Review: Serpa CQC Level II Holster by Blackhawk

[julesbartow]

This holster is more for range or open carry. Use thunderwearholsters or IWB for CCW.

Practice quick drawing a lot, unloaded, before you need the gun in an emergency or you're more likely to shoot yourself like Tex Grebner did.

Sturmgewehre shows the design flaw that resulted in Tex shooting himself. Otherwise, nice holster.

[joelevidotcom]

@julesbartow OWB holsters generally lend themselves more to open carry than IWB (in my opinion). That's why when I need "deeper" concealment I carry in my Mitch Rosen Workman IWB.

[stormlifter]

I'm confused, yet to see one of these that really is all that concealable. I mean the shirt could go up just an inch and reveal itself.

[joelevidotcom]

@stormlifter While it's true that inside-the-waistband holsters do offer better concealability, there are times when an OWB is a better fit for the circumstances. I haven't had any problems with "accidentally unconcealing", but I am very aware of the potential using this (and other) OWB holsters.

[dirtydeedz161]

Aren't paddle holsters susceptible to having the gun/holster being torn away from the paddle itself?

[joelevidotcom]

@dirtydeedz161 all holsters are susceptible to having the gun/holster removed from the person wearing it.

Paddle holsters vary in their retention methods. This one has a positive retention mechanism to keeps the gun in the holster. The "holster" part is connected to the paddle by 3 screws. The paddle is held in the pants with "hooks" that hold the paddle under the belt and inside the pants. In all honesty, I have a hard time removing the paddle.

[TacMan223]

Great video review! I'm am thinking about getting this holster for my glock 26. Thanks for the good review and sealing the deal on this holster.

[joelevidotcom]

@TacMan223 The Glock 26 works even better in this holster than my Glock 30. :)

[Primal67060]

I'm not one for paddle holsters. I have one for my Glock 23 and I love it. It's comfortable, easy to use and promotes index finger/trigger safety. I don't use the extra two pins though because it makes the gun sit to high on my waist for comfort. I like it lower closer towards my wrist than my elbow. Down side is when driving, I remove my gun and set it on the console but the holster is uncomfortable under the seat belt. I don't like having to put it on and take it off every time I drive.

[joelevidotcom]

@Primal67060 I've since taken the paddle off my holster and went with the belt attachment. I keep an extra holster in the center console so when I head into "disarmed victim" zones I can move it from the Serpa into the other holster quickly and easily -- without removing the holster... that means I have an empty holster on my hip, but that's a statement in and of itself. :)

Also, I have a new app out: "Good Guys with Guns" all about self-defense stories, if you're interested.

[joelevidotcom]

@Primal67060 Some people love paddle holsters, others hate them. I have switched to the belt-mounted attachment that came with this holster for everyday carry.

[allenc6665]

Is this good for Open carry?

[joelevidotcom]

@allenc6665 I use it for both concealed and open-carry

[joelevidotcom]

@Lodine66 It's one more level of protection that you wouldn't have had otherwise.

[IceTTom]

Haha.. makes me giggle when video feel that they have to show some random internet viewers that their gun in unloaded! wtf...

[joelevidotcom]

@IceTTom I agree, but you'd be amazed how many people freak out when they see a gun that they don't "know" is unloaded... And it's a good place to remind people about proper firearm safety. :)

[audirama37]

It's been a couple months now...have you noticed any barrel wear or scratching?

[joelevidotcom]

@audirama37 I primarily use this holster on the weekends and when I open-carry, as such, in the few month's I've had it I've probably gone through less than 30 un-holster/re-holster cycles... but no, I still haven't noticed any wear. :)

[ihaveairlockers]

@audirama37

Let me explain something.....

SERPA holsters will take a little of the finish off any gun that is put into the serpa holster enough times.

So yes, serpa holsters do remove some paint/finish, But so what ??

I carry a beretta and a glock in a serpa all the time, and there is a few shiny spots on the weapon's frames and slides. But it won't effect the performance of your gun.

Don't worry - It's just character building, a little like the wrinkles on your face as you get older. :o)

[joelevidotcom]

@ihaveairlockers ANY holster will wear the finish down on a sidearm, it's not limited to just SERPAs... But like you said, it's the price we pay for keeping a sidearm on our hip.

[majestytd]

is this holster good for XD 9 subcompact for conceal?

[joelevidotcom]

@majestytd It's been great for my Glock, I assume it would be equally as good for your CD -- just make sure you get the one made for your sidearm.

[LaGgY42o]

Thx for the video, just bought me one for my brand new Gen 3 Glock 21 for open/concealed carry.

[tacticalrubberband]

Hi! Nice review. One quick question: Do you know if the Level 2 can be mounted on MOLLE webbing? Thanks in advance.

[joelevidotcom]

@tacticalrubberband The holster comes with an adjustable belt attachment and a paddle attachment. You can purchase Molle attachments for it, search for this on your favorite search engine: "Blackhawk CQC SERPA Molle Holster Adapter Platform"

[tacticalrubberband]

@joelevidotcom Awesome. Thanks!

[natesangabriel]

does it scratch the slide of the gun?

[joelevidotcom]

@natesangabriel I haven't noticed any scratching or wear marks.