Blackhawk Serpa CQC with G19 - Practice

[BrianV]

Just got a new Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster for my G19 - first time working with a holster. Was going with the paddle vs belt setup - primarily for ease of putting on/taking off.

- where should I have the holster? Right at hip or closer to kidney?

- especially if at the kidney, should the holster be canted with grip forward? No real limit on shoulder flexibility, but I've had two surgeries on it, so pulling straight up repeatedly could get tough.

Straight vertical definitely doesn't lend itself to conceal for a G19, but I am looking to add a smaller conceal carry later (G43, Shield, P938).

Thanks, folks.


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[Monky]

paddle is typically made to wear at 3 or 9.. if you wanted to conceal a serpa is not the answer unless you plan on wearing a jacket in the summer.

[BrianV]

Primary goal with the Serpa was to get draw practice - will go with something else (suggestions welcome) when I go with the smaller carry. So, stick with 3 o'clock with no cant? When you mention 9 o'clock, is that intended for a right hand cross-draw?


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[Irving]

Really where ever you are most comfortable with. Start some where, and the exact location, and amount of cant will likely change a bit over time as you become more familiar with what you want, and what actually works. Start at 4 O'clock and a moderate amount of cant just to develop a baseline.

EDIT: I think Monky meant 9 o'clock for a left handed shooter.

[dan512]

Not to be that guy, but watch your trigger finger while drawing.
As far as placement practice in the position you will carry it. I am a big fan of 9 o'clock (I'm a lefty) with some sort of shirt of jacket as a cover garment, but that's just me.

[Irving]

Is this holster going to be for range work/drills/competition for now?

[BrianV]

That's another reason why I chose the Serpa - I like how it helps train that trigger finger since the holster release is where your finger needs to be as you draw. I've done dry fire practice with it, and that trigger finger runs along the barrel every time...with no temptation to slip into the guard.

Yes, this holster is going to be for range work and drills (I don't see competitions in my future). I may also carry, as open-carry or casually concealed, on the mountain trails...primarily as a deterrent to any of the larger wild life. I do see this particular gun and holster as difficult for conceal. I'm 5'-8", 32" waist, wear jackets but rarely go untucked with shirts unless it is a t-shirt.

[AirbornePathogen]

I run my Serpas at 3 o clock (Right handed shooter), canted forward one notch. But as Irving said, go with whatever's comfortable for you.

The Serpa does stick out from the body a good bit, especially on the paddle. I use both of mine on the paddle, generally in colder weather and/or when I know I'm going to have to take the pistol off at some point. And yes, make sure you practice proper drawstroke, as with any new holster.

[BrianV]

I'll experiment with that one notch cant, which is what I set it at, at the 3 and 4 o'clock.

Once I get the wife to go test shoot a few of the concealables I mentioned, which will double as my CC, then I'll ask this forum the best holster for true conceal. I'm not a fan of IWB that will require an extra 2" give in the waistline...so wonder if any good OWB holsters that are easily concealed. Question for a different day...


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[Monky]

9 o'clock if you're one of those freak lefty.

When I run OWB I prefer a cant. It seems to 'fit' better in vehicles for me. If you're just using it for practice/range then whatever feels best for you on the draw, just be sure to order the same cant on your new holster for carry. Muscle memory is a bitch to change.

I'll pretend that I don't randomly throw on holsters with different guns just to remember them 'should' i ever end up carrying them. Some of those sigs are dressy guns you know..