imported post
Try a google for "Blackhawk Serpa Accident" and "Blackhawk Serpa Pro and Con" and any other cominbations you want.
I added the first comment on the DeSantis Flight Deck Officer FDO.
Most major training schools will not allow any Serpa holsters and some just will not allow Serpa holsteruse with Glocks.
Sqaure range training is different from the heat of the true moment when one meets the Elephant.
No doubt outstanding marketing and low price has made the Serpa wide spread.
Serpa: (1) Retention inside the trigger guard
(2) Requires fine motor control to operate
(3) Fine motor control is hard to do and control in the heat of it all (not on the square range) - the worst time to have an accident
Hereare twowith one being airsoft training (you can google for more if you desire more)
http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/11/sort/2/cat/all/page/1
While facing each other, perhaps engaging with some small talk, the assailant reached for a concealed pistol. As I stepped off the line of attack I depressed the retention button and began to draw the pistol from the Serpa holster. I was a bit pumped, or juiced...was the term used meaning I was in a highly excited state. As I continued to draw the pistol after depressing the retention release button my index finger continued to apply pressure along the side of the holster. As the pistol cleared the holster, my index finger, still applying pressure from pressing the retention release button, landed on the trigger of the airsoft Glock pistol causing to discharge. The airsoft 6mm pellet impacted on back portion of my upper leg. I continued the exercise thinking that the assailant had hit me and put two pellets into his upper torso.
Mr. Suarez then approached me and said, “You just shot yourself”. It then occurred to me that my body was orientated in such a fashion whereas the assailant could not have hit me in the rear of the upper right leg. We then recreated this couple of more times and we were able to repeat the issue.
Conclusion:
In a highly charged situation or armed confrontation fine motor skills default to gross motor skills. It takes a fine motor skill to depress the retention button on the Serpa Active Retention holster to withdraw the firearm that is sitting in it. The is a distinct possibility that the individual, during their draw stroke could continue to apply pressure with the index finger and that index finger could strike the trigger causing the firearm to discharge
If you do not which Operator definition I was referring too, I will not waste my time explaining.
http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=988087
Safety and the Blackhawk Serpa Holsters
This MAY have already been kicked around, but it's of enough concern to me that I'm passing it on for what it's worth. Gabe Suarez, whom I've previously trained with, bans the Blackhawk Serpa holsters from his classes for apparent safety reasons.
Here's what he has had to say:
The Serpa Holster - Why We Don't Allow Them In Class
Simply put...the Serpa is a poorly designed but brilliantly marketed holster that causes a user to press in with the finger tip as they draw their pistol. In many cases it ends up with the trigger finger right on the trigger (and pressing inward) prematurely. In other words...long before it would be safe to do so.
I am aware of five situations where this has caused an AD on the range. Twice where it led so a self-inflicted gunshot. And these guys were either highly experienced shooters of seasoned operators. Twice I have personally seen in it force on force.
If I allow a holster like that in class, having seen the problems and knowing the problems, and a student shoots themselves...it really would be my fault no? Now on the lack of muzzle discipline, finger on the trigger, and other issues that contribute to problems, would you Serpa Afficionados, say I should ignore those? I will bet not.
So If I cannot ignore these shooter-created problems, should I ignore a holster that makes them worse? What would some of the Serpa-crowd say if "Gabe doesn't care if you put your finger on the trigger, or if you ignore muzzle discipline and sweep everyone"?
So if as a trainer, I am duty-moral-and honor bound to make sure people, at the level they are training, understand the safety issues as required for their level, am I not also in the same position with what I have seen to be UNSAFE GEAR?? I would say so.
Here's the link which has comments from additional instructors expressing their concerns as well:
http://www.warriortalk.com/showthrea...ighlight=serpa
Bottom Line: it is your leg, knee, foot, dog, kid, tv, etc
MT Gunny - Done.
