G&A TV accidentally shows Blackhawk Serpa Danger

[Pawpaw]

If gunsmith and firearms instructor Patrick Sweeney can make this mistake, just about anyone can.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016 ... Newsletter

[Excaliber]

If gunsmith and firearms instructor Patrick Sweeney can make this mistake, just about anyone can.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016 ... Newsletter

Yep.

I thought I could train myself not to do it too, but then found it happening at unpredictable times on rapid draws during training.

One could legitimately say that apparently I hadn't trained enough, and that would be fair. However, I judged the risk to be out of proportion to the benefit. There are lots of other good retention designs out there that don't share this hazard.

I didn't wait for an ND to stop using the Serpa design.

[Abraham]

Would this holster be the one that fearsome gunfighter known as "Tex Grebner" was using when he shot himself in the leg?

[Smokey613]

I currently use a Serpa on duty as it was issued by my deaprtment along with a Glock 22. I really am not wild about the holster nor the Glock itself, I am just an old fashion 1911 / thumbreak guy. I have carried all manner of hanguns on duty from revolvers, S&W pistols (39, 59) 1911s in everything from a flap holster but mostly thumbreak. When I ended my first LE career in 1999, after 22 years, I was carrying my Colt DE SS 10mm in a safariland thumbreak. I used that combo for my last 11 years and it survived numerous scuffles, full blown fights and even a coupe of attempts of disarmings but SA and proper weapon retention prevented it. When I returned to LE this past December I was amazed at the proliferation of styles of holsters for duty use. While I had sorta kept up with concealed carry rigs I had not given much thought to duty rigs even though my wife was an officer until 2012. She used the department issued gun and holster which was a Safariland with a thumb push style release, not sure the model number. My current department ( City Marshal Office ) is small and fairly new in existance (12 years) though the police department is much larger. I never carried a Glock and rarely shot one, just not my " cup of tea". Since I am now required to carry one I have spent considerable time and lots of ammo becoming familar with it. Luckily they issued my gun and rig a month before my actual start date so I had time to run almost a thousand rounds through it before actually carrying it on duty. I am still not a fan of a striker fired pistol but must admit this one has yet to exhibit the slightest bobble on reliability and I can shoot it very well. I have discussed the holster situation with the Marshal and he will allow me to purchase and use a different brand/style was long as it is a name brand quality holster. I am now on the hunt for an alternative and open to suggestions from others.

[Pawpaw]

Would this holster be the one that fearsome gunfighter known as "Tex Grebner" was using when he shot himself in the leg?

Yes, but there is a bit more to his particular story.

He had been practicing with a thumb-push type holster and a different handgun. When he switched to a 1911 in the Serpa, disaster struck. Out of habit, he did the thumb push which only served to disengage the thumb safety on the 1911. Then, when he drew the pistol (with a full grip which disengaged the grip safety), his finger hit the trigger just like in the video I posted. For those not familiar with 1911s, it doesn't take much trigger movement to make them fire after both safeties have been disengaged.

[Abraham]

Pawpaw,

Thanks for the additional information.

[Keith B]

Would this holster be the one that fearsome gunfighter known as "Tex Grebner" was using when he shot himself in the leg?

Yes, but there is a bit more to his particular story.

He had been practicing with a thumb-push type holster and a different handgun. When he switched to a 1911 in the Serpa, disaster struck. Out of habit, he did the thumb push which only served to disengage the thumb safety on the 1911. Then, when he drew the pistol (with a full grip which disengaged the grip safety), his finger hit the trigger just like in the video I posted. For those not familiar with 1911s, it doesn't take much trigger movement to make them fire after both safeties have been disengaged.

I am posting the video where he explains the event. I have edited out the cursing so it is more family friendly.

https://youtu.be/xg7YWPU2m0k

[Pawpaw]

I thought about you when I started this thread, Andy. I remember how much you love the Serpa.

(Is this color OK for sarcasm?)

[Abraham]

Poor Tex G.

He don't get no respect.

Double digit I.Q. folks likem guns too.

[Tracker]

I carry my Sig M11A1 in a SERPA all the time. I don't favor strikers (such as my G19). With the DA/SA Sig I can feel the hammer when holstering (and upholstering). As for the SERPA's release when drawing my finger is always above the trigger guard when I draw the gun. I never use the tip of my finger to depress the release lever, always use the flat. So unless there's something about how the SERP's lever retains the gun that could cause it to pull the trigger when drawing I don't see an issue. What am I missing with the SERPA?

[Pawpaw]

I carry my Sig M11A1 in a SERPA all the time. I don't favor strikers (such as my G19). With the DA/SA Sig I can feel the hammer when holstering (and upholstering). As for the SERPA's release when drawing my finger is always above the trigger guard when I draw the gun. I never use the tip of my finger to depress the release lever, always use the flat. So unless there's something about how the SERP's lever retains the gun that could cause it to pull the trigger when drawing I don't see an issue. What am I missing with the SERPA?

Did you watch the videos in the article my first post linked?

[Tracker]

I carry my Sig M11A1 in a SERPA all the time. I don't favor strikers (such as my G19). With the DA/SA Sig I can feel the hammer when holstering (and upholstering). As for the SERPA's release when drawing my finger is always above the trigger guard when I draw the gun. I never use the tip of my finger to depress the release lever, always use the flat. So unless there's something about how the SERP's lever retains the gun that could cause it to pull the trigger when drawing I don't see an issue. What am I missing with the SERPA?

Did you watch the videos in the article my first post linked?

Yeah, I saw the video. I personally don't have an issue with the SERPA locking mechanism. In experimenting, even when I presses the lever with the tip of my finger it still falls well above the trigger guard and onto the receiver. Now, what did catch my eye with regards to the SERPA was in the last video talking about having the lever/release jam due to dirt or rock getting into the mechanism during a ground scuffle. That argument is a game changer for me. Been wanting a new paddle so I've ordered a Safariland.