(Final installment of the plasticy-holster reviews)
This part should kinda wrap things up for the most part. I've kind of alluded to some comparisons throughout, but I wanted to sum them all up into one post.
Retention:
The Serpa Level 2 is by far the most secure feeling of the three. Of course it is expected, being the only holster with an active retention system. The Raven Concealment Systems Phantom is probably the least secure, but it is arguably intended for concealed carry (it is right there in the name after all) and holds the gun plenty well enough for that task. However if I were going to OC in a more crowded environment, I would use the Serpa. The Fobus lands right in the middle, securing the gun more than well enough for movement and generally carry purposes, but I'd be leery of trusting it in the event of a gun grab.
Coverage:
The Raven rig definitely covers the most amount of gun, yet still allows for a good hold when drawing. Between the sweat shield and custom molded fit, this one will keep your gun from getting banged up the most, and the bottom is pretty well closed, with a drain opening directly under the light, which should help keep crud from getting into the muzzle. The Fobus covers the least, depending on the gun, but I would prefer a bit of protection for the front sight, no matter how tough they are. The Serpa gets the middle spot here, good coverage down to the muzzle, however it is wide open at the bottom. It does have the "speed cut," exposing the chamber area, but still covers the ejection port. I could do without, but it's not a deal breaker.
Comfort:
The Serpa takes the top in this one, with the Fobus a close second. While I do appreciate the minimalist approach to the paddle concept from the guys at Raven Concealment, the hooks could be a bit more rounded on the wearer's side. The Blackhawk setup is nicely rounded, customizable for belt width, solid yet flexible enough to keep from poking you. It also spreads the weight of the gun out across your belt more.
The Serpa's paddle is nearly twice the width of the Fobus.
The Phantom spreads the weight out even more, there is definitely no feeling of the gun pulling your pants off, even with a full 15 round mag and attached light.
The Phantom is also the highest riding of the three, the Serpa holding the gun the lowest.
All three of them hold the gun in nice and tight to the wearer's body, although I'd like to see how a Raven made holster would feel with the 1911 for comparison (eventually...)
Summary:
All three of the holsters are great rigs, especially considering the prices. The Fobus beats the snot out of comparably priced cloth holsters, and looks 5,843 times better. The Blackhawk! Serpa is a steal for a durable, all around, secure holster, and is a king of versatility with both paddle and belt attachments included in the package. The Raven Concealment Systems Phantom's quality is fantastic, and the "custom" fit and feel makes the little extra price and current wait well worth it, especially for some of the harder to find models, and is pretty much the only choice worth even considering if you run a light.
All three have their strengths (Fobus = value; Serpa = security; Phantom = light compatibility & custom feel); and all have some weaknesses (Fobus = extra finish wear; Serpa = potential mechanical failure; Phantom = low retention).
What I can say is buy any of the three with confidence. You won't be let down.
Part II - Fobus Holster and Mag Holder
Part III - Blackhawk! Serpa Holster and Mag Holder
Part IV - Raven Concealment Systems Phantom Holster and Mag Holder
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2 comments:
Out of these three holsters, which holds the pistol closest to your body? I ask because I have used a Fobus and Serpa with several firearms and find they stick out too far and print too much for a loose shirt. I am considering a Raven Phantom, but for the price and current insane wait time, I want to make sure it hugs tight. Judging by your nice picture, they all hug tight! Not for me, not even with a good quality gun belt cinched down. Thanks
The Raven, especially the newer one I've got for my M&P with the new OWB loops, snugs it in closest. The Serpa sticks out the most of the three, and I wouldn't ever try to use it for CCW. I'm a bigger guy, so I think that's why it looks like they all hold close.
Raven does have stupid wait times these days, and the prices seem a bit high for the product. There's some other ones out there now that have comparable holsters for better prices, and more importantly, wait time considerably less than a decade. http://gonetraining.blogspot.com/ is one I'm thinking of looking into for my next foray into Kydex.
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