Level 2 and Level 3 Holsters

[bearnoverdrive]

I have a level 3 blackhawk and it clearly states in the instructions to engauge the hood for the 3 level retention you must push the thumb release to close or to open . So assuming your holster doesn't need to push the release thumb button yours may be broken and therefore you and your weapon are a liability and may want to have that fixed ASAP

[ABrown1187]

Fantastic video. You did a great job explaining everything.

[renegade410]

@ABrown1187 Thank you.

[BIGGxDAWG210]

Could the Sig be cond.1 with hammer back on the level3 or does the hood get in the way

[renegade410]

@BIGGxDAWG210 I don't know if it will fit in the holster with the hammer cocked. I do know that the firearm is not designed to be carried cocked, as it has no manual safety.

[sman1348]

I like the Blackhawk Serpa's, along with Safariland SLS rigs as well. I've carried both on duty, as I am a Peace Officer. I like your review, except for one thing. When you closed the hood to the Level Three holster, it looked like you pressed the thumb break button on the site to do so. This is unneeded, and it will not hurt your holster. If anything, it slows down your time to re-holster the weapon. Overall a great review, but I did want to share that thought.

[renegade410]

@sman1348 Thank you. On the BLACKHAWK! Level Three holster you do have to push on the thumb break to close the hood. It is designed to lock in the open position so the hood does not inadvertently close on you when your sidearm is not in the holster. If that was to happen during a critical incident you would be unable to reholster. If your holster does not lock the hood in the open position I would stop using it until it was repaired or replaced.

[sman1348]

@renegade410 While the situation that you are saying is true, you do not have to push the thumb button in. You just don't. Can you, yes, but it is neccesarry to reholster the weapon, absolutley not. It's the same with Safariland SLS holsters, you don't have to depress the thumb "break" to close the hood.

[renegade410]

@sman1348 As I said to re-holster you do not have to push the thumb release button, but to close the hood over the firearm to engage the Level 3 retention you do have to push the thumb release, because the hood is locked in the open position once it is released.

[sman1348]

@renegade410 You're simply wrong, you do NOT HAVE TO PRESS THE THUMB RELEASE TO LOCK THE HOOD INTO PLACE.

[renegade410]

@sman1348 I use ths holster every day. I am not wrong and I contacted BLACKHAWK! to double check. You do have to puch on the thumb release to re-engage the Level 3 retention. There is also a video from BLACKHAWK! on their YouTube page confirming this.

[glen8875]

Thanks for the video, I think I like the level 2 holster, it is quicker to draw and less add-on so it is lighter in weight, and it is little bit less expensive than the level 3.

[yossarian256]

renegade410 - thanks for the informative video. Sorry if this question has been asked, but do you find that the hard plastic holsters tend to scratch or scuff up the slide on your pistol? I love using my blade tech with my sig229, but it scuffs up the top edges of the pistol. It's the only complaint I have with these plastic type holsters.

[renegade410]

@yossarian256 I use these mostly with my Sig P226 (which is my service weapon0. I don't see that it scuffs the finish. My P226 is CONSTANTLY in and out of holsters, but I don't think there is any excessive wear on the gun, and not specifically from these holster. Try wiping your P229 with a good silicone cloth, that may remove some of the scuffs. It seems to work well on my Sigs.

[renegade410]

@SLIPSHOTSD Thank you. I don't think that it slows down drawing the firearm. With a little practice you will have no trouble drawing your firearm quickly.

[diggingforgold]

Great video, thanks!

[tharipsta99]

great video, just out of curiosity what is your take on open carry?

[renegade410]

@tharipsta99 Thank you. I don't have a problem with open carry. I feel that if you have the ability to open carry in your area, and you want to that's your choice. Concealed carry or open carry, as long as "carry" is involved its a good thing.

