There is one huge negative I’ve observed with this holster, both from an assembly and a maintenance perspective and it has entirely to do with the Chicago posts – they aren’t notched on the head. Over months of constant use, holster hardware can loosen up if not paired with a thread locker, and tightening everything down without a thread locker isn’t always a good solution as you may prefer less tension on your firearm or magazines. On the positive side of things here, I really like that Blackhawk included a thread locker with their hardware. In order to start using it, you’ll have to attach at least one of the included clips to the holster using two of the included brass Chicago posts and mounting screw sets. The holster comes in a completely stripped-down configuration and isn’t quite ready to use right out of the box. I grew up playing with Lego sets so the pictures are always a huge bonus for me since I can barely read as it is – I’m even worse at following written instructions.
The Blackhawk Stache Premium Holster Kit comes with a very detailed instruction/assembly manual that includes pictures. Just based on what’s in the package and how it’s presented to you, I could see the Stache IWB being a great option for new concealed carriers who are still experimenting with their carry setup and aren’t quite ready to commit to a specific style of holster just yet. For comparison, a T-REX Arms sidecar holster starts at $100 and similar options from places like Tier1 Concealed start at around $130. $65 is about what I’d expect to pay for a decent holster for one gun but in the case of Stache, not only are you getting a standard split-shell polymer holster for this price, but you’re also getting additional configurations as well. Out of all of those features, the biggest thing that sticks out to me is the affordability of the entire kit. The kit also comes with claws, additional rubber spacers, and mag carrier hardware so you can convert the Stache IWB from a standard IWB Kydex holster into a sidecar style holster.
The Stache IWB Premium Holster Kit is sold directly from the Blackhawk website for a price of $64.95 and comes with everything except for Blackhawk’s discreet carry clips which tuck underneath your belt instead of over it like the ones provided do. TFB Review: Blackhawk Stache IWB Premium Holster Kit New Blackhawk L2C T-Series Light Bearing Holster.The SERPA CQC Concealment Holster Line from Blackhawk Expands.
Although many are staunch opponents to the appendix inside the waistband style of carrying (AIWB), there are those that not only love it but preach it as the superior style of concealed carrying (I’m looking at you Hop). However, as I started expanding the types of pistols I carried and the styles used to carry them, I quickly learned that there is a lot of give and take when it comes to both holster design, and concealability. Holsters are something I think a lot of people take for granted – I know because I used to be one of them.