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Sorry, the point I was trying to make is that most people would practice with a holster before carrying it for actual use. It is assumed that anyone who carrys a gun would continue to practice with it, his holster of choice and ancillary equipment.

Thankfully I'm not a security specialist out here. I do carry a gun 12-18 hours a day and have had opportunity to practice with it pretty much anytime I want. Security specialists in Afghanistan and Iraq are probably called upon to use their weapons more than most anyone I've known, certainly more than the average combat grunt in the warzones. I haven't met one yet whose abilities I've doubted. Most are former SEALS, Special Forces, Delta or Rangers. When it comes to training and using their weapons I'd put them at the top of the food chain. While I may not carry the same equipment they do, I respect their choices a great deal.

Back when I was in the military everyone was forced to carry the issued holster for their handgun. Out here, and in Afghanistan you see different rigs - usually purchased by the individual - worn by GI's and Marines (both officers and enlisted). Many of these troops opt for the Serpa; they are even for sale at the PX. I don't own a Serpa, and have no desire to. Obviously many professional gun handlers out in the war zones like them.

I think the Serpa is an excellent holster and have many friends and co-workers who use them. I really like the Comp-tac holsters and have been using one since the fighting started in Iraq and Afghanistan. I've never had any problem with them, and I'm sure the three I have with me will last til my time here is up - next summer!!

The Serpa is like any other gear, it has to be cleaned and maintained regularly to function properly. I could see a shooter who is used to using a passive retention holster like the comp-tac, sidearmor or fobus having some problems getting used to the Serpa. Use of any new equipment requires a bit of practice. As litigation sensitive as most government agencies are, if the holster was considered in any way to be faulty; there's no way its use would be allowed over here - and it is probably the most popular holster carried in the zones.

I don't know about shooting schools not liking them, but it seems like half the security specialists in Iraq and Afghanistan carry them. I don't think there's anything wrong with the holster; perhaps some of the users who have had problems didn't take the time to adequately train with the new rig.