Review on Holster - Blackhawk Serpa Level 2 Sportster

[Wardo]

Well, i got the Blackhawk Serpa Level 2 Sportster with the paddle, and LOVE IT already. 

Just for an idea of size and all, i carry a Beretta 92. 

*The paddle seems to take some stress off the belt line which is a plus. 
*It is adjustable on the paddle so you may change the angle of the weapon which is another great feature.   
*It has an adjustable trap, so you can customize how easy the draw is ( i have mine fairly loose and its still locked in there super tight )   
*the release button is very easy to control and while drawing i notice my finger is at the stand-by position along the slide.


No downsides yet, but will add any if found.   

[Advanced Security]

Just a caution as with all serpa holsters, they eventually will scratch the gun.  I lined mine with a bit of fleece.  It's amazing what that can do for you. 

I'm glad you like it!

Jeff

[Wardo]

Thats a great idea.  Did you line the entire inside or just specific areas?

[Advanced Security]

Thats a great idea.  Did you line the entire inside or just specific areas?

Just specific areas.  Next time I do it though, I will do it a tad different.  I already had wear marks on the holster, so I could see where it was rubbing, then used fabric glue, and attached 2 narrow (1/2") strips of fleece.  Its eliminated everything on mine.  Not that the gun was loose before, but it had a little front to back (cant) play.  Not anymore, it's real solid.  Dang near silent coming out and in too.  If I were to do it again, I'd use a thinner fabric, I love the fleece, but I'd use thinner fleece.  I let mine dry over night before I fit my gun in it.  Also, before I glued it to the holster, I dry fitted it, to make sure it wasn't snagging anywhere odd.  When I do it again, the strips of fleece will extend all the way to the top of the holster, just for my peace of mind that they don't snag. 

I remove my gun VERY frequently.  This has cured almost everything I can think of.

Jeff

[TheQ]

Thats a great idea.  Did you line the entire inside or just specific areas?

Just specific areas.

Could you elaborate on the areas?  Maybe include pictures?

[Bronson]

Could you elaborate on the areas?  Maybe include pictures?

My Serpa put two lines on top of the slide, one of either side of the front sight.

Bronson

[Wardo]

Pictures would be great. 

TheQ, was it just the slide?  Can you show us the area so i can better understand where the danger is?  Dont wanna hurt my Retta.   

[Advanced Security]

Pictures would be great. 

TheQ, was it just the slide?  Can you show us the area so i can better understand where the danger is?  Dont wanna hurt my Retta.   

[Advanced Security]

Pictures would be great. 

TheQ, was it just the slide?  Can you show us the area so i can better understand where the danger is?  Dont wanna hurt my Retta.   

Notice the plastic showing just above the fleece, I would've liked to extend it all the way to the top.  The frame of my gun, is plastic, so for me there was no other need to soften any surfaces.  If you're Berretta is steel, you may want to check out other places.

Hope this helps,

Jeff

[TheQ]

My Serpa put two lines on top of the slide, one of either side of the front sight.
Bronson

Many thanks for the extra details and the pictures, kind sir.

[Wardo]

Thank you sir, the picture helped a lot.   I will "attempt" to fix mine up this weekend.

[Advanced Security]

Cool, good luck!

Need anything else, either PM me, or post here.  BTW, where in Clinton Twp, you at?

Jeff

[venator]

Perhaps black felt would work well.  Most craft stores have them in about 8x11 inch sheets.  Felt is just a processed wool.  The black would blend into the holster better.  Also you can also get small black leather sheets and cut to shape.

[TheQ]

I just received my Blackhawk today.  I stopped by JoAnne's fabrics on the way home and bought a 10"x12" patch of (black) felt for $.28.  I also picked up some Liquid Stitch.

Before applying the material to the holster the weapon did have a fair amount of play back/forth.  I retrofitted it with the felt as described above.  All rocking ceased after fitting it with the fabric.  I have also attached a picture.

[Advanced Security]

Looking good!  I love how it kills all that play.

I notice you have the paddle still attached, I have the belt loops, and like it well enough.  I hate having to take the paddle on and off though.  You like it?

Jeff

[TheQ]

I notice you have the paddle still attached, I have the belt loops, and like it well enough.  I hate having to take the paddle on and off though.  You like it?

I like the paddle for the extra stability it gives.  It is a bit of a PITA as far as removal, but the only way to get the belt nearly that stable is to make said belt so tight it nearly cuts me in half.  The stability is worth the PITA, IMHO.

[Tango125INF11b]

I just returned my SERPA holster because you have to hit the button before lifting. If not, the button locks. Its a neat safety feature but I started competition shooting for IDPA and it takes A LOT of practice to clear the holster in a reasonable time. I bought a De Santis brown leather Mini Slide for my Glock, and it's wonderful. The cant isn't adjustable though, but I will live. Also a lot of competitions are banning the SERPA's now. Too many accidental/negligent discharges. I liked my SEPRA dont get me wrong, but weighing out my options I was better off getting rid of it.

[Bronson]

Also a lot of competitions are banning the SERPA's now. Too many accidental/negligent discharges.

That's not the holster's fault, that's poor training and trigger finger discipline.

Bronson

[autosurgeon]

Also a lot of competitions are banning the SERPA's now. Too many accidental/negligent discharges.

That's not the holster's fault, that's poor training and trigger finger discipline.

Bronson

Amen!

[Tango125INF11b]

One of the MagPul guys, who is very trained, and has good enough discipline IMO, had an ND while trying to draw in a defensive pistol demonstration. This guy has had more training than me on the SERPA, and is specifically trained on the SERPA. If it can happen to him, it can happen to anybody. Like I said, I had a SERPA until today when I took it back. I don't feel like being "that guy" on the range, lol.