[tharipsta99]

@renegade410 thank you for your opinion, thanks again for the videos

[xbox360royalbenefits]

how does the pk380 fit into the level 2 type? i the size and fit same as the p22 or even a p99?

thanks

[xbox360royalbenefits]

(is*)

[renegade410]

@xbox360royalbenefits The. PK380 is about the same size as the P22. As far as I know there is no Blackhawk! SERPA holster for either firearm. There may be a model for the P99, but you would have to check the current list on Blackhawk's website. Thank you for watching.

[ymnsj]

Nice video

[renegade410]

@ymnsj Thank you & thanks for watching.

[jokersride]

Most bad guys would not know how, except for now there is youtube video showing all the bad guys how it works. Great video, but should have only been posted on either correctionsone or policeone web site where general public could not see it.

[renegade410]

@jokersride Durring a struggle a perp is not going to be able to deactivate the retantion, especially with you actively trying to retain the firearm. The manufacturer has many videos describing how these holsters work, most of wich were available long before my video. Also those sites can be accessed by anyone. I was never asked for anything that would identify me as a police officer to sign up for any of those "police only" websites. Thank you for watching.

[ihaveairlockers]

I carry my weapon mostly in a Serpa level 2 holster, sometimes in serpa level 3 and often on a serpa thigh rig. They are brilliant.

Simple, easy and tough.

Anyone who puts shit on serpa is not using one every day at work. They NEVER jamb with dirt and always reliable. And I use the CQC mag pouches on a dual accessory rail too. And I use the CQC light holster too.

It's a modular, adaptable system that someone put some thought into.

SERPA is great ! Works for me, always !

[johnj189]

Thanks for the vid, good explanation of Level 2 and 3. Thanks!

[renegade410]

@johnj189 Thank you for watching.

[donphonica]

Great video, man. I was thinking about getting a level 2 for duty carry, but after seeing this video, I think I'm definitely gonna go with level 3. Thanks for the solid information.

[renegade410]

@donphonica Thank you. I'm glad my video was informative and helped you in making your decision. Stay safe out there!

[564955charlie]

Forgive me If you covered this in another video as I'll likely check after i post this, but have you ever tried the Safariland 6004 holster? I used it for a short time and really liked it. Very quick learning curve.

[renegade410]

@564955charlie I have not used that model holster. I have used a Safariland in the past, it was my original duty holster. I did not like it at all, not to say that other Safariland products are not good, I just had some issues with the design. I switched to the Blackhawk! SERPA Level 3 for uniformed duty use.

[564955charlie]

@renegade410 People either love it or hate it. There are some criticisms regarding the "Lock" on the holster and how it could jam in theory. Also how the ergos of your trigger finger depressing the button could end up pulling the trigger some how under stress. The first criticism i mentioned has some validity in the sense that any holsters retention could fail. The second criticism i mentioned is a stupid one in my opinion. If you cant run your system under stress you dont need to be carrying.

[renegade410]

@564955charlie The critisism of the locking mechanism, in saying that it will fail, is ridiculous. These holsters have been & are currently in use in the harshest environments in the world. Purposely jamming it will cause anything to fail. The critisism about "accidental discharges" is also silly because the way you draw the weapon from the holster is the same as you would from any other holster, with your trigger finger indexed along the frame of the gun, as has been taught for years.

[564955charlie]

@renegade410 Agreed 100% man. Unless you are trained to point your holster at the bad guy whilst drawing the handgun, drawing from any holster, from Galco to Galls to BH:SERPA, is the same: Finger on the frame. People kinda like to knock systems they don't run for some reason. Silly.

[reddog418]

@564955charlie That doesn't even make sense. Pulling the trigger would require you moving your finger into the trigger well, something that's possible with any holster. Second, there's nothing to "jam" except one piece of plastic. I've dropped this in the sand, no issues. Third, accidental discharge? You can' push the firearm further into the holster to depress the trigger because it's molted for that weapon. It just stops. The entire holster would have to break for that to happen.

