imported post
I OC my XD-9 Service model in a CQC SERPA and like it very much.
Some folks on another forum, however, do not like the SERPA and expressed their main concern about dirt getting in the way of the release. I suppose if I were slogging through the mud or rolling around on the ground frequently, that might concern me; but I have never had any trouble with the release. Also, the Virginia Beach Police Department has recently switched all of their duty holsters to SERPAS, which quieted some of that opposition.
One point that they made which DOES have some merit is that you need to practice with the holster and your gun completely unloaded (check and re-check, guns are ALWAYS loaded). You should cock the mechanism and then draw to firing position, hold on target (something safe like a brick wall or range backstop) without pressing the trigger, then return to holster without looking for it. The importance of this drill is two-fold: first you have to get used to using the release in a way that your index finger naturally positions itself in a safe position OUTSIDE of the trigger guard; second you have to get used to reholstering without taking your eyes off of any potential threat that may still exist. It's possible that you will discover your finger has a tendency to hit the trigger - this would cause a discharge you did not intend - hence the need for the drill.
