A concern about Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster

boda65 · December 17th, 2008, 12:30 PM

Hi all,
I have become very interested in the Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster as an inexpensive range holster for my 70 series govt until I can get a Milt Sparks. My concern is a video on youtube entitled "Why you don't use a kydex paddle holster". It is frightening how easy this holster appears to have been broken from the mounting platform. Is it really this weak, or is this a set up video? Granted, for range use it really wouldn't much matter, but I would certainly not carry with this holster if it is separated that easy. Your thoughts or experience??
Jim

JD · December 17th, 2008, 12:32 PM

I think I'm familiar with the video you're talking about, IIRC they were using an earlier Fobus holster, those aren't exactly known for their ruggedness.

From all accounts, the Serpa holsters are almost impossible to break, as are "quality" Kydex or polymer based holsters.

bonehead · December 17th, 2008, 01:07 PM

I wouldn't be so much concerned with ripping the paddle off as making sure your indexing finger doesn't slip into the trigger guard as you depress the locking mechanism and draw the weapon. I recall this being an issue but can't recall at the moment where I read that.....

Rob72 · December 17th, 2008, 01:33 PM

Correct^. The SERPA isn't "frangible," but it has issues with the release functioning with grit/gunk, and the aforementioned indexing question.

bonehead · December 17th, 2008, 01:35 PM

Here's a thread from THR
Blackhawk Serpa Holster -- A Damning Review [Archive] - THR

T Bone · December 17th, 2008, 01:42 PM

Do you want a holster so different (I could see why). If not, the Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 is usually available in stock at Brownells for a Government model.

If you really do want something so different, I'd suggest having a look at Safariland. I think their line is preferred by LEO's over the Blackhawk by many.

The video you describe does sound like the Fobus video, of no correlation to the Blackhawk at all.

Bumper · December 17th, 2008, 02:04 PM

I have been carrying one of my new guns in the BlackHawk Serpa for a couple of months now and have had no problems with it at all. It is smooth and stable in un-holstering and holstering. Once you familiarize yourself with the function of it I don't believe many people will have a problem with it. It would take a small finger to cause the problems in the linked post. And, gravel never gets the opportunity to enter my holsters.

That said, I really do like custom leather holsters much better, but have not been able to get one for the gun I am carrying right now. Once that happens I will continue to use the Serpa for range trips or wet weather.

maddy345 · December 17th, 2008, 02:15 PM

Back when I was on the job my duty holster was a Safariland Level II Raptor holster. VERY rugged and never had any issues with it. I HIGHLY recommend Safariland products.

OPFOR · December 17th, 2008, 02:23 PM

They make a version of the Serpa that doesn't have the locking mechanism and relies on tension to keep the gun holstered. I have been using this version on my duty rig for about 6 weeks now with no issues (though I did have to cut away some of the plastic from the MOLLE mounting bracket - which you won't need - to allow a full grip when drawing from my MOLLE belt). This may work well for your purposes as a range holster.

BikerRN · December 17th, 2008, 02:44 PM

I opened this thread because it was titled on the descriptor, "A concern about Blackhawk........

The only Black Hawks I'm concerned about are rotary wing aircraft.

Seriously, the video you are referring to is with an older Fobus model, as has already been stated. Gabe Suarez won't allow a Black Hawk Holster with the retention thingie in his classes, I believe. I may be wrong, but IIRC that's what he wrote. The reason for that is because it's too easy to fumble the draw in a force on force scenario. I don't know if I agree with him, but it's his class.

I do like the retention aspect of the Black Hawk Holster for open carry. For concealed carry I much prefer no retention devices.

