[brightcove video=”1178555509001″ /]
The maligned SERPA has been showcased in plenty of videos, but instead of simply parroting what’s out there without any trials of our own we took the holster out and shot a little video to separate some of the hype from the hazard.
First, I looked at any issues that might arise when using the trigger finger to release the weapon. I found that pulling up on the gun before depressing the retention release paddle seizes the paddle in place. The upward tension of the pistol’s trigger guard wedges on the retention arm nub, making it almost impossible to depress the paddle without first letting up on the gun. This explains how people end up having to forcefully jerk the gun out of the holster which can lead to their finger curling into the trigger. Not a problem provided A) your pistol has a safety and B) you always remember to put it on.
Second, small bits of gravel can get under the retention release paddle and lock it up. The back is cut out to allow debris to fall out, but in my brief test I found a pebble that finds its way into the button slot can get wedged in and only come free after a few seconds of jostling the holster. I think our pebble was crushed by the lever after pushing on it a bunch, a tougher rock my have hung in there longer. Either way, something so small as a pebble suddenly becomes the focus of your fight and you will loose SA dealing with it.
Third, I looked at the break strength of the platform. Pistol retention was excellent. The holster never gave up the gun under some spirited tugging. But the overall platform can be compromised. I found tearing the holster off the platform was very difficult, but it’s doable. Others have come to the same conclusion. With the pistol on the dropleg platform, the platform itself spun with the twisting motion and made it pretty much impossible for the twist-tearoff to succeed. But, on the belt loop platform, it was difficult but possible to tear the holster from the mount when using the Blackhawk quick release system. I can’t say there’s much likelyhood of a bad guy easily tearing your holster off unless he’s faaaacking huge AND you’ve got the SERPA mounted on an exceptionally stiff belt.
So, of the three issues that have set the Internet alight, I’m comfortable saying that the first two are valid concerns. The last, the holster snatch, is a stretch.
(And, yes, if you’re wondering, I did take this as an opportunity to try out the Vertx Gunfighter Storm. The shacket, as I’ve dubbed it, is designed to be worn tucked in like a shirt so it doens’t interfere with access to holster, belt mounted gear, or pockets but provides the environmental protection of a light, soft shell jacket. Shirt + Jacket = Shacket.)