[564955charlie]

@reddog418 I know man. People get stuck on their brand you end up with guys insulting anything else under the sun.

[JungleJimAB9AB]

Well made and informative video. Thanks for the review. Keep posting.

[renegade410]

@JungleJimAB9AB Thank you very much. I plan to have some more videos up in the near future. Thanks for watching.

[Ack19771]

Very informative, thank you.

[renegade410]

@Ack19771 Thank you for watching.

[AndrewPBrin]

I'm looking at a SERPA holster for concealed carry and also for a duty holster when I can get on with a law enforcement agency would you believe that a level 3 holster would you recommend a level 3 for concealed carry?

[renegade410]

@AndrewPBrin The Level 3 SERPA is a little bulky for a concealed carry holster. In my opinion you would be better off with the Level 2 for concealed carry, but it still may be a little bulky for concealed carry depending on your style of dress.

[laxstar21]

serpa holsters are awesome if you like shooting yourself in the leg!

[cardiacthapoet]

@laxstar21 sounds like you've shot yourself in the leg.

[toboe399]

Excellent informative. I was hoping when I apply to my agency of choice, I'll be allowed to use the tactical version Serpa Lvl 3 for the g22 allowing a light/laser.

[renegade410]

@toboe399 Thank you. I'm glad you found the video informatiave. Thank you for watching.

[sweetyvash]

thanks man very informative, i order a level 2 for my 1911 and im gonna get it next week im so excited to use it on the range

[renegade410]

@sweetyvash Thank you. I'm glad that the video was informative. Thank you for watching.

[mjixxx]

Thank you. Very good job. Have a better understanding of what to purchase for my new glock.

[renegade410]

@mjixxx Thank you very much. I'm glad the video was informative. Thank you for watching.

[AveMcree]

thx for explaining the holster... I was laughing at the way you say holster until you gave great info on your investment

[renegade410]

@AveMcree Thank you... I think. LOL. Thank you for watching.

[AveMcree]

@renegade410 lol yeah dont mind my typical youtube troll comment you made me think twice about carrying legally

[ramonespinal78]

that was nice i am buying a level 3

[renegade410]

@ramonespinal78 Thank you.

[evahnyird]

Is it possible to use the level 3 holster with either the paddle or regular belt attachment as an non-duty open carry holster? Would the attachments necessary to do this have to be purchased separately?

[renegade410]

@evahnyird I suppose you could if you really wanted to. You would have to purchase the platform you want to use it on since the Level 3 holster only comes with the attachment for a duty belt.

[romansten9]

At 2:50 in the video you said that someone could pull on the gun all day and there is no way it will dis-engage. Then at 8:08 you say that another officer was able to grab your weapon and "literally ripped it right out of the holster"  Those 2 conflicting statements make this video confusing. You didn't mention that the officer pushed the "button" so I'm assuming that he did not. Or did he? Please let me know, I have a level 2 holster and I'd like to know which of your comments to go with.

[renegade410]

@romansten9 At that point in the video I was refering to the old holster that the Blackhawk Serpa Level 3 holster replaced. The holster that I used to use was a Safariland Level 2 retention holster. That holster's design makes it easy for a grab attempt to succeed. The Blackhawk Serpa holsters are EXTREMELY resistant to grab attempts due to their design.

[romansten9]

@renegade410 OK, thanks for clearing that up. I feel better about trusting my Serpa now. I've pulled on my gun as hard as I can and it doesn't want to move. I think the denim in my jeans would tear before anything else would give.

[renegade410]

@romansten9 No problem. Glad I could clear that up.

[trumpetdood]

Question. Does the one for your Para work on any 1911?

[renegade410]

@trumpetdood Yes. As long as the 1911 has all the standard dimensions.

[redneck500]

Your dept doesnt mind you using a kydex type holster on duty?

[renegade410]

Yes. As long as the holster meets all of the agency requirements I can use it.

