Defence & Space

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

A contractor has been selected for the repair of Mk 75 guns on Polish OHP frigates

The Gdynia Naval Port Command has published information on the outcome of the tender procedure for the repair of two…

2025-07-02 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Polish 35 mm SA-35 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun with PIT-Radwar

During the recent MSPO trade fair in Kielce, the company PIT-Radwar presented its proposal for a 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun…

2025-06-13 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 13 minutes

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

A contractor has been selected for the repair of Mk 75 guns on Polish OHP frigates

The Gdynia Naval Port Command has published information on the outcome of the tender procedure for the repair of two…

2025-07-02 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

SKW Cryptographic Security Certificate for Polish Comp@n Radio Set from the WB Group

The WB Group announced that the Comp@n system radio set, developed by its subsidiary Radmor, along with the Cryptographic Document Management…

2025-06-14 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Advancing multi-domain EW operations: Rohde & Schwarz unveils latest innovations at AOC Europe

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems, sensor fusion and signal analysis solutions, designed to meet the evolving…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Autonomous and Unmanned Systems by Łukasiewicz – PIAP at the OPEX 2025 Training Ground in Italy

During the HEDI OPEX 2025 experimental campaign at the CEPOLISPE training ground in Italy, the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial…

2025-06-28 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Debut of Foudre – the French HIMARS

As previously announced by Turgis & Gaillard, the 55th International Paris Air and Space Show served as the venue for the…

2025-06-23 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Polish Ministry of National Defence: New Contract for K2 Tanks and Support Vehicles Imminent

In Warsaw, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, along with Secretary of State at the Ministry…

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Bayraktar TB2 and FlyEye Drones to Support Polish Police Manhunt for Killer Near Limanowa

The Bayraktar TB2 drone and FlyEye systems will support the Polish police in the search for 57-year-old Tadeusz Duda, suspected…

2025-06-30 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is formally opened by the Ambassador of Canada tothe Republic of Poland

Canadian company Galvion announced that the Canadian Ambassador to Poland, Catherine Godin, officially opened the European Production Hub in Gdańsk.

2025-06-26 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Rheinmetall wins major order for artillery ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munition wins major 155mm ammunition contract. Order worth several hundred million euros, deliveries from 2025 until 2027. It…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

A contractor has been selected for the repair of Mk 75 guns on Polish OHP frigates

The Gdynia Naval Port Command has published information on the outcome of the tender procedure for the repair of two…

2025-07-02 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

East Shield and the Baltic Defense Line: Cooperation and Investment in Defense Are the Cornerstone of Europe’s Security

East Shield, the Baltic Defense Line, the integration of available deterrence and defense capabilities, and EU defense funding were the…

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Russia Loses World’s Largest Helicopter, Mi-26, in Ukrainian Attack on Crimea

The Security Service of Ukraine reported that during a special operation at the Kirovske military airfield in occupied Crimea, a Pantsir-S1 air…

2025-06-29 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Finland Ministry of Defense selects ICEYE for space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and the Finnish Ministry of Defense have signed a Letter of Intent that enables the Finnish Defense…

2025-06-27 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Axiom Mission 4: The Historic Spaceflight of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski

June 25, 2025, will go down in history as the day when the second Pole in our history flew into…

2025-06-25 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes
Shooting

CZ Shooting Team athletes take home 13 medals from the CZ Extreme Euro Open

Sport shooters representing Ceska zbrojovka brought back six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals from Hodonice, along with four…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Upgraded Z8i Scope from SWAROVSKI OPTIK

Swarovski Optik, the Austrian optics manufacturer with nearly 80 years of tradition, has unveiled an upgraded version of its Z8i…

2025-07-03 | Mariusz Piwowar | 3 minutes

Upgraded Z8i Scope from SWAROVSKI OPTIK

Swarovski Optik, the Austrian optics manufacturer with nearly 80 years of tradition, has unveiled an upgraded version of its Z8i…

2025-07-03 | Mariusz Piwowar | 3 minutes

Streamlight introduces the SL-SideSaddle

Streamlight, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting tools, announces the SL-SideSaddle series, a new hands-free lighting solution built for outdoor adventure…

2025-07-01 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

IFRE 2025: Maskpol Showcases Protective Suits and Gas Masks

Maskpol, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented part of its product range—protective suits and gas masks—at the 5th…

2025-06-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

UF PRO Introduces Waist/Flex Belts to Its Product Line

UF PRO, a Slovenian manufacturer of professional apparel and part of the Mehler Systems group, is adding a new accessory to its lineup…

2025-06-06 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

CZ Shooting Team athletes take home 13 medals from the CZ Extreme Euro Open

Sport shooters representing Ceska zbrojovka brought back six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals from Hodonice, along with four…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

CZ Introduces the New CZ P-10 C PORTED Model

CZ P-10 C PORTED – a compact pistol with tamed recoil thanks to an integrated compensator.

