Glock 17 and Blackhawk "Serpa" concealment holster....

[canoeguy]

I have been carrying revolver only for at least the last ten years, Smith and Wesson "K" frames, 2" Model 64 (.38 Special), 4" Model 64 and 4" Model 66 (.357), depending on the social situation. Lately for deep concealement and backup a Ruger LCR .38 in a pocket or IWB.

I have been teaching some basic pistol classes, and am hoping to get some IDPA matches started at my club, so figured I must buy a semi-auto pistol. For some time, the only semi-auto pistol I owned was a Ruger .22/45, used for matches and introducing new shooters to semi-auto pistols.

Years ago, I owned a Glock 21, full size .45, it was a good pistol, reliable and accurate, even if it was a bit on the large size for concealed carry. So, I figured I'd buy me a cheap used Glock, for IDPA and classes, and occasional carry, mainly when environmental conditions call for a worry free weapon, such as canoeing on a rainy day, rough water crossings in salt water, etc.

Found a used but not abused First Generation Glock 17 at my local gun store, traded in the morning I looked at it, priced at $369 with a high capacity magazine, put it on layaway. Picked it up the other day, bought a spare high capacity magazine, a Blackhawk "Serpa" Kydex retention holster, and 200 rounds of Remington FMJ ammo. Took it straight to the range, of course it was 100% reliable with the FMJ ammo...

I think I am still considerably more accurate with a double action "K" frame Smith and Wesson, but with practice could equal my profiency with the revolver, but with the advantage of a high capacity semi-auto.

I like the Blackhawk Serpa holster, good retention that is easily released with the trigger finger. Carries high enough to conceal easily with a vest or untucked shirt.

Another feature I like for canoeing and field use is the lanyard hole in the butt of the Glock pistol, never dropped a pistol in the water while canoeing, but have often used a lanyard ring equipped revolver. A lanyard is a great device for field use in my opinion.

So, not "Stop The Presses" news, but I am the owner of a Glock 17, and it seems to be a worthy pistol for field use, IDPA, and occasional concealment use. I'll still carry the revolvers for reliability and stopping power (.38 Special defensive ammo versus 9MM FMJ), but I like it!

 

[ColbyBruce]

I own a Glock 17, two 26's, and a 32. I use either a Galco small of the back or Don Hume JIT belt slide holster. Depending on where I am, I might just stick a 26 in my RH rear pants pocket. I install grip frame inserts in all my Glocks, so I can't use a lanyard. I do not care for that open cavity in the frame.

 

[computeruser]

Be mindful of the retention design of that Serpa holster. I think there are a lot of good reasons not to use one...

 

[daveh75]

@Canoeguy: Glock's aren't bad firearms and as you probably know better than I do, it all really comes down to what the shooter is comfortable with operating and can make GOOD hits with. In regards to the Serpa...I was lucky enough to T&E some of the first ones and have always had one or two with me since then. During my deployments to Iraq/Afghanistan I used them and had no issues at all. The only complaint I have with any plastic type holster is that they seem to wear the finish quicker than leather, but that is a cosmetic concern not function or reliability.

@Computeruser: would you mind clarifying your statement? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but just curious why you think there is an issue with the retention system.

 

[photoman]

Be mindful of the retention design of that Serpa holster. I think there are a lot of good reasons not to use one...

...with a Glock.

 

[photoman]

@Computeruser: would you mind clarifying your statement? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but just curious why you think there is an issue with the retention system.

The have be a limited few cases of the operator shooting himself in the leg using the Serpa retention system and Glock pistols. Best guess is the operator uses the trigger finger to release the gun from the holster and doesn't retract the trigger finger in time resulting in the gun being discharged. Not many cases, but enough to consider.

 

[P&R Fan]

I have a Glock 22,23 and 27. For years I carried them in a Galco IWB holster, but in cooler weather when I'm wearing a sweatshirt I now use the Glock-made OWB holster. This thing weighs about an ounce, and it conceals very well. It of course holds the gun very securely, and at just the right angle. They also make a spare mag holder. These are available directly from Glock or many dealers. They cost about 15 bucks. This is one of the best holsters I have used for these pistols and I highly recommend them.
Jim

 

[daveh75]

The have be a limited few cases of the operator shooting himself in the leg using the Serpa retention system and Glock pistols. Best guess is the operator uses the trigger finger to release the gun from the holster and doesn't retract the trigger finger in time resulting in the gun being discharged. Not many cases, but enough to consider.

