[Sam Fidler]

I have been in love with my Serpa since I first purchased one for my Kimber 1911. I loved it so much that I purchased the tactical thigh rig for my service Beretta 92F, another sports holster for my issued G17, and will buy one for my XD.45 Compact as soon as I can afford to remove it from beneath the glass at FBMG. The Serpa has a positive retention system that I have not been able to defeat without a proper release and the best part is how easy it is to apply the retention system; I just drop the pistol into the holster.

My reason for posting this review here was to get other peoples reviews based on a conversation I had a few years ago about it. While at an indoor range in Tucson, AZ one of the range masters told me to be careful with the Serpa because he had seen one fail to release (as if traditional thumb breaks never fail). After follow up questioning he admitted that the failure was due to dirt build-up in the retention system. Personally, I have used the tactical Serpa in some extreme conditions particularly over 8 months in the Philippines where it was constantly wet and muddy. This holster was muddy, dirty, wet, abused, etc. and I have never had it fail to secure or release as needed. Has anyone here seen or heard of any failures?

 

[ScottyT]

I love my SERPA!!!

Never heard of those failures, but it is always a good idea to keep your gun and holster out of the mud whenever possible -- even if it can handle it!

 

[divegeek]

The ONLY problem I have with the Serpa is its name. It's a level 1 retention holster, not a level 2. The tightening screw doesn't count as a "retention device"; once the button is pushed, all you gotta do is pull.

Name aside, it's a great holster. I have the one with the carbon fiber finish and wear it daily except on those rare occasions I need to conceal.

 

[Mazellan]

I have one for my G22 and love it. I use it daily! I tend not to go rolling around in mud so mine stays relatively clean. :lol2: The only time I don't wear it is when I am going to work or need better concealment.

 

[MountainManXD]

I love my Blackhawk Serpa, but it seems that the paddle fits me better that the belt attachment. When it is on my belt it seems that my grip tends to "fall" out a little bit further from my side. Does this happen to anyone else? Maybe I am doing something wrong or just have the wrong body shape. The paddle seems to hold the grip closer to my body and like everyone else; I have never had a problem with the retention device.

 

[Mazellan]

I love my Blackhawk Serpa, but it seems that the paddle fits me better that the belt attachment. When it is on my belt it seems that my grip tends to "fall" out a little bit further from my side. Does this happen to anyone else? Maybe I am doing something wrong or just have the wrong body shape. The paddle seems to hold the grip closer to my body and like everyone else; I have never had a problem with the retention device.

I have never tried the belt attachment. I have been using the paddle. It is easy to remove the gun without having to undo my belt.

 

[murph]

I've also loved my serpa holster. My father in law gave it to me when I purchased my first glock. He said it's the one he puts all of the guys on the force in (he's a chief of police). I like how the release puts your index finger in the perfect position (along body of the gun just under the slide). I find the weapon easy to remove but never comes out unintentionally. I find the paddle to be much more comfortable than the traditional belt attachment. Just my opinion.

 

[Shaolin]

This is the only holster I have, but it is a very nice one.

 

[Outsider]

I was first introduced to the Serpa at work and then bought one for my XD (personal weapon). I love it. Wish somehow it could be an IWB holster too.

 

[thx997303]

Well, since I am buying a XD 9 tactical, I will be getting a Serpa. Does anyone know where to buy one locally?

 

[scott.pete06]

Well, since I am buying a XD 9 tactical, I will be getting a Serpa. Does anyone know where to buy one locally?

not on a holster but I can tell you to use "hot ammo." the 9 tactical i had didn't like white box ammo, or any thing that was loaded light.

 

[thx997303]

I could see that, heavier slide and all. I don't like to light of loads myself, at least for personal defense.

So, what kinda velocity would be considered a light load in a 9mm?

Or is it bullet weight.............

 

[GeneticsDave]

Well, since I am buying a XD 9 tactical, I will be getting a Serpa. Does anyone know where to buy one locally?

Skaggs on Main Street in SLC has a pretty good selection.

 

[scott.pete06]

I could see that, heavier slide and all. I don't like to light of loads myself, at least for personal defense.

So, what kinda velocity would be considered a light load in a 9mm?

Or is it bullet weight.............

It's not the bullet weight, but the powder charge that makes it a light or "hot" load.

I can tell you the brands that did and didn't work for me.

worked
seller & ballot
wolf
black hills
most factory reloads like hsm

didn't work
winchester 115 fmj
blazer was ok, but still not the best.

 

[thx997303]

How bout closer to Lehi?

OH, and since I plan on practicing with Wolf, as it's cheap, I'm good to go!

The guy is bringing the XD to me in a few minutes. I'm pretty happy about this.

 

[GeneticsDave]

Dunno Jer, I live in Davis County. I shop in NSL and SLC, Cabelas is overpriced and I don't know the shops in ProvOrem so.... wish I were more help. If you come up to SLC, stop by Skaggs, cool stuff there. :thumbsup:

 

[thx997303]

Will do if I get up that way.

 

[Sam Fidler]

Sportsman's and Get Some both have full lines of Serpa's.

 

[MountainManXD]

I got mine at Doug's out on redwood road, still not in your area I guess.

 

[thx997303]

I got one at Gunnies, I was right nearby, and they had them.

I love this holster with the paddle, pretty comfortable, except that I'm really skinny, and it doesn't quite curve enough.

The retention is great. Quick draw, I have never had a better holster.

OH, and whoever said that it doesn't like WWB, was his stock? I found out that my XD has an upgraded guide rod, one piece instead of the two piece. Also has an upgraded trigger. Not that the trigger has anything to do with it cycling but you know.