Have a m&p 9c that I have been wanting to have as my edc. I am getting an iwb holster. My issue is this: Leather does not have the retention that a kydex holster would have. On the other hand, kydex is much harder on a guns finish (vs leather). What are your thoughts?
leather or kydex holster for 9C????
- Thread starter Justin69
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Rastoff
US Veteran
What makes you think that?
Any holster worth using must have certain properties:
- Comfortable to wear.
- Retains the gun.
- Covers the trigger.
- Rigid enough to hold the gun without it moving around.
- Must stay open to allow one hand re-holstering.
If a holster meets those qualities, then you're good to go. Any quality holster will not be cheap. So, be prepared to pay a little more now so you don't have to do it again for a long time.
Kydex is faster and more rigid. Leather is more comfortable and easier on the finish.
I like these: R Grizzle Leather - Home
PastureOfMuppets
Member
Rasstoff summed it up.
I would add… depends as well how you are carrying and what you want. Leather backing with a Kydex front is really popular for comfort, practicality and cost.
I would add… depends as well how you are carrying and what you want. Leather backing with a Kydex front is really popular for comfort, practicality and cost.
May work for you but surely not for me. Moons ago I aiwb a Bersa with it, the gun almost fell out when I bent down to try on a shoe. The plastic clip is next to useless. But ..... YMMV.
Edit - noted it is a BH in the pix, mine was an UncleMike, but they sure look identical.
Edit - noted it is a BH in the pix, mine was an UncleMike, but they sure look identical.
i have a blackhawk nylon IWB holster. its pretty comfortable and doesnt move at all.
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+1 with Rastoff. Just one more to add : IMO, while both function as good, one advantage goes to kydex is the reducde thickness compare with leather.
btw, I am a leather person, the only non-leather rigs I own is a Ramora for pocket and a BlackHawk for USPSA shoot.
btw, I am a leather person, the only non-leather rigs I own is a Ramora for pocket and a BlackHawk for USPSA shoot.
Rastoff
US Veteran
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is an IWB for a lefty, correct?
Cheap holsters like these are very tempting, but not great for carry. Sure, they hold the gun, but they collapse when the pistol is drawn. This will then require two hands to re-holster. Take one of these holsters to any self defense class and you'll quickly discover the short comings.
ur correct. im a lefty. im new to the conceal carry world. i just went to a local gun shop and told them i needed a holster. he didnt have many options.
smokey0118
Member
why choose leather OR kydex? Why not go both with a hybrid holster. Lots of different companies make them and I'm fond of the design. The leather backing is comfortable against your skin once it breaks in and forms to you. The kydex shell makes 1-handed reholstering easy, has excellent retention(which a properly fitted leather holster will also have), and can even be used for 1-handed manipulations of the pistol.
My personal hybrid is a desantis model, but only because I found it online for about $30, which beat out the crossbreed price at the time. The finish on m&p's is pretty tough, and who gives a **** if it gets worn? It would be like getting upset that tools in the garage got oil or grease on them. If a gun is being used, it'll have some battle scars and holster wear.
Lately with winter-carry, I've been opting for owb in a full-kydex persec holster for my full-size m&p45. OWB is definitely more comfortable to move around with, and gives you better access to the gun...and since it's winter, I can just conceal it with a garment of some kind without overheating.
NCW Ray
Member
Check out the Bianchi Model 135 Suppression™ (IWB) Holster.
It has leather laminated inside/outside a thermal-molded synthetic core.
I've been wearing it daily for going on a year now and couldn't be happier.
Here's a pic.
It has leather laminated inside/outside a thermal-molded synthetic core.
I've been wearing it daily for going on a year now and couldn't be happier.
Here's a pic.
Rastoff
US Veteran
This is not uncommon for us lefties.
Please don't misunderstand me, that holster is OK. There are just much better options out there. Obviously you need something to get started and that's as good as anything. However, I would suggest looking into something a little more sturdy for the long haul.
Also, don't forget the value of a good belt. I use one of these:
Uncle Mike's Reinforced Instructor's Duty Belt 87691, 87671, 87681, 87692. Uncle Mike's Belts.
The polymer reinforcement makes the belt very stiff and it holds the weight of the gun nicely. They can be had for less than $30.
dannybot
Member
For OWB you could try the Blackhawk! Askins leather holster. It retains well enough I have used it for USPSA and even 3gun on an extremely dynamic range, with hundreds of yards running changing positions including prone and kneeling with no hint of gun slippage.
BLACKHAWK! Compact Askins Leather Concealment Holster - BLACKHAWK!
The downside is that I believe it has been discontinued and mat be hard to find.
BLACKHAWK! Compact Askins Leather Concealment Holster - BLACKHAWK!
The downside is that I believe it has been discontinued and mat be hard to find.
The BladeTech Nano is a good option:
Inside the Waistband
Another that looks good but I haven't tried is the PJ:
IWB Clip on Belt Loop | PJ Holster LLC
Inside the Waistband
Another that looks good but I haven't tried is the PJ:
IWB Clip on Belt Loop | PJ Holster LLC
sipowicz
Member
the soft material gets pliable fast...and can fold into the trigger guard...not good for a striker fired gun...go with something rigid.
As a fellow Southpaw, I can commiserate. Try finding a left handed IWB for a K Frame Snubby! Or an OWB for an M&P 45C.
I had one of those cloth ones. The first time I drove with it on was the last time I used it. The gun worked it's way 3/4 out of the holster and did fall out when I got out of the car.
I own two great holsters from Lobo Gun Leather,one IWB, one OWB. Priced similar to the off-the-shelf Galco/DeSantis/Uncle Mike. Made to your specifications and 5 week lead time. Yeah, I'm a Fanboi!
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i didnt take any offense rastoff. ive been having issues finding things for lefties since 1983. i throw right handed lol once this one gets worn out ill look around. i knew when i got it that it wasnt a permanent holster. i havent had any issues with the pistol trying to come out but its only alittle over a week old. im sure it will happen.
readyme24
Member
I have had both, and personally only have kydex.
I like the Raven (or Raven style) pancake holster. It is strong, durable, conceals, stays open and is comfortable...and with a quick hardware change you can have OWB or IWB.
I like the Raven (or Raven style) pancake holster. It is strong, durable, conceals, stays open and is comfortable...and with a quick hardware change you can have OWB or IWB.
readyme24
Member
Justin69...I tried sending you a private message but it says your inbox is full.
Bagstrap
Member
Motorsporting
Member
Leather, especially quality leather, will very easily retain the weapon. You want to avoid everything that is not "formed" for your gun. Those types of holsters, whether leather or other materials, don't have much retention (except if you're talking about snaps or LEO type devices) unless tightly worn IWB. As soon as you draw the weapon though, they will collapse - another problem. I am a big fan of hybrids or all leather for comfortable carry. My new favorite is White Dog Holsters. Happy shopping.
