Retention Holsters, similar to Fobus paddle and Blackhawk Serpa?

sigcurious · February 16, 2012, 08:45 PM

I'd like to get some recommendations/user input on retention holsters similar to the fobus paddle or the blackhawk serpa.

Specifically I'd looking to get something for recreational shooting for my 1911, Glock 34 and Sig 226. No need to conceal just something to hold onto the pistol, practice some draw and fire etc. While I do like the button release retention style holster, I am open to other options also.

ClydeFrog · February 16, 2012, 09:36 PM

For general range use or carry, you may want to see the grey sports/range Blackhawk rig; www.blackhawk.com .
The paddle rig is like the SERPA but doesn't include the belt add on.
The SERPA is available for some pistols in tan, OD, black too.
The Safariland ALS & SFS rigs are polymer and secure. See www.Safariland.com .

ClydeFrog
www.Natchezss.com www.Galls.com www.policehq.com www.uscav.com

confirmed shooter · February 16, 2012, 09:50 PM

I use the blackhawk for both carry and range. the holster is able to be set up as cross draw straight pull or forward cant. the paddle is farily comfortable, and easy on-off.

thatguy08 · February 17, 2012, 10:45 AM

I recommend the 5.11 "Thumb Drive" holster (made by bladetech). Many of the ranges in my area have banned the use of the "serpa" holster due to safety issues while drawing the weapon. The 5.11 holster works with your thumb instead of your index finger to disengage the retention device. By using your thumb instead of your finger tip allows for a much more positive engagement of the button while allowing you to get a good grip and avoid accidentally inserting your finger into the trigger guard before getting your muzzle on target. Check out the video on their website here. http://www.511tactical.com/All-Produ...e-Holster.html
I use this holster for daily carry at work and competition. I hope this helps.

MGMorden · February 17, 2012, 12:11 PM

If you go to CDNN Sports they have a lot of the "IMI Defense" paddle holsters that sport a button release just like the Serpa. I've used one for my SIG P6 and it works fine.

Personally though, as far as cheapy kydex holsters go, I actually prefer the "Uncle Mike's" ones. They're a lot more sturdy than the Fobus brand holsters, and they have good retention. I own those, Fobus, Serpa, the IMI Defense, and lots of assorted leather holsters, and I actually use the Uncle Mike's holsters in competition. I'm deciding on possibly upgrading to a Blade-tech DOH for that, but those cost a bit more ($70 vs $10 for the Uncle Mike's).

sigcurious · February 17, 2012, 12:27 PM

Thanks for the info guys!

Regarding the Blackhawk Sportster, if I'm understanding it correctly, I would need to purchase an additional part to attach for the belt loop?

I'll have to check out CDNN for those IMI and take a look at the Uncle Mike's selections.

ClydeFrog · February 17, 2012, 09:33 PM

If you want a SERPA type rig with both a paddle & belt set up, I'd just buy the CQC format. It costs more than a Blackhawk Sportster but it comes in more color choices(right hand format) and you have more carry options.
As for the SERPA complaints or "issues", I got a new SERPA left hand holster for my new S&W Military and Police full size 9x19mm and have had 0 problems.
It's fast & secure. I even held the M&P SERPA upside down(unloaded

) with no problems.
Blackhawk also markets cheaper polymer rigs w/o the SERPA security system.
I, for 1, am not thrilled with Blade-tech's Thumb-Drive device with the plastic shield.

I could see that having snags or hang-ups in a PSC(private contractor) or tactical environment.
Clyde
ps: I've seen many patrol officers & tac units using the Safariland ALS & SFS holsters.

sigcurious · February 17, 2012, 11:19 PM

Yeah I was looking and the price difference between the sportster and the regular CQC is pretty much the cost of the belt loop attachment.

I really like the idea of some sort of button retention over a strap, just due to what I perceive as being easier to use when drawing, but being secure for hiking around to a shooting site.

chris in va · February 18, 2012, 01:09 PM

I much prefer the IMI holster to the SERPA. The button is offset slightly so your finger isn't right on the trigger during the draw, and it's easier to find.

ClydeFrog · February 18, 2012, 05:35 PM

I'd add here that I'd buy a Blackhawk CQC SERPA for general range or limited concealed carry(urban or metro areas)
I've seen a few online clips of mud/snow/sand/dirt being able to clog the SERPA holster & prevent a fast draw.

If I were outdoors a lot or went "down range", I'd use a Safariland SFS/ALS or maybe a Bianchi UM84/UM92 rig.
The milspec M12 & Bianchi Cobra holsters are slick but the metal hooks are a real pain in the $&@. I used a UM84R holster on duty with my Ruger GPNY .38spl.
The COM Holsters line is impressive too; www.COMholsters.com .
I like the SOF(Soldier of Fortune) polymer rig. It's available in different sizes & styles but is a level one(no retention or security system) design.

