The BLACKHAWK!® EPOCH™ Level 3 Light Bearing Duty Holster provides a safe, smooth and secure draw with maximum firearm retention for handguns carrying most of today's popular under-barrel pistol lights, such as the STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 and TLR-2, the SureFire X300 and X300 Ultra. By locking on to the pistol's ejection port, the EPOCH Level 3 Light Bearing Holster securely holds the weapon until needed. Building on the highly successful master grip release principle of the BLACKHAWK! SERPA® Duty Holster, the EPOCH holster's thumb-activated release disengages both the ejection-port lock and the protective Pivot Guard allowing for a safe, intuitive and quick draw. The duty holster is now available for popular Glock and Smith & Wesson M&P pistol models.

NORFOLK, Va. - August 11, 2014 - Continuing a legacy of reliable, innovative holster manufacturing, BLACKHAWK!® has introduced the new EPOCH™ Level 3 Light Bearing Duty Holster for a variety of popular Glock and Smith & Wesson M&P pistol models. Featuring a thumb-activated release for single-phase operation, the new holster has been designed to accommodate multiple standard under-barrel pistol lights, such as the STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 and TLR-2, the SureFire X300 and X300 Ultra.

Introducing a revolutionary locking mechanism, the EPOCH Level 3 Light Bearing Holster's patent-pending retention system features a thumb-activated Auto Lock and Pivot Guard, along with a passive retention detent screw. The holster engages the pistol's ejection port when holstered and won't let go until actuated by the thumb-activated, plunger-style release. The Pivot Guard remains open for one-handed re-holstering and prevents users from being locked out of the holster.

Constructed of a proprietary polymer blend, the EPOCH continues to reinforce learned skills by focusing on proper grip with the positioning of the Auto Lock thumb release and outboard index finger indent. This full master grip allows the shooter to draw the firearm with the index finger and thumb in proper alignment.

"The new EPOCH was developed at the request of professional and recreational consumers who wanted the same level of security and reliability as the SERPA platform, but the ability to use it in conjunction with non-BLACKHAWK! pistol-mounted lights," said Chuck Buis, product director for BLACKHAWK!. "Now, users who already own other under-barrel pistol lights and police personnel who have been approved to use a specific brand of duty light can benefit from a proven retention holster."

The EPOCH includes a Jacket Slot Duty Belt Loop and fits all BLACKHAWK! injection-molded platforms. A Mid-Ride Duty Belt Loop and High-Ride Duty Belt Loop are also available for flexibility in holster positioning. The EPOCH is offered in right- or left-handed versions has an MSRP of $107.99 for matte finish, and $124.99 for basketweave or plain finish.

Model / Finish / Color / MSRP
Glock 17, 22, & 31 / Matte / Black / $107.99
Glock 17, 22, & 31 / Basketweave / Black / $124.99
Glock 17, 22, & 31 / Plain / Black / $124.99
S&W M&P 9, .40, &.357 / Matte / Black / $107.99
S&W M&P 9, .40, &.357 / Basketweave / Black / $124.99
S&W M&P 9, .40, &.357 / Plain / Black / $124.99

For more information on BLACKHAWK! and BLACKHAWK! products, log on to www.BLACKHAWK.com.