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Bayraktar TB3 Debuts

The 55th edition of the International Paris Air and Space Show, held in the French capital, provided an opportunity for…

2025-06-19 | Radosław Niesobski | 3 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

Testing Blackhawk Holster

Blackhawk is a company that needs no introduction to any shooting enthusiast. For 30 years, they have been involved in producing the highest quality gear, from clothing and backpacks to shooting accessories and holsters. In this text, we will take a closer look at the latter.

Holster: What is it and why do you need it?

According to dictionary definitions, a holster is a type of cover used to carry a pistol or revolver. It allows for the convenient carrying of a weapon in an easily accessible place, enabling quick retrieval. Holsters can vary significantly in terms of the materials they are made from and the way they are worn. More information on this topic can be found in another article (in Polish). Today, however, we will focus on two outside waistband (OWB) holster models designated by the manufacturer as “rated for duty use,” meaning they are primarily designed to withstand the rigors of military and police use.

T-Series Level 2 i T-Series Level 3 Duty Holster (RDS)

We will now discuss two holster models: the Blackhawk T-Series Level 3 Duty, Light Bearing Red Dot Sight Holster (RDS), and the T-Series Level 2 Light Bearing Holster. Below are some key details from the manufacturer.

 

Level 3 Duty (RDS)
  • Available holster models for flashlights Streamlight™ TLR 1, 2, 7, and 8, as well as Surefire™ X300.
  • Compatible with Trijicon RMR/SRO, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Sig Romeo 1 Pro, Bushnell RXS-250, and similar-sized optics.
  • The rotating dust cover provides additional protection for the optics against impacts and debris (the dust cover can be removed if needed).
  • Suitable for: Glock 17/19/22/23/31/32/45/47 with TLR 7/8 flashlight, Glock 17/19/22/23/31/32/45/47 with TLR 1/2 flashlight, Glock 17/19/22/23/31/32/44/45/47 with Surefire X300 flashlight, Glock 22 gen5, S&W without safety, H&K VP9 with TLR1/2 flashlight, Sig Sauer P320 cal 9mm/.40 with TLR 1/2 flashlight.

 

Level 2
  • Includes a quick double release (QDR) mechanism attached to the holster.
  • Made from ultra-durable injection-molded polymer: strong and lightweight.
  • Suitable for: Glock 17/19/22/23/31/32/45/47 with TLR 7/8 flashlight, Sig Sauer P320/250/M17/M18 with TLR 7/8 flashlight.

Multifit Holsters

The distinguishing feature of Blackhawk holsters under testing is primarily the Multifit system, which permits using them with multiple pistol models. In general, holsters are tailored to fit the slide and frame of a firearm, but in this case, the main fitting components adhere to the flashlight, enabling the use of one system with multiple firearm models. Transferring the flashlight to a different gun is straightforward, and you are ready to operate without the need for extensive adjustments (there is one screw located at the height of the flashlight).

Apart from financial considerations, not having to purchase a separate holster for each pistol model in our arsenal deals with the issue of muscle memory. Muscle memory developed with a particular type of equipment is of paramount importance for efficient and quick weapon retrieval from the holster. The hand consistently returns to the same spot on the hip, the finger always lands on the safety lever, and the weapon is drawn from the holster with the same practiced motion.

The main issue with multi-model holsters is the imprecise fit of the firearm inside the holster. It’s extremely frustrating when the pistol rattles with every step. Firstly, it makes us noticeable from a distance, and secondly, an unstable weapon can simply fall out in the least expected situation. If there’s a safety mechanism available, these subtle, repetitive movements can displace the safety lever. In the Multifit holsters case, on the other hand, we can be sure that the weapon won’t shift while running or changing shooting positions because the holster is precisely fitted to the interchangeable element, the flashlight.

Downright rough, angular, but very solid duty use holsters

Construction, craftsmanship, and purpose

As mentioned earlier, Blackhawk holsters are duty-ready models. This means that their primary purpose is to withstand challenging conditions, providing full protection for the firearm against damage and preventing it from falling out or being taken by a third party. The construction of the holster leaves no doubt that it is built to endure everything. It is very robust, with thick walls, and all the places where screws are inserted have additional reinforcements and a retention mechanism unlocked by a lever located under the thumb. The entire holster is made of durable injection-molded polymer.

The size of the holster makes it only suitable for wearing on a duty belt. The very thick and bulky belt attachment is challenging to conceal. Additionally, it cannot be detached; you need to pull the belt through the loop, so it’s convenient to configure the equipment once and use it that way. Furthermore, it shifts the holster below the hip, facilitating the drawing of the weapon. It’s also possible to add a thigh strap for stabilizing the holster, which is angular and protrudes significantly from the hip (at its widest point, from the attachment to the retention system, it extends almost 10 cm). In this configuration, concealed carry of the weapon is definitely not possible, but such setup is designed to facilitate the quick retrieval of a well-secured backup weapon in a situation where the rifle fails.

In the RDS model, despite its size, it would be worthwhile to add a spacer element because the thickness of the components did not leave me with enough space for my thumb to press the release adequately. It’s not absolutely necessary, but even a shirt sticking out from under the pants sometimes hindered me in positioning my hand on the pistol grip and placing my thumb on the release. If we add a second layer of clothing, the problem may become more pronounced.

