Posted: 2/17/2007 7:53:10 AM EDT
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(for the XD anyways) I bought one yesterday at Gander Mtn since they had it in stock. It has a ton of slop to the retension, no matter how I adjust the screw. Its like they made one holster to fit all models of the XD (not going to work). It conceals like a gallon of milk. Sticks so far off my waist that I cant conceal it with a winter jacket and sweatshirt combo. And the paddle attachment has little tabs to keep the belt in place, while at the same time cutting the crap out of my hip. I was also able to bypass the SERPA lock, I adjusted the retension past a reasonable point, and then yanked the pistol right out of the holster. Returning it for sure. I like my FOBUS paddle holster a ton more than this overrated junk. |
| I really like my Serpa for my G23. Conceals fairly well under a coat/parka, but I am slender and anything on my 3 o'clock will show without proper cover. Never had a retention problem out of it, why don't you send it to Blackhawk? Maybe they will replace/repair it. |
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i have 2 for the xd both have been abused and held tight. the CQC on the paddle sticks out a good bit. the paddle i pretty much toss and only use it as a belt slide. keeps the rig closer and is easier to conceal. that said ANY OWB holster isn't the greatest for most ccw. as for the one sixe fits all on the xd. it really does. the cotact areas on the xd45 are the same size as the 9mm for holsters. i use both in mine with no problems. what ever you go with. GET RID OF THAT POS FOBUS before it breaks at a VERY bad time. |
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I use a Galco leather daily to carry a 4" xd, it conceals just about as easily as a 3" IWB. I love the galco, the only complaint is that the leather pieces under the belt dig into my side a little. As for the Fobus, I have beat the hell out of that thing and it has not given an inch. It retains well, is comfortable and concealable. I know they get a bad rap, but it is a nice cheap, tough holster that I am not afraid to abuse or lose. I dont think the CQC is broken, I think it is just a bad design. It does retain, just not as well as they claim. Blackhawk claims I could be picked up by my gun in the holster, but that would never work. Is anyone else using the CQC with a 4" 9mm XD? |
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I had an XD 9 tactical and used the paddle and it printed the worst (I also have one for 1911, G22, use aG20 for a M&P) and the fit was loose as you said but I have access to verry good double sided tape and cut a peice of 1" webbing and put it in the holster where the rail would rest and it took away all the play. I did not use it but once or twice but it seems like it would hold up fine but like you probally think also you should not have to do anything to it to make it a good fit. I had also tried 5 other serpa's at local stores and they were all loose, even on the XD 45's |
| That is the thing with the serpa ,and the reason I use and love it. When you put it on it has 2 belt "grabbers" and one inside pants "grabber" and WILL NOT come off easily. I some times have to take my pants off and then remove the holster from the pants. That is why I use the G20 for my M&P it was sloppy also and I had to put some webbing off to one side of the trigger to make it tight but with that it fits tight and I love it. I think if my pants and belt wouldnt break I could be lifted by the holster. |
+1 for the Galco leather. I too carry an XD and I have tried literally 10 dfferent holsters of all different types and manufacturers and the Galco leather, IMO, is the best when you want to combine comfort, concealability, retention, and ease of access. I have a buddy that uses the Serpa for duty work, which is probably fine since concealability is not an issue for him. I just cannot see the Serpa as a good rig for CCW. |
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I don't use my CQC for concealment. The XD rides in a Blade-tech IWB for that role. The CQC is for heavy-use on the range or if I need the easier on/off of a paddle. That being said, the CQC is not easy to take off, those hooks have a very firm grip on the belt and inside of the pants. The pistol does rock around a bit inside the holster, but there's no give in the retention device at all. |
I don't carry an XD, but I do carry my Springfield Armory TRP in a Galco Combat Master. Galco makes good leather for the money. Jay |
i'd want to fit the 1911 in the holster first. i have 3 1911's only the a1 and the kimber tactical lock firmly in the trigger lock. the other can be wiggled loose. on inspection they have slightly different shaped trigger guards. mike |
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Wow, it must be that time of the month... I use a Serpa for daily carry of my USP Compact and I use one with my Para P16 Limited when I shoot 3 Gun or some USPSA matches. Is the paddle the most concealable? No, but you just have to use your brain and adjust your choice of clothing to allow it to blend in, an untucked shirt works fine. (You dont want to wear and untucked shirt? That aint the holsters fault...) Of course its not going to be as descreet as an IWB (I carry my Commander in a Sparks Summer Special), but it will clear alot faster and is 100% on retention. The teeth on the paddle are a super design feature, they work almost too well...you show me a guy that pulls the paddle out with the gun and I'll show you a guy that cant put on his own pants, adjust the holster retension properly AND is not bright enough to push that little button. Thats a tough threesome, but I guess so... The Serpa is only about 10-15 hundreds slower for me than my CR Speed when I am shooting matches (I can draw and fire from the CR Speed in the low teens on a good day...) and for a carry holster with the level of retention that it has, thats pretty damn good. B edit to add: My Para holster is a 1911. Serpa is not made for the Para's...but Dremel's are widely available! 
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That was my fear. Thanks. |
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I returned it, test-fitted another one in the store that had the same slop. Also found that a SERPA holster that another store had has the same slop. Like I said, my fobus paddle holster is more concealable and has tighter retension than the CQC. And trust me, I have put it through the tough stuff, and it still failed to break. |