Another agency bans the SERPA

**orionz06** · July 12th, 2012, 10:27 AM

Look here... More problems with a holster that has known problems. Allow me a moment to take a picture of my shocked face.

http://pistol-training.com/archives/6921

Yet More SERPA Ban
12-Jul-12 – 10:23 by ToddG
Last week, the National Park Service banned the use of SERPA-style holsters by any of its more than 2,000 law enforcement personnel. It will come as no surprise to pistol-training.com readers that among the reasons listed was the propensity for accidental discharges, citing multiple instances at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center where such accidents led to property damage and/or injury.

Another issue listed in the NPS memo was the danger of debris getting into the holster mechanism thereby making it impossible to draw the gun. Especially given the incredibly wide range of environmental conditions under which NPS Park Rangers must operate across the country it is easy to understand this very real concern. (for a demonstration of this problem in a realistic training environment, see this video featuring Craig “SouthNarc” Douglas and the late Paul Gomez… note the language of the video may be NSFW)

Historically, these announcements are met by hardcore SERPA fans with cries that “I’ve been using a SERPA for six years and never shot myself once!” Perhaps it would be worth the time and effort to consider that a large federal law enforcement agency, between its own experience and the accumulated experience of the nation’s largest law enforcement academy, might have just a tiny bit more real world data to call upon for drawing conclusions.

In other news: SERPA-style holsters are still banned from all open enrollment pistol-training.com classes.

Train hard & stay safe! ToddG

**Noah_Zark** · July 12th, 2012, 11:55 AM

Nuru Wang Sherpa is sad.

Oh, you said SERPA . . . NEVER MIND!

Noah

**DennisH82** · July 12th, 2012, 12:10 PM

Lets see, Negligent discharges would be more appropriate and keeping ones booger hook off the bang switch works well. I guess all those quick draw drills in the mirror led to this

I have had a SERPA for ten years haven't shot myself yet I guess I am not trying hard enough.

**Pkspawn** · July 12th, 2012, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by DennisH82

I have had a SERPA for ten years haven't shot myself yet I guess I am not trying hard enough.

From the article linked to:

these announcements are met by hardcore SERPA fans with cries that “I’ve been using a SERPA for six years and never shot myself once!” Perhaps it would be worth the time and effort to consider that a large federal law enforcement agency, between its own experience and the accumulated experience of the nation’s largest law enforcement academy, might have just a tiny bit more real world data to call upon for drawing conclusions.

Just found your post funny since I saw it after reading the article.

**orionz06** · July 12th, 2012, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by DennisH82

I guess all those quick draw drills in the mirror led to this

What is a "quick draw"?

Are you suggesting slower is better when one needs a pistol? Enlighten me with your gunfighting experience for I have none. All I have surmised is that if by chance I need to use a pistol in self defense I will need it sooner than later.

**bac0nfat** · July 12th, 2012, 12:33 PM

Oh look it's another SERPA thread.

**bac0nfat** · July 12th, 2012, 12:41 PM

**orionz06** · July 12th, 2012, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by bac0nfat

...but you're right, we probably needed one more Serpa thread.

This one contains new information. Sorry if you don't like the info.

**Justin///M** · July 12th, 2012, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by orionz06

Look here... More problems with a holster that has known problems. Allow me a moment to take a picture of my shocked face.

http://pistol-training.com/archives/6921

Here's my give a shit face.

**bac0nfat** · July 12th, 2012, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by orionz06

This one contains new information. Sorry if you don't like the info.

No, the info doesn't bother me. I personally don't like Serpa holsters, but I don't go out of my way to try to convince people that they are inferior. Every time this comes up (which is a LOT) it turns into a huge pissing match just like CC vs. OC, or 9mm vs. 45, or AR15 vs AK47. We really need to drop the whole Serpa issue and move on.