Have the belt but never tried the paddle, but the belt works good just not good for CCW..sticks out from body too much for me. Ok under a heavy jacket.
I use the Serpa holster downrange for the M9, it can be mounted on your kit, on your hip or in a thigh holster so the versatility is nice. It serves it's purpose while deployed but I wouldn't try to conceal carry with it back in the states.
We actually used 'em with our M9's while on active duty in the drop-leg configuration. They worked but they had their drawbacks too. I wouldn't use one for any kind of concealed carry sidearm but it'd be an option I'd seriously look at in an open carry setup... and don't open carry all that often.
I have one and its my range holster for a Full Size PX4 Storm..
Also its a Great Open carry holster..
Especially with the serpa technology for added theft protection.
The difference between the paddle is it will pull in a little closer to your body..
You could pull it off CC sorta with an overshirt
Or for sure with a bigger jacket..And would work perfect.
But other than really just a range/open carry holster..
I love mine..And I went over this awhile ago on another thread I posted..
The holster is as dangerous as the person operating it..Learn the mechanism,learn the proper way to use it..
And keep your holster clean,so no debris are in there...
Bottom Line great holster
The holster is as dangerous as the person operating it..Learn the mechanism,learn the proper way to use it..
And keep your holster clean,so no debris are in there...
Bottom Line great holster
I've been looking at these for full-size OWB carry while hiking and at the range. Interesting comments about the ND's when actuating the retention release though. I might have to look at some type of thumb break instead. Thanks for starting this thread. In for the updates.
I use the quick disconnect in all of my rigs as well. I love it. Good oc holster, I can't even think about cc with it. But I use various other ones for that.
I like mine for holstering at the range, open carry, but I think its terrible for concealment...even though they say that's what they are for. They stick out too far. I've never attempted to use the paddle, so I can't really say much for that. I like them, but not for every day use.
Mishaps are due to not maintainiing proper care and making inside is clear of debris,and unless your rolling around in rocks that should'nt happen anyways..
But the whole trigger thing is from a lack of training and lack of resposibility to learn how to use your holster first..
Alot of these mishaps happened from N00bs who were just starting and wanted to just pull and shoot awayy..Or experienced shooters who lacked to learn before they used it..But getting a gun out of a holster like that(the bad way) would not be safe in any holster..
Using this holster the safe way your SUPPOSED TO promotes proper holster grip placement..
heres some pics
Proper Safe Way
Bad Dangerous Way
N heres a pic of using it with my PX4 Storm Full Size
Mishaps are due to not maintainiing proper care and making inside is clear of debris,and unless your rolling around in rocks that should'nt happen anyways..
But the whole trigger thing is from a lack of training and lack of resposibility to learn how to use your holster first..
Alot of these mishaps happened from N00bs who were just starting and wanted to just pull and shoot awayy..Or experienced shooters who lacked to learn before they used it..But getting a gun out of a holster like that(the bad way) would not be safe in any holster..
Using this holster the safe way your SUPPOSED TO promotes proper holster grip placement..
heres some pics
That's makes for a good sound bite, but there are waaaayyyyy too many out there that won't do that, or get issued the holster and expected to use it before they can learn. A lot of departments that issue these things have no clue about the associated issues. As for rolling around in rocks etc. It can also be done with snow, or other debris. Not all of us are city dwellers and getting in a....situation while armed might very well lead to rolling around on the ground which could result in the mechanism getting fouled.I wonder what grain dust would do to that thing? :thinking:
You could also end up in a situation pinned with your gun side to a wall or the ground and not be able to reach that button.
I can see the appeal of the rig, it's surely better than the common place nylon junk holster I see a lot of open carriers with, but I still think there are better options with retention out there.
The people that have or are going to put fourth serious effort into learning that holster don't bother me so much, it's all the others that should be shopping for a different holster.
I like mine very much, I use it with the paddle for range days. I see you've made up your mind and if you're scared of an accidental discharge then by all means get one that makes you feel safe. We don't want you to get hurt, but if you ask people who have and use them then the concensus is that they're perfectly safe if you know how to use them.
I have one and I use it occasionally with the paddle. Not for concealed.
Usually use it when out in the hills or when shooting a steel match. My draw has not been hindered during a steel matches.
For concealed carry I use a handmade leather OWB holster. Comfortable and snug.
Serpa was my first "concealment" holster I ever purchased (not knowing any better).Carrying in a Serpa is only slightly less obvious than putting a 20lb turkey under your shirt.
I love my serpa holsters, I deployed to Afghanistan (drop leg) with one and cc in the winter with one (paddle). Never had any of the problems that are being brought up here.
I like them for a narrow range of uses. It's not a good CCW holster because it sticks out too far. I like it for range/tactical purposes, but even then, if you have one for a gun that has some weight to it, because it sticks out so far, you feel imbalanced and heavy to that side. It doesn't have the same feel as running a pancake holster. I have one for my Sig 226 and it makes the gun feel like a boat anchor on my side. In a pancake, its good to go. I think it would probably do ok on a duty belt, but certainly not for the smaller, trouser-style belts.
Ok yeh I definately believe if there not going to take the time to train them on this safety and proper use before they issue these holsters out whether to LEO type or in training for just whoever..Then thats not a good Idea..
If you look on my other post I think Who else uses a Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster,someone listed an alternative whch looks good to check into and its got a different locking mechanism..
Also there pros and cons for every thing, or every holster out there..
As of having it OC is quicker accessible then having it in waistband...Or having it open carry ur more prone to someone taking it..
But lets say u carry in the front or behind you,someone could either shove you up against the wall face forward or backward or tackle you and the gun you need is underneath you where you cant access it,and its tucked tightly in ur waistband to to even make it harder...
So and as far of debris go...Dust is noT going to lock the mechanism..Just make sure to keep it clean and it should never get to that point..
Also If you believe maybe where you live you might be in a situation where ur gonna get tackled/fall into snow or it snows alot or theres alot of dirt and rocks maybe look into a more all-around holster..
Good choice, many include both a paddle and belt option. They are a common choice with LEO's in our area. Pricing is often much less than a leather rig, and better retention to boot.
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