Plastic Holsters

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Jimmy you ever notice that when there are photos of posters EDC guns and holsters they all seem pristine? No scratches, bluing wear, dings in wood grips, wrinkles in leather, all the usual signs of a real EDC.

Now being a grumpy geezer I don't use plastic holsters but if they cause finish wear I figure thats a sign to be proud of.
 
Safariland has a number of fits for their 7-series holsters. It is a proprietary blend of nylon. I've put some of these through some severe service with no issues. They simply don't abrade gun finishes, as will Kydex. Being nylon, you can get it wet (rain or sweat) without concern. If it gets muddy/dirty, simply wash off with warm water.

You will see this product in some of their LE rigs as well as some of their basic carry holsters. The 7378 7TS series is a good example of their carry type. Some of these come with both the belt back piece as well as paddle back piece. The ALS weapon lock is secure but does not hinder a rapid gun presentation.
 
I have several kydex holsters, but only use them for semi-autos that I am not worried about finish wear. I find that the kydex holsters tend to tuck in tighter for me than most leathers that I can afford.
 
Agree that probably the best kydex- plastic holster will cause some wear to the gun.
Probably also true to a lesser degree fot the leather holsters.
I lean toward Stainless Revolvers for holster carry.
Sometimes pocket carry small guns like 642, Kahr, 365, and LCP Max.
I do have Kydex holsters for my 43x, 365x and Kahr.
A well fitting Plastic- Kydex is probably Jimmy’s best bet.
‘I don’t worry about a thing,
Cause I know nothing is gonna be alright.’ Mose Allison
 
Last edited:
jimmyj said:
Model 1911 micro .45
Click to expand...

The particular Safariland 7-series is made for Colt 1911 3.5" Manufacturer #: 7378-54-411. If that's what you give, give it a look see.

I run the same holster for a 5" Government 1911. I like the fact it retains the gun well. Works fine with Wilson Combat dual side wide thumb safety. The Milt Sparks ISP I have for the same is nice and works well but don't expect it to do as well as the 7-series for getting wet/sweaty or in general rough service.
 
I only use plastic for guns that it doesn’t matter if the finish gets damaged, like an old Ruger P-85…..
 
I have both a kydex (Panther Concealment) and a leather (Galco) holster for my M&P 2.0. I decided to weigh them to see how much difference it really made. Kydex holster: 4.83 ounces. Leather holster: 4.85 ounces.

Yeah, a whopping 2/100ths of an ounce difference!

If you're switching to a kydex holster to save weight, you're wasting your time.
 
I spend ZERO time worrying about the finishes of my guns, especially the carry guns or hunting rifles. If I wanted to keep them pretty they'd stay locked up.
 
Holster wear happens with leather too, just not as fast.

I love kydex. Low maintenance, adjustable tension and it will never stretch.

I have leather holsters for my 6" revolvers. I use them for hunting & range practice, not repetetive drills from the holster. Though I occasionally carry 3" & 4" blued revolvers concealed in kydex, my high volume defensive drills are shot with stainless models in the same holsters. If I ugly them up I can fix it.

The finish on my striker fired semiautos doesn't concern me. I can't explain it, just an OG double standard.
 
Look at a Horsehide holster. Thin, lightweight, stiff (almost like Kydex), strong as iron and will last a lifetime. No need for a Horsehide leather holster to be lined either and will net scratch your finish. My preference is Kramer Leather Horsehide and yes, saying "I beat a dead Horse" is very appropriate here - LOL!!! :D :D
 
jimmyj said:
I am considering a plastic holster for my CCW as I have isssue with weight (bad hips and knees).
Is there a method to prevent damage to the weapon's finish ?
Click to expand...

If you're carrying a 1911, even a "micro" version, the gun is the thing weighing you down. As noted above, there's not much difference in weight between leather and kydex.

One thing not mentioned is where you're carrying the pistol - inside or outside the waistband. If inside, kydex is the better material. It doesn't soak up sweat like leather does. If outside, either will work but I prefer a leather pancake-style holster.

And to pile on with a couple of other guys above, if the finish on your carry gun isn't worn, you're not practicing enough! :)
 
Jimmy...for what it's worth Kydex which I hate or leather needs two things for a close to body permanent fit...first is a belt claw to hold the firearm close to your body and a foam wedge on the back of the holster which pushes the Handle of the firearm into your body....I stopped using Kydex years ago...leather is just more comfortable.

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I think if weight is the concern, as noted above, kydex is not gonna make a difference. Best look at other, lighter gun models.

If you'e set on that small, compact 1911, can you find one with a lighter, aluminum frame?
 
Plastic holsters have left their marks on every gun I've used them with.
 
I like a Kydex holster. My plastic Glock carry gun is soo at home.... and who cares if it gets finish wear. Good leather holster for the nice guns, most of mine are stainless, so they just get polished.
 
Sgt. Buzzard said:
Jimmy you ever notice that when there are photos of posters EDC guns and holsters they all seem pristine? No scratches, bluing wear, dings in wood grips, wrinkles in leather, all the usual signs of a real EDC.

Now being a grumpy geezer I don't use plastic holsters but if they cause finish wear I figure thats a sign to be proud of.
Click to expand...
Finally! I applaud your courage in posting this.

This is especially true of the pancake style holsters. If they have been worn ten times you can see the belt marks. Many times people post their EDC rig and it looks like it just came out of the packaging.

As far as kydex is concerned, every kydex holster that I have used marred the finish to some degree. If the holster is well designed then the finish damage will be reduced but not eliminated. I don't like kydex much but it gets really hot and humid here and kydex is the only thing I have found that is sweat proof.
 
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