Sorry, but JUST came across this Video. The thing that gets me is people spend HUNDREDS even THOUSANDS to get the BEST handgun they can afford, yet throw thier gun in one of the "cheapest" holster. All that was done here is posting the problems that have been noted with the holster and how others (in this case SafariLand) have addressed those problems. He also states that people are going to be butt hurt and defend it ".....well I've had mine for__________ years and its NEVER happened to me..." and y'all qdid JUST THAT! It's obvious that he struck your button with all the but hurt responses that y'all have posted.

Wish I had seen this 24 hours ago. Maybe I'll be able to get store credit lol.

Looks like John isn't going to get a Christmas card from Blackhawk this year. Maybe just a lump of coal.

Thank you for this video. I had a serpa for my H&K and I liked it for the quick draw action, but I used my pancake holster instead, [even though it slowed my draw nearly a tenth of a second] just because of this very issue. My serpa holster was much beefier than that cheap one, so I had no strength issues, and I used it in a clean environment thus had no worries about retention failure, so thanks for bringing that up. I have now switched to a Sig P320 and a safari ALS. I didn’t like the thumb retention at first and was gonna switch back to a serpa, but after watching this video I trained more with the ALS and am now satisfied with my performance, and I feel more confident. Thank you again. [I still mostly use my pancake holster though...]

As naval military police overseas in Greece, we were issued a lot of random crap, mostly beat-up Uncle Mike's stuff. Some people would buy their own, but as we weren't anywhere near a front line, nobody really cared. Our Master Chief (the oldest cop in the Navy, literally) then decreed that we were getting some new equipment and that *only* issued gear was going to be allowed from then on, for uniformity. We were excited as to what our new kit items were going to be. Turns out all we got were new Serpa holsters, and not just any Serpa holsters, but the model intended for concealed carry that was severely cut down, leaving the safety and most of the barrel exposed... for our dutybelt-carried M9s. A couple of us actually caught Master Chief's ear one day and, respectfully, asked what the motivation was for the choice of holster. He was famous for long-winded stories and wove a 20-minute long tale of how his old detective buddy from NY just got one and loved it, as it allowed quick access to his firearm due to it's minimal design, but had nice positive retention, and how he researched long and hard to find the "best" (cheapest) gear for his people, and so-on. He ended the story quite elegantly by basically saying "so this is what you got; shut the f*** up, wear it as ordered, and don't you dare ever question me again." He was a sweet man. Not three days later, standing in a guardshack with my patrol partner, I went to hitch up my dutybelt, only to feel my M9 start to tip forward and tumble out of the holster, unassisted. I instinctively caught it, ending up with a firing grip on the gun, safety flicked off, pointing it at my partner's nutsack. We both thoughtfully stared at each other and the gun, poised to violently remove his manhood, for a good few seconds before I gingerly put it back on safe and reholstered. I switched to the Safariland SLS I had bought previously and never looked back. Thankfully, our chain of command (apparently) didn't give a shit about us, so no one noticed the switch. TL;DR... Serpa holsters = hot garbage in 99% of cases (unless you're an old Kojak-era retired detective, then I guess it is superlative).

Great observation. I agree . My agency started issuing the Serpa around 10 years ago. Prior to that, they issued plastic and leather with flimsy thumb break straps. I preferred the Serpa, but immediately recognized the potential for accidental discharge. Our instructors were not too concerned when I pointed out problem. I made it a point to train myself to "press and lift" my trigger finger instead of press and drag. I made this a conscious step in every drill we ran, including movement and combat as well as static, until it became automatic. I also had a personal one, but since I am retired and prefer appendix carry, I rarely carry the Serpa. I like my Serpa, but I am not butt hurt. The concern is legitimate. Thanks.

John!!!! Thank you so very much for this review! I was seriously about to order one of these, and I thought to myself, "let me watch a few more videos" and I'm so glad I did! I will warn my friends! Thanks a million!

