Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
With Father’s Day just around the corner, many of you may be wondering what the perfect gift may be. For those who want to get something meaningful and practical, a new holster could be the perfect solution! To ensure the best fit, start by discovering your dad’s current pistol setup, including the brand, model, and any optic or weapon light configuration. Armed with this information, you can choose the appropriate holster. While there are many different styles available, I will go through five different Blackhawk holsters to help you find the perfect fit.
Simple Concealed Carry
First on the list is the Blackhawk STACHE IWB (Inside-the-Waistband) Holster. This is an ambidextrous and modular concealed carry holster that’s made here in America. The base model includes a holster and belt clip at a price between $33.95-$39.95 while the Stache Premium kit comes with the holster, the Magazine Carrier, and Concealment Claw at a price between $54.95-$64.95.
The Stache features adjustable passive retention that can be tuned to the user’s desired level of resistance. It is compatible with most red dots on the market, and can even work with the popular Discreet Carry Concepts Gear Clips™ which are sold separately. Coming with an adjustable 1.5″ J-style belt clip, the Stache allows users to customize positioning for maximum comfort. The low-profile design helps keep the gun from printing, and the minimalist design keeps it nice and lightweight.
Customized Concealed Carry
Moving on to the next option, we have a unique and personalized choice that is sure to suit any gentleman’s taste. Blackhawk presents their Custom Kydex® IWB Concealment Holsters, designed to accommodate the most popular firearm configurations available today. These holsters boast a 1.75″ tuckable belt clip and concealment claw. They are a highly customizable and versatile concealed carry option. Formed from durable .08″ thickness Kydex®, these holsters are engineered for long-lasting durability. With prices ranging from $80.95 to $90.95, they can be tailored to various customization options, including optic cut, compatibility with aftermarket raised sights, and threaded barrel lengths. Additionally, you have the option to choose from over 60 distinct color patterns, allowing you to gift your father a truly one-of-a-kind holster.
Outdoor Holster
Along the same lines as the previous holster, Blackhawk offers Custom Kydex® OWB (Outside-the-Waistband) holsters. Formed to fit tight on the users hip, these Outside-The-Waistband holsters are built to be fast, sleek, and comfortable. Just like the IWB options, these are formed from .08” thickness Kydex® and are available in over 60 color variations. These utilize belt loops to securely hold the pistol and holster tight up on the user’s hip. These range in price from $79.95-$89.95 and are built to order. Lead times are currently just a few days long, with multiple customized options in stock.
Furthermore, a Customized Double Magazine Carrier is the ideal companion for complementing an OWB holster. This provides a streamlined and efficient method to carry two additional magazines. The magazine carrier is equipped with adjustable retention, ensuring that the magazines remain securely in place, even during sprints. It offers peace of mind and easy access to spare ammunition when needed.
Range/Competition Holster
For those whose dads are always on the move, the T-Series Level 2 Compact (L2C) Overt Gun Belt Holster Kit could be the perfect option. This is Blackhawk’s lightest weight version of the T-Series. It features an open top with reflex sight compatibility, and it comes with their Jacket Slot Belt Loop and Leg Strap Adapter. The leg strap adapter does a great job of keeping the pistol from flopping around when running. I have used similar setups for 5K run-and-guns, and the leg strap adapter is essential when running.
In addition to a robust attachment method, the T-Series also uses both adjustable passive retention and thumb-activated retention to provide added security. When drawing the handgun, the natural placement of the thumb will put it in the correct spot to deactivate the thumb release resulting in the ability for quick draws from a retention holster. This holster kit runs $84.96 and is available for both right and left-handed shooters using multiple common handguns.
Duty Holster
Lastly, for those who want ultimate security, Blackhawk has created what they call the T-Series L3D Light-Bearing Red Dot Sight (RDS) Duty Holster. These cost somewhere between $149.95-$169.95 depending on the selections made. Designed to feature streamlined thumb-activated retention, the L3D holster keeps your firearm at the ready while maintaining total security. This is engineered to not only keep the pistol held in place but also to thwart anyone except the user from quickly snatching the firearm.
As for weaponlights, it is compatible with the Streamlight™ TLR 1, 2, 7, & 8 as well as Surefire™ X300. It is also compatible with the Trijicon RMR/SRO, Leupold Delta Point Pro, Sig Romeo1Pro, Bushnell RXS-250, and other similar sized optics. Similar to the LC2 holster, the L3D uses both adjustable passive retention and thumb-activated retention. However, it also features a retention strap over the back of the slide to provide level 3 coverage.
Summary
When it comes to Father’s Day gifts, it’s essential to consider each dad’s style. While my personal preference lies in carrying a concealed pistol daily, if your dad already possesses an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster for everyday carry, getting him a holster specifically designed for the range can be an excellent training-oriented gift. Any of these options would be useful, and a holster is the gateway to effectively carrying a firearm. To find any of these holsters, or a plethora of other options, go check out Blackhawk’s website to find a great practical Father’s Day gift.