Law Enforcement Technology

FEB 2014

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29 www.officer.com February 2014 Law Enforcement Technology F I R E A R M S TA C T I C S BLACKHAWK! SERPA holster: the level 3 retention product, which includes their Pivot Guard device, a hood over the back of the slide; and the SERPA Level 2 holster, which has the SERPA locking device and a straight draw. The design of the SERPA holster, or the SERPA Technology Active Retention Models, allows users master grip on the gun while the trigger finger rides alongside the hol- ster. The pad of the trigger finger engages the release, which is a latch mechanism that grips the trigger guard. The SERPA design allows for a very lightweight platform, especially with the injection molded carbon fiber composite used in its manufacture. The holster bod- ies are semi rigid and allow for mounting on different platforms. If the user wants a jacket slot, high ride or even thigh mount, the SERPA can do it. Probably one of their best mounting options is the fact that the vest carry option is particularly smooth and lightweight. The latch mechanism is quite strong, able to sustain grab attempts and sub- sequent struggle for the gun without problem. It is impervious to water, but the potential for material to get behind the mechanism, locking the gun in or out through a trapped foreign object, exists. We were not, however, able to induce fail- ure, except when we deliberately placed something there. The SERPA draw is smooth and fast. OK, it's really fast. The reholster is instinctive, and the device does resemble "active retention." During live fire, the SERPA was quick and smooth. However, we all had some reservations. Since one presses one's trigger finger along the area where the trigger finger naturally rests, one has to train to resist curling the fin- ger into the trigger guard under stress. Trigger fingers should be reserved for making the gun go bang and writing the report that follows. The Level 3 SERPA (We specifically used the 44H100BK-R LV3 Duty model) has a hood which fits over the back of the slide, further preventing unauthorized access. A huge treadle removes it, and the simple motion of the thumb acquiring the grip actuates the treadle. We found that beginning the draw stroke is enough to flip the Pivot Guard, which is the nomenclature for the hood. It was as natural as any holster use and added to the quality and safety of the product. The only criticism of the Pivot Guard we had was the fact that one could not simply close it back onto the gun without pressing the treadle again. It wasn't exactly a two-handed opera- tion, but closing it was not as natural as opening it. In comparison, the hood on Circle 58 on Reader Service Card LET_26-30_FirearmsTactics0214.indd 29 1/24/14 12:31 PM

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