Just came across this in 2021 and want to say thank you. My carry is a 5" Kimber Custom TLE II that was my father's and was given to me after his passing along with a Serpa for it. I'm not a greatly experienced shooter so I never noticed the problems with it until you gave real examples. I just got a new IWB kydex retention holster (without a locking mechanism) and already enjoy it much more. I'm not trashing the Serpa, simply because it was my father's, but I am certainly not using it to carry or go to the range with anymore.

I have two serpa locks: And my trigger finger is always Indexed at the top of the frame when I draw no practice needed.its designed for that reason. For those who dont understand common sense shouldn't own a fire arm

I almost closed out of your video I’m so glad I continued watching. You sold me on the issues with this holster. I currently use one and must say I like it but after seeing this you have convinced me it is time to get a different holster quickly! I don’t care how skilled you are, under pressure or just one mistake and it would be very easy to shoot yourself. Your demonstration was perfect and makes sense. Thank you!

Thank you- saw one in the store and remembered the title (without having watched the video yet) so here I am today watching and learning.

I have owned and carried in Serpa's many years, never had my finger drop in the trigger guard. As to the vid of the ND, the guy himself when interviewed admitted it was user error and lack of attention, and he didn't blame the holster. The only time I have had a holster 'jam' during draw was a thumb break retention holster, I pulled on the gun before I pushed the thumb button fully and it jammed solid. This was due to lack of training with the holster. All of the negatives you list for the Serpa can equally be applied to ANY level 11/111 retention holster, all retention holsters require a certain learning curve, the Serpa being no different. I don't use the belt loops, but the only belt loop I had snap on me was a holster that cost over twice the price of a Serpa. If you train with a Serpa (just like you should train with any mechanical device) it is as safe as and other retention holster. Ohh, and if you stuff any retention holster full of sand, grit and gravel it will eventually jam the gun in the holster. And not many holsters would survive being dragged 15ft along concrete under 180-250lbs of human.

Hey John. Thanks for the great info. I have been a fan for a while and just now (last night) saw this video. I am exactly who you made this video for! I would like to point out that I got mine at a gun store, not Wal-Mart. I would like to say that I am 1/500 that has this holster and NEVER had any problems with it. I have never even had any "scary moments" or even "close calls" with it, therefore I considered it perfectly safe. After this video, I have decided to make a change. First this this morning , I ordered a Serpa ALS.Thanks for the enlightenment!

I like the new editing style Jon. Please keep up this great series. This is fantastic consumer information.

I always appreciate your advice and expertise John. I happen to own a Blackhawk Serpa level III holster for my job, I’ve had to draw my firearm for multiple high-stress scenarios and I haven’t had this issue with the trigger retention. I do however realize the potential for being a safety hazard. I personally am just not a fan of the Safariland SLS/ALS retention systems and I wasn’t able to achieve a consistent 1.5 second draw to shot with a safariland. However I am able to regularly do that with my Serpa III and sometimes I have even gotten sub 1 second. Great video though.

If there's even the SLIGHTEST chance that one of these scenarios can happen, it's a chance one shouldn't be willing to take.

Thanks for the review. A few days ago, I bought a Blackhawk Serpa and a Safariland ALS holster for my Glock 26 with the idea of trying each, keeping the one I liked, and returning the one I didn't. I had pretty much settled on keeping the Serpa and came across your video that evening - WOW, big eye opener. I agree that under controlled calm conditions the Serpa should work, but in an emergency/adrenaline charged situation when fine muscle motor control diminishes, I can easily see the unfortunate happening - as you and the embedded video pointed out. THANKS AGAIN for saving me from making a BIG mistake - I'm keeping the Safariland holster.

Thank you for this video. I purchased 2 of these today, was on youtube to watch a couple of tutorials on them and saw your video. I returned them for a full refund as I hadn't taken them out of the package. When asked why I was returning them I showed them this video.

I'm new to pistol ownership. THIS is the kind of information that I needed! Good content!

Thank you for this. Most of the things you pointed out were on my peripheral and needed to be pointed out. I ran into the dangerous release position in dry fire drills. I had relegated this one to range duty strictly with unloaded chambers, but now knowing the lockup issue I should have seen a mile away, I'm destroying it.

