OWB SERPA Alternative

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 4:10 pm

Looking for an alternative to the SERPA I own, for my HK USP f .40 for Conceal Carry. After a few days of looking around, this was the best option I found:
FOBUS

any opinions on it?

Member **Founders Club** Joined: Dec 12, 2007 Posts: 4436

No active retention. They make one with retention, but it's a style where you push your thumb forward, not as natural as the Serpa. Why don't you like the Serpa?

I will say that Fobus paddle holsters are very comfortable.

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:55 pm

I like the 5.11 Tactical series holsters made by Blade Tech. I think they are the same as the Blade Tech Revolution. The one marketed by 5.11 comes with both a paddle and belt loop attachment, so you can choose the one you prefer. They have a deep cut in front that allows one to quickly clear the holster for a faster draw, and this is what I used on my last trip to Front Sight. However, if I was carrying OWB, I would probably want something with active retention to prevent a potential gun grab. For that, I use a Serpa.

Lieutenant Joined: Nov 12, 2009 Posts: 2429

what is it that you dont like about the serpa??

its well made and well worth the money natural draw adjustable cant

cant imagine what reason you have for trying to avoid serpa?

a reason would help us point you in the proper direction

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 6:57 am

I have 1 retention holder, all my other holsters have no active retention (probably have 8 or 10 holsters). Been carrying for roughly 25 years, nobody ever tried to grab my gun.

I've got several holsters like the one pictured, from different makers, plus at least 1 from Fobus. Some have adjustable cant, some are fixed. Some have plastic bodies, one has leather. At least one was thrown in the dumpster. I'm not a fan of any of them. I have yet to find any paddle holster of any brand that holds a gun properly and tight up against my body for daily carry. They are fine for going to the range but beyond that I have no real use for any of them.

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 6:22 pm

I was just looking for something that would be a bit more closer for better conceal. I lover my SERPA, just looking for something different I guess to switch it up a little

Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 12:52 pm

My Serpa came with both paddle and belt loop attachements. If yours did not come that way, you may be bale to order the belt loop attachment from Blackhawk. That should give you a tighter fit to the body. Otherwise, I like the 5.11 tactical series made by Blade Tech. Aslo has both attachment options.

Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 9:53 pm

melensdad wrote:

I have 1 retention holder, all my other holsters have no active retention (probably have 8 or 10 holsters). Been carrying for roughly 25 years, nobody ever tried to grab my gun.

I've got several holsters like the one pictured, from different makers, plus at least 1 from Fobus. Some have adjustable cant, some are fixed. Some have plastic bodies, one has leather. At least one was thrown in the dumpster. I'm not a fan of any of them. I have yet to find any paddle holster of any brand that holds a gun properly and tight up against my body for daily carry. They are fine for going to the range but beyond that I have no real use for any of them.

Buy a plane ticket and go to your closest airport. You'll get your "gun" grabbed unless you want it X-rayed!!!

Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 11:53 am

update to holster:
I went to the local shop and to pick up a SERPA concealed version but they did not have one. I looked at FOBUS and chose NOT too get that.
I came across a newer one: iTac I really like it but it unfortunetly does not woork well for Concealed Carry. It does not keep the firearm close enough to the body to prevent silhouetting. So I am going to return it and may have to go with a belt mount type.

Any suggestions regarding a belt optioned holster?
I like the raven but there is a large lead time on those..

Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 5:44 pm

Armed_OMS wrote:

My Serpa came with both paddle and belt loop attachements. If yours did not come that way, you may be bale to order the belt loop attachment from Blackhawk. That should give you a tighter fit to the body. Otherwise, I like the 5.11 tactical series made by Blade Tech. Aslo has both attachment options.

I find that the paddle attachment for my Serpa affords me better concealment than the belt loops. Haven't figured why yet, but it does. All that said, around my house, I use the MIC holdster for both my G19's. Way, way, way more concealable than the Serpa and CTAC that I have. And I love both of them also!!!!

Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 10:31 am

[quote="Dorkweed
I use the MIC holdster for both my G19's. Way, way, way more concealable than the Serpa and CTAC that I have. And I love both of them also!!!![/quote]

I would like to see a MIC for other firearms, not just Glock. I definitely would be interested. Although I think I have found my conceal carry holster: the Phantom by RCS

I was able to borrow my friends holster with his pistol for a few days to sample for wear and use, and its the one. Completely keeps the weapon snug to the body minimizing the carry profile (this was OWB). My buddy has the IWB attachements and uses it that way, but I was able to mod the change very quickly and have just placed my order..

After placing my order (yes I was that convinced) I surfed for some personal reviews and came across this additional info. I am providing here just in case others are curious.

Raven Concealment System Website

Excellent reviews found after purchase which furhter ensured I made the right choice:
Review 1
Review 2