Blackhawk Serpa Glocks Question
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1KPerDay
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I wouldn’t use a Serpa for anything, personally, but if your holster fits and works properly with your pistol, sounds like it’s good to go.
I have a couple that work for both G30 and G23. Some are too tight with G30.
I have a couple that work for both G30 and G23. Some are too tight with G30.
Yes, it seems to fit perfectly. It must be slightly too wide but it doesn't feel floppy at all. Also I have heard the horror stories of people pressing the release button and accidentally fingering the trigger on the draw. I don't think I'd use a serpa for a tactical class, but I do like it as a field holster.
1KPerDay
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Cool. FYI the Safariland ALS retention system is effective and the thumb release is a more natural (and safer) option in future.
JTQ
Member
That's really the only use I can see for the SERPA.
I'm willing to accept folks can be trained successfully to use the locking device, but it really is a poor concealment holster and also a poor choice as a range/training/competition holster. However, it probably functions just fine as a field holster.
jr_watkins
Member
I've used a Serpa for about 5 years now CC'ing a Glock 27. I carry Outside the waist band at 3 O'clock under un-tucked shirts. I took a break from it for about 8 months while using a Alien Gear model, but reverted back to the Serpa. I like it a lot and the thing people are mentioning as a negative is the big positive for me. It doesn't hold the gun super close to my body, that's a good thing as I can always get a good grip on the gun while drawing. The release mechanism is easy to learn and puts your trigger finger right along the guns frame on drawing. I carry everyday, all day and that includes while choring, driving tractors, shoveling, chainsawing, walking dogs & kids, and just generally crawling around and living life, I appreciate the retention the Serpa provides.
My Serpa fits my Glock 27 & 22.
My Serpa fits my Glock 27 & 22.
herrwalther
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I used a SERPA just fine for 3 years carrying a Beretta M9. I liked it better than the Safariland drop leg I was issued. Somewhere along the way it became "woke" to bash the design. You can safely test it by carrying an empty Glock. If the holster pulls the trigger, you will know and not have a bullet hole somewhere.
Shane in MT
Member
I've also got Serpa holsters for the Glock standard frame (G17/22) and the larger frame (G21).
I noticed the larger holster does sort of work with the slimmer slide of the G17, but there is a little bit of noticeable slop.
I prefer to use the correctly sized holster for each size pistol.
I noticed the larger holster does sort of work with the slimmer slide of the G17, but there is a little bit of noticeable slop.
I prefer to use the correctly sized holster for each size pistol.
Trunk Monkey
member
SERPA
YMMV
YMMV
Shane in MT
Member
The Serpa can be problematic for those who draw with a hooked trigger finger. Of course, most any other holster will also.
That 'shooter' ^^^ might be better served with a single-action revolver.
That 'shooter' ^^^ might be better served with a single-action revolver.
Obturation
Member
I used a serpa for some time and still rarely do, never felt like i was in harms way. What i did feel like was robocop with a pistol sticking way far off my side. The paddle back that they offer with it now helps but i still sticks out quite a bit. Other than that, no issue. Not to mention they have warned us for years about glock leg, mine must have missed that memo and have not even tried to give me unwanted body modification therapy. Who knows, some folks just cant keep their finger off the trigger.
The objections to the Serpa have nothing to do with the trigger being pulled while the gun is still in the holster. The problem is that in order to draw the gun, the trigger finger needs to be pushing the release button toward the gun. What can happen then is that finger continues pushing as the gun is drawn, goes into the trigger guard and fires the weapon. Walking around with an empty gun in the holster won't prove anything.
Shane in MT
Member
To release the retention on the Serpa, one never needs to hook your trigger finger.
The fact is, if you position your trigger finger straight as if straight along the frame, it releases the retention. As the pistol comes out of the holster, your trigger finger is straight and along the frame, right where it should be.
If one is sloppy in their gun handling, or has had no training at all, there is a real possibility of putting extra holes in your own body regardless of holster type.
The fact is, if you position your trigger finger straight as if straight along the frame, it releases the retention. As the pistol comes out of the holster, your trigger finger is straight and along the frame, right where it should be.
If one is sloppy in their gun handling, or has had no training at all, there is a real possibility of putting extra holes in your own body regardless of holster type.
Of course. It just happens more often with Serpa holsters, to the point that many training facilities will not allow them to be used at all or if they are, the user is required to sign a waiver.
Charlie Horse
Member
When I advise new officers about gear, I show them this when they ask why I don't like SERPAs.
https://www.gunsite.com/wp-content/...ohibiting-Use-of-Blackhawk-SERPA-Holsters.pdf
https://www.gunsite.com/wp-content/...ohibiting-Use-of-Blackhawk-SERPA-Holsters.pdf
rbernie
Contributing Member
Word. Any holster that has retention features that put something inside of the triggerguard of a striker fired gun (absent an external safety) just isn't a really good idea.
Relative to using them outdoors - It's been pretty much conventional wisdom for a decade now that the Serpa design doesn't tolerate dirty conditions well. I've read (not experienced personally) of folk that had the retention paddle either stick on them or get grit between the retention clip and the trigger face - neither of which sounds particularly healthy.
ETA:
Beat me to it!
Shane in MT
Member
I can understand why some trainers don't want to deal with an untrained shooter, and a Serpa holster. Most of the training courses are anywhere from one day, to maybe three days at most. That is not enough time to engrain proper muscle memory.
