Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster Review

Let’s Talk About Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster is designed for speed, convenience, and compatibility with a wide array of handguns. This holster is specifically crafted to accommodate red-dot sights and threaded barrels, which makes it an appealing choice for competition shooters and tactical enthusiasts. Its adaptability and practical design immediately caught my eye.

As a seasoned shooter who participates in local IDPA matches, I needed a reliable and fast outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster for my Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. My previous holster, while functional, lacked the open muzzle design required for my threaded barrel and didn’t easily accommodate the red-dot sight I’d recently installed. The Black Scorpion promised to solve both of these issues.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the Black Scorpion holster’s solid feel and clean lines. The Nylon 6, Kydex blend felt robust and the smooth edges indicated attention to detail. It was lighter than I anticipated.

Compared to a Safariland 7378RDS and a Blade-Tech Total Eclipse 2.0, the Black Scorpion stood out due to its simplicity and focus on competition-specific features. While the Safariland offered more retention options, and the Blade-Tech was more concealable, the Black Scorpion seemed purpose-built for speed and open carry. The price point was also significantly lower than the Safariland, which made it an attractive option.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential for faster draws and the accommodation of my accessories, but I was also keen to see how it would hold up during rigorous use.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster was at a local IDPA match. The weather was hot and humid, typical for a summer afternoon in Texas. I was primarily focused on practicing my draw speed and target acquisition.

The holster performed admirably in the heat and humidity; the Kydex material didn’t get sticky or uncomfortable against my skin. Drawing my Smith & Wesson from the Black Scorpion was noticeably faster than with my previous holster. There was virtually no resistance beyond the initial click, and my red-dot sight cleared the holster with ease.

Initially, the retention felt a bit too loose, causing some concern during movement. This was quickly rectified with a minor adjustment using a Phillips screwdriver. After the adjustment, the gun felt secure yet still easy to draw quickly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use at the range and in IDPA matches, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster has held up surprisingly well. There are a few minor scratches on the Kydex, but nothing that affects its functionality. The holster still retains its shape and rigidity.

The only maintenance required has been occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. The Kydex material resists sweat and grime, which makes it easy to keep clean. It has outperformed my initial expectations given its price point.

Compared to my old leather holster, which required constant conditioning and eventually stretched out of shape, the Black Scorpion offers superior durability and requires significantly less maintenance. The adjustable retention is also a major advantage, allowing me to fine-tune the draw to my preference.

Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster

Specifications

• The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster is specifically designed for Smith & Wesson handguns, ensuring a snug and secure fit. This tailored design minimizes movement and enhances draw speed.
• It’s an OWB (Outside the Waistband) holster, providing easy access and a comfortable carry for competition and open carry scenarios. This design prioritizes speed and accessibility.
• It features an open muzzle design, allowing for the use of threaded barrels. This is a crucial feature for shooters who use suppressors or compensators.
• The holster is red-dot sight compatible, accommodating virtually any red-dot sight on the market. This is a significant advantage for competition shooters who rely on optics for faster target acquisition.
• The holster attaches via belt loops, accommodating belts with a width of 1.5 to 1.75 inches. This makes it compatible with most standard tactical and duty belts.
• Constructed from a blend of Nylon 6 and Kydex, the holster is both lightweight and durable. This blend provides excellent weather resistance and impact resistance.
• It is a Level I retention holster, relying on friction and precise molding to secure the handgun. This provides a balance between security and speed of draw.
• The holster is user-adjustable with a Phillips screwdriver, allowing for personalized retention. This feature ensures a secure and comfortable fit for different handguns and user preferences.

Performance & Functionality

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster excels in its primary function: providing a fast and reliable draw for competition shooting. The open-top design and adjustable retention allow for a smooth and consistent draw stroke.

Its primary strength lies in its compatibility with red-dot sights and threaded barrels. This makes it a versatile choice for shooters who use these accessories. The only area for potential improvement would be the addition of a secondary retention system for enhanced security, though this would likely compromise draw speed.

The holster meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. It’s a well-designed, affordable option for competition shooters looking for a fast and reliable OWB holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster is impressive, considering its price point. The Nylon 6, Kydex blend feels sturdy and well-molded. Its lightweight design adds to the comfort during extended use.

The design is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The adjustable retention screw is easily accessible, and the holster fits comfortably against the body.

Durability & Maintenance

The Black Scorpion holster is built to last, with a robust construction that can withstand the rigors of competition shooting and everyday use. The Kydex material is resistant to scratches, impacts, and extreme temperatures.

Maintaining the holster is simple; it requires only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The Kydex material doesn’t absorb moisture or odors, which makes it easy to keep clean and hygienic.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster comes with standard belt loops and adjustable retention. No other accessories are included.

While the holster itself offers limited customization options, its compatibility with red-dot sights and threaded barrels allows for significant handgun customization. It should be compatible with most standard belt attachments that fit a 1.5 – 1.75 inch belt width.

Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster

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Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster?

This holster is perfect for competitive shooters, especially those participating in IDPA matches. It is also a good option for those who prioritize speed and accessibility. It’s an excellent choice for individuals who carry Smith & Wesson pistols with red-dot sights and threaded barrels.

This product might not be ideal for individuals requiring maximum retention or deep concealment. Also, those looking for extensive customization options might find this holster too basic.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality competition belt to ensure stability and a consistent draw. A good cleaning kit specifically designed for Kydex holsters can also help maintain its condition.

Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster

In summary, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Smith & Wesson OWB Pro IDPA Competition Holster is a well-designed and affordable option for competition shooters and tactical enthusiasts. It offers a fast draw, excellent durability, and compatibility with red-dot sights and threaded barrels.

The price is definitely justified, especially considering its performance and features. It offers similar functionality to higher-priced holsters from Safariland or Blade-Tech, but at a fraction of the cost.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and fast OWB holster for their Smith & Wesson pistol. If you’re serious about competition shooting or simply want a high-quality holster for open carry, the Black Scorpion is an excellent choice. Grab one and shave seconds off your draw time today!