Wow, I own 3 of these holsters. I am very appreciative of this video and the advice given in it. I bought mine off of recommendation from the store I bought my handguns from and then continued buying them to have continuity in training to develop muscle memory. I will now be taking what I learned from this video and buying something more reliable.

I have drawn and fired thousands of rounds from a Serpa. Not a single issue. My trigger finger always ends up on the slide exactly where it is supposed to be. Gribner himself admitted he disengaged the safety on his 1911 with it still in the holster. The Serpa is not what caused him to shoot himself.

John, I love your "extra" videos. The "in your face" parts are hilarious in there own way :-)

Thanks, John. Great video, as usual. I had concerns about all the issues you brought up about the Serpa, except them being likely to break. I just figured cops use 'em, so I must be overanalyzing. I'll be replacing the "hot garbage" with the Safariland you showed.

I had heard about this issue, but never understood because my fingers are ridiculously long, and so they don't fit into the trigger guard without effort. Now that I've seen this video, I understand the concern much better. Really good information, I really appreciate it!

John, I always learn stuff I didn’t know, on your channel. I often learn the lesson, it’s just that, usually, it’s after I’ve parted with my money. Thanks

Just subbed after watching the vp9 video! Awesome content. I'm a worship pastor in New Orleans, and I love the clean, no cursing, level headed content!

So true John, I have train so many students myself. I too discourage them to choose alternative holster with better, safer and practical holsters, than that Serpa stuff. I have worn the same Serpa holster for stress level testing under duress, my trigger index cramped up whilst engaged with over firing 1000 rounds, and some intense PT involved to bring up my heart rate and body stress levels, my finger on the release button had depressed and withdraw my Glock, my trigger finger cramped and curled up close to the inner part of the trigger guard. As soon as I noticed my stress level I immediately pushed back downwards and holstered my firearm, and I pretty much changed back to my usual carry Safarilands.

Here's my question/comment/point, given the prevalence of so many other even more problematic holsters with even lower price-points are these holsters at least a better option than many others? I'm not being defensive because I own a number of them for a variety of different handguns. I also own numerous leather Galco holsters, as well as several different custom kydex holsters in addition to two Blackhawk! Omnivore holsters. When carrying concealed, I prefer carrying in a holster with active retention (especially for striker-fired handguns). Over the last three years, my EDC has changed several times. For a short time, I carried a Sig P226 (which is still my absolute favorite handgun, but admittedly not very practical for EDC) and then I went to a ZEV modified Glock 19 (which I still own, but quit for EDC because my body mechanics do not lend themselves to Glocks) to a Sig P320rx because I appreciate the smaller size in combination with the Romeo red-dot. The last is the one that I dropped close to $200 for a custom holster. I definitely see the point about the much more robust belt loops and do see the validity of your observations about the trigger finger position when drawing but what are your thoughts about the phrase, "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. . .or in the case, don't let the less problematic be the enemy of the worst"? With regard to the first circumstance to the guy who shot himself in the leg, I watched the whole video and he admitted he'd somehow improperly modified the holster to fit a gun it was not originally intended for.

John thanks for the vids. I clicked on this vid with out even reading the title. I was actually wearing one of the holsters while watching it. Of course there was that part of me that thought “maybe it’s one of those it’s not right for him but right for me things”, but by the end you gave enough evidence for me to take it off and to know I would not continue using it. I want to do the right thing to better protect myself and most of all the ones I love. So again thank you for your videos, and I’ll be praying that above all God shows His glory through you and all you do.

When you first said what you were talking about, I immediately thought about Tex's incident.

John the 2nd holster you showed at the 7 minute mark still has the break issue a coworker of mine had a subject grab his weapon and pull down and away and it snapped off. The screws are tiny and are easily broken away he was almost killed with his own gun. We are now only allowed to use safariland lvl2 holsters.

Thank you for this video. I was researching a training course and they said no Serpa holsters and was curious why. I have 2 Serpa holsters and will be replacing them. I do see the functional error and the safety risks and inability to clean / maintain the holster because of your informative video. I’ll sell them as airsoft holsters. “Carry” isn’t aloud in my state at all so I don’t have much use for a holster outside the range and had no frame of reference when I got one. The other was a gift. Again, Thank you.

