Cutting a Serpa - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

opskmallory · 07-09-2008, 08:28 AM

I bought a Blackhawk Serpa a few weeks ago. I'm struggling with the extended length of the holster, especially when carrying concealed or sitting down. Seems like a waste of plastic, and kills the concealment benefits of a 3" barrel when the holster is 4" long.

So, has anyone cut a Serpa to shorten it down to the SC barrel length. I'm considering it, but don't want to trash the holster. If you've done it (successfully or not) what method did you use, and how did it turn out (pics would be great).

Thanks.

BTW, I e-mailed Blackhawk 3 time asking them if they have any plans to make a 3" version for the XD. I have yet to get any reply from them.

UPDATE:

Well I decided to bite the bullet and do it. It turned out pretty good actually. I used a hacksaw with a 18 teeth per inch blade, a wire brush wheel on a bench grinder, and some 400 grit sandpaper.

I used some masking tape to mark it, then cut it with the hack saw. I ended up cutting it just a tiny bit short; just enough that when looking at it at 90 degrees, you just see the end of the guide rod sticking out. I also had to remove the little plastic stabalizer that runs in the small gap at the bottom of the dust cover. Not sure what it's used for. Removing it has not affected the stability of the gun in the holster or the security.

I used the grinder w/ wire brush to get rid of the shavings, and the sandpaper to finish it off. It's not a great job, but it's pretty good for my first try. And did not take nearly as long as I thought it would; about 45 minutes from start to finish. Much faster then waiting for Blackhawk to pull their craniums out of their rectums.

Here are pics.

The Knight Of Light · 07-09-2008, 08:54 AM

As long as it is not in any part of the holster that is part of the support structure, you should be OK. I have knocked down other plastic holsters before to make them faster or to allow a different gun to work with them. I used a dremmel cutting wheel and sanding wheels. Do it out side if you use a power tool. It is very, very messy

**mhillsing23** · 07-09-2008, 10:56 AM

It has been done by others here with no harm whatsoever. You always have to be careful when you get the Dremel out, but I would go for it. If you search, you may find some pics.

tomfoolery · 07-09-2008, 11:00 AM

I would suggest using a hacksaw over a dremel.....less messy. The dremel seems to "burn" the plastic, even on the lowest speed. Tape, mark, and hacksaw away. When you are done you can use some fine sand paper and clean it up. You could even paint the outsude when your done to get the "new" look.

I have cut several with no issues to report.

opskmallory · 07-10-2008, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomfoolery

I would suggest using a hacksaw over a dremel.....less messy. The dremel seems to "burn" the plastic, even on the lowest speed. Tape, mark, and hacksaw away. When you are done you can use some fine sand paper and clean it up. You could even paint the outsude when your done to get the "new" look.

I have cut several with no issues to report.

Any pics you can share?

Has anyone ever tried a band saw?

opskmallory · 07-18-2008, 08:22 PM

Did it. Pics up top for anyone considering the same.

mongoose33 · 07-19-2008, 06:51 AM

That turned out very nice. Excellent work.

I just ordered a Serpa, but I have the 4" Service, so I won't be cutting it down.

Modificationvt · 07-19-2008, 08:51 AM

I just picked my Serpa up from the post office, and was just thinking of cutting it down. It looks good, and I think I have found a prodject for tomorrow.

BaxterTheBunny · 07-19-2008, 09:02 AM

Excellent job! Looks great. I'm gonna have to consider that option now. Can you tell it makes that much of a difference when conceal carrying now?

**digitalexplr** · 07-19-2008, 09:29 AM

Very nice! I've been considering the same project. Now I don't have any excuse for not getting the project under way!

Thanks for the post and the pics!

