Why Not SERPA?

[PegLeg45]

I did a search and know the Blackhawk SERPA holster has been mentioned many times here, but I couldn't find anything related to what I'm about to ask. I know there are quite a few IDPA and other style shooters (most more learned than I) and many range members here so maybe you all can clue me in.

OK, I've been looking at a lot of web info on various defense schools and also looking into different matches in my area. Several have a statement in the class requirements or range rules section specifically forbidding the use of SERPA holsters.
I was just wondering why this is.
I have been using a SERPA CQC on a daily basis for a year now with no troubles but was wondering if there was something (safety-wise or other) causing such an issue for them not to be allowed.

Thanks,

PegLeg
 

[MikeBjerum]

Good question, and thanks for asking!

I've wondered the same because of a response I got once.  Please don't take this as an answer, because it is only a reply I got by a shooter at a club:  His response was that in situations where retention is required it gives an "unfair advantage" over the standard strap and snap system that traditionally used.

One thought I had was that it is similar to the Production list used by USPSA - It needs to be presented to the organization by the manufacturer for approval, and Serpa has not gone through the process.

Just a response I received and a thought I had.

I'd love to hear an official response.

[Mojave Desert]

Here is one good reason.

http://www.warriortalk.com/showthread.php?t=45333&highlight=serpa

[Big Frank]

Wow. I was looking at those too. Not looking anymore.

[PegLeg45]

Very good point made by Suarez.
But, on the CQC Serpa holster (I am in no way defending the serpa, just pointing out something based on the model I use) there is a guard that completely blocks the trigger until the finger is off the safety retention device and the gun has cleared the holster
(see photo).

I did notice that it is a smaller area on some models and that may be one reason they are banned based on Suarez's statement. Better to ban them all instead of trying to select a few based on a certain criteria (I can understand that point).

I am in no way trying to stir up a hornets nest, just wanting info.


***EDIT: I should clarify (after SigShooter's post) I am comfortable with my SERPA and will continue to use it also. When drawing my Glock, my finger is never near the trigger (no more so than any other holster I have for it) at any time during the draw stroke.
PegLeg

[Sponsor]

[SigShooter]

The training staff at the armed guard class I took insisted that the Serpas aren't safe. They believe that because there is a little hook that grabs the trigger GUARD, it will magically press the trigger through it's full stroke and discharge the pistol.

I realize people who teach these classes are typically very experienced with firearms, but from time to time, experts aren't just aren't experts. I own a Serpa holster and will be using it once my armed guard card comes back from the state. There's no way in hell I'm giving it up.

Look into the holster and you will see that yes, it does grab the gun by the trigger guard, but there's really no way for the pistol to be shoved in far enough to get to the trigger and press it all the way through. It's difficult to tell if it even touches the trigger with the gun in place (My example is for the P220/P226, don't know about other models).

I always listen to my instructors and do what they say in a class, but that doesn't mean that I'll believe everything they tell me and follow only what they say and not come up with any solutions of my own.

Mojave Desert's link describes an issue that is basically not an issue for me. Finger off the trigger no matter what holster is the golden rule. Doesn't matter if you have to hit a release near the area of the trigger, under no circumstances do you touch the trigger unless you intend to shoot. Remember, there are no accidents in the world of firearms.

I do appreciate Mojave Desert bringing that link up though, that's not something I've heard before. Or maybe that's what my instructors were trying to say about them and didn't communicate it effectively to me. I used it in my class. They knew I and another had them. Neither of us had any problems and they didn't ask us not to use them.

Bottom line, I have a Serpa and I won't have anything else for open carry. End of Story.

[TAB]

If I have to fight a bad guy off my gun in the holster... the shit has already destroyed the fan.

[Fatman]

If you're using a SERPA to keep the gun out of the BG hands, you may be in for a rude surprise. Recently (within the last few years) retired NYC cop told me the holster he had was supposed to make it 'impossible' for anyone but the cop to access the gun when properly holstered. Except some  BG found a way to get the pistol from both in front and behind and apparently grapevined the info through the prison system.

In a stressful situation, the monkey muscles take over and fine motor coordination suffers.  I can see this possibly causing an issue with the trigger finger being pushed towards the trigger as you draw. You may not be able to stop the finger travel as the force applied is probably more under stress than you normally would use, and you probably won't even realize it. Duration/distance of finger travel may be longer too.

Borrowing jumbofrank's 2 cents he saved on rock salt from Home Depot v Lowes. 

[Big Frank]

I knew that 2 cents worth would come in handy.    Now I'm wondering what kind of holster I should use. I have a molded leather holster from Dillon that holds on okay without any snaps, strap, or buttons, but it's for a 3" gun and now I have a 3.5" gun too. I was looking to get another holster and wonder if I should get one with a thumb snap. Some of the Kydex holsters look like they'll hold on tight without a strap.

[PegLeg45]

Every leather holster I have ever had without a thumb-break eventually loosened up too much to trust with retention.
The kydex holsters that I have, and many that I have looked at retain the gun by squeezing at the trigger guard (I know some high-end holsters use other means).
If your grasp of the gun is the same every time, your trigger finger will always be in the same location during the draw stroke, regardless of holster type.
I understand the point is that the release on the serpa 'might' cause 'extra' inward pressure of the trigger finger. On mine, if you press in on the release and move the gun upward with the finger straight, the trigger finger ends up on the side of the frame (directly above the trigger opening) right where you would place it when in the low-ready position.
If you are prone to put your finger on the trigger too soon, the holster may not be the problem.