The Ruger 22 auto pistol is the most popular
22 Long Rifle handgun in the USA. Being in constant production
for over sixty years now, the basic 22 Auto of 1949 has evolved
into today’s Mark III series pistols, which includes over two
dozen variations of 22 Long Rifle pistols, with either steel or
polymer frames. The popularity of the Ruger Auto is due to its
excellent reliability, accuracy, price, and ease of use. The
pistols are popular for hunting, target shooting, casual
plinking, and competition. While many excellent leather field
holsters are on the market to carry the Ruger pistol, a void
that needed filling was a high-quality synthetic holster to use
for competition and field work, and that void has now been
filled by this very versatile new thermo-molded polymer holster
from Black Dog Magazine.
This new Black Max HMK holster will fit any
Ruger 22 Auto pistol ever made. It will fit pistols with or
without an accessory rail, with or without a scope rail, any
barrel length, and also fits perfectly with a pistol that has a
suppressor attached. The holster is easily reversible to use
equally well by right-handed or left-handed shooters. It is
available in a high-ride or low-ride style, to fit any carry
need or body style. The belt slots measure about two and
three-eighths inches by four-tenths of an inch to easily
accommodate up to a two inch belt. The holster weighs only eight
ounces.
This is no flimsy, cheap, thin Kydex holster,
but is made from a hard polymer that is over one-tenth of an
inch thick. It is strong enough that I can stand on the holster
with my svelte 210 pound frame and do it no harm. It is tough,
durable, and holds the pistol securely. The tension is
adjustable to suit the firearm and the owner’s needs. I tried
every Ruger 22 Auto in my safe with the Black Max holster, from
my old 1949 vintage Red Eagle to the newest 22/45RP,
and they all fit perfectly. Even my AMT Automag II 22 Magnum
rides securely in the Black Max HMK holster. I also carried my
Ruger 22 Mark II with my Tactical Solutions Pac-Lite upper and
Cascade sound suppressor in the Black Max. This is the only
holster that I have found that will comfortably carry that
pistol/suppressor combo, and it worked very well.
Black Dog Magazine did an excellent job of
designing this holster for maximum versatility, durability, and
value. It is available for purchase online at www.tacticalsol.com,
and is priced right. I highly recommend it.
Jeff Quinn
