Blackhawk
Blackhawk Holsters: In Depth
Blackhawk has been a leading name in firearm accessories since 1993. Founded by a former Navy SEAL, the company’s mission is to provide top-quality gear that enhances the safety and effectiveness of military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters. Blackhawk is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and has built a strong reputation for its durable, reliable products.
The brand offers a wide range of firearm accessories, including holsters and tactical gear. Their SERPA holster is particularly well-known for its innovative retention system, designed to keep a firearm secure while allowing for a smooth, quick draw. Blackhawk also produces gun cases, belts, and shooting gloves, catering to both professional and recreational shooters.
Blackhawk’s commitment to high-performance, rugged equipment has made it a trusted name across the globe. With decades of experience and a focus on continuous innovation, Blackhawk remains a go-to brand for those seeking reliable and practical firearm accessories.
Blackhawk History
Blackhawk was founded in 1993 by former Navy SEAL Mike Noell. The company was born out of a life-threatening experience during a combat mission. Noell’s equipment failed, and after narrowly escaping danger, he vowed to create gear that would never let soldiers down. With that goal in mind, he started Blackhawk, initially focusing on creating high-quality tactical gear for military personnel.
In its early years, Blackhawk specialized in tactical backpacks, vests, and pouches. As the brand grew, they expanded their product line to include a wide variety of tactical equipment, including holsters, belts, and footwear. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating durable, reliable products quickly earned them a reputation in the military and law enforcement communities. Blackhawk became a go-to brand for special forces, law enforcement agencies, and even civilian tactical enthusiasts.
The brand's breakthrough came with the creation of the SERPA holster, a retention holster designed to prevent accidental discharges while ensuring a fast, smooth draw. The SERPA holster became one of Blackhawk’s most popular products, used by military and police forces around the world. This innovation solidified Blackhawk's reputation for creating equipment that emphasized safety and performance.
In 2010, Blackhawk was acquired by ATK (Alliant Techsystems), a defense contractor that later became part of Vista Outdoor Inc. The acquisition allowed Blackhawk to expand its reach even further, continuing to develop tactical gear for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians. Under Vista Outdoor, Blackhawk has maintained its focus on quality while branching out into new product categories such as apparel, flashlights, and firearm accessories.
Today, Blackhawk continues to serve military, law enforcement, and civilian customers with gear that meets the demands of the field. From tactical nylon to precision-engineered holsters, Blackhawk products are trusted by professionals across the globe. Their commitment to innovation and reliability remains at the core of their brand, ensuring that they deliver on their founder's original promise: to never let users down when it matters most.
Blackhawk Products
Holsters
Inside Waistband (IWB) Holsters
Stache
- Use-Case: Perfect for concealed carry.
- Unique Features: Made from impact-reinforced polymer, this modular holster is designed for comfort and durability, offering configurable options like magazine carriers and concealment wings for enhanced concealability.
TecGrip
- Use-Case: Ideal for deep concealment without the need for a belt clip.
- Unique Features: The TecGrip outer layer keeps the holster firmly in place inside the waistband, making it great for everyday carry with a variety of handguns.
A.R.C. (Ambidextrous Reversible Carry)
- Use-Case: Suited for users looking for versatility in their carry style.
- Unique Features: This holster is ambidextrous and can be worn inside the waistband on either side, featuring soft injection-molded polymer for a comfortable fit.
Magazine Carriers
Single Pistol Magazine Carrier
- Use-Case: For easy access to an extra magazine during concealed or open carry.
- Unique Features: Lightweight and durable, it offers excellent retention while allowing quick retrieval of magazines.
Double Pistol Magazine Carrier
- Use-Case: Designed for extended carry with two spare magazines.
- Unique Features: Slim design allows easy attachment to duty or tactical belts while offering secure retention.
Rifle Magazine Carrier
- Use-Case: Best for tactical or range use, providing fast access to rifle magazines.
- Unique Features: Compatible with a variety of rifle magazines, this carrier is durable and attaches easily to belts or tactical vests.
Outside Waistband (OWB) Holsters
T-Series
- Use-Case: Built for tactical, military, or law enforcement use.
- Unique Features: Designed with a thumb-activated retention system, providing fast and secure access in high-stress situations.
SERPA
- Use-Case: Popular among law enforcement and military for secure retention and rapid draw.
- Unique Features: The Auto-Lock system guarantees secure holstering while allowing for a smooth and quick draw. Available in CQC, Tactical, and Duty models.
Omnivore
- Use-Case: Perfect for users with multiple firearms.
- Unique Features: This universal holster fits over 150 different pistol models by clamping onto the light rail, eliminating the need for multiple holsters.
