Blackhawk Serpa holsters. Safe?

P

Pond James Pond

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As part of the sale, the previous owner of my newly acquired G19 also gave me a "Blackhawk" plastic holster. I think the model is the Serpa.

It is designed for that gun, and has a push button release thingy for when you pull the gun out.

Firstly, on a general note, is there anything I should know about this holster? Is it a reasonable choice fo CC?

More specifically, having seen that YouTube vid of the poor guy that put a .45 though his thigh whilst doing a practice draw, I am also concerned if this is potentially a hazardous holster for a noob, as the release button that you press is pretty much exactly where the trigger is on the gun within.

Although the law requires me to carry in Condition 3, I'd still like to know if this model can pose a problem for someone drawing in a hurry!!

Also, is belt more secure or should I use the waist band clip? It looks bulky and just itching to print!
 
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I dont know if i'd want to use the serpa for cc. It's not bad for tactical use. Not my favorite, but not bad. I'd worry about being able to hit the catch. Try it out (gun unloaded) and see if it works.


Doesn't take much practice to draw from it if it's on a leg/chest rig. Never had trouble with the catch. But there, your shirt wont interfere.
 
Best safety is between your ears. Depressing the release and drawing will place your trigger finger along the slide and NOT inside the trigger guard. A leather holster will pull in tighter to the body for better concealment.
 
What ^^he^^ said...engage the brain first.

Personally I prefer leather pancake-type holsters but then again, I haven't watched baseball since the Senators left D.C.

A big part of that also is what you are familiar and comfortable with. Your training needs to be with what you carry/how you carry....position of weapon and location of extra ammo/mags.

.02
 
A note on the Serpa.The first action of setting your hand on the pistol to seat your grip must push the pistol IN to the holster.Then,the trigger finger landing on the release works well.If you just pull on the handgun,the latch retains.

Those who are unfamilliar with the holster may just keep pulling harder,and pressing harder on the release.

When the yanking back and forth begins,the gun will release,while the hand has a despreate amount of force on the latch.The excessive force can put the finger on the trigger.

Seat your hand into the backstrap of the pistol,then push the button with your finger straight.
 
I use mine mainly at the range, however if you practice with it, develop good muscle memory, hopefully you'll not have any accidents.
 
Thanks for the responses.

I think I would personally prefer IWB as it is a bit more discreet, but as it came with the gun and is in good condition, I thought I'd investigate.

The only issue I've found on the internet was concern over the release mechanism not functioning should any small objecion fall behind the release plate.

I am quite curious to see if others have had any experience with this; first or second hand.
 
I only use my Serpa for my Glock 20 when I'm in the woods and have my shirt tucked in. Feral hogs are some nasty animals with a temper...

The Serpa has great retention without haveing to almost yank the holster off to get the gun out but it is not (regardless of what anyone says) designed for CC. I use a IWB holster for CC with my Glock 32.
 
I took my first couple of 4 day handgun classes using one. Since then, it has been banned at the training facility. Other training companies have done the same. I guess they consider it too much of a liability since students have shot themselves using poor form when drawing. I wouldn't recommend it for CCW.....too bulky for my tastes.
 
I have a couple of serpa's I use for different guns in competition. I don't see how they are any more un-safe then anything else.

Safety dictates you don't put your finger in the trigger guard until you are lined up on the target ready to shoot.

With the Serpa, my trigger finger lines up with the slide (semi) or frame (revolver) on the outside of the holster as I grip the gun. As I start to draw, the finger slides over the release allowing the gun to come out of the holster.

When the gun clears the finger naturally falls on the slide or frame above the trigger guard where its suppose to be.

I've read several of these threads about the Serpa being un-safe. I tried as much as possible, but can't seem to get my finger to hit the trigger while drawing unless I deliberately force it into the trigger guard.

Look at it this way, you want to draw and get a fast presentation on target. Easiest way to get on, is to point your finger at the target which lines up gun and sights more quickly.

You can try this by using an empty hand. Find a point on the wall, throw up your balled fist toward the spot. Then try the same thing with an extended, pointed, finger. You're gonna be closer to the dot with the pointed finger. Now go to the range, empty the gun and dry fire. Draw sticking your finger in the trigger guard before you get your sights lined up. Try it again by lining your trigger finger along the slide (or frame) which allows you to point at the target.

You'll see the later gets the sights lined up faster.

Serpa is designed where your trigger finger falls outside the holster on the release. It releases as your finger slides over the button then falls on the slide or frame where its suppose to be. You don't crook your finger pushing in on the button and keep the finger pushing in as you draw, it would create drag.

I've watch those "I shot myself in the a$$" videos over and over again. Its not the holster, its the operator trying to jump the gun (pardon the pun) trying to get to the trigger before they are suppose to.

I'm convinced these idiots would shoot them selves regardless of what holster they use.

I use both the "push down" safety on the 1911, or the "push up" safety on the Berretta. Neighter safety is disengaged by the holster. You have to manualy do it. You can't even get to the safety until the gun clears the holster.

It's a poor man that blames his equipment or his screw ups.
 
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