I am looking a nice durable holster for my new model 36. I would like a holster that will provide great protection for my pistol and not damage the finish. I am not going to be carrying my pistol at all times, but this holster will be used for a nightstand holster or be used to hold my pistol while carrying it in the car. Money is really no issue but i do not want nothing outrageous neither.
Can anyone here direct me in the correct path?
Very good questions.
1. Protection for the pistol. Several points can be addressed here:
a. The holster must be properly fitted to the handgun, minimizing the movement of the handgun within the holster. This constrant friction will result in more holster wear than inserting and withdrawing the holster hundreds of times. Wet-formed, hand-fitted holsters will retain an excellent fit to the handgun indefinitely.
b. Material used: leather holsters should be made only of vegetable-tanned leather. Other tannages are available, but most utilize chemical salts in the tanning process, and those salts remain as residue within the leather. Moisture and warmth can result in chemical corrosion of the handgun (even stainless steels can be damaged).
c. Linings: holsters can be lined with many types of material, probably the most common being suede. Most suede leather is chrome-tanned, producing the softness, however see the comments regarding chemical salts above. There are smooth vegetable-tanned leathers available that might be better for the purpose.
2. Uses desired:
a. A nightstand holster, or one for use to hold a handgun in the car, must permit quick and easy access. Complicated retention devices will be a hindrance should the need arise to be armed, especially when just awakened at night and in the dark.
Please note that all leather products will attract, absorb, and retain moisture (from the atmosphere, from perspiration on the wearer's body, etc). No firearm should ever be stored for extended periods of time in a leather holster! Get into the habit of removing the handgun after each day's use, wiping down the handgun with a lightly oiled cloth or silicone treated rag. Store the holster separately when not in active use, in an area having good airflow to permit residual moisture to evaporate out.
Good quality leather gear does not have to be terribly expensive. My product line starts at $39.95, and most of my regular production models are under $50.00. There are other excellent makers who are members on this forum (Sideguard Holsters, Bell Charter Oaks Leather, Country Boy all make excellent designs with outstanding workmanship at reasonable prices). A quick site search on the S&W Forum should provide you with several e-mail addresses and websites to follow up with.
Best regards.
