Review: Blackhawk SERPA leg holster

[MilitaryArms]

Here's a review of Blackhawk!'s leg holster I shot recently.

YouTube - Review: Blackhawk SERPA Tactical Leg Holster

As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

As always, a great review Too bad they do not make one for the FNP9. I would definatly consider one.

 

[E5RANGER375]

great holsters.

 

[slow1911s]

I think Safariland's ALS system is better (because the thumb does the unlocking instead of the index finger, and because I think the lock overall is a better design). I run a 6378 holster (for Glock 17) on a 6004 leg chassis.

 

[Glock19Dude]

Great review! I am an avid fan of the Blackhawk holsters. I gave you some rep because the review was very good and I love the opening music from Korn!

 

[redpitbull44]

I wish they made these for a pistol/light combo that didn't include THEIR light...

 

[MilitaryArms]

I think Safariland's ALS system is better (because the thumb does the unlocking instead of the index finger, and because I think the lock overall is a better design). I run a 6378 holster (for Glock 17) on a 6004 leg chassis.

The Safariland gear is no doubt top notch.

I'm partial to the SERPA system because it's totally passive, meaning it doesn't take a conscious action to engage the retainment system of the holster.

When you're on the move in a dynamic situation, the fewer things you have to do the better, IMHO. When placing the pistol back in the holster of the 6004 you must sweep the hood closed to engage the retention system.

This isn't a major deal, granted. I'm just not a fan of the hood system. With training either system works as good as the person using it. Either, if unfamiliar with it, can cause a person hesitation in their presentation.

I also like that the SERPA forces you to extend your index finger where it should be for a safe presentation from the holster. When properly used, upon release from the holster your index finger falls along side the frame of the pistol.

The last feature of the SERPA that I like over the 6004 is the attachment point(s) of the holster to the belt. The SERPA uses a two point system that is more ergonomic, IMHO. With the single point systems the stiff material can bunch up or push out, or interfere with the the draw, on the upper portion of the holster during articulation. The SERPA doesn't do this. The SERPA also has a quick release system that's nice and allows you to attach your mounting points to your belt without taking it off and threading it through.

Blackhawk is the whipping boy of the gun gear world. People love to hate them, just as people love to hate the "cheap" AK's. There's definitely a anti-Blackhawk clique out there that rips apart everything they do. I know you're not doing this, I'm just saying in a general sense. I evaluate gear on its merits and based upon my personal experience. I feel that the SERPA tactical holster is a good product, with limitations (as with all gear).

I should also mention that for a concealment rig, I don't like retention systems at all. I prefer open top holsters. But for a leg holster system, I prefer the SERPA retention system for my needs.

 

[MilitaryArms]

Great review! I am an avid fan of the Blackhawk holsters. I gave you some rep because the review was very good and I love the opening music from Korn!

What was Korn?

 

[slow1911s]

I'm partial to the SERPA system because it's totally passive, meaning it doesn't take a conscious action to engage the retainment system of the holster.

When you're on the move in a dynamic situation, the fewer things you have to do the better, IMHO. When placing the pistol back in the holster of the 6004 you must sweep the hood closed to engage the retention system.

The 6378 is also a passive lock when placing the gun in the holster. It is an ALS holster, not SLS/rotating hood. The lock is disengaged with the thumb on the way up and out of the holster.

 

[MilitaryArms]

I'm looking at the 6305 Safariland, slow1911. I might pick one up to review. It lacks the hood system but does have the automatic locking system.

 

[Gabriel]

I like the SERPA holster and own one.

One of my firearms instructors got back from a class where two SERPA holsters got a bit of sand in them and the firearms couldn 't be removed out on the range (granted I believe the range was along Lake Michigan and they had two days of constant blowing sand to deal with)...

Warning, this video is about ten times longer than it needs to be.

YouTube - Blackhawk SERPA holster, failures and criticisms.

 

[ggglobert9]

Full-Auto...are you and Promethius part of the same "gun-club"? That background looks exactly like his! Are you guys part of the Midwest Special Operations Group run by General Fenway? Merry Christmas!

 

[theweakerbrother]

Here's a review of Blackhawk!'s leg holster I shot recently.

YouTube - Review: Blackhawk SERPA Tactical Leg Holster

As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Dude, why did you shoot a perfectly good holster... ?!

 

[MilitaryArms]

YouTube - Part II: Blackhawk SERPA Holster Test

In this second part, I test the locking system of the SERPA to see how much effort it takes to make it fail. You might want to watch this second video.

 

[ggglobert9]

Its 0530 and I have been watching your youtube stuff...great reviews!

 

[MilitaryArms]

Its 0530 and I have been watching your youtube stuff...great reviews!

Thanks, I appreciate it! Hopefully you're getting some sleep right now.

 

[Gabriel]

In this second part, I test the locking system of the SERPA to see how much effort it takes to make it fail. You might want to watch this second video.

That's very cool (good videos too, by the way). I'm always wary when people knock a certain brand of gear or holster and wonder if they have an agenda. Like I said earlier, I've never had mine fail and really like it.

The first few times I heard of the SERPA issue was from coworkers who heard it from instructors. I was at a class a couple months ago where the instructers were really ragging on it and some other gear, but then I realized that every alternative piece of equipment they were recommending was from the same manufacturer (VTAC products made by 5.11). That really had me wondering if they were getting free gear/kickbacks/ or just brainwashed. Then, like I posted earlier, my Cpl. at work came back from a shooting school where they had two failures due to sand. He I trust and I know he isn't full of s$@* or have any kind of agenda.

 

[MilitaryArms]

Yup, I know what you mean.

I argued on another forum about the reliability of the SERPA system. I argued that if it were so frail and susceptible to failure, why would it be so popular and even issued to various LEO's and even military units?

Then it dawned on me. Why not just see for myself what it took to cause a failure. Brilliant, right?

I was surprised at the result.

 

[Prometheus]

Yup, I know what you mean.

I argued on another forum about the reliability of the SERPA system. I argued that if it were so frail and susceptible to failure, why would it be so popular and even issued to various LEO's and even military units?

Then it dawned on me. Why not just see for myself what it took to cause a failure. Brilliant, right?

I was surprised at the result.

Given it's design, I was sure it could fail given the proper sized pebble or similar sized debris to foul the mechanism... However with relatively clean snow? I too am shocked at how easily it jammed with just snow.

Nice follow up!

 

[devildawg00311]

Here's a review of Blackhawk!'s leg holster I shot recently.

YouTube - Review: Blackhawk SERPA Tactical Leg Holster

As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Great holsters. I used then during my tour in the military. i bought one after i got out cuz i loved them so much. by far best holsters ever. just my opinion anyways.