[redneck500]

@renegade410 o ok, rite on. Just curious :D Here you have to use the Patton leather one.

[renegade410]

No. We don't use them. I'm happy about that. Personally, I think it looks a little silly to be wearing that shiny leather gear on the street.

[redneck500]

@renegade410 I agree. You know how some agencies favor appearance over functionality LOL

[TGives]

My Serpa is in the mail for my SW M&P 40. I'm so excited!

[lawman4942]

Sweet 1911 dude

[renegade410]

Thank you.

[friendsever2]

What's the difference between a blackhawk level 2 holster made of Carbon-fibre and polymer?

does that the one with Carbon-fibre weigh far lighter than the one with polymer?

[renegade410]

The carbon fiber is a finish applied to the holster. All the Blackhawk Serpa holsters are made of polymer, but there are different models that have different finishes, such as a plain finish, a leather like finish basket weave, or carbon fiber.

I hope that clears up any confusion.

[mackdaddy1911a1]

Excellent review renegade410, I have been thinking of purchasing a level 3 serpa holster myself and your review only reenforces what I thought was a great system. Keep up the great work and above all be safe and God bless you.

[renegade410]

Thank you.

Stay safe out there!

[massltca]

Well you can have NEGLIGENT discharges with any holster if you are careless and have your finger on the trigger. That's a training issue not a fault in the Serpa holster. I have a Serpa holster for my 1911 which I carry cocked and locked. Never had a problem with negligent discharges.

[renegade410]

That's exactly what I mean. "Negligent" is definetly a better term to use than "accidental".

Thanks for the comment.

[redwingdwulet]

Renegade, first off great vid, 5stars from me. Secondly, I've heard reports about the Serpa holsters possibly causing accidental discharges, can you comment on this? I hear some blame user error by letting their finger slip into the trigger guard upon drawing the weapon and others blame the holster themselves, what is your take on this?

[renegade410]

Thank you.

I have not heard any such reports. What I can tell you is that a holster does not cause an "accidental discharge". I use quotation marks there, because I feel that there is really no such thing. If all safety rules and proper handling of the firearm are used then there will not be an accidental discharge.

I can assure you that it is user error and not the holsters. I have used the Serpa holsters for a long time, and cannot see any other explanations.

[Ohmide]

Very educational, thank you much sir.

[offshore1987]

Very nice review, thank you very much

[renegade410]

Thank. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[marvinhebb]

I would like to know if u can use the level 3 holster for concealment

[renegade410]

I suppose you could use it for concealment. I think its a bit too bulky for concealment.

The Level 2 holster is a little on the bulky side in my opinion for concealment as well. There are times, however, that I use the Level 2 for concealment. Those times are infrequent, though.

[marvinhebb]

thank u

[hinckleypoland]

I have one for all my guns. They are awesome. Although after a full day (only on my G21, which is like a brick) they do tend to rub a little. Still good though.

[wewex]

Sweet looking PARA!!!

[redspartan7]

i have heard of serpa holsters that allow you you to holster a pistol with a mounted attachment (like a flashlight). are they all this way or is it a different model? if so is there a level II varient?

[renegade410]

Not all of the Serpa holsters allow for holstering a weapon with a light attached. If you are interested in that type of holster they are currently made to accept only the Blackhawk brand weapon lights. I also belive that those holsters are only made for Glock brand pistols.

I have not checked on it recently so I don't know if anything has changed.

I hope that Blackhawk will make the holsters for more firearms and so that they will accept other brand lights (like Surefire).

[sumner812]

@renegade410 whats up buddy.. so far they have serpas for blackhawk lights in level 2 for glocks and 1911s, and in level 3 for glocks sig 229, 226 and smith m&p 45.. hate to tell you but since the serpas retention device clasps onto the trigger, they cant make one for the weapon lights that have activation devices covering the trigger guard of the weapon, the serpa lock would have nothing to lock on to.. I know sucks right? ha

[tylerpomeroy]

I would love to see a more in depth review of the level 3 holster. Maybe you could do a first person view of you wearing the holster and drawing and going over the other "button" to release the firearm. Just a suggestion. Thanks for the vid.

