imported post
Shotgun wrote:
marshaul wrote:
Serpas did indeed at one point have a similar problem.
There are slots in the paddle through which the screws go to affix to the holster itself. These slots are thinner than the holster itself, imagine the slots as being surrounded by "flanges" of a sort (or a single, ovular flange?).
These flanges used to be weak enough that a sharp tug could cause the screws to squeeze through, causing flexion but no fractures.
They have since reinforced the paddle. This is no longer possible, according to some dudes stronger than myself.
Just make sure you don't buy a Serpa used. Although they did have a recall, you'd have to verify if your used paddle was sent in for a replacement.
I also recall some controversy and claims that the Serpa, when used under stress, leaves one open to the possibility of inserting ones finger inside the trigger guard during the draw because the finger may be wildly flailing for the release mechanism. In particular this was a Glock or similar design-related gun problem. The result is shooting one's self in the leg or foot while drawing. Personally, I don't feel it's a risk, and probably would not be a risk for anyone who has put in enough time practicing the draw-- as anyone who carries for combative purposes will surely make the effort to do. Right?
I played around with this and found that, when I first got the holster, if I tried to draw rapidly without consciously going through the steps, I would disengage the lock with my finger curled in, pressing with the tip, rather than the proper usage: with my finger extended straight, pressing with the flat of the first segment of the first finger.
If the gun is removed in the first fashion, it is likely that the forefinger will end up on the frame, pointing inwards. It's fairly easy to see how one could slip from this to having a finger in the trigger guard, conveniently flexed to inadvertently manipulate the trigger.
However, it is trivial to practice the correct finger placement to the point that it becomes muscle memory.
Just always remember, when you're practicing, your Step 1 should not be "depress button", but should be "Lay finger flat across button", with a Step 2 of "depress button and begin to pull up on weapon to initiate draw".
Or something like that.
I'm long since at the point where I avoid going for the button with a curled finger, even when under (self-induced) stress.