[Bill in San Jose]

I just returned from 9 days of archery elk hunting in Colorado, carrying my XD45 compact in a Blackhawk Serpa cqc with the paddle attachment. 99% of the time I had a 20+ pound backpack with water/ gear in it, which has a padded hip belt which 'rode' on my hip, just above the holster. Hiking hard up/down mountains, climbing over blown-down trees, crouching, sitting- you name it.

I want to say I never knew I had a holster on my hip, many times I'd reach down to just "make sure" it was still there, and the gun was accessible for bear/cougar problems if they had arisen. All I saw was bear and cougar skat in the national forest, so there was never a need to use it.

A great product, I recommend it highly. Here's my combo, I did a home-camo job on the Blackhawk with Krylon flat camo paint and some leaves as a template.

 

[So Flo]

I've got that holster for my 1911's and I agree, quite possibly the best belt/paddle holster of that type and style on the market!

 

[mhillsing23]

I am a huge fan of the CQC Serpa as well. The paddle and mount is very secure, and the retention system is solid as well. If I am going to be moving, hiking, climbing, etc. there is no better holster. Can't beat the price either!

 

[BaxterTheBunny]

Awesome paint job. I love mine. If conceal carry isn't an issue I'd highly recommend it.

 

[Bill in San Jose]

Thanks on the paint job comment. If you look carefully, before painting I put a small piece of the camo grip tape (I found it at a local skateboarding shop in a mall, talk about a cross-cultural experience ) and put it on the release tab on the Blackhawk, it's a bit more tactical when I reach for the holster.

 

[mhillsing23]

Putting grip tape on the release...

 

[plinker]

I switched from a safariland piece of stuff to the Serpa II cqc holster. Much more practicle!