[renegade410]

I will try and make a more indepth video of the Level 3 Serpa Holster. I do have a video showing a draw from these holsters.

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[DirectTech]

Thanks. Just joined the PD and ordered one of the level 3's, so just gaining as much knowledge as I can. Nicely presented and very informative.

[renegade410]

Thank you. I'm glad I made an informative video.

Thanks for watching.

Stay safe out there!

[LMBltd]

Great Video! Thanks for the info!

[Dietzeeeee]

Love the video. Very informative. If you like gun reviews you should give my page a look.

[renegade410]

Thank you. I'll check it out.

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[td84]

Question, does your department have a requirement for level retention, brand names specific models, kydex or leather holsters?

[renegade410]

Yes. The original holster we are required to purchase is a Safariland. As per Safariland its a Level 2 holster, and its leather. I can, as you can see, purchase a different holster for patrol use. As long as the holster is a Level 2 or better then it should get approved for patrol use. Administrative or plain clothes dutys can have lower levels of retention depending on the situation. The material the holster is made of really doesn't matter, most guys just use the original holster.

[mayeshuges]

Lookin at some holsta's over heea! awsome video man. love to see some more

[renegade410]

Thank you. I want to make a couple more videos on holsters when I get a chance. I hope to get some new videos out soon. Thank you for watching.

[CaffeineQueen87]

Just out of curiosity, what brand was your old level 2 holster? (The one the other officer was able to defeat during weapons retention.) I'm always interested to know what works, and more importantly, what doesn't.

Awesome videos, by the way.

[renegade410]

The old holster was a Safariland. Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[dcentral]

what was the model # of the safariland that you had? Was it a snap retention or the SLS/ ALS locking?

thanks

[renegade410]

I think it was a Model 295. It has a trigger gaurd lock of some sort inside and a thumb snap that goes around the front of the holster.

[pinchieputo]

i have questions about the level 2 and 3 holster. I am very paranoid about people ripping my firearm off my duty belt. Lvl 2 is very easy and quick to withdraw. Lvl 3 however, with more locks. does it slow u down a little to withdraw? Every second counts when a suspect pulls a firearm on you & u get to it first. if u can it'll be helpful to create a video with Lvl 2 & 3 holster on your duty belt & withdraw it as quick as possible. Like create a real life scenerio so we can see the reaction time.

[renegade410]

I don't see a difference in draw time between the Level 2 holsters and the Level 3 holster from Blackhawk. I do see a bit of a difference between my old Level 2 holster and my new Level 3. I actually think its a little faster to draw and get on target from my new Level 3 holster than it was from my old Level 2. I much prefer the straight vertical draw with no rocking the sidearm in the new Level 3 holster. I will see if I can make a video like that in the future. Thank you for commenting.

[renegade410]

There is not any kind of felt or suede material inside the Serpa holsters. I don't have any issues with the Serpa holsters scratching the finish on my firearms. I haven't heard anyone complain of it either. Thank you for watching.

[tonynewlin]

I have a buddy that is a cop up north that got his new Glock that has a little scratch on the slide. He noticed it and it was caused by him not going straight in when putting the wepon back. A small piece of black electrical tape has cured the problem. I use the level 3 with my Glock and have not had a single problem.

And for the person asking about the draw, This IMO is the fastest level 3 that there is. Go get one, you will love it.

[georgehennessy]

My favorite "classical" law enforcement holster of all time is my grandfather's California Highway Patrol revolver holster for a 4" barrel S&W 66. You have to push down and forward to draw the revolver, very unique design for those days. I think they called it a "break-front" holster.

