19 Comments

    1. In defense of the SERPA, it is a much, much better holster than the floppy nylon gunshow specials, or the crappy “universal” leather pancake holsters. The SERPA button has issues for sure, but the button can be disabled. It’s impossible to make a nylon holster not suck.

      1. Yeah, that’s true, but IMO it’s better in the same way a Sigma is better than a hi-point.

        To me, there are 3 levels of holster:
        1. Nylon special – downright dangerous
        2. Serpa, fobus, other cheapo gun-shop holster – crap but kinda serviceable (if you remove the button on the serpa)
        3. Actual quality holsters: Comp-Tac, BladeTech, Ready Tactical, etc

          1. Cheapo plastic. Kydex feel far more solid. They’re not the worst choice to get started in matches, but I’d never carry one on the street. There’s a video floating around of someone pretty easily ripping one right off. After feeling the one I got with a used gun, it doesn’t surprise me.

        1. Cheapo plastic kydex hmmmmm you do realize your big quality Comp-Tac is a half a kydex holster screwed onto a piece of scrap leather for what ? $79.00 ? So what you are saying to everyone is roughly it could be made out of a piece of paper and plastic bag but if its say $79.00 its big time Quaility . ? ? ?

          1. Kydex is a better holster material than injection molded plastic. While Kydex is also an inexpensive material, the manufacturing process costs more. If you feel like fobus is just as good, good for you, enjoy the money you save.

      1. You sound like a Brady person saying ‘ guns kill ‘ .
        A Serpa is not full of fail ,but the operator sure could be

        1. The serpa makes you press your finger toward the trigger to draw. Why use something that encourages you to make a potentially deadly mistake?

          1. Thats operator error if you do everything like a vice-grip pressure,besides you can not keep your finger depressed on the tab ( or button ) and draw the pistol unless you have the strength to also rip through a couple of inches length of plastic holster.Its not like kydex that can be ripped right off you.

            Mmmmmmmm Quality right ?

          2. The SERPA only moves your finger towards the trigger if you’re using your finger tip instead of the pad. If you use the pad, as you’re supposed to do, your finger is lined up to index right on the frame. But if you use your finger tip, it’s next to impossibly to not have your finger fall straight to the trigger.

            The fact that improper training will most likely lead to an ND is definitely a weakness. But that hardly makes it junk. It just means stupid people shouldn’t buy it.

  1. Good piece Caleb, the RO’s at my little local club thank you for the refresher!

    If your RO isn’t forcing your shooters to slow down and actively show clear he’s doing it wrong. I don’t care if you’re on the clock and dumping adrenaline, you HAVE TO be able to handle your weapon safely.

  2. I would agree with a fobus remark, its ok as a get by, but not a good EDC or range rig for long term use. I built my own Comptac / Crossbreed replica, still tweaking it to get it just right.
    Has anyone checked out these guys making these modular carry rigs, called G-Code from http://www.ranger5.com ?
    I was thinking it would be great a way to make Serpa, Blade Tech etc…. all work with the same unit and then found these guys online.
    Was thinking about picking one up but wanted some more feed back from those who have used their stuff.

  3. Of course carrying a gun that has a real safety negates any problems with the trigger finger pressing into the triggerguard while drawing.

    And is the main reason I would never own a glock, as it has no real safety that must be consciously de-activated . Anything that pokes into the triggerguard can fire it.

    1. I’m sorry, but this is a specious argument which is quickly overcome with education and proper firearms training. Physical safety mechanisms are simply mechanical devices designed to work in concert with safe firearms handling technique, not replace it.

      FYI, a Glock doesn’t have one safety – it has three. All of which are designed to successively deactivate when the user depresses the trigger from front to rear. The gun cannot discharge until all three safeties have been disengaged.

      If you’re allowing “anything” to get into your trigger guard, the problem isn’t with the gun, it’s with its owner – regardless of whether that “anything” is a finger, ballpoint pen, tube of lipstick, or your dog’s nose.

  4. I was about to comment that those likely to deride the lock mechanism on SERPA holsters are likely to believe Glocks are inherently unsafe…

    The problem comes when shooters new to the platform (either) but saturated with “Internet expert knowledge” buy them, fail to train on them (with a cold gun) until proficient, and get hurt.

    I’ve carried SERPA rigs and Glocks (as well as Condition 1 1911s and loaded M&Ps) in competition, OC/CCW, and for full-time work and have never had a problem. Both work, and work well.

  5. Caleb… more to your point – I’m in 100% agreement on “speed re-holstering.” It’s pointless, dangerous, and will eventually lead to nothing more than direct pressure on the wound at some point in time.

    As has been discussed elsewhere, there’s definite value in learning how to safely reholster and practicing the skill, but the mindset needs to be directed toward safety and the knowledge that if you’re putting it away, the stage is complete or the threat is no longer present. Neither require a speed draw played in reverse.

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