Serpa Holster training fail video

[boukca]

SouthNarc SERPA Lockup
link.brightcove.com

Craig Douglas, aka Southnarc, explains the SERPA lockup problem as it occurs in one of his classes back in 2005.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid53246191001?bckey=AQ~~%2CAAAACnIIBGk~%2CNZYO3xUDM_E0TWMBUpCe8YivKyjrCCqn&bctid=1155868233001

[jonc]

Wow

[ghost]

i've never cared for those serpa holsters.especially now after watching that video.

[boukca]

It is from 2005, but I like my Blackhawk Serpa. I also question the training pistol vs the real thing. Do you think it makes a real difference in the holster?

[Merc1138]

It is from 2005, but I like my Blackhawk Serpa. I also question the training pistol vs the real thing. Do you think it makes a real difference in the holster?

Why would it? The holster locks the gun the same way, training gun or real gun. The same malfunction would have occurred with a real gun.

[m03]

If you do some digging online, you'll find a lot of people complaining about issues with them:

http://youtu.be/GDpxVG9XFJc

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/11/foghorn/serpa-holsters-should-be-discontinued/

http://www.glockforum.net/forum/gear-talk/1703-blackhawk-holsters-dangerous.html

It is from 2005, but I like my Blackhawk Serpa. I also question the training pistol vs the real thing. Do you think it makes a real difference in the holster?

It's a Simunitions gun... it effectively is the real thing.

[CK_32]

Skip to 6:15. Saw that issue with mine a looooong time ago.




Its a simple hinge see saw mechanism. What happens when you jam dirt or a rock under one side of the system...? Simple that side wont go dont and the other side wont go up.


That was the only thing I didn't like about the holster. That said I've used it for maybe 3 years now. Still happy with it and haven't had an issue yet aside from the lock up when I go to pull before hitting the release. My buddies who are gate security for our navy base and harbor patrol don't have many complaints either and they use them every day. But like the guy in the video we dont do combat ninja roles on a daily basis ether.

[Vertigofirearms]

That looks so wrong xD

[Malmon]

How to NOT shoot yourself with a Serpa Holster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzC7zbpT9cc

[vintagearms]

Its a known issue. I use the Serpa without the locking mechanism in my classes.

[wl518]

Buy cheap buy twice. In this case, buy cheap could cost you your life.

[boukca]

Why would it? The holster locks the gun the same way, training gun or real gun. The same malfunction would have occurred with a real gun.

You do realize that the training gun and the real thing are slightly different, right? That's why I threw it in there. The training gun's entire trigger area is blocked/filled in where a real trigger guard has open space between itself and the trigger.

There is a difference and it might have made a difference in the malfunction. You are wrong.

[JDay]

The Serpa has been improved on since that video was made.

How to NOT shoot yourself with a Serpa any Holster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzC7zbpT9cc

You're supposed to keep your trigger finger straight out with any holster you use. That is why the Serpa was designed to have the lock released in the same way.

[bigger hammer]

You do realize that the training gun and the real thing are slightly different, right? That's why I threw it in there. The training gun's entire trigger area is blocked/filled in where a real trigger guard has open space between itself and the trigger.

Look again. That's not a "training gun." It's a Simunitions dedicated gun, a Glock 17T ("T" for "trainer"). The trigger guard is not "blocked/filled." Here's a video showing that gun in use.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C2lwo-VjPE

And here are lots of photos of the gun

https://www.google.com/search?q=simunitions+glock&num=50&newwindow=1&safe=off&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=_QuWUuTbDNSMkAeq9oDICQ&ved=0CHYQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=578

There is a difference and it might have made a difference in the malfunction. You are wrong.

Kinda harsh, especially in light of the fact that you are the one here, who is "wrong."

[bigger hammer]

The Serpa has been improved on since that video was made.

You're supposed to keep your trigger finger straight out with any holster you use. That is why the Serpa was designed to have the lock released in the same way.

The problem exists with the redesign as well as with the original models. If you pull up on the gun before releasing the lever, the gun jams in the holster. Then the tendency of many shooters, is to curve the trigger finger to get more leverage on the release lever. People will push and then pull to get the gun out of the holster with their finger still on the release lever. Then, when the gun clears the holster, there is already pressure towards the gun from the trigger finger, causing it to slip into the trigger guard as the gun clears the holster, violating a cardinal rule of safe gun handling and potentially causing a discharge.

I think it's a mistake to use a holster that involves the trigger finger in the release of the gun from the holster. When the adrenalin dump hits, fine motor control slips away and problems may occur. Using the thumb is a safer alternative that is just as fast.