I just got a Safariland ALS for my VP9. So good news, they heard you!

I used a level 3 serpa for several years on patrol. Never even the slightest issue. People love to hate this holster, but the reality is every fault people want to point out can be accounted to a lack of training, or improper weapons handling. Especially when you consider the fact the holster has a contour in it which places the trigger finger perfectly along the frame of the gun once it leaves the holster. I agree the retention device has the potential to fail, just like every other mechanical item ever made.

John, you've been quite passionate in your recent reviews 😆I genuinely enjoy them! I must confess, I owned the same two SERPA holsters you featured - both the level 1 and level 3 retention models, though only for range use, never for personal carry. Your video was a real eye-opener, leading me to promptly discard them. Thanks for your invaluable insights!

I got that holster recently and personally I really like it, every draw I've had SO FAR has been perfect but I can see how the possibilitys you spoke of can happen. Mine is owb, not sure if this has a model for iwb, anyway I'm going to be getting my conceal permit soon (gotta wait till vacation cause I work just about all weekends and the place I want to do it only does classes on weekends. So when I do I will be probably going to just conceal anyway which I believe I'll get a iwb bravo concealment holster.

I'd love to see a diagram of a gun with the hand grip labeled "the hold-y parts"

The problem isn't with the holster, the problem is with the shooter wants to play "Quick Draw" and wind up shooting themselves. That's the hot garbage problem.

I am in the process of switching to a Safariland from BH CQC SERPA. I had recently gotten a BH drop leg platform, and was going to get a BH SERPA in the heavy duty version with the thicker plastic and the full-slide coverage. I had the CQC holster on the leg rig and it is extremely flimsy, doesn't protect the pistol well. Safariland is making two holsters for me for a Hk USP Compact 45.

The getting jammed part is what convinced me. Other videos just talk about the finger placement aspect and safety concerns there but I believe that is more dependent on the user, and possibly the gun/trigger. However isn't it possible the safariland holster will do the same as far as jamming the retention mechanism?

Dammit John, now I have to buy a new holster. This angers me greatly... On the plus, EXCELLENT video. Thank you so much!

I disagree with your opinion here, I have one of these for each of my glocks and not one time ever have I had an issue with my finger being placed on the trigger pulling it out at lightening speed to shoot. If I remember correctly, serious gun folks practice a lot like I do, and I make sure I have practiced diligently with these holsters so I don’t shoot myself. Practice, practice, and more practice makes it perfect. That’s all I have to say.

Thanks for commenting the link to this video for me john! Glad I watched this!

I'll take a year of combat with this holster working flawlessly over any argument you have because some people MIGHT be idiots and can't keep their finger off of the trigger

7 years and it still works with all my body parts unharmed and it not malfunctioning.

The thing of it is: this serpa holster has been used day-in-day-out by many different agencies and militaries, including in conflict areas. For the average joe schmoe who doesn't practice trigger finger discipline, this holster could in fact exacerbate inherent safety issues with the operator/shooter. For people who actually are ingrained with the basic safety rules, this holster (and release mechanism) really isn't any more dangerous than anything else on the market. If it were, we would be hearing about MP's, grunts, special forces and contractors ND'ing into their legs all the time....but we don't. The other problem I have with this video is that the trigger finger inadvertently getting onto the trigger and causing a ND can happen with any holster if you don't practice weapon draws with safety in mind. Your dominant index finger is always going to be free and off the main pistol grip, so that it is ready to access the trigger once you're on target...if you're trigger finger is misplaced or goes onto the trigger too quickly, you can run into the same issue as Tex Grebner did and ND into your own leg. Safety is paramount. This holster works fine, and is actually well-made, despite what the internet expert crowd claims. Keep your finger straight and pointing down as soon as the release latch is pressed on this serpa holster and you'll be fine....also you should practice your draw, with any holster, with an empty chamber many times over before you decide to do so in a live fire drill. Pistol choice too plays a big role in this. The DA/SA M9's that were, and still are, used in this sherpa holster have a bit more inherent safety then a cocked 1911 or a striker-fired pistol. I have no hesitations about carrying a DA/SA pistol in this type of holster; a SAO 1911 or striker-fired pistol might be a different story, or at least require additional training/awareness. I do agree that this holster can punish someone who has bad safety fundamentals. I guess that never really struck me or my peers as a big problem, because the safety fundamentals were drilled into us over and over again during our initial training. Honestly, if someone can't safely draw a pistol from a sherpa holster without fat-fingering the trigger prematurely, then he/she should avoid appendix carry or really any tactical pistol carry method where a ND could present serious repercussions.....drawing a loaded pistol from any holster can potentially be very dangerous if you're not properly trained.

