primary function: providing a rapid and consistent draw for competitive shooting. The smooth Kydex shell allows for a snag-free draw, and the adjustable retention lets the user fine-tune the draw resistance to their preference. It’s very reliable.
A strength is its adjustable retention and stable belt attachment. A weakness might be its lack of active retention, which could be a concern for some users in non-competition scenarios.
The holster meets and exceeds expectations for competition use. It has demonstrably improved my draw times and overall stage performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The holster’s build quality is excellent. The Kydex shell is precisely molded. The Nylon 6 belt attachment feels robust. The holster is lightweight and doesn’t feel cumbersome.
The holster is user-friendly with a minimal learning curve. The retention adjustment is intuitive, and the belt attachment is easy to install and remove.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of materials and construction, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster should last for many years. The Kydex is resistant to wear and tear, and the belt attachment is built to withstand frequent use.
Maintaining the holster is simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth will keep it in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The holster doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the basic hardware for belt attachment and retention adjustment. However, the holster is compatible with most standard 1911 platforms.
The adjustable height and angle of the holster allows some user customization. The retention can also be adjusted to user preferences.
Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster
Pros
- Provides an exceptionally fast and smooth draw, crucial for competition.
- Offers user-adjustable retention, allowing for personalized draw resistance.
- Features a secure and stable belt attachment, minimizing movement during dynamic shooting.
- Constructed from durable Kydex, ensuring longevity.
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear during extended shooting sessions.
Cons
- Lacks active retention, making it less suitable for open carry or duty use where weapon security is paramount.
- The aluminum thigh support bumper, while functional, may not be aesthetically pleasing to all users.
Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster?
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster is perfect for competitive shooters participating in IDPA, USPSA, or similar shooting sports. It would also be appropriate for range shooters focusing on speed drills.
This product might not be ideal for law enforcement officers or individuals seeking a concealed carry holster. Its focus on speed over active retention makes it unsuitable for situations where weapon retention is a top priority.
A quality competition belt would be a must-have accessory to fully utilize the holster’s secure attachment system.
Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster is a well-designed and expertly crafted piece of gear that delivers on its promise of speed and reliability. Its robust construction, adjustable features, and comfortable fit make it an excellent choice for competitive shooters seeking an edge. At a price of $84.86, it’s a justified investment for those serious about improving their performance.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 1911 OWB Pro Competition Holster to any 1911 enthusiast looking to shave precious seconds off their draw times. If you’re ready to take your competitive shooting to the next level, give this holster a try.