Best Way to Carry Heat in the Backcountry???

Matt W.

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I really like the Safariland system for field use. No way that pistol is coming out. It takes a little bit to get the muscle memory down but once you do it works well. I practically wore the stock front sight off (cheap plastic) doing dry fire / draw drills. I upgraded to the Ameriglo Spartan Tactical sights (buddy has a sight pusher) and it literally took a few moments. Metal sights of some sort are a must have upgrade for Glocks, IMO.
 
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Depending on my mood, I either run a G20 in a Blackhawk Serpa set to cross draw config on my pant belt. (so it doesn't mate w/ my rifle butt.) Or a 1911 .45 Super in a sepra set the same CD way. I've also though about the Serpa QD Kit mounted to the week side shoulder strap on pack set crossdraw, but I'm worried about it flopping around.
Other times when I'm just out scouting packless I run the 1911 on a duty belt w/ a handmade holster.

I've been wondered about trying a compact UL pistol in a OPW Turkey Wing pocket on the shoulder harness as well.
Hunt'nFish

PS: I have to admit that Blade Tech Tek-Lok attatchment method looks interesting. I wonder if they are adaptable to the Serpa.. hole pattern wise?
 
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n2horns

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What a timely thread...I bought a Glock 20 2 days ago. I like the Serpa w/paddle idea.
I found one with just the paddle and another that has the paddle and belt loops. I don't see myself carrying this except hunting. Which one should I get?

Nice welcome to 10mm. Goto 10mm forum tons good info. Underwoodammo is top tier.
 

WyoElk

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329pd by chance? I just picked one up. Any suggestions on a holster?

I have a 329PD that I picked up a simply rugged pancake holster for. It's leather and offers great protection over the gun. It can be put on my waist or pack strap.
 

drthornton

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mk_v

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I have a 329PD that I picked up a simply rugged pancake holster for. It's leather and offers great protection over the gun. It can be put on my waist or pack strap.

Thanks for the suggestion I will take a look at that.
 

Matt W.

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I Googled the potential Serpa issues and apparently you could potentially slip you finger on the trigger when you pull it.

So Serpa guys do you think this a problem?
Thanks
Its probably a Safariland marketing trick, but I at least wanted someone new to the Serpa idea to be aware of the "debate"
 

SJ-AK

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Regarding the Serpa, its not marketing. Many high level trainers around the country will not allow Serpa holsters in their classes due to negligent discharge issues. Defoor Performance and TLG to name a couple.

The release mechanism can become easily jammed as well with dirt or sediment. I have seen that happen in a Redback One course. The topic of Serpa's was brought up and one participant volunteered to rub his Serpa holster in the dirt a little. I do mean a little too, he did not grind it into the ground. It jammed instantly and took tools to be able to remove the pistol and clean it. I wouldn't want to set my pack down, then later go to draw and find out the holster will not release.

Lastly, just because your local cops have them because they were the lowest bidder does not ensure a quality product. Many better options for both concealed and open carry than a Serpa.
 
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Matt W.

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My comment was in jest, I too have heard the same, but its not usually received well so glad you put it out there. ;)
 

SJ-AK

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My comment was in jest, I too have heard the same, but its not usually received well so glad you put it out there. ;)

I have been debating myself since this thread started regarding posting about Serpa's. There are always fanboys who defend a $40 piece of plastic like its their first born child. Rok Slide is a mature site and a few posters seemed interested so I put it out there.
 

Browtine

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Not a Serpa fan or fan of any locking holsters period. If you're not LEO, losing your gun to a bad guy while concealed or in the backcountry is not an issue. Any good kydex holster will provide plenty of retention without a locking mechanism.
 

SJ-AK

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Not a Serpa fan or fan of any locking holsters period. If you're not LEO, losing your gun to a bad guy while concealed or in the backcountry is not an issue. Any good kydex holster will provide plenty of retention without a locking mechanism.

I agree with you, however there are a few circumstances where a retention holster would be nice. Fighting through alders is one of them. Years ago I had a S&W 629 ripped from a holster while busting alders. Luckily I noticed and was able to find the stainless revolver pretty quickly. I don't use retention holsters in the back country, but I do check my pistol often when busting brush.
 
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While I don't at all care for a retention holster when carried on the hip, there are uses. For instance, I use a retention holster on my cross draw chest rig. If you have used a chest rig before, it's hard to find a system that will allow a smooth draw without pulling the holster along with the gun. A retention holster allows an easy draw in that kind of set up. Just push the button and have it drop into the hand. That's a bit of a specialty application though and the only place I use a SERPA for the reasons noted above.

Yk
 

swat8888

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I carry my 329PD in a Blade-Tech OWB with the Tek-Loc attachment. Great flexibility with the tek-loc attachment. I usually leave it on my pack waistband on the left-side. Makes it pretty easy to cross-draw (I'm a righty) when hiking should you stumble into big furry things. With the adjustable tension on the holster you can make sure its tight enough to not just fall out while busting brush...nice to have the option of customizing to your likes and different scenarios.
 

Matt W.

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Not a Serpa fan or fan of any locking holsters period. If you're not LEO, losing your gun to a bad guy while concealed or in the backcountry is not an issue. Any good kydex holster will provide plenty of retention without a locking mechanism.
I won't use the locking holster for daily carry. My M&P Shield or G19 ride in Kydex holsters from J&M Custom Kydex. They work just fine for their intended use, even have one for the G20 when I carry it concealed. But, when the in the woods, busting brush, floating rivers, throwing an ATV around, and the like I really like the Safariland set up. I've trained with it and always do a quick muscle memory refresher before hitting the woods with it. Its takes a bit to get the hang of it, but once you do its solid. (at least IMO)

I have been debating myself since this thread started regarding posting about Serpa's. There are always fanboys who defend a $40 piece of plastic like its their first born child. Rok Slide is a mature site and a few posters seemed interested so I put it out there.
The fact we can have discussions without insulting people's mother, manhood, etc. is why I am on Rokslide. Its ok to disagree and none of us know it all. Everyone's scenario is different and that's ok. Really appreciate the crowd here..

I carry my 329PD in a Blade-Tech OWB with the Tek-Loc attachment. Great flexibility with the tek-loc attachment. I usually leave it on my pack waistband on the left-side. Makes it pretty easy to cross-draw (I'm a righty) when hiking should you stumble into big furry things. With the adjustable tension on the holster you can make sure its tight enough to not just fall out while busting brush...nice to have the option of customizing to your likes and different scenarios.
I've heard good things about Blade-Tech as well. Assuming by your name you carry a projectile tool on a professional basis?
 

trophytaka

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For all you glock 20 guys, just curious what ammo ur carrying in the backcountry? Also do any of you run aftermarket barrels? Ive got a KKM Precision barrel that i swapped the stock glock barrel with and lately i been liking the Doubletap 230 gr hard cast bullets. Lemme know!
 

spdcrazy

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currently looking for a solution on this situation as well. cept with a stainless sig 1911 .45. i've used a leather itp holster for conceal carry and i've used in on the waist strap of my pack before, but i'l like something with retention of some sort.

was thinking of mounting it on my shoulder strap near my chest like some of you, but with a more secure holster. i guess i'll have to feel it out when my new pack arrives.
 

drthornton

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Very good info...I hope this sorta feedback is what Hellrazor intended and it is not derailed the thread.

I am no pistol guy by any stretch but to me it seems a locking type would be quite beneficial busting thru brush and trees while hunting.
 
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