One of only two new Blackhawk Serpa platform-based HK MP7 holsters in the US popped up in Los Angeles last weekend at a major Metropolitan PD K9 unit testing the validity of deploying the MP7 as a secondary weapon for the K9 handler. Currently, this particular department usually deploys one K9 handler with a cover team which could be fellow K9 officers equipped with carbines or it could consist of SWAT officers or in a less dangerous situation, the handler could be teamed with just street patrol.
While the K9 officer has a cover team for protection, he is usually equipped with a 1911. While the 8-10 rounds of .45 can be extremely lethal, the officer could still be in a world of hurt if he finds himself alone. This is a definite possibility if the officer and his K9 are required to enter a crawl space or a small confined area where his cover team, with much more powerful weapons cannot accompany him. In this case he becomes the tunnel rat with his loyal dog and his trusty 1911. Hence, the agency evaluation of the MP7 as possible secondary weapon choice for the handler to provide a lightweight, high capacity weapon in an extremely compact package.
While the MP7 is being evaluated, the holster was provided by HK for the K9 team and the PD’s firearms division as part of the test. So far this represents one of only two MP7 holsters available Stateside. This holster isn’t really a holster but more like a hanger in design. It has a rocking lever where the operator can push it forward or rock it backwards to release a locking tab located half way down the machined structure of the holster. This also makes the holster ambidextrous. This coupled with a proprietary rail where a receptacle for the locking tab is machined into the rail, the lock tab on the holster engages the receptacle on the rail to lock the weapon in position. The user would simply angle the weapon into the bottom of the holster, as the rail catches on a recess on the aluminium hanger, the user then just rocks the MP7 inward toward the leg, into the locking tab. When reholstering, the user does not have to use the locking lever, it is only to draw the weapon, when the user would have to flick it forward or back. In the draw, the user will either press forward or backwards on the locking lever and angle the weapon slightly outward to release it from the holster.
This opportunity presented itself during a conversation when I asked the testing officer if I could take some pictures and write up an article for Soldier Systems, I was granted permission if I could show up in 30 minutes. I had to act right away to meet his training schedule. With the short amount of time available, my exposure to the system was limited. but I did realize that with the gun mounted to the leg, it was too much kit to be hanging off one leg, especially with the Serpa platform where the two straps hanging the platform from the belt can not firmly secure the weight as well as one would like. even with the three leg straps, the entire system continued to drag on my right side and it require constant adjustment.
However, this shortfall does make me wonder if the same locking system were to be on a leg platform such the Safariland 6004-DFA, would it result in a better and more secure platform, or even the same platform on a MOLLE plate and mounted to the armor carrier?
Then, there is the elephant in the room, price. We all know HK does not make anything cheap, and this holster is no exception. I was told this platform for the MP7 will cost in the neighborhood of 700-800 dollars. Extremely well made, and like all HK products, extremely well designed, but at 700.00+ dollars, I can’t wonder if there aren’t better solutions.
– SMGLee
