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papajohn1964 wrote:Whats wrong with Serpas? I have a level III and I like it, of course the only thing I have to compare it to is a Uncle Mikes that we were issued at Ft Sam for our M-9s, I hated the twist thing on those....

The Serpa mechanism design has bothered me for a while because of using the trigger finger to press inward on the release. One came with my M&P40, and even though I didn't like it I practiced with it for a while because I hate being uncomfortable with any equipment I have. Some people claim that "sweeping" the release is the way to go, but my fingers must be built differently because it doesn't work consistently for me. I still require a light press to release the gun.

One day I was practicing, and concentrating specifically on keeping my finger indexed along the frame. I don't know if I had a slightly different grip, a slightly different angle on the draw that made me "twitch" or what, but the instant my gun cleared the holster my finger snapped into the trigger guard and pulled the trigger halfway back before I could recover

I've heard stories about it happening but wasn't sure if people were trying to cover for stupidity. But if I can be concentrating specifically on NOT doing that and STILL do it, there's no way I'd use that same holster under stress. It might be my build, my finger length/design, or some other factor, but I just can't trust that design. I've had no issues with other holsters that don't require any trigger-finger manipulation, and I'll be sticking with those. I'd rather it stay straight out and use my thumb to release a hood or push a button.

Hope that made sense. If you do carry a Serpa, I just recommend that you practice with it a LOT.

EDIT: I've also met/seen a LOT of military guys who use/recommend the Serpa. Now that I'm here in Afghanistan, I've been to a couple of PX's and seen that they're usually the only holster available... which explains a bit (to me anyway). I can't see a lot of the guys ordering a more expensive holster when that one is right in front of them. I could be wrong though.

Disclaimer: I am far from an expert, and these are simply my personal feelings.

If you hate people (like me), it's hard to beat night shift security though. My current job feels more like WalMart than any security job I had

TXCshooter, as Papajohn said a G19 is fine. As for the holster, I have a Safariland 6360 that I LOVE (Level III)... takes barely any practice to be proficient with it (that does NOT mean stop practicing though) and though it's a little on the expensive side, it's solidly built and worth it IMHO. If you have to skimp on anything, make it your glove holder, key holder, handcuff holder, ANYTHING but the holster (that means no Serpas! Bad security guard, BAD! *smack with newspaper* ).

As for the industry, try Linkedin and Craigslist. Make connections. You can find jobs that pay well.. my last one was working night shift at Austin Country Club; very quiet and peaceful. Prior to that, night shift at a DFW office building... again, quiet and peaceful. Some of the jobs definitely suck, but some are awesome. The pay is rarely going to be over 30k, but I can live off of that just fine.

I have a weird feeling that I'll be doing that again at some point in the future when I'm tired of sand

txcshooter wrote:I'm considering on becoming an armed commissioned security guard, my question is what equipment is issued to you besides the uniform, if any?

That is HIGHLY dependent on the company. Some require you to use their weapons and gear, some require you to have your own. You should find out their requirements first.

I have my own set of duty gear in case I ever have to go back to security. I highly recommend doing the same... it's not that big of an investment.