Blackhawk Serpa for events?

i just want to know how you can have a ND with a serpa and a 226? that DA pull is a real #####. ~8#. not just a light tap of the trigger. and if you are holstering a coked gun, you deserve to get shot.
 
didn't only the Serpa that has a finger press to release system the only version that was dangerous and causing problems ? I guess that as you drew, by putting trigger finger pressure to release, one may have accidentally kept finger motion pressure inwards thus tripping into trigger guard and firing ? or something like that ?
did the basic model holster without that work well ?
 
i shoot with a few guys with serpa level 2 retention holsters. since i am not an "operator" who will be climbing obstacles upside down and rolling through the mud, i personally have no need for one.

i have never seen an ad or any trouble. the only reason the gun will go off is if you put your finger in the trigger guard during the draw, which is a bad idea regardless of which holster you use.

just remember to straighten your index once you hit the retention release.
 
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A lot of great comments for either side, for competition, no need for a Serpa. I have been using a Serpa since they came out without any issues in IPSC or IDPA, nor is my draw times any slower and I also use one for work and when I conceal carry. I have seen too many pistols fall out of helicopters, out of vehicles using a non retention holster... nothing scarrier than a loaded pistol sliding around the floor of a Helo and everyone scrambling to grab it, or when the vehcile stops to hear.... where is your pistol?

The biggest detractor from the Serpa is if the user attmpts to activate the button with the tip of his finger, if the timing is wrong, super wedgie and once drawn the finger can slip into the trigger. If the user activates the button with his finger flat and extended, then it naturally is indexed along the frame with a smooth fast draw.

But for competition, a non retention holster as mentioned by many is a good one to use. No need to complicate things.

Cheers
 
Lots of hate for the Serpa holster on here with lots of "better choices" and "safer" words being thrown around. So the biggest argument being that finger placement upon drawing is the issue. Being that I own both a Serpa (226) and a bladetech (FNP 45) I did some tests and funny enough, my finger ended up in the same position on the pistol with both holsters. So what's all the problems here??? :confused: Being using the Serpa for 5 years now and I find that using the Bladetech in not as easy for me and find the Serpa more comfortable to use. Like Onagoth, I too must be a walking miracle as I still don't have any extra holes in me.
 
i think the problem with the serpa (read shooter), is when you release, the finger is being consciously moved. with a non retension holster the finger is relaxed.

i think it is just the shooter moving his finger in two movements press, then squeeze trigger, when he only needs to press the button then rest the finger. normally that is all the trigger finger does, trigger work. not release AND trigger.
 
P0WERWAGON said:
i think the problem with the serpa (read shooter), is when you release, the finger is being consciously moved. with a non retension holster the finger is relaxed.

i think it is just the shooter moving his finger in two movements press, then squeeze trigger, when he only needs to press the button then rest the finger. normally that is all the trigger finger does, trigger work. not release AND trigger.
Click to expand...

Yes, one must be smarter than the equipment they use.
 
Viper26 said:
It's just way less embarrassing to blame the gear for the hole in your leg.
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Agreed. Another example of the firearms community jumping on the band wagon to eat their own. We seem to love to #### on stuff (equipment, manufactures, dealers).

It's very simple to train with the Serpa at home and get used to it. Practice and it and a safe draw will become second nature.

As for needing level 2 retention for competition....depends on the competition. For IPSC and IPDA I would guess not, but if there is movement required with the pistol holstered then a positive mechanical look is right handy in keeping that pistol where it is supposed to be.
 
P0WERWAGON said:
i think the problem with the serpa (read shooter), is when you release, the finger is being consciously moved. with a non retension holster the finger is relaxed.

i think it is just the shooter moving his finger in two movements press, then squeeze trigger, when he only needs to press the button then rest the finger. normally that is all the trigger finger does, trigger work. not release AND trigger.
Click to expand...

From the experience of people whose opinion I value the most common problem with the Serpa involves 1911 design pistols and safe action pistols.

In the case of the 1911 design as the pistol is drawn from the holster by applying pressure on the release tab the strong hand thumb contracts, sweeping off the safety before the holster is drawn. The shooters finger accesses the trigger guard area, safety is off and the gun goes boom and the shooter gets a permanent limp.

With safe action pistols it is just a case of the shooters finger hitting the bang stick.

It shouldn't happen, the tab on the Serpa is now high enough for this situation not to happen but it does. Under pressure and when trying to go fast strange things happen.

If you are paid to carry and your employer buys Serpas then you make a decision and live with the risk or no job.

For those of us who aren't paid to carry our choices are more diverse and we have the ability to buy equipment suitable for the sport we play. If it is a Serpa then just know the potential risk involved. Just don't dismiss the risk and pretend it isn't there. Do that and you may end up with a limp.

Take Care

Bob
ps Gunsite along with other training bodies have banned the holster so if you are planning to attend a high end training facility you might want to check with their holster policies.

pps I haven't witnessed an AD with a Serpa holster but I have witnessed a number of wedgies during pistol competitions.
 
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