Blackhawk SERPA holster for CCW

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John Hicks

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I don't know why I did this, but after the VA Tech massacre, my first instinct was to buy a new holster and 10 bricks of ammo for my 5.7

I had a cheapo holster that I never used, mostly because it was uncomfortable and the draw was awkward and unadjustable.

I'd played around with a BH CQC w/SERPA before and like it. The fact you have a full grip before pressing the button sorta makes the gun jump into your hand.

So I bought one on Monday and got it yesterday. First off, I love the paddle style. Never had one before, but it is so much nicer than the belt loops. And no worries about it falling off. It was hooked in so well, it took me a minute to get it off myself.

I also like the adjustable cant. I like the gun forward because I draw all the way across my body (cross-eye dominant, so my Weaver looks funny :) ).

As for performance. Again, gun sorta leaps into your hand. Haven't gotten any range time in yet, but I must say I'm impressed as to how easy this is to draw. Your trigger finger is right on the button and for the FiveseveN, come down right on the safety lever as you draw. So release, draw, safety, trigger all come in one smooth motion.


Now for the hard part: this is my first real OWB carry holster. I have no idea how to conceal it. My bomber jacket works fine, but it's getting warmer. Jerseys are usually okay, but not appropriate everywhere. And after the VA Tech incident, I don't think I'll wear my concealment vest for a few weeks (and again, not always appropriate for weather or the particular social situation).

Any thoughts on this?
 
I have a Serpa for my Sig 229 and positioned the cant similar to my pancake style holster and wore it behind the hip and got reasonable concealment from it. I use the belt attachment rather than paddle because I found it kept it closer against the body but YMMV.

I've found polymer holsters don't conceal as well as leather because where leather softens the lines and reduces printing polymer have more of a defined edge and print more readily. In my particular case my leather holster also positions the gun closer to the body.

The Serpa is the nicest polymer / kydex holster I've tried so far. I still conceal carry with my leather Haugen Handgun holster but I got the Serpa mostly for a range / open carry holster anyway.
 
In my experience, you either love the serpa or you don't. Personally, I'm a dyed in the wool Blade-Tech man, but a number of folks I know swear by the serpa.

Look into Blade-Tech. They cost a little more than many other brands and there is currently a 3-4 week waiting period before they ship, but they are worth it. I've had a lot of success with their tuckable Ultimate Concealment Holster.

Also, while I like a nice leather holster, I have grown to prefer the Kydex variety. They seem to be better here in the hot-weather climate of Florida and doesn't soak up sweat/hold sweat against your pistol.
 
I already have a Bladetech for my micro-Glock (27, I think). IWB. I love it.

But the FiveseveN is too big for IWB carry, at least on my frame (180 lbs, 5'8", slight belly, but no barrel chest or gut).

I like the FsN for capacity (20 rnds with no extra mags) and ease of shooting, but I also train on the Glock, so I do have IWB options. I just want to know how to best conceal it OWB.

I will try the belt loops and see if that helps.

thanks for the inputs.

jh
 
I have a buddy who wears a FiveseveN in a BladeTech IWB and he's about 6' and 150. Appendix carry and it disappears on him under an overshirt.

Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )
 
i gotta serpa and i love it as well. it isn't the easiest to conceal, but when i am pulling off the ray ramono look it is too easy!

xdcarrypackage.gif
 
Any paddle or holster that rotates isn't very good for concealment because they must ride so far from the body.
 
Any paddle or holster that rotates isn't very good for concealment because they must ride so far from the body.
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there are many holters out there that are paddle types that do not, and they work great for ccw. ie my don hume open top leather paddle. now the roto holsters like the fobus ones are nearly impossible to hide yes, but not paddle style if you get a good one designed for ccw.

btw the serpa dosen't rotate,you can can;t it but you have to loosen the three screws in the back, and i personally prefer the fowardfbi cant which assist in concealability.
 
John, I guess you have to find out what the CCW laws are concerning printing. Here in VA, it doesn't matter one bit if you print because we also have open carry legality.

I understand TX is the opposite, no printing whatsoever. I find that a bit odd, but OK. Personally I just throw on a Hawaiian shirt and call it good, or use my P11 in an IWB for more discreet carry when I visit people's houses, etc.
 
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