Will a Kydex holster wear the finish off on my 642? Never used one but, got a chance to feel the material and thought it would be pretty abrasive to the finish on my snubby. Any thoughts?

Welcome to the forum.
IMO, all holster material (leather, nylon, kydex/injection molded plastic) can be abrasive to an extent but you might minimize the wear by keeping gun and holster clean. It may have minimal effect but using an Armorall type product on kydex seems to smooth the draw so this may mitigate wear and concerns. But the only way I know of to limit holster wear is don't holster the gun. I'm not trying to be a smartazz but I don't how else to do it. Look at any holster/carry wear as character marks from use.

Kydex is generally a little tougher on finish than leather. That said, jack the toad is right on -- carrying a gun will put marks on it, period. And if you're carrying, you should be practicing your draw and coming up to target, both in dry and live fire; this will put wear on the revolver.

If you want a gun to keep perfect, don't carry it. If you want a gun for protection that you're proficient in bringing to bear, don't worry about its looks.

When I carry IWB it is in a kydex rig, however I am not a fan of the stuff, I like leather better. As a matter of fact I am putting together all my non used gun gear and will be selling it soon... well, after I take pics of the stuff.

If you are carrying it it will have finish wear even in your pocket or in your hand.

I have an old Colt revolver and you can tell by the finish wear where the previous owner put his fingers

A properly made kydex holster will actually wear the finish less than a leather holster. Kydex holsters that have not been properly designed can definitely cause finish wear, and while no holster will keep the finish pristine a well made kydex holster will wear the finish the least. That said I wouldn't be concerned about finish wear on a carry gun.

Thank you all for the responses. I'm not new to conceal carry and I realize that all holsters can cause some wear over time but, the Kydex seemed rather rough to me.

MMT, thanks for the input and what brand would you consider a well made Kydex holster? Thanks in advance.

I don't make any revolver holsters so I am not familiar enough with them to say anything definitive, but I would recommend you contacting Dark Star Gear and seeing if they can make a holster for you, I have heard nothing but good things about their products. If they cannot make something I think Comp-Tac and Blade Tech makes holsters for it that would be fine.

You are correct in thinking that the kydex itself would damage your finish (although the inside is smooth, not the rougher texture that is seen on the outside), but kydex holsters are (ideally) formed to be slightly larger than the firearm so the only point that they contact the gun is on the trigger guard, where the retention comes from.

hat can be true while carrying, but while drawing angled pressure will cause rub, no way around it.

I prefer leather for holsters. They aren't quite as thin as kydex is..but don't have the sharp angles and points that kydex does either.

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In my opinion, there is a big difference between "finish damage" and "holster wear". Drop the gun, hit it with a hammer, keep it in a box full of tools will cause "damage". Holster wear, on the other hand, is proof positive that the piece has done its job. It can't protect you if it isn't with you.
So, in my opinion, finish damage is caused by improper care of the firearm. Holster wear, on the other hand, is a sign of honorable use. It's to be expected.

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Y. D.

i get heck ALL the time for my use/over use of kydex. and in a word, yes. it is hard on finish for sure. my carry guns are just tools to me. they have a job to do, and as long as they work, i don't care what they look like. my galco horse hide holster has been almost as rough on my 442 as kydex has. its personal choice, i just choose to use the plastic fantastic stuff...

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why? why not?