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Just an update: Received my SERPA quick-disconnect a few days ago.
Pros: Ease of use... quick on, quick off. No more removing entire holster. Pistol stays holstered even when you need to remove pistol from your hip. I've also found that the removed portion doubles nicely as a concealed holster... now I can shove my pistol in my pocket or waistband feeling confident that nothing can depress the trigger. An added benefit to the quick-disconnect is the ability to quickly re-adjust the position of the holster... I can twist the assembly 45 to 180 degrees to arrange a variety of other carry options. For instance, I can swap the holster from my strong side to a cross-draw position. The assembly universally fits all other Blackhawk systems... including drop-leg, tactical vest, shoulder harness, etc, etc. One holster for all applications!
Cons: Price. Retails around $40. I found it for $30 online, but it was backordered for a few weeks. Took about 3 weeks in total to receive it. Lack of instructions. I know it seems simple enough to figure out, but I had to assemble and disassemble the unit three times before I found the combination that worked best for me. Instructions explaining how placement of screws will affect positioning angles would have been appreciated.
Pro/Con: This one issue can be either a pro or a con, depending on your preference... but the assembly adds about another inch or so the width of the entire holster. I generally prefer pistols tight against my hip... it took some getting used to with feeling it stick out another inch or so, but I actually prefer it now. For folks who prefer to conceal, this is not a good setup. But for folks who care more about accessibility, rather than concealment, it's a wonderful product. And like I said before, should you choose to conceal, you can quick-disconnect the holster (leaving the base of the paddle/belt assembly in tact) and stuff it in your pocket.
Perhaps pictures would help:
Ordinarily worn... strong side
What's left after holster is quickly disconnected. Easily covered by shirt, and not conspicous even if left visible. Notice the thickness... this is about how much farther your pistol will rest from your hip when holster is connected.
Notice the male adapter on the left side of the holster. This fits inside the female adapter (pictured above). The adapter is universal to all Blackhawk holster products.
The holster itself still serves to protect the trigger from being depressed. The disconnected holster can be easily concealed in a pocket or waistband while still maintaining its safety integrity.
By moving the base of the holster to my left hip and reconnecting the male adapter at a different angle, the pistol can easily be carried in a cross-draw manner.
Second female adapter (included) installed under the steering wheel of my truck. Note that the pistol position can be changed much the same way that it can be changed on my hip... it can be turned virtually 360 degrees to accomdate a variety of grip positions. I prefer to keep it at about 45 degrees, making it easy for me to retrieve and replace with my right hand.
Passenger side view
Driver side view