Back in my USMC days where I learned about fast draw and combat handgun techniques, we trained with empty handguns practicing the draw for about three weeks before getting ammo. This was in a school at Quantico where we were training to be embassy guards. The instructors rule of thumb, was that it takes around 5000 repetitions to establish muscle memory of correct techniques.
So that was the long way of saying/explaining, that most training available to the general public, simply does not have the time to work with students long enough to establish real muscle memory.
Back in my USMC days where I learned about fast draw and combat handgun techniques, we trained with empty handguns practicing the draw for about three weeks before getting ammo. This was in a school at Quantico where we were training to be embassy guards. The instructors rule of thumb, was that it takes around 5000 repetitions to establish muscle memory of correct techniques.
So that was the long way of saying/explaining, that most training available to the general public, simply does not have the time to work with students long enough to establish real muscle memory.
Shane in MT
Member
I use a few different holsters. Among them, I've been using the Serpa for over 10 years. I use the paddle. It's not my favorite concealment holster because it does stick out further than most concealment holsters. In the winter time with vests and coats, it's not a big deal, but summertime it's sticking out too much for good concealment.
On the plus side, with the holster riding out a bit, I can wear it comfortably with a backpack that has a waist belt. That's kind of nice.
I've never come close to having the retention fouled with anything. I suppose if you are playing Navy Seal trainee, and mucking about in the mouth of the Tijuana River, or similar, anything is possible....lol
A few pics of my Serpa in use.
It's not for everybody, a lot of folks love to hate it. I get it. But in all honesty, the holster is never going to make your pistol have an AD. Ever.
An AD on the draw, with the Serpa holster, is 100% operator error.
On the plus side, with the holster riding out a bit, I can wear it comfortably with a backpack that has a waist belt. That's kind of nice.
I've never come close to having the retention fouled with anything. I suppose if you are playing Navy Seal trainee, and mucking about in the mouth of the Tijuana River, or similar, anything is possible....lol
A few pics of my Serpa in use.
It's not for everybody, a lot of folks love to hate it. I get it. But in all honesty, the holster is never going to make your pistol have an AD. Ever.
An AD on the draw, with the Serpa holster, is 100% operator error.
JTQ
Member
While I agree you can probably be trained to operate the SERPA, and I posted as much above, my understanding is the significant banners of the SERPA are places that provide training to professional users, such as...
https://www.fletc.gov/sites/default...g-room/training-information/holisterStudy.pdf
Logwood
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I always used a Comp-Tac field holster when open carrying overseas. Many of the contract security personnel I worked with in Iraq and Afghanistan used Serpa holsters. When the stories began about NDs using them, I asked a number of the guys for their thoughts on the problem. None of them were concerned about using the rigs. These guys were all ex-Rangers, SEALS, Delta and Berets. They weren't concerned with negligent discharges - they wanted a carry rig that held their weapons securely while allowing quick access. The Serpa isn't a concealment holster, and isn't the best choice for everyone (no holster is). It is an optimum choice for a field holster for experienced personnel using them in the field. Some people are going to have NDs no matter what they carry.
mrmike7189
Member
I like them for occasional carry.....not everyday concealment.
mljdeckard
Member
I say, if it fits, run it.
Serpas get pooped on a lot. Apparently there have been incidents at training schools with them. I SAY, if you have an issue with Serpas because you find your finger on the trigger when it isn't supposed to be there, then you might have a problem with ANY holster, not just a Serpa,
I am a member of some online training groups, and if you even say Serpa out loud, you will get skewered. So I asked them; "What should I use for my 1911 that's better?" And on their advice I tried a Sarariland ALS and GLS. Neither of them will lock onto the gun reliably. I decided to use it and ignore them. Internet advice doesn't make more sense than what actually works in real life. Some people really overthink stuff, and not everyone has to have the same training, gear, and standards as a professional door kicker.
Serpas get pooped on a lot. Apparently there have been incidents at training schools with them. I SAY, if you have an issue with Serpas because you find your finger on the trigger when it isn't supposed to be there, then you might have a problem with ANY holster, not just a Serpa,
I am a member of some online training groups, and if you even say Serpa out loud, you will get skewered. So I asked them; "What should I use for my 1911 that's better?" And on their advice I tried a Sarariland ALS and GLS. Neither of them will lock onto the gun reliably. I decided to use it and ignore them. Internet advice doesn't make more sense than what actually works in real life. Some people really overthink stuff, and not everyone has to have the same training, gear, and standards as a professional door kicker.
The two quotes above illustrate the main difference when using the holster.
1) The first is an example of folks who want to "push" the release paddle with the tip of their trigger finger...as if pushing a button. That requires a hooked/curved trigger finger which only makes getting it into the trigger guard (one the pistol has cleared the holster) easier. The user would still have to angle their finger downward to get the right angle to enter the trigger guard...this tendency is only aided by the curved lower sides of the Glock frame
I've also observed that these users have a tendency to over press the release paddle, thus locking up the gun in the holster. That only leads to tugging on the frame, which also leads to curving the trigger finger.
2) The second is the proper method of actuating the release paddle. The trigger finger starts out straight against the frame on the pistol, inside the holster. As the draw begins, the trigger finger will slide across the slightly raised portion of the release lever. Maintaining that straight finger during this motion will allow the trigger guard to clear the retention mechanism. As the finger clears the side of holster, it is properly against the frame of the pistol.
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