The latch lever wings overlap, allowing the user to unlock the weapon with a single press.
Skrzydełka dźwigni zatrzasku nachodzą na siebie, dzięki czemu odblokowujemy broń jednym naciśnięciem
Pin holding a gun secured in a holster.

The RDS has a dual unlocking lever system. The first one drops the external cover that conceals the top of the slide, while the second one retracts the latch that secures the pistol to the flashlight inside. Both work on torsion springs and overlap each other. This means that by pressing the external lever, we release the rear slide cover, and with the same lever, we press the second lever that retracts the pin securing the weapon in the holster. With a single, firm press, we completely unlock the firearm – a very convenient and efficient solution. The levers are thickly encased with polymer covers, which should protect them from mechanical damage. Additionally, the holster has an elevation that completely shields the red dot sight and is also equipped with an extra flap that covers the rear of the optic, providing protection against dirt.

Prawie 10 cm szerokości, w zamian olbrzymia wygoda użytkowania
Prawie 10 cm szerokości, w zamian olbrzymia wygoda użytkowania

The T-series Level 2 Compact (L2C) holster is essentially a shortened model of the RDS. It lacks protection for the red dot sight, although it is heavily cut out, so there is no problem using a pistol equipped with this feature. Additionally, it has only one lever for unlocking the internal latch that secures the pistol. This version is equipped with a detachable quick dual release (QDR) belt loop. This is a very convenient solution for people who do not use a single tactical belt and need to switch holsters.

A very solid QDR detachable mount.

The mount itself, like the rest of it, is robust. The double latch, released by pressing the buttons on the sides, holds very securely. There are no loose parts or rattling when moving. However, the placement of this mount makes the holster sit high on the belt, and when reaching for the weapon, you need to position your hand high on the hip to get a solid grip on the pistol. It’s definitely a more compact solution, and with thicker outer clothing, you can conceal the weapon so that it doesn’t stand out, but it’s still not the best option for a low-profile carry.

In both versions of the Blackhawk holster, in the event of contamination, it’s essential to check the cleanliness of the safety mechanism. Sand, mud, or small stones that get under the plate (or both plates in the RDS model) can block the lever in the open position, causing the safety to simply not function. However, this is the nature of equipment with moving parts designed to operate in challenging conditions. They need to be maintained, and in return, they will provide smooth operation.

How do they perform in practice?

During use, I found the Blackhawk RDS holster model more to my liking. First and foremost, the holster with the extended mount sits lower on the hip, making it much easier for me to position my hand for a quick draw. Of course, it’s not a problem to purchase accessories, additional belt mounts, MOLLE attachments, and such, which will allow you to create an all-in-one holster setup.

With the extended mount of the RDS, it protrudes more from the hip, which is very helpful for positioning the hand on the pistol grip and thumb on the retention lever while wearing gloves. After just a few attempts, I instinctively pressed the lever without searching for it, and the weapon smoothly went into action. The latch consistently retracted each time, and there were no instances of it getting stuck halfway nor causing any hang-ups. Regarding the holster itself, the opening of the RDS is very wide, and you could say it acts like a funnel. This means you would have to make a serious effort to misalign the firearm when holstering it after shooting. The Level 2 Compact fares slightly worse in that aspect: there is no expansion for the red dot sight, although, as I mentioned earlier, a pistol with a red dot sight can easily fit into it as well.

I really liked the dust cover for optics in the RDS model. During dynamic shooting, when we often change shooting positions, it’s quite easy to get the holster and the firearm dirty. In this case, the well-encased pistol is well-covered, minimizing the amount of dirt getting inside, which could lead to the malfunction of the safety and expose the weapon to malfunctions. The encased red dot sight is perfectly protected against mechanical damage, such as hitting against obstacles or the ground while lying down or crawling.

The flap covering the sight proves its worth during light rain, leaving the sight window clean. Raindrops on the glass can be a nuisance for shooters in rainy conditions because they blur the dot, practically eliminating the possibility of accurate shooting. Of course, the cover is not perfectly waterproof, so in heavy downpours, water will certainly get inside. However, I believe that such a cover is definitely better than none.

Blackhawk is clearly targeting an audience within the broad realm of uniformed services. Their holsters and holster accessories are primarily robust, with a focus on durability and weapon safety at the expense of weight, ergonomics, comfort, or aesthetics. Additional features like firearm retention mechanisms, modular components such as thigh panels, or attachment sockets are sturdy and straightforward, primarily aimed at reliability and ease of use. However, users need to get accustomed to these solutions and train their muscle memory. In sporting applications, only enthusiasts of military-style designs may appreciate these products, as there are many custom-made holsters on the market that offer agility and quick deployment. On the other hand, when it comes to working in tough conditions, Blackhawk holsters prove themselves, and their purchase is worth considering. They facilitate instinctive use of firearm controls, drawing, and holstering, and with this level of craftsmanship, you can expect the equipment to operate reliably for an extended period.

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