SERPA Holster Warning

[pointblank4445]

Because of the notoriety and sheer volume sold, Blackhawk SERPA holsters are bound to come up in any holster search. Given their price point and military contract, they seem attractive, but people are finally getting the message about these holsters. The primary issue with them has to do with negligent discharges resulting from sympathetic/residual index finger pressure engaging the trigger immediately after the retention device is defeated with the index/trigger finger. Here it is illustrated by the now world-famous "Tex" Grebner, and YES, that is a SERPA:



In addition to this, the locking mechanism has been known to trap the weapon in the holster of clogged with dirt/debris. The latch/locking mechanism is also known to break easily and leave the weapon stuck in the holster.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/...=1155868233001

Also, SERPAs perform poorly for weapon retention as they can be easily broken away from the paddle or belt loops. There are also cases of the holster portion splitting open:




But don't just take my word for it. Here is an email from FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) regarding an incident similar to the above video:


SPECIAL BULLETIN
National Training and Emergency Operations Branch
Officer Safety Bulletin



Good Afternoon,

In our efforts to continually stay abreast of issues relating to officer safety, the National Training and Emergency Operations Branch (NTEOB) routinely evaluates the law enforcement equipment issued to or carried by OI personnel.

Recently, one such piece of equipment, the Blackhawk SERPA Auto Lock System holster, has come under scrutiny due to safety concerns involving the design of its retention safety device. There have been several recent documented cases, involving law enforcement and civilian personnel, where unintentional discharges have occurred while weapons were being drawn from this holster. Many of these unintentional discharges have resulted in gunshot injuries to the officers/agents involved.

The SERPA is one of the only holster system designed to use the trigger finger to release the retention safety device. This method of releasing the safety device is contrary to our training methods and techniques, which emphasize attacking the holster from the "top down." In addition, this retention system is completely different from the standard thumb-break holsters currently issued by OI. While it is true that one of the Cardinal Rules of firearms safety was violated by the individual placing his or her finger on the trigger before they were ready to shoot, we believe that the design of the SERPA holster facilitates this action by engaging the trigger finger well before the individual is prepared to shoot.

In light of these events and in accordance with OI policy, specifically Part 2, Section 2, Subsection IV B, NTEOB is suspending all use of the Blackhawk SERPA Auto Lock System holster by OI agents acting in an official, on-duty capacity. NTEOB will thoroughly research and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this holster system and report on its findings.

In the meantime, those agents who may be affected by this safety bulletin should be directed to utilize their standard agency-issued holster to secure their weapon on their person. As a reminder, new standard issue holsters were previously issued to all OI 1811s. This is the recommended holster system. Should agents wish to purchase a holster, they should be informed that all holsters have to be approved by National Firearms Coordinator/NTEOB, as per policy.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation.

Here is a nice letter from the US Forrest service:
Safety Issue: Prohibiting Use of Blackhawk SERPA Holsters


Also here is my tally of professional instructors who BANNED the SERPA from their classes and/or facilities:

Larry Vickers
Kyle Defoor
Ken Hackathorn
Todd Green
Jason Falla
Travis Haley
Gabe Suarez
John McPhee
John Murphy (FTF Training)
Jeremy Wilson (Wilson Tactical Training)
Jeff Gonzales (Trident Concepts)

Pat Rogers hates them, but says he will not ban them due to the high number of .mil that are REQUIRED to use them as issued.

Kyle Lamb has openly criticized the locking mechanism in articles about the USMC adoption of SERPA holsters.

Chris Costa commented on facebook on Dec of 2011 that he discourages them and was considering banning them at that time.

Gunsite previously discouraged them, but I am hearing rumors of a full out ban on SERPA as well...confirmation is pending

[pointblank4445]

Carrots, I'm sorry if this is in the wrong area. There are consistent inquiries about these, and I just wanted to hit all of the key points for those new to carrying/holsters.

[Mattducati]

Ive always avoided Serpa holsters. Now I will stay away for sure.

[USPc_4_life]

Thanks for the heads-up...I will pass the link onto the shooters in my groups

[FamilyMan]

Couldn't agree more! I've never cared for Serpa, and thought they where cheap junk! (my pistols deserve better) Obviously the design is flawed, and can be unsafe with new shooters. Or in the case of "highly experienced" shooters like Tex...(what a DONKEY!) 
Hey...If the big boys are banning them...that saying something!!

[noseoil]

Cardboard target 1, shooter 0.

[TGS]

Couldn't agree more! I've never cared for Serpa, and thought they where cheap junk! (my pistols deserve better) Obviously the design is flawed, and can be unsafe with new shooters. Or in the case of "highly experienced" shooters like Tex...(what a DONKEY!) 
Hey...If the big boys are banning them...that saying something!!

The important thing to realize is that Tex shooting himself doesn't necessarily qualify him as a moron. People get that perception, and segregate themselves from reality with the idea that, "only idiots shoot themselves or have ND's" which is entirely not true in reality. Even well qualified, experienced, level-headed shooters have shot themselves or had ND's while using SERPA's. Kyle Defoor's experience base with the SERPA is largely based on his tenure at Blackwater's training facility with combat veterans/well-trained guns-for-hire. Clue. High level competition shooters not known for unsafe habits have shot themselves with SERPA's as well. Clue.

All of us are human, thus all of us are flawed. We can all have ND's.....ND's are not the domain of new shooters, the stupid, the ignorant, or those who don't properly train. In fact, most of the people who I always see posting, "Whatever! It's a training issue, the holster isn't flawed!" can't really reference a strong training resume to start with...........hmmm..........

[pointblank4445]

There's a famous saying:

"There are 2 kinds of shooters: Those that have had ND's, and those that will"

SERPA ownership is not a guarantee of having an ND, but it brings increased risks to shooters of all levels. On top of that, it can be subject to mechanical failure/breakage beyond the reasonable level for a "duty-grade" holster.

To add to TGS's sentiments:

As a person's amount of gun-handling increases, the more opportunity exists for ND's. While experts "know better" because of experience, the complacency that often accompanies it can cause issues.

[Apollo11]

The important thing to realize is that Tex shooting himself doesn't necessarily qualify him as a moron. People get that perception, and segregate themselves from reality with the idea that, "only idiots shoot themselves or have ND's" which is entirely not true in reality. Even well qualified, experienced, level-headed shooters have shot themselves or had ND's while using SERPA's. Kyle Defoor's experience base with the SERPA is largely based on his tenure at Blackwater's training facility with combat veterans/well-trained guns-for-hire. Clue. High level competition shooters not known for unsafe habits have shot themselves with SERPA's as well. Clue.

All of us are human, thus all of us are flawed. We can all have ND's.....ND's are not the domain of new shooters, the stupid, the ignorant, or those who don't properly train. In fact, most of the people who I always see posting, "Whatever! It's a training issue, the holster isn't flawed!" can't really reference a strong training resume to start with...........hmmm..........

As a person's amount of gun-handling increases, the more opportunity exists for ND's. While experts "know better" because of experience, the complacency that often accompanies it can cause issues.

Well stated by both of you.

[DBLAction454]

Bad stuff can happen at any time

biggest thing to remember is TRAIN TRAIN TRAIN

and SAFETY first