Which mag?

[dlcra]

I carry my M&P40c in BH Serpa II holster. I prefer having it at 3 o'clock. My problem...the smaller 10rd mag is not as easy to grasp and draw as the larger 15rd mag. However the larger mag prints way too much at 3 ! So I have to move my rig to around 5 o'clock . At that position, I have trouble quickly getting a firm hold on the grip.
Mind you, I started carrying just this past Spring so I have only carried in lighter-weight apparel. I expect the printing issue, for the larger mag, to "go away" as the weather cools down. So, should I switch mags, as well as positions, with the season or be happy with the smaller mag, at 3 o'clock, and carry the larger mag as a back-up?
Hmm, I may have just answered my own question but I will be very interested to read your replies.

 

[vipermd]

Are you using a Blackhawk Serpa level 2 Holster?

 

[dullh]

Everybody is different. What I like you may not.

This is also why anybody who's been messing with handguns for any length of time will have a box in a closet somewhere that is slam full of holsters...

I'd change holsters first. I don't know if that holster is an IWB, but maybe an IWB would work better.

If that doesn't work, have you considered carrying a skinnier gun?

 

[forrestinmathews]

The problem you suffer from is simply lack of practice. Unload the chamber and practice drawing the weapon for twenty minutes each day. I'd advise a loaded magazine and empty chamber for this. You want the weight of the loaded weapon to get used to, but can do without an AD/ND. Be careful, only you can prevent accidents, injury, death, and home remodeling.

I prefer carrying the smaller magazine in the gun for the smaller profile to conceal. I like larger magazines for my reloads as they are easier to grasp and provide a few more rounds if they are needed. If I carry a compact I will usually carry one small magazine in the gun and one in the pocket in addition to two fullsize magazines on the belt. This gives me the greatest flexibility if I have to streamline while I'm out and go from strong side to pocket carry as I will always have a spare magazine. Remember that a pistol without a spare magazine becomes a self clearing single shot if the magazine fails.

 

[dlcra]

vipermd: yes, on belt loop platform.

 

[dlcra]

dullh: holster is OWB which I prefer right now. I am in the process of losing weight and my clothes, pants especially, are becoming looser. IWB may be in my near future AFTER weight comes off!

 

[SoCalDep]

Here are my thoughts, and take them for what they are worth (i'm giving them free...hint hint):

The Serpa requires training and a release mechanism to draw properly. Further, it's better to draw from the same place in the same way every time. I almost lost a competition (and about $600 worth of gear in prizes) because I went away from what I'm used to for something I "thought" would be faster. I wouldn't move the holster on your body.

I think that's pretty much the answer to your question, but also, when it gets colder, you can run the larger mag, while running the smaller magazine (everything is a balance) in the hotter months.

I currently carry an M&P9C in the IWB appendix position in a Remora holster. I have the 12rd mag with finger-rest in the gun and a 17rd full-size mag as a spare. I'm happy with my setup. I have at various times tried other holsters in the 4-5-o-clock position, but changing the location of my pistol reduced my confidence and I stick with AIWB.

Good on you for carrying, thinking about what works best, and especially for loosing weight! That's a battle and you definitely have my respect!

 

[MSG Glenn]

Each time I strap my gun on I take several practice draws to make sure all is okay. Unfortunately the range where I shoot doesn't allow shooting from a draw. If you do that with a loaded gun be very careful. Always check that nothing will get in the way to possibly pull the trigger. This should be done every time before actually practicing.

Since I rotate between a FS M&P40 & a 40C with stock mag & FS mag I like to know that I can unholster cleanly & safely. There are minor differences between my carry methods. I don't use a Serpa nor do I even like them. Our local police department has banned them for use by their officers both on & off duty.

 

[dlcra]

Anything specifically that you don't like about Serpa? I hear that 'Front Sight' in Nevada banned them but now have lifted the ban. Seems shooters were not "flat-fingering" the side of the holster, when trying to speed draw. Instead they had their trigger finger poised to drop right into the trigger guard as soon as it cleared the holster. Resulted in premature eja...(oops, that's something else) firing of gun while still in the process of being drawn. If there is something about the Serpa that makes it dangerous to use I would sure like to know. Thanks!

 

[Donn]

I've got one Serpa for my 1911. Don't wear it much, but have a couple opinions. After reading about the negligent discharge issue, I tried to duplicate the problem, (with a cleared weapon, of course). Don't know about other handguns, my finger was nowhere near the trigger on my 1911 after hitting the release button. MHO? the Serpa was never meant to be a concealed carry rig. I have to be in full winter dress not to print, which makes accessing the piece in a stress situation problematic. For that reason I haven't gotten Serpas for any of my concealed carry guns.

 

[dlcra]

Update from OP,
I have kicked my Serpa II to the curb in favor of Alien Gear's IWB. I still carry at three o'clock with 10 rd magazine in gun. Printing is no longer an issue! Now to practice, practice, practice. Then I'll go back to 10+1! Thanks to all who replied!

 

[ItsGotMyBack]

I've got one Serpa for my 1911. Don't wear it much, but have a couple opinions. After reading about the negligent discharge issue, I tried to duplicate the problem, (with a cleared weapon, of course). Don't know about other handguns, my finger was nowhere near the trigger on my 1911 after hitting the release button. MHO? the Serpa was never meant to be a concealed carry rig. I have to be in full winter dress not to print, which makes accessing the piece in a stress situation problematic. For that reason I haven't gotten Serpas for any of my concealed carry guns.

Try drawing the serpa under stress.

In a recent conceal carry class I intended they discussed holsters. One guy had a black hawk and the instructor made a comment about how more people have shot themselves with that holster then any other. Naturally people asked why, so he demonstrated.

Basically what happens when the stress goes up you lose fine motor control and you start to make mistakes. What he showed is what that looks like. Essentially people start drawing but they don't hit the release first. Now you have the gun pulled up tight against the release and it won't release like they have practiced. So what happens? You pull up harder and push harder on the release, remember you got a BG coming at you and... Bam gun release from holster you are pushing hard with your finger on the release and into the trigger guard your finger goes and bang the gun goes. Pretty crazy to see it demonstrated.

Sure with practice practice practice you can try and make it muscle memory to lessen the chances of doing it. But you can't practice with stress so why chance it with a holster that makes it harder to draw than it needs to be. Weapon is concealed so if you are doing that right no one knows you have it so no one should be trying to take your weapon so you shouldn't need a latching holster...

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[Arik]

I would switch holsters not positions.

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[forrestinmathews]

I really like the BladeTech for my M&P. It's the same one that comes in the carry and range kit. It's super fast and I like the way it comes with options of paddle or belt. Works for me.

I use the Blackhawk Serpa and find no problem with the lever. Strange since I use it when I decide to carry a 1911 left handed. I've tried to get the malfunction to occur. I have not been successful.

I find that if you're not willing to train with it than its a bad idea to have it. Whether that's a retention feature in your holster or a gun in an expensive to shoot caliber.