Blackhawk Serpa Paddle Holster

[Randall53]

I bought one of these at Optics Planet a month or so ago on sale for my Glock 30 for less than $50 shipped. After wearing it awhile,  I gotta say I am impressed. Impressed with the comfort of carry and the secure way it holds my model 30.

 

This is a VERY comfortable holster even with the Glock 30 loaded with 11 rounds of Gold Dot 45's.  The pistol canter is adjustable, solid and very firm. The Glock is locked in place with the trigger completely covered and it cannot fall out, or be taken from you easily at all.  Yet,with just a little practice and a very simple finger press at the right location, it's smoothly and without any delay in your hand ready for whatever needs arise.  If I was in Law Enforcement, this would be my holster of choice.  Also comes with a firm belt loop attachment.  I'm in love with the paddle though. I carry the 30 often, and this thing holds tightly to the body, conceals very well and did I say very comfortable?  I'd recommend to a friend....LOL!

[MarkInNashville]

Nice review! A lot of people think that they cause or could contribute to having an AD (Accidental Discharge). If you depress the lock tab and withdraw the gun your finger may tend to end-up right on the trigger. I am not saying this to deride or run them down, just to make sure you are aware of a possibility! I would hate for anyone to be shot (accidentally - if you intend to shoot them, well, that is a different matter).

Edited February 18, 2013 by MarkInNashville

[Oh Shoot]

Serpa, Holster of Death:

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=serpa+holster+of+death&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

 

- OS

[Patton]

They aren't bad, I have seen a few break away from the platform under pressure. The safariland ALS is about the same price or even a few dollars cheaper and a lot stronger. I had one but gave it to a friend that had a lot more need for a daily carry retention holster than I did.

[Wingshooter]

I like that holster, too. I have one for HK USPc and liked it enough to buy one for G19. I agree, it's a very stable and comfy holster. I generally carry IWB when I'm in public, so my Serpas usually only get use around the house or if I'm working outside or something. I also found that they are great mounted inside the center console of my truck. I'm very pleased with them, and I concur with your review.

[Randall53]

Nice review! A lot of people think that they cause or could contribute to having an AD (Accidental Discharge). If you depress the lock tab and withdraw the gun your finger may tend to end-up right on the trigger. I am not saying this to deride or run them down, just to make sure you are aware of a possibility! I would hate for anyone to be shot (accidentally - if you intend to shoot them, well, that is a different matter).

 

Thanks for the kind words.  Actually I have practiced drawing from this holster quite a bit during the past couple of weeks. Each time I've drawn the pistol, I find my trigger finger tends to land along the bottom of the rail and not close to the trigger. This does help in controlling the pistol until time to fire. I'm not a big guy with huge hands either, but then this is the Glock 30 which is a shorter version of Glock and not full size. This could be the difference.  I could see this being possibility with a full size Glock. I've been thinking of getting one for my Glock 17. I'll keep this in mind.  Thanks for the heads up!

[Randall53]

I just looked at a few videos of people pronouncing the Serpa a death holster.  I'm comfortable with mine, but I can see from the videos a difference in the way they illustrate drawing the pistol causing the trigger finger to fire the weapon.  First, I have not found it necessary at all to curve my finger to release the pistol.  I didn't even do this from the beginning of practicing my draw. Anytime I draw a handgun, my trigger finger is straight along the side of the firearm.  Even with the Serpa, I push the release with the "meaty" part of my finger which is straight and NOT using the tip by curving it into the holster.  I don't know why anyone would want to curve their finger and use the tip of their finger. The release is very easy to depress.  A little bit of common sense and fore thought / practice will make this a non issue.  I am very happy with mine, but this holster may not be for everybody.  Use at your own risk!!!!  (Legal Disclaimer...)

Edited February 18, 2013 by Randall53

[Randall53]

They aren't bad, I have seen a few break away from the platform under pressure. The safariland ALS is about the same price or even a few dollars cheaper and a lot stronger. I had one but gave it to a friend that had a lot more need for a daily carry retention holster than I did.

 

The Safariland ALS sounds good, but they don't list one for the Glock 30 and seemed to be limited to the most popular models of pistols.  Understandable, but limits their customer base.

[Patton]

I had not noticed there wasn't one for a Glock 30. I know they make them for Glock 20/21's though. They even make them for J frame revolvers, I would love to have one for a j frame.

[Randall53]

I had not noticed there wasn't one for a Glock 30. I know they make them for Glock 20/21's though. They even make them for J frame revolvers, I would love to have one for a j frame.

 

I agree.....I have a J frame that I'd like to have one for also.  Might have to look into that.  Thanks for the heads up!

[Patton]

They make them for the 30, I tried to post a link but it failed. Edited February 18, 2013 by Patton

[Randall53]

I'll have to check again.....I didn't see one earlier. Might have to get a couple then.....J frame and G-30!! 

[DAdams]

I have one for my S&W 642. I have also carried my 340 in it, but supposedly it's not to be used with a .357.
I posted an extensive review....with photos.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=554071&page=49&highlight=Serpa

I want one for my XDm 3.8 .45 but they aren't making one yet. Edited February 28, 2013 by DAdams

[Caster]

I've had/have several. I may not have professional training or be competitive but it's been my finding that people who have had negligent discharges while using them are obviously at fault not the holster.
I just don't see how it's possible unless you're a rubber fingered gumby.

[GoneBallistic]

I've had/have several. I may not have professional training or be competitive but it's been my finding that people who have had negligent discharges while using them are obviously at fault not the holster.
I just don't see how it's possible unless you're a rubber fingered gumby.

From what I've heard, most all the problems have come from people trying to draw Glocks or other weapons that don't have a traditional safety in a quick and somewhat careless manner. When they draw in such a hurry with such a tight grip, their finger is on the trigger and if care is not taken, an ND is possible.

 

That being said, I personally like the Serpa design  and IMO it's not a faulty design, just careless or uneducated users. But I do think caution needs to be used when carrying a Glock or other weapon without a traditional safety. :2cents:

[Caster]

Well, I carry a G19 in on every day of my life. If I ever have a ND you can blame ME for being an idiot and I'll deserve it.
Good time to remind everyone to keep your mind on the here and now where it belongs. Pay attention to what you're doing.

[GoneBallistic]

Good time to remind everyone to keep your mind on the here and now where it belongs. Pay attention to what you're doing.

I concur :)

[DAdams]

Do not use the finger tip as noted earlier. Mid index finger pad to first inside joint is where the pressure is to be exerted and
Upon release the trigger finger will be in the ready position, not on the trigger. Holster design is model specific to ensure proper operation. Edited February 28, 2013 by DAdams