Are you looking for a budget-friendly holster to carry your handgun Inside the Waistband? Blackhawk may have the answer that you’re looking for. Join me as we check out the Blackhawk A.R.C. IWB J Frame holster.
Some Assembly Required
A.R.C. stands for Appendix Reversible Carry. This holster is ambidextrous, which makes it versatile and flexible.
Upon opening the package, there is a little bit of assembly required, as the belt clip will need to be mounted. Since I’m right-handed, I mounted it accordingly. Left-handers can also be accommodated.
One nice thing is that Blackhawk includes a detailed instruction book with the holster.
To be fair, though, the assembly process isn’t complicated at all. Understand, I’m not a mechanically inclined person. I’m certain that, somewhere in my personnel file from my former profession, there absolutely has to be a special note that says, “Do NOT let this idiot operate hand tools, he will be the death of us all!!” Despite my mechanically maniacal misgivings, I affixed the belt clip in mere minutes.
The holster comes with two clips—one fits a 1.5-inch belt, and the other is for a 1.75-inch belt. The clips function well. Although they are slightly flexible, they are easy to get on and off the belt. A slight tab on the underside of the clip latches onto the wearer’s belt, which helps to retain the holster on the belt.
As I wore this holster, at no time did the clip fail to stay on the belt, it always remained solidly attached. With that said, I’d like to see sturdier clips, they are a little on the flimsy side.
There are two options when mounting: high or low. I chose to mount it low so that it doesn’t stick up from my waistband much at all. For my J-Frame revolver, I prefer it to sit low.
Retention
Additionally, there is a retention screw that can be adjusted to the user’s preference, which is a nice touch.
My revolver, a Smith & Wesson 642, fits well in the holster but moves around ever so slightly in it. The 642 is in no danger of falling out, but the fit is not quite as snug as with some of the Kydex holsters that I’ve used. This is not to say that the handgun rattles and bounces around in the holster; rather, it’s just not quite as tight as many other holsters out there on the market. When the handgun is inserted, it does click into the A.R.C. holster, which provides a positive feeling of security.
The holster covers the trigger guard well enough to safely carry the revolver.
The holster is constructed of injection molded polymer. It’s slightly pliable but rigid enough to easily retain a handgun.
Comfort
A word about the feel of this holster: although it’s made from Polymer, it is not the rigid type that many of us have become familiar with. Rather, it is slightly pliable and flexible. This can actually be a positive thing, as the holster is a little more comfortable than some other Kydex models on the market. The more rigid Kydex holsters can dig into the body at times and be uncomfortable, especially when you bend over. The A.R.C. has a “softer” feel to it.
The A.R.C. J Frame holster carries the S&W 642 well, being snug in the waistband. It also conceals the little revolver quite well as I carry it Appendix Inside The Waistband. Overall, it works well.
Notice that the 642 I’m using wears a set of Crimson Trace Laser Grips, which add to the revolver’s usefulness, especially in low light conditions where the sights are next to impossible to see.
Overall, is this a good holster?
The Blackhawk A.R.C. J Frame holster is an inexpensive option that carries your handgun safely and comfortably. It’s easy to put into use. It is built sturdily enough that it should last for a number of years. There is good retention, with the handgun clicking into place when holstered.
At the time of this writing, the A.R.C. retails for $21.99, which represents a bargain in this day and age. Another thing that I really like about it is that it’s made in the USA!
Why try the Blackhawk A.R.C.?
This holster is perfect for someone who is on a budget and does not want to spend a ton of money, but who needs a safe, reliable holster.
The Blackhawk A.R.C. would also be perfect for someone who has decided to explore Appendix Inside the Waistband carry, but is not sure that they will like it. This holster is an excellent way to try out this mode of carry without breaking the bank to do it.
More BlackHawk A.R.C. Holster Options
The BlackHawk A.R.C. is also available for a wide variety of handguns, including the Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 31, 32, 45, 42, 43, 48, various S&W autos and revolver, Sig P365 and 365L, Ruger LC9, LC380, as well as several models from Springfield Armory, among others. The A.R.C. will accommodate a wide range of pistols.
