Banning the SERPA

[Jason M]

HCM posted while I was still slow typing!

It took me a long time to build the courage to AIWB carry. As stated in my previous post, I will only do so with a proper holster and with a pistol that I can monitor striker/hammer movement when re-holstering. Going from behind-the-hip carry to AIWB is a journey worth taking, but IMO only for those willing to learn and make the commitment to do so safely.

I did it long ago with 3rd gen TDA S&W pistols. Then....Glock. No hammer to ride with my thumb. Switched to 3:00 carry. I tried the P30 LEMs but, I had to live and work in a Glock world. Ended up deciding on Beretta for TDA guns (Better availability of stuff, thanks to EL!) and have equipped all of my Glocks with Gadgets. So AIWB is a thing for me again. IMHO, the lessons of tilting the body in a way that prevents covering oneself while re-holstering, looking the gun into the holster, removing dangly things that foul your holster from your gear, and re-holstering slowly are universal best practices. The TDA/striker movement indicator equipped guns and quality holsters add a layer of safety to any position/mode of carry.

[2xAGM114]

Banned by the USAF for SF and AFOSI

DoD bought SERPAs by the tens of thousands. I used one in CATM (pistol Q course) last month.

Until an airman's death can be directly attributed to the SERPA, they'll keep issuing them.

[BillSWPA]

question: how many people have shot themselves carrying AIWB? would like some numbers to go with that venn diagram.

While I do not know the specific numbers, it is enough so that AIWB is banned from classes taught by at least some well-regarded instructors.

I have been very happy with IWB at 3:30 and that is not changing any time soon.



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[orionz06]

While I do not know the specific numbers, it is enough so that AIWB is banned from classes taught by at least some well-regarded instructors.

Is that due to actual reports of ND's or knee jerk reactions?

[HCM]

Is that due to actual reports of ND's or knee jerk reactions?

Most likely many people who are just jumping into AIWB because it’s trendy and literally “doing it wrong.”

[HCM]

While I do not know the specific numbers, it is enough so that AIWB is banned from classes taught by at least some well-regarded instructors.

I have been very happy with IWB at 3:30 and that is not changing any time soon.



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There is nothing wrong with AIWB done right. Two biggest issues I see are:

1) People who AIWB improperly in terms of technique, mindfulness and crappy holster selection

2) People who are too fat / have too much gut pushing the grip out and resulting in the muzzle pointing back into their body.

[BehindBlueI's]

Is that due to actual reports of ND's or knee jerk reactions?

Third option: Not worth the liability.

[orionz06]

Third option: Not worth the liability.

That's the more honest one. Not nearly as cool for someone to say though so instead we get the bullshit response.

[BillSWPA]

Is that due to actual reports of ND's or knee jerk reactions?

If I recall Larry Vickers’ post on M4Carbine correctly, he did not want to join the growing list of instructors who had a student shoot themselves while reholstering AIWB.

I do not fault that decision one bit.

I have personally discouraged people from using Serpa holsters, but playing devil’s advocate, the same argument that is made for AIWB could be made for the Serpa: those who had an accident were not doing it properly.

Just like the discussion of the 4 rules of gun safety, our procedures should not require absolute perfection in order to avoid injury. Instead, they should provide more than one layer of protection against injury.



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[orionz06]

If I recall Larry Vickers’ post on M4Carbine correctly, he did not want to join the growing list of instructors who had a student shoot themselves while reholstering AIWB.

Do we have a list of folks who've had ND's in classes?