07-09-2008, 08:28 AM	#1
opskmallory XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Spanish Fork, UT Posts: 363	Cutting a Serpa - CUT MY SERPA I bought a Blackhawk Serpa a few weeks ago. I'm struggling with the extended length of the holster, especially when carrying concealed or sitting down. Seems like a waste of plastic, and kills the concealment benefits of a 3" barrel when the holster is 4" long. So, has anyone cut a Serpa to shorten it down to the SC barrel length. I'm considering it, but don't want to trash the holster. If you've done it (successfully or not) what method did you use, and how did it turn out (pics would be great). Thanks. BTW, I e-mailed Blackhawk 3 time asking them if they have any plans to make a 3" version for the XD. I have yet to get any reply from them. UPDATE: Well I decided to bite the bullet and do it. It turned out pretty good actually. I used a hacksaw with a 18 teeth per inch blade, a wire brush wheel on a bench grinder, and some 400 grit sandpaper. I used some masking tape to mark it, then cut it with the hack saw. I ended up cutting it just a tiny bit short; just enough that when looking at it at 90 degrees, you just see the end of the guide rod sticking out. I also had to remove the little plastic stabalizer that runs in the small gap at the bottom of the dust cover. Not sure what it's used for. Removing it has not affected the stability of the gun in the holster or the security. I used the grinder w/ wire brush to get rid of the shavings, and the sandpaper to finish it off. It's not a great job, but it's pretty good for my first try. And did not take nearly as long as I thought it would; about 45 minutes from start to finish. Much faster then waiting for Blackhawk to pull their craniums out of their rectums. Here are pics. __________________ Glock 22, SAXD-40 Sub-Compact, SAXD-9 Service, Walther P22, DPMS LR-308 24" Stainless, RRA Tactical CAR A4 .223, Remington 870 Police Magnum CCW Holder & LEO Last edited by opskmallory; 07-18-2008 at 08:45 PM.

07-09-2008, 08:54 AM	#2
The Knight Of Light XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 8,819 Blog Entries: 12	As long as it is not in any part of the holster that is part of the support structure, you should be OK. I have knocked down other plastic holsters before to make them faster or to allow a different gun to work with them. I used a dremmel cutting wheel and sanding wheels. Do it out side if you use a power tool. It is very, very messy __________________ No Matter Where You Go, There You Are. USPSA #L3077 What a great number!!! http://theknightoflight.blogspot.com/ Creator of TOP 'O' THE PAGE!!! Moose Fight

07-09-2008, 10:56 AM	#3
mhillsing23 XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: +38 26 31 -90 22 48 Posts: 2,419	It has been done by others here with no harm whatsoever. You always have to be careful when you get the Dremel out, but I would go for it. If you search, you may find some pics. __________________ Governments tend not to solve problems, only to rearrange them. - Ronald Wilson Reagan

07-09-2008, 11:00 AM	#4
tomfoolery XDTalk 4K Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 4,441	I would suggest using a hacksaw over a dremel.....less messy. The dremel seems to "burn" the plastic, even on the lowest speed. Tape, mark, and hacksaw away. When you are done you can use some fine sand paper and clean it up. You could even paint the outsude when your done to get the "new" look. I have cut several with no issues to report. __________________ "It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees." "One is none, two is one, and three is just a good time." Clint Smith, referring to the number of guns you carry daily.

07-18-2008, 08:22 PM	#6
opskmallory XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Spanish Fork, UT Posts: 363	Did it. Pics up top for anyone considering the same. __________________ Glock 22, SAXD-40 Sub-Compact, SAXD-9 Service, Walther P22, DPMS LR-308 24" Stainless, RRA Tactical CAR A4 .223, Remington 870 Police Magnum CCW Holder & LEO

07-19-2008, 06:51 AM	#7
mongoose33 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 589	That turned out very nice. Excellent work. I just ordered a Serpa, but I have the 4" Service, so I won't be cutting it down. __________________ . Guns don't kill people--drivers on cell phones kill people. Occam's Razor: If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck. XD Service 9mm PRP Match Target trigger upgrade w/ Overtravel Stop M4 w/ CMMG Upper

07-19-2008, 08:51 AM	#8
Modificationvt XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Burlington Vermont Posts: 996	I just picked my Serpa up from the post office, and was just thinking of cutting it down. It looks good, and I think I have found a prodject for tomorrow. __________________ Since it has come up a couple times I figured I would put this here, I have a spelling/reading disability. Although it may cause some humorous posts by me, I hope that people can look past it and understand that what I say is no more valid/invalid just because it may be misspelled. If for some reason you want/need more specifics feel free to send me a PM.

07-19-2008, 09:02 AM	#9
BaxterTheBunny XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta Posts: 172	Excellent job! Looks great. I'm gonna have to consider that option now. Can you tell it makes that much of a difference when conceal carrying now? __________________ Control is an illusion. The only control we have is our response to people and situations. - K. Martin

07-19-2008, 09:29 AM	#10
digitalexplr XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Jefferson City, MO Posts: 569	Very nice! I've been considering the same project. Now I don't have any excuse for not getting the project under way! Thanks for the post and the pics! __________________ XD9sc "change is not a destination just as hope is not a strategy" - Sarah Palin

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode