When I started ordering custom fit Kydex holsters for my EDC Full size M&P and then Shields, I noticed various height sweat guards as one of the options. No extra charge. Recognizing that Kydex is easily cut, I ordered the full size guard, figuring I could adjust or remove it if necessary. A half dozen holsters later, I’m still ordering the FS guard and I don’t cut it.

However, I don’t order full sweat guards to protect my gun from me sweating. I order them because they keep my underwear/t-shirt away from the mouth of the holster. This keeps a clear path open to the top of the holster while I’m wearing it. Holstering is safer when I can see the open top of the holster clearly. I carry AIWB.

I also find it more comfortable than having the slide against me. It does not reduce concealability.

What are your thoughts?

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You're just figuring out that those are not there for sweat? They're slide guards and have been used on gunleather since the 1940s -- to shield your body from the pistol itself especially sharp hammer spurs and target rear sights. They were soft then, as for Heiser; then stiff for Gaylord in the '50s and then for Theodore in the '60s (they used horsehide); used by Davis in the '70s then Sparks in the '80s; and we've all been using them all this time. A "full height" slide guard doing its multi-tasking duties is not new to holster design.

It's the Kydexians who have been reinventing the wheel because they weren't holster makers; i.e., they didn't evolve from being gunleather makers. So they've had to rediscover grip clearance, clearance for pistol controls like mag buttons, sight channels, carry angle, assymetrical construction, ride height, center of gravity; things that gunleather makers has known for literally one hundred years for goodness sakes. All they've contributed is rivets, so far; thermoplastics have been used in holsters since the 1960s and ever since.

__________________
The Holstorian

I cant stand plastic holsters.
Leather wins
Nice sweat guard whoda thunk that


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Well, that's a dangerous question.

I have mixed feelings about slide guards. I think it depends on the design.

Back when I had a Glock 23 I used a VMII-style IWB holster with a fairly pronounced slide guard/flap. The problem I had was that most of the time I practiced drawing I'd snag the guard between my thumb and the gun. Reholstering was also problematic, as the flap could get in the way; the fact that it didn't have a reinforced holster mouth may have also been a factor. That holster didn't last long, but it did help me realize what I didn't want in a holster. I ended up switching to a Milt Sparks Summer Special II, which has a slide guard but it is trim and rigid, so I didn't experience any real issues with it.

When I carry my 642 IWB it's in a Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip, which sort of has a guard. Instead of an extension, it's more like the body-side part of the holster opening rises a bit higher than the other side. I've had no problem drawing with this design.

I also have a VMII-style holster for my 642 which has more of a tab-like extension meant to protect from exposed hammers on J-frames so equipped. While I didn't snag it like the G23 holster, it did interfere somewhat with my draw. Not enough to make me get rid of it, but enough that I pretty much only keep it on hand as a back-up holster if needed.

The first holster I got for my Beretta PX4 Compact was from JM Kydex, their IWB #3. Still having concerns regarding slide guards, I ordered their mid-guard, which ends towards the front of the decocking lever. I had no problems with comfort or drawing. Also, I flag my thumb fairly high when gripping the gun in the holster and the top of the guard acts as a nice ledge for my thumb when drawing.

The next holster I got was the TT Gunleather Mike's Special IWB. Great holster, very comfortable. I'd seen pictures of the slide guard on that holster and it reminded me too much of the floppy guard on my G23 holster, so when I ordered it I asked them to reduce the size of the guard to just in front of the decocker lever. Again, no issues with comfort or drawing.

With the JM Kydex and TT Gunleather holsters I did notice a small tendency for my undershirt to get in the way when doing a lot of drawing practice, but it wasn't too bad, not enough to make me want to get rid of them or want more of a guard.

When I decided to try the Kramer IWB #3, I considered the slide guard. While I couldn't find pictures of one for a PX4, the pictures I could find showed a full-length slide guard, but not a large flap like the one I had issues with, so I decided to give it a try. When I got the holster, I was a little disappointed in that the guard actually wrapped slightly over the rear of the side. I was concerned. What I found, though, was that because it was more rigid than the flap and it rounded over the rear of the slide without sticking straight up I didn't have any issues with my thumb snagging it. Re-holstering was a bit tricky at first, but as the holster broke in it became a non-issue. And it kept my undershirt out of the way of the holster mouth.

The Kramer holster is my go-to EDC holster, but not because of the slide guard (other factors were much more important to me).

So, I don't like big, floppy guards, and while I won't necessarily seek them out, I'm fine with them as long as it doesn't interfere with drawing or reholstering.

Just my experience. YMMV.

Very interesting comments. I have sweat guards on all my AIWB holsters, both pistols and revolvers. On a OWB holster, NO way!
For me, they not only protect from exposed hammers, but because I DO
perspire profusely (sweat) during the summer months it keeps the wetness from
getting into the back of slides and every crack/opening on the gun (I don’t
wear a T shirt). Sorry! No pic of my revolver in holster with sweat guard.
Pics L to Rt. S&W 380 BG - S&W 9mm EZ.

Be SAFE and Shoot Often!

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