Leather Holsters are outdated.

[2506]

Depends on the gun. Glock? Get a kydex or the like. Big single action? Leather.

 

[turq]

I only use leather Blackhawk or neoprene

I have no noisey kydex, never even tried it, never will.
Brianchi is good also ; B5H thumbstrap.

 

[Pops1911]

All of my 1911s ride comfortably in leather. Anything less would be ... well ... uncivilized.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Are leather holsters outdated...?
Sure...kinda like most people's TV , Phone , Computer , etc...
That said...

Just because something is old or outdated , don't mean that it still don't work for its intended purpose.
One of my "newest" guns is a 1981 dated Remington Wingmaster ...So far the clay birds , soda cans and stray spent shot shells don't notice any difference if they are hit with shot fired from a 38 year old shotgun or one made 5 minutes ago...
Andy

 

[RedRover]

For the most part, my plastics go in plastic/nylon holsters/cases, my metal and woods (wheels & levers) go in leather holsters/scabbards.

Something about Kydex holsters for my GP100 and Redhawk seems plain wrong. A good leather holster (hand molded for the model its intended for) stays plenty stiff w/ proper retention(w/ or w/out a thumb break).

 

[Mister Bisley]

Kydex is new to me, just the last couple of years... Otherwise, it's leather all the way baby... Like the feel, touch, smell and squeak of leather....

My sentiments exactly

I own a few Kydex sheaths that came with some of the knives that I own, but my pistols go in leather. Although, I was thinking about trying out a kydex holster for my new VP9 just for kicks.

 

[66PonyCar]

All my IWB and OWB holsters are leather. I have two pocket holsters that are not leather. One is for S & W 642 and the other for a Ruger LCP II. I once bought a Blackhawk holster and just didn't like the sound it made when drawing and reholstering. I sent it back for a refund. I guess I'm a Luddite!

 

[DirectDrive]

I can see Kydex for IWB.
But it has to take a little "hide" off your gun's finish each time you holster.
OK for a working gun I suppose, but for a nice gun I want leather.

 

[Boboclown]

The FAL is outdated (should have been an intermediate cartridge), but its still the rifle for me.

And luckily mine is Austrian so I don't gotta wear short shorts.

 

[L84Cabo]

It's funny...I love everything about a high quality leather holster. I truly respect the time, labor and craftsmanship it requires to make a truly good leather holster.

Buuuuut, I greatly prefer carrying in kydex.

 

[orygun]

IWB leather? Does it keep it's shape?

If it's a good one it does. Mine was purchased used about 10 years ago. It's outlasted a couple of very good leather belts.

 

[orygun]

Comparing kydex to leather is like comparing a polymer pistol to an all steel one.
I've only had one kydex holster and thought it sucked, but I have several leather holsters I love.
Most of my handguns are steel, but there's a couple of polymer handguns we use.

It's all up to the user's preference.

 

[Pete F]

My favorite are Safariland 568 paddle. I have three, one for my 1911 and one each for my Tanfoglios. It is made of leatherlike material that doesn't absorb moisture and has a soft interior. They also can be mounted using a belt only.

I only have one kydex - a Fobus that I bought for my PPK/S. The gun rattles around in the holster and is almost impossible to overcome the retention. You would think that fitting a PPK/S wouldn't be difficult, but I will never buy a Fobus again.

I am really starting to like the paddle type holsters - easy in easy out. They are also very comfortable.

 

[GWS]

There used to a custom leather shop behind one of my favorite gun shops in San Jose. Digardi Leather. Something special about leather holsters made to your specs.
And kydex is useful indeed, but I really like my leather.

But I really did like my Mad Dog "Taylor Thunder" kydex holster.
And it appears I also like dropping names...

 

[Member 5605]

I have a leather holster for every pistol I can find one for.

 

[DB is Here]

Really appreciate the info, I'm definitely going to look into getting a few leather holsters to try, love the passion some have shared about the subject.

 

[leadcounsel]

Both have their place. My holsters are about 75% leather and 15% Kydex and 10% "other/hybrid."

I mostly carry leather for comfort, fit, longevity. It costs more but lasts longer. Kydex is cheaper, thinner, and lighter. But I believe leather will out last as the Kydex can break. And I detest the noise.

I can see that a generation of gun owners that switch guns often and routinely "upgrade" guns needs new holsters and Kydex fits a niche.

One advantage of leather is that a "generic" leather will fit many similar platforms. Some of my leathers will fit 5 different guns of similar size. Kydex is molded to a gun so generally just 1 option.

 

[gmerkt]

I don't carry concealed or open routinely. But when you need to carry, a holster is essential to free your hands up. I have different kinds. I don't do fast draw, so don't have any of those. Mostly leather. For years, I favored the simple Hunter Holster in the numbered series. Have a couple of Bianchi black nylon with the little red tab, thought those were cool when they came out. Never thought I'd like the plastic paddle holsters. Now I have three, one each for 1911, Glock 19 & 23, and Smith & Wesson K series. I didn't know my crappy paddle holster material had a name beyond, "black plastic." Kydex is new to me but I guess I have some. Turns out I kinda like the paddle holster design.

My favorite, plain old G.I. flap holster for 1911. Hung on a web pistol belt. Easy to strap on and take off. I have a navy blue web belt so it doesn't look too army-like. The belt has a well-worn Boyt 1955 holster hanging from it. I've had that holster since the 1960's.

"Getting strapped," that's what the boys call it now when they are carrying.

 

[nwslopoke]

You spelled high bred wrong. Now pass the grey poupon.

I didn't spell it wrong. I spelt it like a man (If spell check didn't correct me, I'm good!).

 

[DB is Here]

I didn't spell it wrong. I spelt it like a man (If spell check didn't correct me, I'm good!).

Now that's funny.