What’s funny is is that Tex later illustrates that the holster was not the fault.

OK, first - I NEVER shop at WalMart. Having said that, however, I DID get a Serpa because it WAS in my local gun store and it DID appear to be a retention holster (just like John said)! I wanted retention not so much to keep a bad guy from taking it from me, but more because I ride a motorcycle about 80% of the time I'm on the road and I did NOT want my weapon sliding down a highway because some moron didn't look before making a sudden, unannounced, typically-illogical lane change into my "asp." But the site of that "abrasion-damaged" Serpa you showed has TOTALLY awakened me. I had considered Safariland, once I heard of them, but was told by someone they were "cheap." But you SHOWED us the difference here. I gotta go shopping. THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR VIDEOS!

Thanks for this video, John. I’ve been saying that Blackhawk Serpas suck for quite a long time, but for other reasons. This has just strengthened my case. It’s incredible how many CCW class instructors recommend these. They seem to work pretty well bolted to a wall or a bedframe pointed downward. First, disable the locking mechanism entirely though. Now it’s just a cradle for the gun.

Had to use a Tourniquet on a service member who was using a Serpa. Had the exact same issue.

I love my Bianchi retention holster. Your trigger finger automatically is kept along the slide as your next finger actuates the release lever (not a button).. You have to purposely move your finger down to the trigger after drawing.

Wow, I just bought another one because I liked my first one for my other weapon. Had no idea this was an issue and got it from a trusted police equipment store ! The guy at the counter sold me on it and spoke intelligently about its advantages and really taught me how to use it. I've practiced with it and became so comfortable to get another one. Wondering about taking it back ?

"Left-handed, correct handed" Love it!

I just think it’s amazing that for three years I carry the a Sherpa holster in Iraq, worked with thousands of other service members who also carried Sherpa holsters in Iraq, and none of us ever had any of these issues. What were we doing wrong?

Thank you for making this video. I've had a Blackhawk Serpa for years and have always liked it. Fortunately, I've never had it stick nor have I ever had to draw from it under stress. I just ordered a Blade Tech as a replacement.

Hey man I love your videos. I’m in the Marine corps and have been looking for a good holster cause we were issued these. But you got any suggestions for a Barretta M9 ?

your "correct" handed ,lol ..

Christ! I thought I was going to see him lose his wedding band.

Thank you! I had one years ago for an XD and thought it worked great at the range. 6 years later, I’m shopping for an owb holster and found this… I see what your saying and completely agree. I’m not a fan of Safariland but I think I’ll find one with a thumb release.

John, buddy, I'm so glad you brought this up. My sidearm is a CZ75 clone. One of those obscure ones that no one other then blackhawk makes holsters for. Fortunately, now I can throw out that "hot garbage", because your mom started making holsters for my gun, and the only payment she takes happens while you're away at school.

Thank you for this. I had just bought this holster and it was still well within the allowable return window so I am sending it back.

"its left-handed because im correct handed" hell yeah brother left handers rise up 🙌🙌😂

Mine served me well for many years, but the VP serpa landed your finger squarely on the frame. I did swap it out, however, becauae even a remote chance is too much of a chance for me. I still have the holster and use it very rarely on a flat range, but its relegated to casual plinking and only used by me.

Taking this video to heart. I didn't do my research when I bought my first CCW holster. Some research in, figured you and many others were right, and got a bravo concealment holster (kydex, level 1 retention). Guess what? Cost the same, came with a free mag pouch.

