eBay Guides - Blackhawk CQC SPORTSTER SERPA Holster Guide

The goal of this guide is to provide answers to commonly asked questions on Blackhawk CQC SERPA and SPORTSTER SERPA holsters. After reading this guide you will hopefully have the answers to the most basic questions concerning Blackhawk SERPA style holsters. SERPA is the name given by Blackhawk and refers to their patented trigger release system found on SERPA style holsters.

CQC SPORTSTER

Blackhawk CQC/ SPORTSTER SERPA holsters are considered Level II retention holsters due to the inward pressure fingering of the SERPA button to activate the release of the handgun from the holster.

(Blackhawk also makes a Level 1 off duty CQC holster however, these holsters do not feature SERPA technology and relies solely on holster tension to secure the handgun in the holster.)

The CQC holster can be used for plain clothes work while the SPORTSTER is intended for the occasional shooter. The holsters are the same in every respect as related to gun fit and attachment compatibility. The major difference is the material, attachments included in the packaging and coloring.

CQC holsters are manufactured of carbon fiber while the SPORTSTER is constructed of a polymer material. Carbon fiber is stronger and more durable than polymer.

Another difference between the CQC and the Sportster is what is included in the packaging. Both a paddle and a belt loop attachment is included with a CQC holster while only the paddle attachment is included in the packaging for the SPORTSTER.

CQC holsters come in the colors of Black, Coyote Tan, Foliage Green or OD Green, however of all the colors listed Black is the only color that is available for ALL CQC holster. Coyote Tan, Foliage Green and OD Green are reserved for holsters that fit handguns with a military function (Like Beretta 92/96 but not HK USP Compact).

SPORTSTER holsters only come in an off-black (more akin to a dark gun metal powder gray) finish.

CQC holsters come in both a plain matte finish or a stylish basketweave look finish. There is about a $10 USD price difference between the finish differences. SPORTSTER holsters only come in a plain matte finish.

Blackhawk seems to only offer SERPA style holsters that are generally the "most popular" amongst military, law enforcement and avid shooters. If you have an obscure or custom handgun then you will probably not find a SERPA holster to accomadate you.

CQC Package Contents - Inside the CQC packaging you will recieve a CQC SERPA holster with BOTH a belt loop attachment (fits belts up to 2 inches wide) and an off-duty pants paddle attachment. The belt loop attachment will already be mated to the holster in the packaging. The attachments are easily removed and attached (within 5 minutes for the entire exchange) and are mated to the holster with three threaded phillips head screws. The cant of the holster can also be adjusted.

SPORTSTER Package Contents - Inside the SPORTSTER packaging you will recieve a SPORTSTER SERPA holster with ONLY a paddle attachment. The paddle attachment will already be mated to the holster in the packaging. The attachment is easily removed and is mated to the holster with three threaded phillips head screws. The cant of the holster can also be adjusted.

Accessories - All the CQC Accessories are compatible with both the CQC and the SPORTSTER holster. A number of CQC platform accessories may be purchased to take your SERPA holster to the next level to include; shoulder, leg, molle, belt loop crossdraw, and 5.11 BBS vest compatibility platforms. There are also CQC magazine holders and CQC light holders in plain matte and basketweave finishes and they come in four colors (Black, Coyote tan, OD Green and Field Green).

Barrel Length - As long as the holster is compatible with your handgun model the barrel length will not matter. CQC and SPORTSTER SERPA holsters have an open bottom so extended barrels may protrude out the bottom of the holster, but otherwise will fit fine. Only the frame size dimensions affect the fit.

Crimson Trace Grips - Crimson Trace laser grips will not have any bearing on the fit of the handgun in the holster. Only the frame size dimensions affect the fit.

Light Rails - Not all handguns with light rails will fit CQC/ SPORTSTER SERPA holsters. Holsters that fit a light rail are Beretta, Colt and SIG.

Left Hand Models - Blackhawk does not make CQC Left Hand versions for every SERPA holster that is available in right hand. Check out our Blackhawk CQC SERPA holster Check our Will Fit Chart for the availability of CQC Left Hand holsters.

Color Variations - Blackhawk does not make colored holsters (Coyote Tan, Field Green, OD Green)for every CQC SERPA holster they offer. Colored holsters can be found in only the MOST popular handgun models (example: US military issue or a widely issued law enforcement model handgun).

Tactical CQC SERPA Leg Holsters - Blackhawk only makes CQC SERPA Tactical Leg Holsters in the MOST popular handgun models (a US Military issue or a widely issued law enforcement model handgun). CQC SERPA Tactical Leg Holsters have an added feature in that it has an extended portion that protects the rear sights. CQC SERPA Tactical Leg Holsters only come in a matte plain finish but do come in various colors.

DUTY CQC SERPA Holsters - Duty CQC SERPA Holsters come in many varieties in design but limited in availability in handgun fit and are available in both Level 2 or 3 retention. These holster are designed to fit up to 2.25 inch police style duty belts. There are also light bearing CQC duty holsters available, however, these holsters ONLY fit Blackhawk Xyphos tactical lights and will not fit other tactical lights. Blackhawk only makes Duty CQC SERPA Holsters in the MOST popular handgun models used in US law enforcement. Duty CQC SERPA Holsters have an added feature in that they have an extended portion that protects the rear sights.