BlackPoint Tactical FO3 IWB Holster: Review

BlackPoint Tactical’s mission is to provide high-quality innovative products to the shooting community. As such, the company offers holsters, pouches, and hardware. I’ve been using the firm’s new Signature Series FO3 IWB holster, and I like it a lot. FO3 stands for forward of 3 o’clock.

Developed in conjunction with Bill Rapier (20-year U.S. Navy veteran and owner and lead instructor of AMTAC Shooting), the FO3 is constructed of KYDEX and is molded to fit the specific handgun model. In my case, my holster is for the full-size Springfield 1911 Emissary that I reviewed for Shooting Times in the December 2021/January 2022 issue. The holster fits this pistol perfectly.

Designed to be worn on the strong side, the FO3 has two metal belt loop clips, and one of them is connected to the one-piece holster body by a flexible leather strap. The other one is attached to the polymer holster body itself and held in place by two screws. Both belt loop clips are wide enough to accommodate a 1.75-inch-wide belt. The FO3 also has one retention screw located just below where the pistol’s trigger guard slides into the holster. And the FO3 is adjustable for ride height and cant.

I like this holster for two basic reasons.

One, it’s simple. My wife says the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) was intended specifically for me, and she’s probably correct. Anyway, I like simple gadgets, guns, and gear, so the FO3 is my kind of tool.

Two, the FO3 is really slim and fits inside the waistband of my trousers comfortably. I generally prefer outside-the-waistband holsters, but when the situation calls for it, I don’t mind using an IWB, as long as it’s comfortable. The FO3 is. Plus, it positions the pistol a little farther forward on the waist than typical IWB holsters.

BlackPoint Tactical offers the FO3 in right-handed and left-handed configurations for pistols with or without weapon lights. More than 25 pistol brands, from Arsenal to ZEV, are covered. Optional holster colors are black, chocolate brown, coyote, O.D. green, gray, and Storm gray. And all BlackPoint holsters are cover by a lifetime warranty. If it breaks in any way, the company will replace it free of charge.

MSRP: $94.99

blackpointtactical.com

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