Also, plastic holsters destroy the finish rapidly.
I have one for an HK USP. I rarely use it. Mainly because I don't want to destroy the protective finish.
So what holster do you use CV?
Most of my holsters are quick slide leather holsters. Very minimalist type of holster. Galco, Bianchi, and Dan Hume all offer this type. I prefer this type of holster for ease of use and because it holds my pistol close to my body.
As The Q said, at MOC events, I will use a leather holster with a thumb break. I do this to demonstrate retention. I don't want to promote and advocate the use of a retention holster, while at these events, and then not be utilizing one.
Often times I also carry my stainless1911 (not to be confused with brainless1911) Mexican style. I DO NOT carry my Glock, or any other double action type gun, like this.
I thought the Serpa was the greatest thing until I saw the effects on the finish. I recently bought an HK USP that had 1200 rounds fired. And it was obviously very slightly fired. But because the original owner had holstered and unholstered it in a Serpa, there was a small wear mark to bare metal on the slide. And HK has one of the most durable finishes. Capable of withstanding saltwater baths, burying in ground, freezing in solid water, etc.
A friend with an XD has almost no finish left on it from less than a year of everyday carry in a plastic holster. The metal is shiny to the point of almost appearing to be polished stainless.
Leather will also cause wear marks. But I have not seen the same degree of finish degradation with any leather holster over extremely long periods as I have seen with the use of a plastic holster over extremely short periods.
There is also a lot of documented (youtube and forum discussion) experiences of the Serpa locking up with a small amount of snow or dirt in the lock mechanism. Many instructors will not allow them in their training courses.