I've been open carrying and training with my firearms for years. I've been using the Serpa holster for most of that time. I've had no issues like have been described in this video. I train with my EDC firearm, along with my EDC holster. There is an inherent danger ANY TIME a person draws a firearm and an everyday carrier must be aware of and address those dangers with proper training. Although I've had no problems with my holster, I'm willing to at least try a Safariland......I mean .... Why not? Thanks for the video.

40 or 50 bucks? You have tons of options at that price point! Some holsters are less than ideal. But one that facilitates NDs with its placement of the retention mech, combined with the fact that the release can fail with some dirt or simply pop the entire holster off is just ridiculous

I have some high dollar kydex holsters but I still find myself using my blackhawk with the paddle attachment the most.

I mounted mine in my glove box in my semi.The Glove Box is located by the base of the shifter at my feet and swings right open when I need it.I don't have to drive long hrs with my gun digging in my back.It is held securely and and quick access.

I used to carry a Serpa exclusively. I thought it was fine, and the negligent issue was a training issue. However, once I moved to an IWB holster, I was going to carry the Serpa for open carry. But, with all the complaints, I decided to do some dry-fire drawing practice. Guess what? I would have had an ND within three draws. So now, I say it's fine for those only looking to EXCLUSIVELY carry in a Serpa - period. Since I now carry IWB a majority of the time, I threw my Serpa away. As a result, I no longer recommend the Serpa for inexperienced shooters - too many of them won't practice enough to draw from a Serpa properly. That breakage at the screws/fasteners is another reason.

John is always so passionate!!! 😂😂 Great review like always.

John, I just got the GLS myself, but noticed it doesn’t really fully cover the trigger guard. Or is it okay since it fully covers the inside part of the trigger guard?

You’ve answered so many questions for me and proved my point on many things. Ty for this sir.

If I recall, The guy "Tex" that shot himself did so while doing "speed draws", which aided his finger curling into the trigger.

Been using my blackhawk for over 10 years. Have had no problems. I train with it regularly, I keep it up and have no plans of changing anytime soon

Dude I was holding the serpa in my hand at Walmart when I came across your video thank you so much!! Also what kind of retention holster would you recommend for a full-sized nine millimeter?

I got this holster a long while back and very rarely use it as I prefer my in waist holster. Think I may need to throw this one out after watching this. Great video.

Eye opening video! Thanks for the heads up on a holster I've trusted for years, until now.

I have hundreds of fast draws with a serpa holster, no misfires yet. Practice makes perfect me thinks.

Thank you for this video. Never realized this was an issue. Been using serpa for years...but also the omnivore has been pretty decent. Used safariland lv3 in the military and those were good. Might get one of those...as far as this topic, I've drawn under stress and also had plenty of practice working proper draw technique to avoid a draw discharge. Blackhawk holsters..even the omnivore...definitely have some durability issues I've noticed after some years of repetition....still I get them only because of the simple design lol

Sucker here.. I bought one of these for my xds. You make very good points and have material to back it up. I will be returning my serpa and looking into the ones you recommend. Thank you

"here's a legitimate safety concern in a subpar holster that is remedied by buying literally any other kydex holster and is the reason that almost all informed handgun instructors don't even allow this particular firearm holster in their courses due to the risk of accidentally shooting yourself" bUt MiNeS nEvEr hAd aN iSsUe

Never had any issues with my Serpa. And never will.

I know this Is 2 years old but the ALS problem is if you have a tucked in shirt that come slightly untucked it can cover the top release button and prohibit the draw which happened to me when a dog attacked and I couldn’t get it out.

I had to do my pistol qual with one of the sturdy "military" serpa holsters and I got stuck with 2 faulty holsters. The first one was impossible to take the gun out. The armorer had to use some tools to get the M9 out. Then the second one had dirt or grit in the locking mechanism and was extremely stiff. Not a fun time to shoot with something like that.

let me sum up 17 minutes of video: People hurt themselves because they do not practice or train with the equipment they carry.

You're costing me money, John! But it's in my best interest. Thumbs up.

