I will be issued M9, but maybe not a holster (need recommendations)

[mcisniper]

While on patrol I always carried my M9 in a Safariland drop attached to my belt (gun belt with M9, 2 xtra mags, drop bag). Yes, sometimes the xtra mags were covered by the vest but that is why I had 3 on my vest. This way even if for some stupid reason I lost my flak I was always armed. Personally I did not like loading all the crap up on my vest. Got to thick and made it difficult to go through small areas (vest, mags, radios, frags, camel back, IFAC... the list is endless).

Its personal preference. If you can try some rigs out before you buy it may save you some money.

And before you ask, in garrison it was in a Fobus under my blouse.

Semper Fi,
Michael

[shooterfpga]

And before you ask, in garrison it was in a Fobus under my blouse.

Semper Fi,
Michael

We call that the ft hood carry. Some soldiers do not and will not become another target while on post....

[mcisniper]

We call that the ft hood carry. Some soldiers do not and will not become another target while on post....

AWESOME in a f-ed up sort of way.

[Germz]

[ATTACH]279000[/ATTACH]

ETA..

found older thread I posted in about the serpas..

more comments followed..

I have the same XD serpa holster. Love it.

[SGT Loco]

I'll throw in another vote for the Black Hawk SERPA holster. Mine worked great then and continues to work great now. There's plenty of different mounting option, including that quick detach disk that will let you swap from vest to belt if that's what you want.

Although, to be honest, I bought a Miami vice shoulder holster for my walk to the ****ters. Easier than trying to latch onto my gym shorts.

[thebloodsonthewall]

I don't like the SERPA holsters. It lines your finger up with the trigger when you draw it. I have heard more than one story of dudes shooting themselves in the leg or foot while drawing from one. And if you do a quick google search there are plenty of articles on it.

I like to use the Safariland holsters.

Similar to this on:

http://holsterfinder.safariland.com/HolsterSeries/Details/10157

[epilepticninja]

I don't like the SERPA holsters. It lines your finger up with the trigger when you draw it. I have heard more than one story of dudes shooting themselves in the leg or foot while drawing from one. And if you do a quick google search there are plenty of articles on it.

I've been running SERPAs since they first came out. Never had an issue with my finger going into the trigger well when drawing or holstering it. Those that have had that happen and zapped themselves, have an undisciplined trigger finger.

[MRX9989]

If you are going to be issued an M9 it will be issued by the UIC you are deploying with, not when you arrive. CIF will issue you a holster, usually either a Safariland, London Bridge, or Blackhawk drop leg. Work with your readiness/supply NCO to get what you need if you are mobilizing as an individual augmentee.

I am currently using a blackhawk SERPA CQC with duty belt and quick disconnect adapters. The duty belt adapter is attached to my ALICE pistol belt and my 2nd quick disconnect is on the front of my IOTV. Get a level 3 holster unless you want to be cleaning Afghan dust out of the hammer and barrel locking lug areas every couple days and accidentally disengaging your safety.

You will be hating life if you don't bring your pistol belt. You will also get very tired of a drop-leg rig. Stick with a waist rig and just put it on your vest if you go outside the wire.

Or better yet, don't bring an M9 at all. Unless you are aviation, on regular foot partrols, a CSM, or a field grade officer you'll be better off with just an M4 (personal opinion, of course).

[Tripper]

my son got issued a holster and probably wont get an M9
I also have a reversible, or ambidextrous m9 holster if you dont find what you want

[The sarge]

If your around Oceanside I can probably get you one. Your M9 won't have a rail. That I can promise you. Go Blackhawks or Safariland. Each is preference based on what you like in the retention system. Personally I like the Safariland thumb release but being left handed I opt for the Blackhawks so I can mount it on my flack in a vehicle or on my leg while on foot.

[Mr.Caketown]

use the Serpa with the quick disconnects so you have options , thats how most of my guys on the unit it did it. HOWEVER if you plan on interacting with locals I strongly advise against putting it on the front of your body armor , most combatives/hand to hand classes advise it gets placed on the side area

[18Dmedic]

I own and have used both the safariland 6K series and BH SERPA and they both work(ed) fine. Not one issue ever.

The SERPA can have the Molle clip back that can be attached for chest or battle belt carry. Great if you have to ride around in a hummer or other vehicle. You can't really get to your secondary firearm on a thigh rig while in a vehicle...plus you have muzzle sweep...The main issue however...is that the door kinda gets in the way. lol

FYI
******I do not recommend a thigh rig for combat******the only reason for a thigh rig is to clear gear.

If you're dead set on using one, however...heed my advice. I prefer the safariland rig and always modify my rig by removing the higher strap and making the belt strap shorter. This way, the holster sits higher. A friend of mine has a video that outlines this mod. I put a youtube link here for you that has his video for sale. It allows for enough drop to be low but still effective (and not too low). Remember, just low enough to clear your gear.

Get your gear situated properly. I can't stress this enough. You do not want to find out in a firefight that your plate carrier is situated haphazard. It may cost you your life or the life of your teammate(s).

Here's the link to his vid:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hNSn19NnxLI

BTW, the SERPA does have a quick disconnect option too and is effective...but I find that it just sits too low.

Give one a whirl. You'll get into a groove and once you pick a system...practice, practice, practice!

[steelrain82]

Safariland drop holster.

[roll2li]

The guys all above nailed it. I used a Safariland SLS drop leg that I bought on my own dime first time around. Was issued a POS spectre universal that cost the same as a blackhawk, but the thumbstrap rivet broke and dropped my pistol. Second time, people were issued the Blackhawk Serpas and they worked fine. I had a buddy send me the offset jacket slop mounting platform for the Blackhawk. Make sure if you buy your own Serpas though, get the level 2 or something that covers the rear sights and safety/decocker. Too easy for that stuff to get tripped with the open top and then some overpaid safety nazi to come screaming down.

I wore the holster on a drop leg for the 1st deployment, second time I used the Blackhawk on the jacket slot offset platform. Figured I could learn something from cops, and the offset helped clear the vest. Also had a shoulder holster (uncle mikes) to use when out and about on the FOB. Some other friends of mine bought the uncle mikes pancakes and just wore it on their belts, but I preferred the shoulder holster in case you're going to the head or wearing something that didn't have belt loops.

I didn't see it mentioned above but check your unit's SOP on the subject of lanyards. My career was saved by buying a good braided lanyard (see above comments about universal nylon holsters). If you want something out of the way, get the retractable leash ones.

[mikenewgun87]

Why is your amory not issuing out holster as well? Pretty sure they issue out cleaning gear and slings with the TO weapon as rifles, so they also do that with pistols,. What unit are you with? Might want to talk to the battalion gunner...