Blackhawk

Blackhawk T-Series: Current Generation Duty Holster

The Blackhawk T-Series is the current flagship duty holster, replacing the SERPA in Blackhawk’s active duty line. The T-Series uses a thumb-activated release on the front of the holster body (rather than the SERPA’s trigger-finger release on the side), addressing the primary training concern with the SERPA system: that under extreme stress, the trigger finger might not move cleanly away from the trigger during the draw. The T-Series L2D provides Level 2 retention, the T3D provides Level 3. Both use ABS polymer construction and are available for most major duty pistol platforms including Glock, SIG, Smith & Wesson M&P, and others. See also: Holsters.

Blackhawk SERPA: The Legacy Active Retention Holster

The Blackhawk SERPA was one of the first widely adopted active-retention holsters at a price point accessible to non-law enforcement buyers, and it remains popular among range shooters, hunters, and competition shooters who want positive retention without the cost of a Safariland duty holster. The SERPA’s release is activated by pressing the trigger finger into a button on the holster body, locking the gun in place until deliberately released. Several law enforcement training academies have restricted SERPA use due to concerns about stress-induced finger placement errors, but the holster remains popular for range and field use where that training concern is less relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions: Blackhawk Holsters

What is Blackhawk known for?
Blackhawk Products Group is a Norfolk, Virginia manufacturer producing tactical gear, duty holsters, and accessories — best known for the SERPA holster (now the T-Series) and their EPOCH Level 3 duty retention holster. Blackhawk is widely used by law enforcement and military for duty holsters and tactical accessories including magazine pouches, duty belts, and plate carrier accessories. Their holster line covers the full retention spectrum from civilian concealment to Level 3 duty retention for active patrol use.

What happened to the SERPA holster?
The original SERPA used a finger-activated release button at the trigger guard — a design that many trainers and agencies prohibited due to concerns that stress-induced finger movement on the release could cause negligent discharge. Blackhawk redesigned the platform as the T-Series, which relocates the release to a thumb-activated lever similar to Safariland’s ALS, addressing the primary safety concern with the SERPA design. The T-Series is Blackhawk’s current duty holster recommendation.

Is Blackhawk suitable for concealed carry?
Yes — Blackhawk produces the CQC series for concealed carry use, available in both leather and Kydex configurations for most common pistols. The CQC is a passive retention holster suitable for IWB and OWB civilian carry. For duty carry with active retention requirements, the T-Series or EPOCH Level 3 are the appropriate choices.

See Also: All Holsters • Safariland • Duty Holsters • OWB Holsters • Concealed Carry