Any opinions on the Blackhawk SERPA sportster holster

[shooter]

Has anybody used one of these for all around carry or woods carry under a jacket ? I'm considering one for my Glock 20C. I like the security it offers but not sure if i would like the rigidity of an  injection-moulded plastic holster.
Shooter

[Savage]

Do you have a link to that specific holster. I am vaguely familiar with the Serpa line, but cannot find any information on the "Sportster".
Savage

[shooter]

Savage
     just go to www.blackhawk.com and look under holsters then choose SERPA holsters.
Shooter

[Savage]

Ok, with ya now. The sportster is an injection molded paddle holster with the SERPA retention system. No experience with the SERPA system, but like injection molded holsters for OWB carry. In general, they are fast holsters, with good retention for field use, and hold their shape for easy re holstering. I have injection molded holsters from Fobus, Uncle Mikes, Safariland, and Blade Tech. I like them a lot!
Savage

[WNY_Whitetailer]

I have the Blackhawk Serpa Carbon Fibre holster for my Glock 27.  I qualified with this holster for off-duty carry.  As a bonus, I can carry my Glock 23 and 22 in it as well.  The longer slide and barrels just stick out the bottom a little.  Here is a stock photo from Blackhawk's web-site.

I have both the belt slide and paddle but I use the paddle on my rig now.  I absolutely love this holster.  I like it better than my Fobus that I have for my Glock 23.  It appears to be more rugged than Fobus and it wasn't that much more money.  I think I paid around $40 for it and I think it was a bargain at that price.  I have relegated my Fobus to carrying my Glock 22 for strictly range duty during pistol competitions when I am not wearing my duty holster.  It is just there to hold the gun and nothing else...No drawing or re-holstering drills are involved in this multi-departmental competition.

[WNY_Whitetailer]

Maybe I wrote that last response too soon...I was removing my Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster from my belt yesterday after court when the paddle part of the holster broke.  I was torquing the holster to facilitate removal from my belt and the top of the paddle snapped.  So, I removed the paddle part and replaced it with the belt slide part...Problem solved for now.  To Blackhawk's credit, I contacted their customer service yesterday afternoon.  The woman on the phone told me that a new paddle attachment would be in the mail today.  She didn't ask me to return the broken one nor did she ask how or where it was broken.  No questions asked...So, I am satisfied with their customer service to say the least.  Hopefully the new paddle will hold up better than the old one.

[shooter]

Thanks for the informative replies.
Shooter

[BOGA]

I like its retention and lightweight features. I carry my full size Glock with it whole day without feeling tired.

[WNY_Whitetailer]

I like its retention and lightweight features. I carry my full size Glock with it whole day without feeling tired.

I agree...The paddle portion is wide and pretty deep to distribute the weight of the gun over a wider area...It almost feels like you aren't packing at times. 

[6Shooter]

I have this holster also. It comes with a paddle and belt attachment. I don't like the paddle as much as my Fobus because it doesn't conceal as well and it's very hard to remove which sounds like a good thing but not to the point you have to take your pants down.
 I was concerned about the retaining device at first but it has proved very tough and reliable. A good holster for carrying around openly,woods, etc. Not as good for concealed carry as others on the market.
 

[countryrebel]

I use the serpa cqc for my glock 20 for woods hiking and love it.I use the forward cant to move the large grip more inline with my body and it works great.I cannot say enough goods things about this holster,and not to it is mention quite and light weight.You will not be sorry.

[Savage]

Ok, now I'm familar with the Serpa Sportster!  I was in Academy Sports the other day, and found these holsters on the shelf at $27.88. They didn't have one in stock for my 1911s or Browning Hi Power, but they did have one for my Glock 17/22s. Brought the thing home, adjusted it to the full forward cant, and stuffed a mdl 17 in it.
I did a few dozen draws with it, and before long my presentations were about as fast and smooth as my other holsters. The paddle is the best designed and most comfortable one I own. It anchors the holster well, and holds the pistol in a very comfortable position. I'm going to use it next week at my IDPA match, and see how it really works. Meanwhile, I'm looking for the Serpa holsters for my 1911s/Hi Power/Sigs/CZs, if this holster works out.
Savage

[WNY_Whitetailer]

I did a few dozen draws with it, and before long my presentations were about as fast and smooth as my other holsters.

This is where I was worried.  I didn't want to have an issue with muscle memory when it came time to draw the firearm.  For duty, I carry a Glock 22 in an Alessi single retention thumbreak holster.  Just drop the thumb while grabbing three fingers of grip and your good to go.  The Serpa requires a little different approach.  Utilizing my index finger to release the gun is different but I have had no issues yet...

[Savage]

This is where I was worried.  I didn't want to have an issue with muscle memory when it came time to draw the firearm.  For duty, I carry a Glock 22 in an Alessi single retention thumbreak holster.  Just drop the thumb while grabbing three fingers of grip and your good to go.  The Serpa requires a little different approach.  Utilizing my index finger to release the gun is different but I have had no issues yet...




I understand your concern.  I used Safariland SLS holsters on my duty rigs exclusively. For off duty I carried open top holsters without retention devices. As a working LEO you should probably stay with the thumb break. I'm retired, so I can play around with various retention systems without putting my life in jeopardy. It might be dangerous for you to confuse things by changing back and forth with different retention devices. Stay Safe!
Savage

[shooter]

I did end up buying one and love it for woods carry.
Shooter

[WNY_Whitetailer]

Maybe I wrote that last response too soon...I was removing my Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster from my belt yesterday after court when the paddle part of the holster broke.  I was torquing the holster to facilitate removal from my belt and the top of the paddle snapped.  So, I removed the paddle part and replaced it with the belt slide part...Problem solved for now.  To Blackhawk's credit, I contacted their customer service yesterday afternoon.  The woman on the phone told me that a new paddle attachment would be in the mail today.  She didn't ask me to return the broken one nor did she ask how or where it was broken.  No questions asked...So, I am satisfied with their customer service to say the least.  Hopefully the new paddle will hold up better than the old one.

Just busted another paddle yesterday in the exact same place...Another quick call to Blackhawk and they are sending me out another new paddle...Let's see how long this one will last.

[Savage]

I like the Serpa, but doubt that it or any other Kydex/molded plastic holster is going to hold up well for you. They have a way of hanging up on chairs, and car door posts when getting in and out of the car in a hurry. Especially a car with a cage. I finally had to give up on wearing kydex OWB holsters for that very reason. A leather pancake that carries the gun higher on the belt and tucked into the body better would last you for 20yrs. Good luck!
Savage

[WNY_Whitetailer]

Strictly off duty use for me...We have thumb break single retention Alessi Duty Rigs to carry our Glock 22's in while on duty.  I carry my Glock 27 in the SERPA most of the time and especially when traveling to and from work. 

[GALAWDAWG]

Having 21 years of LE experience, I appreciate the retention of the SERPA. I love it in the paddle configuration. Bought one about six months ago and it beats the FOBUS paddle hands down. Carried a G27 until today...(sold the G27 and Replaced it w/ the G23). Will continue to carry the G23 in it. The holster is annoying to remove....but thats a good thing. Very secure and comfortable.