[42lakingsfan]

I noticed that the Para Ordnance 1911's hammer was down when holstered, ready to fire besides the safety being on. The Sig Sauer P226 was not however, what else has to be done with the P226 after being drawn in order to be ready to fire? How exactly is that gun carried when on duty in the holster? for example, is the weapon ready except for the hammer or is the hammer down but safety on? Thanks

[renegade410]

Nothing has to be done with the Sig P226 that I have. It is a Double Action Only version of the P226. All you have to do is pull the trigger. There is no safety or decocker on my Sig.

[theycallmepher]

the only thing i don't like about the level 2 serpa and why i don't use it on duty is because someone could just press that outside button and free the weapon, i use safairland holsters that have releases on the inside, its my opinion, i don't like those holsters

[SolidRex08]

if a holster has a hood guard, tension screws and is thermo-moulded, is that considered a level 2 holster?

[renegade410]

Most holsters with the hood are Level 3. If it had just the components you described then it could be a Level 2 as long as the hood locking mechanism engages on its own. I don't think I have ever seen a holster where the hood engages on its own, however.

[renegade410]

I don't know if they have these holsters for the S&W M&Ps. Check out Blackhawk's website for the most up to date info on what models they make the holsters for.

[quest8899]

will the level 2 work for the smith and wesson m&p 40....

[mayalex94]

yes it will

[TOMMYGUNZ170]

5 stars!!!!! Excellent

[renegade410]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[Dominick629]

wouldn't the level 3's take longer to unholster? especially under stress?

Level 2 looks quicker.

Nice vid!

[jdiddy27]

If there's a perp thats know about this hostler or not even. anyone that looks at the level 2, you can tell you have to press to release. but the level three makes its much more safer specially for an law enforcement Dom. yes, level is faster but is easier for someone to take it away if know how to which i can consider that as even a 9 year old. under stress i assume and believe level is great and much more Safer. love the hood lock. what you think Renegade ?

[Dominick629]

Well thank goodness we don't have this problem =D

I still like the level 2 better. If you want safety your better off carrying the firearm in a locked box.

[jdiddy27]

Wow. thnx for your sarcasm there as always Dom...LMAO !!

[Dominick629]

hey, anytime =)

[renegade410]

I don't think a perp is going to be able to to defeat the retention of either of these holsters in the heat of a fight, even if he knows how to.

[jdiddy27]

I see, But think about it. picture it in your mind. button and release= on level 2....button for hood, button for release then unholst = level 3...i like level 3 better.

[Dominick629]

The level 3 might keep the hammer cleaner as well.................... just thinking outside the box : )

[jdiddy27]

Hail Level 3 Serpa !!

[renegade410]

Not really. Just takes a bit of practice.

[thors200]

i was wondering do you think weapon retention is important for civillan CCW holders to know? ive heard debate about it, lotta my friends say 'weapon retention is for cops. what do you think?

[ArmoredSheepdog]

I think it depends on the type of holster. I would carry a level 2 or 3 if it was open carry, but for something like a CCW inside the waistband holster (I like an Unclemikes) retenion isn't such a big deal, because your clothes provide a barrier and form of retention on their own.

[thors200]

i can see that, but what about incidental contact most defensive encounters occur arms length or closer, (the scenario i envsion is IWB behind the hip, maybe im bending over, someone comes up behind me and poof, there goes my gun)

[ArmoredSheepdog]

Still can't see that being a big issue unless you go around telling people you carry and select your clothing poorly so that the weapon's profile is easy to spot.

[renegade410]

Weapon retention is important for anyone carrying a weapon, firearm or otherwise. It is absolutely imperative that you keep your weapon from being taken away from you. With that said it is different for CCW than it is for on duty police. If you are a CCW you may not need the extra retention because your weapon is concealed. If you weapon is concealed properly that alone is a level of retention you can never get with an exposed weapon. I use many types of holsters depending on the situation.

[theinnovativeone]

Nice i like the level 3 holsters