Duty & Tactical Holsters
Level 2 Retention Holsters
- Use-Case: Ideal for law enforcement or military personnel who require enhanced firearm security.
- Unique Features: Designed with a retention strap or locking mechanism that requires two actions to release the firearm.
Level 3 Retention Holsters
- Use-Case: Built for maximum retention, often used in tactical environments.
- Unique Features: Offers three levels of retention, ensuring the highest level of firearm security.
TASER Holsters
- Use-Case: Designed specifically for TASER devices carried by law enforcement.
- Unique Features: Offers secure retention and easy access to the TASER when needed.
Holster Accessories
T-Series Accessories
- Use-Case: Enhances the function of T-Series holsters.
- Unique Features: Includes mounts, belt clips, and concealment wings for customization.
Stache IWB Accessories
- Use-Case: For improving comfort and concealment in IWB carry.
- Unique Features: Modular add-ons like magazine carriers, holster wings, and claw attachments.
SERPA Accessories
- Use-Case: Used to adapt or improve the SERPA holster system.
- Unique Features: Includes shoulder harnesses, paddle attachments, and leg platforms for increased versatility.
Belts
Duty Belts
- Use-Case: Essential for law enforcement to carry holsters, pouches, and other duty gear.
- Unique Features: Designed for strength and durability, these belts securely hold heavy equipment.
Leather EDC Belts
- Use-Case: Perfect for everyday concealed carry.
- Unique Features: Made from premium leather, these belts offer a clean look while providing the stiffness needed to support a firearm.
MOLLE & Military Belts
- Use-Case: Built for military or tactical operations where MOLLE gear is required.
- Unique Features: Heavy-duty and MOLLE-compatible, these belts allow for the attachment of pouches and holsters.
Rigger's Belts
- Use-Case: Popular among tactical professionals for rappelling or carrying heavy gear.
- Unique Features: Parachute-grade buckles and reinforced webbing ensure safety and reliability.
Instructor's Belts
- Use-Case: Best suited for shooting instructors and tactical professionals.
- Unique Features: Reinforced belts offering additional support, suitable for carrying multiple holsters or gear.
Slings
Rifle Slings
- Use-Case: Ideal for carrying rifles securely and comfortably during missions or range sessions.
- Unique Features: Blackhawk rifle slings offer quick adjustability and strong, durable webbing for long-lasting use.
Single-Point Slings
- Use-Case: Perfect for rapid rifle transitions in tactical environments.
- Unique Features: Offers flexibility and quick adjustments for dynamic situations.
Multi-Point Slings
- Use-Case: Best for long-term carry and stability.
- Unique Features: Can switch between single-point and two-point configurations, providing versatility during use.
Where are Blackhawk Holsters Made?
Headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia
BLACKHAWK is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. This location serves as the company’s central hub, overseeing operations and management of their extensive product lines. From Norfolk, Blackhawk manages its design, marketing, and business functions to serve its global customer base of military, law enforcement, and shooting sports professionals.
Manufacturing Facility in Manhattan, Montana
The BLACKHAWK manufacturing facility in Manhattan, Montana, is one of the company’s primary production sites. This plant specializes in molding polymer components, such as holsters, gun stocks, and accessories. The facility is known for producing the popular SERPA holster, along with various other hard goods. This factory operates around the clock, utilizing advanced equipment to melt and mold raw polymer materials into finished products. The Montana plant also produces gun cleaning supplies and self-sealing targets, making it an essential part of Blackhawk’s manufacturing operations.
Manufacturing Facility in North Carolina
BLACKHAWK also has a major manufacturing site in North Carolina. This facility focuses on producing soft goods, including tactical nylon gear like slings, backpacks, and pouches. The North Carolina plant is crucial for the production of law enforcement duty gear and other soft accessories used by military and law enforcement personnel. Blackhawk’s commitment to high-quality, durable products is evident in this location, ensuring their soft tactical gear meets the rigorous demands of professional users.
Manufacturing Facility in Idaho
The BLACKHAWK plant in Idaho is another key location for manufacturing. Like the North Carolina site, the Idaho facility handles the production of soft tactical gear, body armor, and law enforcement equipment. These products are designed to offer maximum protection and functionality for users in the field. Idaho's facility ensures Blackhawk can produce and deliver a wide range of tactical gear across the United States.
Global Production
While Blackhawk is a U.S.-based company with a strong domestic manufacturing presence, they also produce some products overseas. Countries like Vietnam contribute to the production of certain items, particularly soft goods such as tactical gear and apparel. This allows Blackhawk to scale its production and meet the growing international demand for their gear.