BlackPoint Tactical FO3

The FO3 Holster (forward of 3 o’clock) by Bill Rapier

In combatives, and specifically pistol combatives, one of the most important elements to master is the transition. Transitions range from punching to pistol, punching to blade, impact weapon to pistol etc. Most strong side holsters are designed to be carried around the four or four thirty position which can be a very comfortable way to carry. Although this may be comfortable, my preference is to carry a little further forward around the waist. The FO3 holster is designed to be worn just forward of 3 o’clock on your strong side. Instead of wings extending off both sides of the holster, the front clip on the FO3 is hard mounted to the KYDEX® body. There is a modified wing which extends from the rear of the holster providing flexibility. This reduces the footprint of the holster allowing it to be carried forward of 3 o’clock while the leather piece allows the holster to move with you as you move, maximizing comfort. I have found this to be the best compromise between speed of draw and weapon security. This allows me to carry comfortably, deploy the pistol quickly, and safely anchor the pistol during a gun grab. If needed, I still have the ability to pivot my hips in order to create the space needed to produce my firearm in close quarters. This holster is the result of countless hours of training and collaboration with the BlackPoint Tactical team.

Bill Rapier is the owner and lead instructor of AMTAC Shooting. He is recently retired after twenty years in the Navy where his duty assignments included several years at SEAL Team Three and over fourteen years at Naval Special Warfare Development Group. His positions held include: assaulter, breacher, sniper, team leader, troop chief and military working dog department senior enlisted. He has always been an avid shooter and is heavily involved in combatives.