Does anyone have any experience with the Blackhawk Serpa carbon fiber-kydex holster ? I'm considering one, but I heard it scratches the gun. Since this is my personal gun, I don't want it if it scratches the gun.

I use two of them for IDPA, one for a Glock and the other for an M&P. No scratches, but then again, the bearing surfaces are polymer.

I've used them for years. No scratches so far.

Plastic is softer than all gun finishes. The scratching that folks complain about is caused by dust and grit. It is good advice to keep your holster clean. For plastic holsters in dusty environments you might want to consider anti static spray.

I use one for my P229 when I'm on the motorcycle. I love it. I'm right handed, but wear left-handed while on the bike. I can draw from the Blackhawk easily, and I like the retention element it provides.

I defeated the static factor by wiping the inside of mine down with a used dryer sheet. Repeat as necessary. Been using mine for over a year now. No issues with the finish on my pistol yet.

I have one for my 1911 and Paras. Love it. I plan on getting one for my G17 and maybe P226 also.

Scratching has been addressed. Keep the holster clean. If your finish scratches, it isn't much of a finish to begin with.

Craig

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TSE:
Plastic is softer than all gun finishes. The scratching that folks complain about is caused by dust and grit. QUOTE]

well sort of ...maybe

My serpa has made some holster wear on my WC CQB. I use it in USPSA Single stack so it gets a lot of draws. This is due to the lightest rub on the top of the slide during draw. At rest I think it just barely touches the frame at this point.

I've been considering taking my dremel to it however.

FWIW - I still use/love the serpa and it defies logic almost how fast it draws...once you practice with it you'll swear you never told your finger to press the button.

Even rock can be cut by water...ymmv

I use one for my 226. No scratches at all. Very good holster.

I have carried them for duty and off-duty. No scratches here. They are solid performers

I have one, but having tried jljones' Safariland 6378 Automatic Locking System holster, I definitely prefer the Safariland.
It also has suede lining. Your thumb goes right to the tab to unlock it, it seemed more foolproof than the SERPA.

I have the Blackhawk for my 226 and it has a smooth draw. I particularly like the retention lever.

Thanks AZtrigger for your tip on using a dryer sheet for its anti-static capability. I will try that on my Blackhawk holster!

the safariland 6378 is a very nice holster if you prefer a thumb release and it's release is more resistant to dirt entering it.

i find the Serpa holster faster in establishing a full master grip and the release more natural

I have 3 Serpa's, and for the most part, am very impressed. They work great for my 228 and 229. They are very tight for my 220 Carry, to point I don't use it.

I also have one for my Colt Combat Commander, and other than the fact they only make Govt moldel length and I have more holster than I need, it is also very fast yet secure. They are not the greatest for concealment, but excellent multi purpose holsters, especially for range competition.

I've been using one for my G19, to carry back and forth to work for 4 months now. Actually the majority of my class uses it w/ no complaints thus far.

I have one for my 226 and one for my J-frame.
Great retention while riding motorcycle, bicycle, or the tractor.
Any holster will casue wear marks if used enough but so far I have no complaints with the Blackhawks.

Have Em....Love Em....No Scratches to date. YMMV

I currently own four serpa's and no problems with any. I have been using them several years and have never scratched or damaged a gun in any way.

I prefer to use the Blackhawk CQC with SERPA with my SIGs. I like the idea of the retention. At first it took a little practice to get used to it, but I soon got used to it.

When I stopped focusing on the lever, I was able to draw better and more consistantly.

As far as frame wear, I haven't had any problems with my nitroned SIGs. I use one for a P229R and one for a P226R.



Here is the release lever.



It doesn't really touch much of the pistol.



This is how it sits in the holster.

The Blackhawk CQC with SERPA holsters will work with both the railed and non-railed SIGs. The only issues that I've had are that the trigger guard of my P220ST with older style rails doesn't allow the retention to grab it easily. Otherwise, it is a fine holster.

I have four Sherpas and they have been terrific. I have used both the "OWB" and the "paddle" features. I first thought the "paddle" would not be for me, but it works extremely well. I often spray the inside of the holsters with silicone lube spray...it makes the pistol slide better.
Grayhawk

my 220st has what i guess i could call a lot of scratches from my serpa. everywhere the holster contacts the gun the factory finish is gone . what you see is very shiny stainless versus the non glare finish from sig.i will try to post pics tommorrow bu i feel like this is from the holster itself because the wear is very uniform. its not random like i thought dust would cause. both sides of the slide have shiny wear all the way back almost to the rear of the barrel. this is on bottom half ef the slide where the gun is widest and contacts the holster. the wear here is very uniform. the trigger gaurd on the right side has about 80 percent of the factory finish gone. this stops in straight uniform lines. the frame has contact in the front with both sides and also has wear.the marks from the serpa are the same kind of marks you see under the decocker and going in a circle under the takedown lever. i shoot the guns i own so finish blemishes dont break my heart, but i plan on robar when i can afford it so my favorite gun will be like new again. it is mho that that this is because of the stainless finish with serpa . glocks tenifer coating and sigs nitron must be fine. i have a p22 in a fobus and it has no problems. anyone else experienced this with stainless? try to get pics tomm.