Clyde

February 16, 2012, 08:45 PM	#1
sigcurious Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2011 Posts: 1,755	Retention Holsters, similar to Fobus paddle and Blackhawk Serpa? I'd like to get some recommendations/user input on retention holsters similar to the fobus paddle or the blackhawk serpa. Specifically I'd looking to get something for recreational shooting for my 1911, Glock 34 and Sig 226. No need to conceal just something to hold onto the pistol, practice some draw and fire etc. While I do like the button release retention style holster, I am open to other options also.

February 16, 2012, 09:36 PM	#2
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Blackhawk Sports/range holster(paddle), Safariland... For general range use or carry, you may want to see the grey sports/range Blackhawk rig; www.blackhawk.com . The paddle rig is like the SERPA but doesn't include the belt add on. The SERPA is available for some pistols in tan, OD, black too. The Safariland ALS & SFS rigs are polymer and secure. See www.Safariland.com . ClydeFrog www.Natchezss.com www.Galls.com www.policehq.com www.uscav.com

February 17, 2012, 09:33 PM	#7
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	KISS, SERPAs.... If you want a SERPA type rig with both a paddle & belt set up, I'd just buy the CQC format. It costs more than a Blackhawk Sportster but it comes in more color choices(right hand format) and you have more carry options. As for the SERPA complaints or "issues", I got a new SERPA left hand holster for my new S&W Military and Police full size 9x19mm and have had 0 problems. It's fast & secure. I even held the M&P SERPA upside down(unloaded ) with no problems. Blackhawk also markets cheaper polymer rigs w/o the SERPA security system. I, for 1, am not thrilled with Blade-tech's Thumb-Drive device with the plastic shield. I could see that having snags or hang-ups in a PSC(private contractor) or tactical environment. Clyde ps: I've seen many patrol officers & tac units using the Safariland ALS & SFS holsters.

February 18, 2012, 05:35 PM	#10
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	SERPAs, "Down Range".... I'd add here that I'd buy a Blackhawk CQC SERPA for general range or limited concealed carry(urban or metro areas) I've seen a few online clips of mud/snow/sand/dirt being able to clog the SERPA holster & prevent a fast draw. If I were outdoors a lot or went "down range", I'd use a Safariland SFS/ALS or maybe a Bianchi UM84/UM92 rig. The milspec M12 & Bianchi Cobra holsters are slick but the metal hooks are a real pain in the $&@. I used a UM84R holster on duty with my Ruger GPNY .38spl. The COM Holsters line is impressive too; www.COMholsters.com . I like the SOF(Soldier of Fortune) polymer rig. It's available in different sizes & styles but is a level one(no retention or security system) design. Clyde

February 16, 2012, 09:50 PM	#3
confirmed shooter Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2009 Location: reno, Nv. Posts: 109	I use the blackhawk for both carry and range. the holster is able to be set up as cross draw straight pull or forward cant. the paddle is farily comfortable, and easy on-off.

February 17, 2012, 10:45 AM	#4
thatguy08 Junior Member Join Date: February 13, 2012 Posts: 2	I recommend the 5.11 "Thumb Drive" holster (made by bladetech). Many of the ranges in my area have banned the use of the "serpa" holster due to safety issues while drawing the weapon. The 5.11 holster works with your thumb instead of your index finger to disengage the retention device. By using your thumb instead of your finger tip allows for a much more positive engagement of the button while allowing you to get a good grip and avoid accidentally inserting your finger into the trigger guard before getting your muzzle on target. Check out the video on their website here. http://www.511tactical.com/All-Produ...e-Holster.html I use this holster for daily carry at work and competition. I hope this helps.

February 17, 2012, 12:11 PM	#5
MGMorden Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2006 Posts: 158	If you go to CDNN Sports they have a lot of the "IMI Defense" paddle holsters that sport a button release just like the Serpa. I've used one for my SIG P6 and it works fine. Personally though, as far as cheapy kydex holsters go, I actually prefer the "Uncle Mike's" ones. They're a lot more sturdy than the Fobus brand holsters, and they have good retention. I own those, Fobus, Serpa, the IMI Defense, and lots of assorted leather holsters, and I actually use the Uncle Mike's holsters in competition. I'm deciding on possibly upgrading to a Blade-tech DOH for that, but those cost a bit more ($70 vs $10 for the Uncle Mike's).

February 17, 2012, 12:27 PM	#6
sigcurious Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2011 Posts: 1,755	Thanks for the info guys! Regarding the Blackhawk Sportster, if I'm understanding it correctly, I would need to purchase an additional part to attach for the belt loop? I'll have to check out CDNN for those IMI and take a look at the Uncle Mike's selections.

February 17, 2012, 11:19 PM	#8
sigcurious Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2011 Posts: 1,755	Yeah I was looking and the price difference between the sportster and the regular CQC is pretty much the cost of the belt loop attachment. I really like the idea of some sort of button retention over a strap, just due to what I perceive as being easier to use when drawing, but being secure for hiking around to a shooting site.

February 18, 2012, 01:09 PM	#9
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	I much prefer the IMI holster to the SERPA. The button is offset slightly so your finger isn't right on the trigger during the draw, and it's easier to find.