Serpa holsters... still as unsafe as they have always been.
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Some of you may recall that Primal Rights used to offer defensive handgun instruction. We stopped for a wide multitude of reasons. One thing we decided early on was to completely ban the use of serpa index-locking holsters.
These are the most dangerous holsters offered that I'm aware of.
The evidence is irrefutable, and you do not need a whole lot of common sense to see that. So I'm surprised to see that there are still people that question it. This post on The Firearm Blog is just another piece of evidence which demonstrates exactly why serpa's are to be avoided!
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Yea, I went with the 5.11 holster for OWB carry.
Pistol is locked in, and finger is not near the trigger when you remove it.
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Yup I have the same Holster. I draw the weapon and my finger doesn't go into the trigger.
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I suppose learning not to shoot yourself in the leg is a matter of training....
I prefer a molded kydex with passive retention for fooling around the range.
When needed retention in the military I bought a G-code with a 3 inch spacer. Put it just far enough down to facilitate a quick draw around the armor but not need a leg strap.The only good thing those Blackhawk serpas are good for is if you spend a lot of time in and out of vehicles and need a chest mount. That's usually only the driver and maybe TC, the rest of us can deal with a drop leg. If the driver has to draw his sidearm its a deliberate process because he's now dismounted. Ideally, that is.
Supposedly the "cool guys" are moving away from the leg holster and to a chest holster to guard against snatches. But I never saw that and can't comment on what holster that would be if in fact that is the case.
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I rarely go without my crossbreed, but when I do have my thigh rig on, it's a Safariland ALS carrying a full size XDM 9 with a complete powder river precision overhaul.
The thumb release is very natural.
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I know this is a really old post but I have a couple comments about the Serpa. While I do believe the ALS is a superior system the army still runs the serpa for most of its sidearms. I believe the problem with the serpa is people don't understand how to draw from it. You must index on the ridge to the edge of the paddle, then roll your index finger onto the paddle depressing it as you draw. This places your hand in a very advantages position to draw and then place your finger on the trigger. The problem most people have,from what I have seen, is they "mash" the paddle with their index finger while trying to draw the pistol. I have seen more than one "nd" from this technique. Maybe Not the best design but it really is hard to blame the holster for user error.
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Also chest rigs are really bad for climbing ladders and walls. We actually advise against them whenever possible. We like to wear the gun high on the hip on your normal belt so if you need to doff kit you still have a side arm.
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@martyfranklin said:
Maybe Not the best design but it really is hard to blame the holster for user error.
It's not hard at all actually. It's logic. If you're pressing a button on the holster, with the same finger you use to press the trigger, in nearly the same position, it's a problem that's extremely difficult to train away... if not impossible if stress is introduced. "Well you just have to remember to roll your finger right." A holster should not have that specific of instructions required in order to NOT ND. It's simple logic.
More AD's/ND's with those holsters in recorded regimented training than all the rest COMBINED. If you plan to advocate on it's behalf, you better show your homework.
You're right that it's user error however. It's an error to purchase one in the first place.
