Okay Jon, I have 5 Serpa holsters and have never personally had or even come close to an AD myself, but I am aware of some situations. So here are my additional 2 cents worth. First there was a design flaw in the rig for the S&W .45acp Military & Police model. A recall was issued immediately and problem solved. Point 2; The Draw. An AD can occur with the Serpa if the firearm is drawn wrong. The design requires the operator to place their finger flat along the side of the holster as if they are laying it in the "safe" position on the side of the frame or slide. The index finger should lay flat parallel to the barrel.
If the operator curves the finger in a 90 degree bend and pushes the release button with the tip of their finger rather than the pad (Same finger surface that should be on your trigger when you fire). Using the tip of the finger can cause an AD due to the fact that you will apply far more pressure with the tip of your finger than the pad and as the weapon is drawn it is possible for the tip of your finger to fall into the trigger guard and strike the trigger which could cause an AD on any striker fired weapon such as Glocks, S&Ws, etc or any other weapon without a hammer or manual safety. Guns with the long heavy double action triggers are far less likely to discharge as well as weapons with the manual safety engaged.
In the end it simply comes down to Train, then Train some more and when you are tired of training, Train some friggin’ MORE!
I hope this sheds some light on the subject for you. Dan
Aug 13, 2008 Rating
Serpa by: Jon
2nd hand info, heard about some negligent discharges in dealing with the Serpa Holsters.
My assumption on this is that the finger pressure required to depress release might cause someone who doesn't think about it, probably slides into the trigger well.
(which would be why the 2 cases I heard about resulted in thigh injuries)
