BLACKHAWK EPOCH Level 3 Light Bearing Duty Holster- Basketweave Finish

I love this holster. I originally was using a Blackhawk Serpa Holster, also the Level 3.Most people reading these reviews know what Level 3 means, but I'll explain: under one definition, it's two active retention elements as well as a good friction or tension retention element. There's also a well known test developed by FBI Agent Bill Rogers a few decades ago. A level I holster survives an attempted grab and snatch for five seconds. A level II has some kind of distinct locking device (like the hood) and the weapon is meaningfully secured with that lock defeated or deactivated. A level III has two such devices and the holster "meaningfully secures" the pistol with both defeated. In other words, your pistol can be protected even if something goes wrong or someone surprises you and manages to push the unlocking lever.This holster has a hood that clamps over the weapon, and a level that must be pushed to release the weapon (it also releases the hood, but it must be pushed to withdraw the weapon whether the hood is in place or not). There are a couple of places to adjust tension, and once I did so on my Glock 22, the gun and holster basically felt like one solid unit, yet drew smoothly. The holster comes with a pretty low hanging attachment for my 2.25 inch duty belt. It uses proprietary screws, so be careful keeping them. When attached, it's very solid on the belt and I feel confident in the security provided. Those who want a higher riding pistol should get the 'Mod-u-lock' mount by Blackhawk, which is what Taser holsters usually use. I found that I could adjust the height and cant of the included mount to where I liked it.One big issue with this holster is that the level depresses quite deep before it releases the pistol. I had to practice quite a few times before I had a smooth draw. I also found that by adusting the cant rearward that I was able to reholster quickly. With the light, the weapon has to come out a bit more before it's clear of the holster. All told, it's just important that you practice with this and adjust it until you're ready to use it in the field. Now that I'm used to it, I actually think it's a better draw than the traditional Serpa. There's a notch that attracts the trigger finger when drawing and it puts all the fingers where it seems they should be after the draw.You can put a Glock in it without a light, but it's not at all secure and absolutely shouldn't be used this way except in some sort of dire situation.I am using a TLR-1s, which is an incredibly bright light that isn't too expensive. You can also use a Surefire. There were two spacers included and you have to install the appropriate one (it is very obvious which that will be and how to install it). I tried an Insight M6 light that my wife has been using for ten years, and it won't fit. Which is fine with me, as the TLR-1 is vastly better. I am glad i choose this setup over the Xiphos+Serpa due to the brightness of the TLR-1. The way the Serpa system works requires an oddly shaped light and it's not the brightest light. It's not worth the tradeoff at all.The basketweave (which is this model) looks great and matches my other gear. It's slammed into my seatbelt many times without any mark, and it feels very rugged and dependable. Altogether I'm very happy with the value.

I carry this daily for active LE duty because quite frankly it’s the most secure with the fastest draw possible with level 3 retention. Puts the Safariland hoods to shame which are flimsy, easier for a foe to defeat and give more room for error on draw. If you need to get your gun out in a hurry this is the way. The Alien Gear Rapid Force is a close competitor for speed but looks horrendous.My only issue is the belt mounts are very bulky and dig into your hip bone. So I bought the Blackhawk adapter, with the QRS and mounted it on my Safariland belt mount. Best of both worlds. Also for the price… can’t beat this.

I'm a fan of Blackhawk once again! The retention of this holster is phenomenal and the additional security is appreciated! I've written reviews on the Serpa Holster, but wow, the Epoch Level 3 with the light bearing holster is amazing! Already done a range trip and run drills with it and am impressed by how smooth it operates and how much hold on my firearm it has! I am very pleased with my purchase of this product and the drop-leg tactical platform for it. Works great and I know it will be reliable because it's a Blackhawk! I've been around the world in the Marines and do tactical combat shooting now and really rely heavily on good gear... well Blackhawk, you've done it again!!!

Love this holster, I had to slightly modify the insert to accommodate my tlr-8 but besides that it works better than my Serpa level three and I should have purchased this a long time ago it literally allows you from the holster to quickly establish your shooting grip and get on the target quicker. My groups are tighter and I'm happy to say slow is smooth and smooth is fast

I have been buying nothing but Black Hawk products to show support. This is the only product that does not fit Glock 19 with TLR Streamlight or S & W 40 with same light . Bought a Safari brand level 3 holster as replacement and use it everyday for work.

Out of all the holsters I've used Blackhawk has yet again left me in AH! The mechanics are all there. My draw has never been more natural & smooth when in use. Unlike the Serpa the release is with your thumb than with your trigger finger which implies reassurance towards user safety to users. For the price and quality I recommend this holster both with an without the tac-light. I've drawn with both an the holster always delivers a natural draw.Comes with belt paddle (adjustable for user) & 2 inserts to support 6 different light units for your sidearmIt is bulky however it is robust to abuse as I've worn it through different elements & conditions. An occasionally bumped it against hard surfaces to test its hold while being worn with no issues drawing afterwards. I've also tested it in CQ Conditions to confirm the retention's keep the sidearm secure during a conflict and to my surprise you really had to try to get the sidearm out of the holster if your the assailant. Even if the 1st retention has been released the 2 other retention's keep your sidearm secure until the user draws.I recommend this product to anyone who is in service or an occasional sportsman. Dont believe me try one for yourself!