Help- Best retention holster?

[desertexplore]

I have an almost new condition German Sig P228 and want to put it in service as a field and travel pistol. I just purchased a 5.11/Blade Tech thumb drive retention holster and wasnt too happy with it. You really have to reach with your thumb to activate it. I assume it was designed like that for a reason, but still not too happy with the product.

Now I am looking at the Blackhawk Serpa with the external finger rocker release instead.

Anyone have any feedback or advise on either or all of these products? Thanks.

[Chaos47]

Safariland 6280

http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=6280

I love the SLS system!

Safariland has the ALS system too which sounds kind of like the 5.11 system. I have not used either of those though.

[9mmepiphany]

I've used the Serpa, SLS and ALS and been pretty happy with them all.

For use in the field I think the SLS is the easiest to use and the most protective of the gun. The ALS and the Serpa use very different release styles which require focus on different things

[Jet Setter]

I really like my Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster. Very easy to use and holds the handgun securely.

[Foebia]

Like the serpa also,but someone was saying they had a pebble get jammed into the "button" and the weapon would not release. Just food for thought, personally never had a problem but that does stick in my mind at times.

[SGT Loco]

Now I am looking at the Blackhawk Serpa with the external finger rocker release instead.

Anyone have any feedback or advise on either or all of these products? Thanks.

I really like my Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster. Very easy to use and holds the handgun securely.

I'll second the vote of confidence in the Blackhawk Serpa CQC line. I have one for my M9 and it's great. It retains better than one would expect (even through a certain amount of rough tumbling) and is simple and intuitive to use- the retention "rocker" button didn't interfere or slow my draw in the slightest and actually leaves your trigger finger perfectly indexed when you clear the holster. Additionally, the cut-out front helps you clear the holster and start getting on target quicker than some of the other models I was exposed to. It's also highly durable and dependable. Mine's beat and and scratched to hell- didn't break, never dropped my gun.

Now, there was a warning about these holsters awhile back because a few people put their fingers directly into the trigger well instead of indexing on the draw and it caused NDs- I see that strictly as user error, however. If you can't keep your finger off the trigger, you have no business drawing a weapon anyway.

It may not be perfect, but I carried mine every day in Afghanistan, and I would happily toss it back in my duffel bag for the next field trip. I think that's the highest praise I can give any gear item

[Sir Stunna Lot]

Another vote for the serpa. With practice, it is a safe holster to use and the draw is just as fast as a non-retaining holster

i have yet to roll around in dirt/mud with my serpa, so im not sure if the releassing mechanism would fail under that type of condition

[scidx]

Blackhawk serpa is a great retention holster. That being said, how much retention do you want; and, what type of field are you referring to?

If you're talking about hunting fields, where inclement weather is expected, might I suggest a holster with a large flap (cavalry style)? Bianchi still makes a good nylon flap holster in the M12 style. I believe they call it the 84M. These holsters are of slightly better quality than the government contracted type. I have one sized for a 4" DA revolver. It retains the gun very well when riding an ATV and offers protection from the elements.

As far as Blackhawk serpa, the level III (or IV) retention is fit for LE duty and offers enough security for almost any peacetime task. With a level III serpa, you're only threat of loss would be the kind of impact that would break bones. That or being pick-pocketed by Sherlock Holmes.