Blackhawk Serpa Glocks Question

[9mmepiphany]

So I asked them; "What should I use for my 1911 that's better?" And on their advice I tried a Sarariland ALS and GLS. Neither of them will lock onto the gun reliably. I decided to use it and ignore them

I used my Serpa for my issued SIG 220/226 on assignments where I was among crowds. The additional security provided by the holster along with it's smooth/natural release gave me some additional peace of mind. The Serpa really comes into it's own when riding a snowmobile or ATV

I tried the ALS with a 1911 and the motion required to release the pistol is just unnatural. What I found that works much better is the Safariland SLS (hooded) holsters.

I chose the SLS for my duty rig as I found it faster and the gun was easily secured if I needed to re-holster when going hands-on

 

[shoobe01]

Yes, keeping the finger flat is the theory of operation. The one in mind by the not-human-factors-engineer, not-at-all-shooter who designed it with zero testing.

Practically, people don't work that way and under stress (even just the stress of drills and repetition at schools) will curve the finger to press buttons (the natural inclination), or continue pressing inward as the gun clears the holster. The Glock models specifically have the most issues with this due to the position of the lock mechanism, especially inline with the trigger guard.

I also know any number of people who have personally had the holsters break off their belt, lock up and not be able to be drawn without taking a Dremel to it, etc.

It is not trendy to hate this holster. It's data-driven. It causes accidents. Banning it from the ranges linked above has happened after several accidents made it clear it is a trend, and the equipment is to blame. Often, these accidents are with experienced shooters, with years of using the equipment in the field.


Safariland is expensive, and sometimes slow to deliver (3 MONTHS for my last) but they work, very well, very reliably, safely, and are maintainable. You can get replacement locks if it starts wearing out.

 

[Shane in MT]

I learned the straight trigger-finger draw using revolvers in old school Sam Browne leather rigs. It carried over to the Glock/Serpa without any issues.

Then again, I was trained to muscle memory....thousands of tedious and mind-numbing repetitions, under the close scrutiny of eagle-eyed instructors.

Drawing with a hooked finger is a training failure.

 

[Space Ghost]

I used the Serpa as daily carry for over 10 years with a 1911, and thought it was a good system, despite all the hate. I did switch over to Bravo concealment. This was because I had to get a new holster anyway for a different gun (Glock 17 with a light) and to get a closer tuck to the body. Also, I don't really need retention in a daily carry role. My warbelt, however has the ALS, because I like the quick change system they have, and their thumb release is just as fast as the Serpa was.