BLACKHAWK!® SERPA® Instruction Guide1 Levels 2 & 3 and Light Bearing Duty Holsters 1 BLACKHAWK! and SERPA are registered trademarks of Alliant Techsystems Inc.
Congratulations! You have just purchased the most advanced synthetic retention duty holster on the market.
• Use this holster only with the specific firearm for which it is designed. Use of a firearm other than the one specified may greatly increase the likelihood of an accidental discharge or defeat retention characteristics.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 SECTION PAGE 1 PARTS AND NOMENCLATURE.............................................. 5 2 FIT AND ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS............................ 8 3 MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS................................................. 14 4 USE INSTRUCTIONS............................................................... 17 5 CARE INSTRUCTIONS............................................................ 22 6 WARRANTY INFORMATION.............................................
1. PARTS AND NOMENCLATURE Before using your SERPA® holster, it is important to know your holster’s nomenclature and how it functions.
LEVEL 3 SERPA® Jacket Slot Belt Loop Pivot Guard Thumb Release Pivot Guard Belt Loop Mounting Screws (one hidden from view) Finger Tray SERPA® Auto Lock™ Passive Retention Screw 6
LEVEL 3 LIGHT BEARING SERPA® Jacket Slot Belt Loop Pivot Guard Thumb Release Belt Loop Mounting Screws (one hidden from view) Pivot Guard Finger Tray SERPA® Auto Lock™ Passive Retention Screw 7
2. FIT AND ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS WARNING!: Do not attempt to place a loaded firearm into your SERPA® holster without carefully following these instructions with an UNLOADED firearm. 2.1 Proper Firearm and Holster Pairing Before you begin, look at the back of the holster body and confirm that you have the right size and model holster designed to fit your firearm. This holster is only compatible with the firearms listed on the back of the holster. If in doubt, contact us at 1-800-694-5263 or cs@blackhawk.
1. Loosen the passive retention screw until you can see a slight gap between the bottom of the screw and the surface of the holster body.
NOTE: Loosening the passive retention screw too far on Level 2 and 3 Duty Holsters will release the SERPA® rail adapter spring. If this occurs, simply place the spring back into position as depicted below and tighten the passive retention screw until there is a slight gap between the bottom of the screw and the surface of the holster body.
2. Insert an UNLOADED firearm into the holster until the SERPA® Auto Lock™ engages on the firearm’s trigger guard. For Light Bearing Holsters, make sure the Xiphos light is installed properly on your firearm before holstering. Make sure that no part of the holster interferes with the trigger, safety features, sights, magazine release, compatible accessories or any other part of the firearm. WARNING!: If your holster interferes with any of these parts of the firearm, DO NOT USE.
2.3 Level 2 SERPA® Auto Lock™ Test After properly adjusting the level 1 passive retention, test the SERPA® Auto Lock™ several times for proper functioning. Confirm the following: 1. When holstering, the SERPA® Auto Lock™ should engage the trigger guard with an audible “click.” 2. When seated inside the holster, the firearm should not rattle or move excessively. 3.
3. Release the Pivot Guard thumb release while holding the Pivot Guard closed. The Pivot Guard should stay in place. 4. Press the Pivot Guard thumb release again to release the Pivot Guard. The Pivot Guard should immediately spring away from the firearm and not interfere with the firearm as it is being drawn from the holster. 5. Repeat this process several times to ensure proper functioning. 2.
3. MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS 3.1 Mounting Platforms Options Your SERPA® Duty Holster is shipped mounted to a jacket slot belt loop or tactical platform, but can be mounted to a variety of different platforms to meet your specific mission requirements. NOTE: Never use concealment belt mounts on duty holsters as they are not designed for the rigors of duty use. 3.
NOTE: Do not tighten mounting screws with a power tool or otherwise apply excessive force. Doing so can damage your holster. • Routinely check mounting screws for loosening and tighten if necessary WARNING!: Do not use holster if a mounting screw is missing. Using with less than all three screws can weaken the holster’s retention properties. Contact BLACKHAWK!® for replacement mounting screws.
1. Remove belt loop mounting screws completely. 2. Spread the two straps of the belt loop open and slide over the duty belt at the desired location. 3. Push all the way down until the top of the duty belt is seated firmly against the inside radius of the loop. 4. Hand-tighten screws evenly and firmly. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. If using a torque screwdriver, tighten using a setting of 12 inch-lbs. 5. Push and pull on the holster to make sure it does not move on the duty belt.
2. Attach both leg straps by using the side-release buckles. Tighten straps by pulling on remaining straps. 3. For quick disconnect, use the quick-disconnect swivel buckles to allow superior flexibility and quick holster mounting and dismounting. WARNING!: Ensure that nothing on your duty belt, holster or clothing (e.g. drawstrings) interferes with the safe holstering and drawing of your firearm and functioning of your holster. 4. USE INSTRUCTIONS 4.
When holstering: • Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction. • Make sure the holster is free from any kind of obstructions that could engage the trigger. • Always look at your holster when holstering until you have gained proficiency. Civilians should never attempt to holster a loaded firearm without looking at the holster unless proficient in this technique and properly trained by a qualified instructor.
Holster in an emergency, but should not be relied upon for weapon retention. Light Bearing Holsters are only compatible with the Xiphos light. NOTE: Do not attempt to holster a firearm backwards into a SERPA® holster. The front sight on certain model firearms can become lodged on the rail spring and immobilize the firearm. 4.2 Carrying a Firearm in Your SERPA® Holster WARNING!: No holster can completely secure a weapon from unauthorized removal or falling out during certain physical activities.
training. During training, always carry your firearm with the slide locked back and with no magazine until you are in an active shooting exercise. WARNING!: The trigger on certain firearms is unavoidably accessible while seated in Light Bearing Holsters. Extreme caution must be used during a struggle to prevent an unauthorized person from accessing and pulling the trigger. 4.
finger tray with excessive force, or place your finger on the trigger or in the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Placing your finger on the trigger too soon can cause an unintended discharge and result in property damage and/or serious injury or death. 3. Draw the weapon with ‘safe master grip’ and your finger will naturally align on the frame of the weapon above the trigger guard. NOTE: The SERPA® Auto Lock™ is uniquely designed to immobilize your firearm if someone is attempting to disarm you.
strated ability to safely draw and holster a weapon quickly. Practice must include use under conditions of simulated stress and firearm retention techniques. Once attained, proficiency must be maintained through frequent practice and training. BLACKHAWK!® strongly recommends dry fire drills with an unloaded weapon as well as live fire exercises. 5.
• Ensure holster and all retention mechanisms are free from all dirt and other debris. • Check functionality of holster for proper fit, holstering, locking, retention, release and drawing, as specified above. 5.2 Cleaning/Decontaminating Your SERPA® Holster • Routinely clean your SERPA® holster with warm soapy water, rinse with fresh water and air dry. • Decontaminate your SERPA® holster with a 10% solution of household bleach in fresh water.
with incompatible firearms, modified firearms or firearms equipped with aftermarket accessories, or the failure to follow BLACKHAWK!’s warnings or care, use, maintenance, storage or handling instructions. All warranty claims must be made within 60 days of the occurrence of the defect and must be accompanied by proof of purchase. To make a warranty claim, call our customer service department at 1-800-694-5263 and follow the instructions on returning the product.