Biker

December 17th, 2008, 12:30 PM	#1
boda65 New Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Buckeye State Posts: 14	A concern about Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster Hi all, I have become very interested in the Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster as an inexpensive range holster for my 70 series govt until I can get a Milt Sparks. My concern is a video on youtube entitled "Why you don't use a kydex paddle holster". It is frightening how easy this holster appears to have been broken from the mounting platform. Is it really this weak, or is this a set up video? Granted, for range use it really wouldn't much matter, but I would certainly not carry with this holster if it is separated that easy. Your thoughts or experience?? Jim

December 17th, 2008, 12:32 PM	#2
JD Senior Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Central Iowa Posts: 11,654	I think I'm familiar with the video you're talking about, IIRC they were using an earlier Fobus holster, those aren't exactly known for their ruggedness. From all accounts, the Serpa holsters are almost impossible to break, as are "quality" Kydex or polymer based holsters. __________________ Some Things Need to be Addressed... Iowa Carry.ORG: Promoting Weapons Carry Reform in Iowa Forum Customs & Courtesies

December 17th, 2008, 01:07 PM	#3
bonehead Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The Copper State Posts: 474	I wouldn't be so much concerned with ripping the paddle off as making sure your indexing finger doesn't slip into the trigger guard as you depress the locking mechanism and draw the weapon. I recall this being an issue but can't recall at the moment where I read that..... __________________ HK45c V1

December 17th, 2008, 01:35 PM	#5
bonehead Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The Copper State Posts: 474	Here's a thread from THR Blackhawk Serpa Holster -- A Damning Review [Archive] - THR __________________ HK45c V1

December 17th, 2008, 01:42 PM	#6
T Bone Distinguished Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Metropolitan Detroit Posts: 1,984	Do you want a holster so different (I could see why). If not, the Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 is usually available in stock at Brownells for a Government model. If you really do want something so different, I'd suggest having a look at Safariland. I think their line is preferred by LEO's over the Blackhawk by many. The video you describe does sound like the Fobus video, of no correlation to the Blackhawk at all. __________________ Regards, T Bone. "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety". Benjamin Franklin

December 17th, 2008, 01:33 PM	#4
Rob72 VIP Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: OK Posts: 3,468	Correct^. The SERPA isn't "frangible," but it has issues with the release functioning with grit/gunk, and the aforementioned indexing question.

December 17th, 2008, 02:04 PM	#7
Bumper Administrator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 17,355	I have been carrying one of my new guns in the BlackHawk Serpa for a couple of months now and have had no problems with it at all. It is smooth and stable in un-holstering and holstering. Once you familiarize yourself with the function of it I don't believe many people will have a problem with it. It would take a small finger to cause the problems in the linked post. And, gravel never gets the opportunity to enter my holsters. That said, I really do like custom leather holsters much better, but have not been able to get one for the gun I am carrying right now. Once that happens I will continue to use the Serpa for range trips or wet weather. __________________ Bumper Administrator DefensiveCarry.com Forum Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde; Beware the anger of a patient man.

December 17th, 2008, 02:15 PM	#8
maddy345 Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pikeville, NC Posts: 122	Back when I was on the job my duty holster was a Safariland Level II Raptor holster. VERY rugged and never had any issues with it. I HIGHLY recommend Safariland products.

December 17th, 2008, 02:23 PM	#9
OPFOR VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: DC, for the moment Posts: 2,760	They make a version of the Serpa that doesn't have the locking mechanism and relies on tension to keep the gun holstered. I have been using this version on my duty rig for about 6 weeks now with no issues (though I did have to cut away some of the plastic from the MOLLE mounting bracket - which you won't need - to allow a full grip when drawing from my MOLLE belt). This may work well for your purposes as a range holster. __________________ "It makes no difference what men think of war, said the judge. War endures. As well ask men what they think of stone. War was always here. Before man was, war waited for him. The ultimate trade awaiting its ultimate practitioner. That is the way it was and will be. That way and not some other way."

December 17th, 2008, 02:44 PM	#10
BikerRN VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: State of Discombobulation Posts: 3,776	I opened this thread because it was titled on the descriptor, "A concern about Blackhawk........ The only Black Hawks I'm concerned about are rotary wing aircraft. Seriously, the video you are referring to is with an older Fobus model, as has already been stated. Gabe Suarez won't allow a Black Hawk Holster with the retention thingie in his classes, I believe. I may be wrong, but IIRC that's what he wrote. The reason for that is because it's too easy to fumble the draw in a force on force scenario. I don't know if I agree with him, but it's his class. I do like the retention aspect of the Black Hawk Holster for open carry. For concealed carry I much prefer no retention devices. Biker __________________ If I knew I was going to get in to a gunfight I most ceratinly wouln't bring a handgun or two, and I don't know any smart person that does.

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