Rock that pistol with a new Blackhawk Leather Holster, the MBoss
Lovers of leather holsters and tactical gear have more to love now, with the May release of this brand new to market Blackhawk Leather Holster, the MBoss, custom made for their favorite major-brand handgun.
The MBoss is constructed of Italian leather, and is black, with two belt loops. It’s slightly reminiscent of traditional pancake holsters. But it’s not entirely traditional, not at all.
The test model, which fits either a government- or commander-size 1911, is just 4.3 inches at the tallest point with a scalloped profile that makes most of the holster less than 4.0 inches tall.
Its slim profile thus makes it a wearable, functional showcase for a handsome firearm. I think it makes the inherently sexy 1911 profile even more attractive.
A single piece of thick, finished leather is sewn in a loop shape with heavy-duty stitching to form the MBoss.
The finish is a combination of smooth, finished leather and a finely-stamped pattern that’s definitely a modern profile while granting a nod to the traditional basket weave look.
This holster features a sight channel that accommodates and protects the front sight during holstering and drawing. Its open bottom doesn’t give direct protection while worn, but it does create a cage-like barrier around the slide that prevents direct contact by the vast majority of outside objects.
For its trim design, the MBoss has great retention while the leather provides non-marring contact with the gun. There’s an adjustable retention screw to get the fit just right.
There’s a visible, traditional pancake belt slot on the Blackhawk MBoss, plus a hidden, double-stitched belt loop on the body-facing side.
On that loop is stamped the brand and firearm model the holster’s made to fit, as well as the month/date of manufacture. The only visible branding is a subtle, stamped Blackhawk shield, with no lettering. No brand-pimping here, just class.
I paired the holster with an Exos Gear gun belt and my commander-size Sig Sauer Nightmare. The belt is 1.5 inches wide and 0.20 inches thick, a tight fit with the MBoss.
The double-layer, visible belt loop on the holster is thick and will surely be easier to manipulate after some break-in. Despite some assertive pulling required to install it on the belt, the belt-holster combo is secure and comfortable when worn.
For kicks, I also tried the MBoss installed on a flimsy vinyl fashion belt. The secure feeling the rig had on the Exos belt was gone; the weight of the pistol, which rides high in relation to the holster, pulled the grip out so it felt like it was flapping as I walked.
Wearers with more robust midriffs might not experience the same, but I wasn’t comfortable with so much motion in the gun.
I ditched the idea of wearing this holster with a crappy belt. Besides, the MBoss is too nice-looking to pair with a belt of substandard quality.
With the grip well exposed, drawing from this Blackhawk Leather Holster is a breeze. There’s no problem getting a full firing grip while the gun is holstered—a trait I seek in any holster because it shortens the time between the draw and putting rounds on target.
This is a holster that walks a perfect line between a tactical and traditional appearance.
It would make a great choice for the carbine user who’s updated their black rifle with a wooden stock, or for the detective who needs a professional, courtroom-ready look that’s also fit for patrol.
And it’s great for anyone who wants to showcase a beautiful handgun with a presentation-quality holster, right on their hip.
The equestrian aspect of my life has developed the habit of judging leather not just by appearance and texture, but smell. Aromatic leather is indicative of good materials and a slow, quality tanning process.
Cheap leather smells like urine, having been tanned in it. This holster has the lovely scent of a tack shop.
Early press releases from Blackhawk indicate an IWB version of the MBoss, with a snap belt loop or metal clip similar to that of their Premium Leather Holster, will be available in the future also.
I have no disagreements with the MBoss, but I do hope this Blackhawk leather holster will eventually come in a dark and/or medium brown in the future.
For now, it’s doing a fine job of making both traditionalists and tactical types do a double-take to see if it’s Kydex or leather. It’s leather, but won’t ever be mistaken for your grandpa’s holster.
MSRP is $79.95. Availability is sparse as of this writing, and it’s not yet listed on the manufacturer’s website. If the splash Blackhawk gave this holster at the May 2018 NRA convention is any indication, it should show up at your favorite sporting goods supplier soon.