We spent quite a bit of time on the range here at Blackhawk and one of the things they’ve put a lot of R&D and manufacturing effort into is their SERPA holster system.
Ever since thigh rigs became the carrier of choice for deployed troops, the need for an easy to release yet secure holster increased. The old nylon piece of junk that used to hold your M9 wouldn’t cut it anymore.
The SERPA takes a little getting used to, but at the end of the day, it’s probably the most logical solution for the constantly evolving pistol tactics in the military. Thigh rigs have given way to chest setups and the SERPA mounts just as comfortably on the front of your body armor as it does on a thigh rig, belt holster or shoulder holster. They’ve even designed a quick release system that allows you to mount the basic holster on any different carrier — switching back and forth at will.
As you can see from the videos, the SERPA is a pretty good piece of gear even though it took this tactically deficient reporter a bit of muscle memory repetition to get the release point memorized.
– Christian
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
SERPAs have been accused by some as being a bad design, as the finger lies along the trigger to push the release button.
Well, nothing is “idiot proof”.
I think the SERPA is the best holster design to come around in years. Mine works great.
I wanted to enter a local AR-15/pistol training course, but right off they said “no SERPAs allowed”.
I walked.
My duty holster is a CQC Serpa. OUTSTANDING!!
(Blackhawk’s double-stack 9mm mag holders also work
excellently with the M&P 45 magazines.)
How the hell do you shoot yourself with a SERPA. Seriously you can’t even get your finger in to the trigger well until the weapon is out of the holster. Sounds like BS to me. Most of the anti-SERPA stuff comes from old schoolers who refuse to change.
The suspect in the SERPA discharges would be the retention mechanism. The retention block goes inside the trigger guard. What else is inside the trigger guard? Oh yeah, the trigger! With a short trigger pull design like many of striker fired pistols, you risk the retention block pressing the trigger if the pistol is forced deeper into the holster.
Uncle Mike’s had a similar problem many years ago with one of their duty holsters.
I can imagine how you could shoot yourself. You need to apply some pressure to the unlokcing mechanism with your trigger finger. That pressure ‘could’ result in your finger slipping into the trigger ring with some force behind it, which in turn could cause your to inadvertently press the trigger.
Now if it was your middle finger that pressed the release… that would be an improvement.
I bought a Serpa for my G-21 and one for my Sig 229.
The one for the G-21 was fine, but the one for the 229 was crap. It wouldn’t seat correctly, allowing the pistol to not be properly locked in and also prevented it from releasing properly. It was a major PITA to deal with BlackHawk to get them to exchange it for another holster that didn’t work any better.
I’d feel okay using it for my G-21, but I won’t use it for my 229.
If you’re going to stake your life on a piece of equipment, make sure it’s thoroughly tested first.
Concerning the “bad” Serpas:
As previously mentioned I use a CQC with a S&W M&P .45. This was not always so. Earlier this year, in the Spring, the CQC for this pistol was recalled and redesigned. The earlier model was designed for two pistols: a Glock and the M&P. It worked for the Glock, but the release mechanism was “out of position” for the M&P. This caused discharges when placing the pistol back in the holster.
The second most dangerous problem wasn’t the holster itself, but the dealer that sold me the original CQC knowing that it was on recall. I only discovered the recall when I visited Blackhawk’s web page. I immediately returned it to the dealer who clearly lied when they claimed ignorance of the recall.
I shoot from a serpa with a kimber .45. I like the holster, cant say I could shoot myself as the hammer is always down, or safety is on. Basic pistol uasage !! I shoot IDPA and all the holster designs alow for mistakes to be made. Just practice, and pratice safely.
TENS OF THOUSANDS of Serpas are in use in the field by US military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. In use EVERY DAY.
Now, where are all the reports of soldiers shooting themselves because the Serpa doesn’t work?
Using one evryday in the box, along with other folks. havent seen any responses from operators in the War. I carry a Sig and love mine as many fellow fellas here. Only down fall is debris can get lodged in from the top making it alittle gritty when drawing it.
I had one of these for my Beretta 96 DAO a few years ago. I thought it was excellent, until I got a little twig lodged underneath the release mechanism, locking the pistol in the holster. As I recall, I had to disassemble the damn thing to get my gun back out. As I work outside, where one can find lots of twigs and the like, I gave it to a co-worker. In fairness, he loves it. I can’t trust it.
I’ve been using a SERPA at work for the post 2 years and love it. It’s the most common holster in our plainclothes division and we haven’t had any problems with them for Glocks and SIGs.
There is a reason that no Teir 1 and 2 units are using the Serpa. It is a POS. The Serpa is for enthusiasts and those that don’t know any better.
I’ve seen many a weapon hit the sand because of it.
Safariland is the premier holster.
First off, the instructors of the course have the right to ban any equipment they don’t like, it’s their course.
However, this shouldn’t be a black mark against all SERPA holsters. My co-workers and I love the SERPA, and no one has ever had an ND. Want to know why?
WE KEEP OUR FRIGGING FINGERS OFF THE TRIGGER WHEN NOT ON TARGET.