I like John, he downplayed both of my holsters I have blackhawk in the beginning of this video and alien gear. What holster is a good one for a glock 19?

I just bought this cus I needed a holster quick and it was on amazon for like $35. I’m going to use it to practice open carry draw and shoot drills at a local range. I plan to invest more later on in a good OWB kydex holster for open carry and training. What brand holsters do you think are best for my needs? I have no intention of concealing my sp-01. I want to train open carry just to increase my skill and also would like the holster to have good enough retention that I could open carry my gun while in the mountains hiking/hunting. Any particular brands you recommend?

Most of us who daily carry - open or concealed - do so because of what "might happen" and because we want to increase our chances of survival if / when something bad happens. John showed us several bad things that "might happen" because of the Serpa design. There's more to the video than ND incidents. John wants to help us increase our chances of survival via show & tell because of other things that "might happen". Can some of those things happen with other brands? It's likely. Those bad things that happened with Serpa holsters could be because of bad habits or bad luck on certain days, lack of reasonable caution & maintenance or a combination thereof. We all - well most of us - goof sometime. If you've not had a bad circumstance land on you I hope the odds in your favor aren't decreasing beyond what you can survive. I can only know what won't happen to me out in the field if I stay at home all day. I can't know what will happen to me at home even if I do stay home all day. John gave us information, illustrated examples, possibilities, and choices. We're adults and responsible for ourselves and others. I own a Serpa. Do I have hiney hurt? Well - I do have some aspirin. Thanks John for the heads up.

I know this is an old video but the crap people spit out about the Blackhawk holster system is just unbelievable. Where does your trigger finger sit on damn near every single holster you have used? Any person who is trained or knows anything about concealed carry is well aware you should be getting a firm/high grip before even thinking of pulling that sidearm out and mentally and physically keeping your finger out of the trigger guard until ready to fire. Obviously anybody who pushes in on the button of a Blackhawk holster instead of laying their finger across it naturally (as you would with any sidearm drawn from any holster) has had no training with that holster or any holster. And I understand that reaching for your sidearm in a chaotic situation is going to be messy but if you're going so fast that you screw up your unholster and ready/set of your sidearm then what do you shoot that sidearm like in that situation? Are you watching your surroundings and looking beyond your target when you present your weapon to defend yourself? If you can't handle the pressure and you're going too fast to where you would shoot yourself or innocent bystanders and consider a holster that has been in service for years then maybe a firearm is not for you or anybody else around you.

I just bought a springfield xdm10, and a blackhawk serpa holster at the recomendation of the employee who sold me the gun. With the gun cleared and double checked, I tried to put pulling pressure on the gun and pushed the release button on the holster and i actually did notice my finger went straight to the trigger. Waste of 43 dollars. I'm kind of pissed. Thanks for the video and possibly saving my life. Who knows. Wow! I wonder if they will give me my damn money back!

I’ve had a really hard time finding a holster for my Smith and Wesson SD9VE... all I could find was the Blackhawk holster so I use it when I hunt and plink. What’s the best brand to buy?

I use a Serpa daily I train with it as well, my finger never touches the rail when I draw that's just asking for your finger to slide off and into the trigger. and I defiantly do not tough the trigger until I am on target this must be perfected under stress. Anybody can shoot themselves with any holster under stress and without the proper muscle memory training. I'm not likely gonna be rolling in the dirt with an assailant, my weapon will be out long before then. Unless I get ambushed from behind by some brazilian jiu jitsu guy. Then im fucked anyway.

Dallas PD also banned the holster in 2014. The old adage of "where's there's smoke, there must be fire" rings true here.

John, please test the Bulldog Holster to see if it meets your requirements. The release button is the width of a finger higher than the Serpa and seems to always keep the finger off of the trigger. I have drawn mine over 200 times and the finger is good. I used the model (RR-S365) which is for the Sig P365

Then what holster would you recommend that costs less than $50 and fits a sig m17? Im poor and cant afford to spend $200 on a holster.

I have used these products in Combat and would strongly recommend them.

Bought mine yesterday and now i know im a newb.. should have done more research.. thanks John, now i know 👍

What is a good reliable safe holster for appendix carry.