Blackhawk's "Special Operations" holster

[Slater]

I was looking for a basic flap-type holster to protect my handgun from scratches, scuffs, etc while camping or hiking and this seemed to fill the bill. Evidently this OD green, right-hand version was assigned NSN 8465-01-501-8078 at some point. Probably many years ago, and I wouldn't think it was in service all that long with the advent of modern holsters. Anyone know if it saw much service use at all?

[docsherm]

I use the crap out of mine. Wish i still had it. It was great for Jumps.

[Circle_10]

I recall seeing a picture of one in Small Arms Review in use overseas with some kind of maritime force protection unit. I’m not really that fond of Blackhawk….err I mean BLACKHAWK! stuff typically but I considered getting one of these at one point for use in the wintertime or in other situations where retention and protection of the sidearm from the elements, damage and debris were a bigger priority than rapid access.
I ended up getting a used Bianchi UM84/M12 and for a gun with a WML, a used Bianchi Cobra that I rattle canned green and retrofit with a UM84 flap instead though.

[Slater]

Apparently these things are still selling well enough that Blackhawk continues to make them (in OD only. They used to be available in FDE, Black, and Army digital). I wouldn't think that there are any left in US military use.

[Circle_10]

I know they aren’t high speed but I still think flapped holsters like this have merit in certain scenarios. If BLACKHAWK! would come out with a WML version I might still try one out (but I doubt they will because like you alluded to, this seems to be kind of a “legacy” product for them)

[CRAMBONE]

1999 called it wants its holster back.

[SteyrAUG]

I know they aren’t high speed but I still think flapped holsters like this have merit in certain scenarios. If BLACKHAWK! would come out with a WML version I might still try one out (but I doubt they will because like you alluded to, this seems to be kind of a “legacy” product for them)

Honestly, I still have my late 80s Bianchi flap holster, made for the M9 but was one of the first to actually work with my HK USP.

[TheAlsatian]

Yes I saw a number of them. The S3 shop from SOCCENT bought them privately/group. I flew to Bagram i early 2002 with an officer from that shop and he was carrying an M9 in one. Most of our stuff like that was private purchase and I had a Safariland.

[Slater]

1999 called it wants its holster back.

Heck, Blackhawk could always market them to the Retro crowd. "Used by SpecOps forces when they assaulted the oil storage tanks at Macho Grande in 1988"

[chuckman]

Yup, had it.....