Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster Review

Let’s Talk About Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is a purpose-built piece of kit designed for the demanding world of competitive shooting. Crafted by Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear, this holster caters to 3GUN, IPSC, and USPSA enthusiasts who prioritize speed, adjustability, and ruggedness. It’s a no-nonsense holster that promises to keep your FN 509 Compact or Midsize secure and ready for action.

I’ve been involved in practical shooting sports for over a decade, and the need for a reliable and adjustable holster is paramount. My older holster was showing its age, with retention screws constantly loosening and cant adjustments never quite staying put. I needed something that could withstand the rigors of regular competition while offering precise control over draw angle and retention.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the robust construction of the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster. The combination of 6066 Aluminum and Kydex felt incredibly solid, and the hardware looked like it could withstand some serious abuse. The holster had a reassuring heft without feeling overly bulky.

Compared to my previous Blade-Tech and Safariland offerings, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear felt more intentionally designed for the competition environment. Where my older holsters felt more general purpose, this one screamed speed and precision. The adjustability options were far more comprehensive as well.

Initially, I was excited to see if this holster lived up to its “Heavy Duty” moniker and its promise of adjustability without constant fiddling. I was also curious to see how the open muzzle design would affect draw speed and re-holstering. It’s a specific design choice I haven’t used previously.


Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster was at a local USPSA match. The weather was typically unpredictable, with a mix of sun and light drizzle throughout the day. I put it through its paces during several stages of dynamic shooting.

The holster performed admirably in the varied conditions. The Kydex body shed water easily, and the aluminum components showed no signs of corrosion. The adjustable retention held my FN 509 Midsize securely, even during rapid movement and awkward shooting positions. It also allowed for a consistent draw every time.

It took a few practice draws to get fully accustomed to the holster’s cant and ride height, but the adjustments were straightforward. Once dialed in, the draw stroke felt natural and efficient. There were no malfunctions or unexpected snags during the entire match.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of regular use, including weekly range sessions and monthly competitions, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the Kydex body, and the aluminum components retain their finish. The screws haven’t loosened, and the cant adjustment has remained rock solid.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use keeps it clean. I occasionally apply a small amount of lubricant to the retention screws to ensure smooth adjustment. This holster has significantly outperformed my previous holsters in terms of long-term reliability and consistent performance.

Compared to my old setup, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear is a clear winner. It provides a more secure and consistent draw, requires less maintenance, and has held up far better under demanding conditions. It’s a piece of gear I trust to perform flawlessly every time I step onto the range.

Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster

Specifications

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is meticulously crafted for competitive shooting with specific features. It is designed for FN Herstal’s FN 509 Compact and FN 509 Midsize models, accommodating barrel lengths between 3.7 and 4.32 inches.

It features an Outside the Waistband (OWB) design, with attachment via a Belt Loop system that accepts belts from 1.5 to 1.75 inches. Constructed from a robust blend of 6066 Aluminum and Kydex, it is specifically geared towards Sporting applications. Its standout features include 3GUN, IPSC, and USPSA compliance, user-adjustable cant with a Phillips screwdriver, and user-adjustable retention via thumb screws. Additionally, the holster offers an open muzzle design and is backed by a lifetime warranty.

These specifications are crucial for performance because they prioritize adjustability, durability, and speed. The adjustable cant and retention allow shooters to fine-tune the holster to their preferred draw style. The aluminum and Kydex construction ensures it can withstand the abuse of regular competition.

Performance & Functionality

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster performs its primary function exceptionally well: providing a secure and rapid draw. The retention system allows for precise adjustment, ensuring the firearm stays firmly in place during movement but releases smoothly when needed. The open muzzle design facilitates easy re-holstering.

The holster’s strengths lie in its adjustability, durability, and secure retention. The only potential weakness is the slight learning curve involved in initially dialing in the perfect cant and retention settings. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a competition-grade holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear boasts a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and ergonomics. The combination of aluminum and Kydex creates a holster that is both lightweight and incredibly durable. It is contoured to fit the body comfortably.

The user-friendly design requires minimal adjustment. Once the cant and retention are set, the holster performs consistently without needing further attention. It is intuitive to use and requires no specialized knowledge or tools.

Durability & Maintenance

Built with 6066 Aluminum and Kydex, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Minimal maintenance is required: regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

The holster is designed to be easily disassembled for cleaning or maintenance. Replacement parts, if needed, are readily available from Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear. It is designed for easy upkeep.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is designed to be a standalone unit, focusing on core functionality. It’s compatible with any belt that fits the specified width (1.5” to 1.75”).

While no included accessories ship with the holster, its simple and robust design makes it compatible with various aftermarket belt attachments. This gives users some flexibility in setting up their competition rig. Its focus is clearly on core performance and reliability, rather than a plethora of add-ons.

Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster

Pros

  • User-adjustable cant allows for precise draw angle customization.
  • Robust construction using 6066 Aluminum and Kydex ensures long-term durability.
  • Secure and adjustable retention keeps the firearm firmly in place during dynamic movement.
  • Open muzzle design facilitates easy and rapid re-holstering.
  • USPSA, IPSC, and 3GUN compliant makes it suitable for a wide range of competitive shooting sports.

Cons

  • Initial setup requires some fine-tuning to dial in the perfect cant and retention.
  • Limited customization options beyond cant and retention adjustment.


Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster?

Perfect for: Competitive shooters participating in USPSA, IPSC, or 3GUN events, who need a reliable, adjustable, and durable holster. This is ideal for shooters using FN 509 Compact and Midsize models. It is best for those who value a secure draw and appreciate a holster built to withstand the rigors of competition.

Who should skip this product? Those seeking a concealed carry holster or a general-purpose holster for non-competitive use may find this holster overly specialized. It’s not ideal for users needing extensive customization options or compatibility with various weapon-mounted lights or lasers.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality competition belt is essential for optimal stability and performance. Also, consider adding a timer.

Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear FNH OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is a well-engineered piece of equipment that delivers on its promise of performance and durability. It’s clearly designed with the needs of competitive shooters in mind. The adjustability options, robust construction, and secure retention make it a worthwhile investment for serious competitors.

The price of $108.15 is justified, considering the quality of materials and the level of performance offered. It strikes a good balance between cost and functionality, making it an attractive option for shooters who want a competition-grade holster without breaking the bank.

I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any competitive shooter using an FN 509 Compact or Midsize. If you’re looking for a reliable, adjustable, and durable holster that can withstand the demands of regular competition, then look no further. Upgrade your gear today and experience the difference!

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