First Impressions of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster promises a blend of speed, security, and adjustability for the competitive shooter. Black Scorpion aims to deliver a holster that’s both durable enough for rigorous use and customizable enough to fit individual preferences. With its focus on compatibility with Staccato pistols and compliance with major competition rules, it’s designed to be a top contender in the OWB holster market.
I needed a reliable and fast OWB holster for my Staccato P during local USPSA matches. I was looking for something that could handle the draw speed and retention requirements without sacrificing adjustability. My old holster just wasn’t cutting it anymore; the draw was slow, and the retention felt flimsy, leading to concerns about accidental dislodgement during movement.
My initial impression upon unboxing was that this holster looks robust and well-constructed. The Kydex material feels thick and rigid, suggesting it can withstand the abuse of competitive shooting. The adjustable features are immediately apparent, with visible screws for retention and cant adjustment.
Compared to my old Safariland ALS holster and a Blade-Tech Signature OWB, the Black Scorpion holster appears less bulky and more streamlined. I picked this one due to its advertised compatibility with Staccato pistols and the promise of fine-tuned adjustments for a perfect draw. Plus, the price point was appealing compared to some of the higher-end custom options.
I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been burned before by holsters that looked good but failed in practical use. This one looked like it could deliver, but the proof would be in the testing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster at my local outdoor shooting range during a USPSA practice session. The weather was mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I ran through a few drills, focusing on draw speed and re-holstering.
The holster performed admirably even after getting dusted with dirt and debris from moving around the shooting area. The retention held firm, even during simulated movements. The initial draw felt slightly tight, but after adjusting the retention screw, it smoothed out considerably.
The first issue was the cant angle needing adjustment to better suit my draw stroke. This required a Phillips screwdriver and some fine-tuning, but once dialed in, it made a noticeable improvement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use in practice and two local USPSA matches, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the Kydex itself. The screws have remained secure.
The holster is easy to clean with just a damp cloth to wipe away dust and debris. It maintains its shape and retention even after prolonged use.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, less durable holsters, the Black Scorpion far outperforms them in terms of both durability and adjustability. It hasn’t disappointed me yet; in fact, it has exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster
Specifications
- Holster Type: Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holster, designed for open carry and competition use. This allows for a faster draw compared to concealed carry holsters.
- Accessory Attachment System: Belt Loop, accommodating belts from 1.5 inches to 1.75 inches. Belt loop security is crucial for maintaining a stable platform during dynamic movements.
- Quantity: 1, a single holster unit.
- Condition: New, ensuring you receive a pristine, undamaged product.
- Fabric/Material: Kydex, a durable thermoplastic known for its rigidity and resistance to wear. Kydex is ideal for holster construction due to its ability to maintain shape and withstand harsh conditions.
- Manufacturer: Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear, known for producing a range of tactical and competition gear.
- 3GUN, IPSC, USPSA Compliant: Designed to meet the regulations of major shooting sports organizations. Compliance ensures the holster is legal for use in sanctioned competitions.
- Hand Orientation: Right.
- Belt Attachment Type: OWB – Outside the Waistband, facilitates easy access to the firearm.
- Holster Height and Angle: User adjustable with a Phillips screwdriver. Adjustability allows for a personalized draw stroke and improved comfort.
- Retention: User Adjustable via Thumb Screws. Adjustable retention ensures a secure hold while allowing for a smooth, fast draw.
- Holster Muzzle Open: Accommodates various barrel lengths and compensators.
Performance & Functionality
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster performs its primary function of securely holding and quickly releasing a Staccato pistol exceptionally well. The adjustable retention allows for a customized draw, balancing security with speed.
The holster’s strength lies in its adjustability and secure fit. The weakness is that the initial setup requires some time and tools to dial in the perfect settings.
The holster meets and slightly exceeds expectations. It’s a solid, reliable platform that provides a confident draw and secure retention.
Design & Ergonomics
The holster is built with thick Kydex that feels durable and well-molded. The design is relatively minimalist, focusing on function over aesthetics, though it still looks good.
It is user-friendly once adjusted. The initial setup does require some tinkering, but once dialed in, the draw becomes smooth and consistent.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the thick Kydex construction, this holster should last for years with proper care. Kydex is inherently resistant to moisture and wear, minimizing the need for extensive maintenance.
Cleaning involves simply wiping down the holster with a damp cloth. No special tools or products are required for routine maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The holster itself doesn’t come with many accessories, but its adjustability offers a degree of customization. The retention and cant angle can be tweaked to suit individual preferences.
It is compatible with most standard OWB belt attachments and can accommodate various Staccato models. The open muzzle design allows for the use of threaded barrels and compensators.
Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster
Pros
- Highly Adjustable Retention: Allows for precise tuning to achieve the perfect balance between security and draw speed.
- Durable Kydex Construction: Withstands the rigors of competitive shooting and everyday carry.
- USPSA Compliant: Legal for use in sanctioned USPSA matches.
- Accommodates Compensators: Open muzzle design allows for use with various barrel lengths and compensators.
- Secure Belt Attachment: Provides a stable platform, minimizing movement during dynamic situations.
Cons
- Requires initial adjustment to find the optimal settings, can be time consuming.
- Phillips screwdriver required for cant adjustment.
Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster?
This holster is perfect for competitive shooters participating in USPSA, IPSC, or 3-Gun events. It’s also suitable for anyone who wants a durable and adjustable OWB holster for their Staccato pistol.
Someone who is new to competition shooting or prefers a holster that is ready to use out of the box with minimal adjustments may want to explore other options. A holster with pre-set retention and cant angles might be a better fit.
A quality competition belt is a must-have accessory to ensure stability and proper holster positioning. Some shooters might also consider adding a thigh strap for added security during dynamic movements.
Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Staccato OWB Pro Heavy Duty Competition Holster is a solid choice for competitive shooters seeking a durable, adjustable, and USPSA-compliant holster for their Staccato pistols. The price of $108.16 is justified given the quality of construction and the level of customization it offers.
I would absolutely recommend this holster to fellow Staccato owners looking to improve their draw speed and overall performance in competition. It provides a secure and reliable platform with enough adjustability to suit individual preferences.
If you’re ready to take your competitive shooting to the next level, give the Black Scorpion a try. You won’t be disappointed!