Well that is interesting, thanks I had never heard that one before. I carried a 19 in one as a CCW for a long time...and the guys that I did the T&E with were all civilian LEOs and had .40 cal Glocks,but if what you say is true then it really doesn't matter with the retention system is at all, it boils down to the actions of the individual. Sorta like my old man telling me stories of guys back in the Army in the 60s shooting themselves in the legs messing around with the old 1911s...I witnessed several individuals "clear" their sidearms in Iraq/AFG with the magazines still in...didn't work out so well for them either...thanks again for the info I learned something new today.

 

[akviper]

What P&R Fan said. I'm amazed that the Glock plastic holster doesn't get the recognition it deserves. I own other expensive Kydex and leather holsters but went back to the Glock slide holster for every day carry when I used the Glock. I t is comfortable and conceals very well. I used one for duty use in plainclothes for five years and I never had an issue with it. It's very secure and easy to draw from.

The local PD had problems with the Serpa retention mechanism breaking when the gun was in the holster resulting in having to disassemble the holster to get the gun out. This happened with only two out of sixteen holsters but it was enough to withdraw the holsters. A few of the larger name brand shooting schools will not allow the use of Serpas due to reported discharges when holstering or drawing. This sounds more like operator error than the holster.

 

[canoeguy]

I take great care when holstering or unholstering a pistol, I'm sure anyone could shoot themselves accidently if they are not paying attention while holstering or drawing....

I'm still sticking with revolvers for defensive purposes though, a 4" Model 64 in an IWB holster, no retention device, it's what Ive trained with for years and feel most confident with.

The Glock and Serpa holster will be for sport and competition only.

I too have seen the results of drawing a pistol with your finger on the trigger. On a Navy range, Navy and Marine Corp guys training together with 1911's and flap holsters (around 1990 or so), the Lance Corporal to my left on the line drew his .45, finger on the trigger, and shot himself in the foot. The bullet struck the top of his boot, near the ankle, deflected a little bit to the right, and entered the flesh of his foot near where the pinky toe starts. The guy screamed like a girl and threw the pistol into the berm. Ambulance was called, Marine hauled off to the base hospital, treated and released, all the while being chewed out by our Gunny Marksmanship Instructor.

I once met a guy at a shooting range that admitted to shooting himself on three seperate occasions while holstering/unholstering a pistol. He did walk with a limp. After sharing that with me, I packed up my stuff and left the range to him.....

 

[NKJ nut]

I


I once met a guy at a shooting range that admitted to shooting himself on three seperate occasions while holstering/unholstering a pistol. He did walk with a limp. After sharing that with me, I packed up my stuff and left the range to him.....

Very nice of you to let a handicapped person have full use of the range. Especially one who seems to be handicapped in more ways than one

 

[photoman]

Very nice of you to let a handicapped person have full use of the range. Especially one who seems to be handicapped in more ways than one

LOL.......

 

[WR Moore]

It's always seemed strange to me to see people use straight drop holsters for concealment. Because of the straight drop, most place the pistol on the point of the hip, making it extremely difficult to conceal. There are individual differences in range of arm & shoulder motion, so it may be possible to place the holster further back, but I've never seen that.

Also, if the IDPA regulations are being strictly enforced, the holster must be behind the hip, as are the spare magazines/speedloaders.

Hope it works out for you.

 

[toocool]

Be mindful of the retention design of that Serpa holster. I think there are a lot of good reasons not to use one...

I've read a bunch on the Inter Web, but I've used the Serpa for close to ten years in all kinds of conditions, in IDPA matches and never had any of the so-called "issues." I think it's one of the best retention holsters out there.

 

[toocool]

It's always seemed strange to me to see people use straight drop holsters for concealment. Because of the straight drop, most place the pistol on the point of the hip, making it extremely difficult to conceal. There are individual differences in range of arm & shoulder motion, so it may be possible to place the holster further back, but I've never seen that.

Also, if the IDPA regulations are being strictly enforced, the holster must be behind the hip, as are the spare magazines/speedloaders.

Hope it works out for you.

I prefer straight-drop over the so-called "FBI cant" as it allows me to grip my gun with my wrist already locked and I don't have to contort my arm into an unnatural position. It allows me a simpler, faster draw and I also don't find it having any effect on concealment with the proper cover garment (yep, I'm practicing, getting ready for November 1!)

 

[Bicky Robby]

Glock and Serpa make a good competition tandom. Been using a Glock 22 and a Serpa for several years. I see more Serpa/Glock combinations than any other holster/gun combo's.

Blade Tech and Comptach also make quality Kydex holsters.

 

[sipowicz]

I have one for my P2000...it's a range holster only...concealment is awful with it.