Rob87

Okay, I'm really getting overwhelmed.

To make a long story short, I just paid for my Glock 19, which I'll be getting in next week at some point. The next step, of course, is to start thinking about an IWB holster (and a good belt).

However, I know basically nothing about holsters, and even though I've been reading a lot of stuff here and at other forums, I just don't seem to be learning much.

I don't understand the difference between different types of holsters. Some have clips that look like they'd go over your belt. Others have straps with snaps that go under, around, and back up over your belt. Some are made of leather. Some are made of nylon. Some are made of kydex, or some other composite.

Frankly, I have no idea what I'm doing, so that's why I came here to ask for some assistance.

This isn't a "what should I buy?" thread; it's simply a way for me to collect different information so that I may make a more-informed decision.

So, what I'm interested in learning:
1. What advantages and disadvantages does each material used for holsters have (e.g. leather, nylon, kydex, etc.)?
2. What advantages and disadvantages do the different types of fasteners on holsters have (e.g. clips, loops with snaps, etc.)?
3. What are the most popular IWB holsters? Popular models are popular for a reason.

I must say that out of the holsters I have tried, I liked ones that were made of kydex, as the gun fits into the holster perfectly. I can't say the same for a few of the nylon holsters I tried, as it took some effort with both hands to get the pistol back into the holster, as well as to remove it.

So yeah, help the new guy who knows nothing.

southbound

1. What advantages and disadvantages does each material used for holsters have (e.g. leather, nylon, kydex, etc.)?

This is just my opinion.....

1 leather = more comfy to wear,looks much nicer than Kydex,

2 nylon = I just have not found one I like..

3 kydex = Faster draw,great for OWB not so comfy IWB,one hand holstering..



2. What advantages and disadvantages do the different types of fasteners on holsters have (e.g. clips, loops with snaps, etc.)?


1 Kydex clips = fast on and off,easy to use,but will not last for ever.

2 Leather loops with one way snaps = Still easy just not as easy,made well will last a long time,never slip off..

3 Metal clips = sorry no experience with them..



3. What are the most popular IWB holsters? Popular models are popular for a reason.


Milt Sparks VMII seems to be the one to get. I do not have one myself...I like the Crossbreed or M-Tac type IWB holsters myself..

Unfortunately there is no set rules and you will have to try different types of gear until you find the right one... The best advice I can give if money is a issue find a type you think you like and get a low cost version..Try it for a while then call a known maker and have one made for with any alterations you may want...

There will be more info along shortly....

Good luck..

O and don't over look a good belt...

Paco

SOuthbound has started it off nicely, well put. I have tried several and have decided the SuperTuck is the one for me. it has a leather back with Kydex formed to the pistol and Kydex clips. It is a bit bulky, but I can re-holster one handed and you get used to to it fairly quickly.

I would have gone with a good leather IWB holster but my pistol of choice REALLY limits the field, S&W Sigma, but yours will not be as burdensome.

If you have to test drive many holsters and you don't have a gun store that has a good range of them, be sure to keep all your packaging so you can sell what you can't return/trade. eBay rule #1 any item with original packaging sells for more than those without packaging, even if the items are the same quality.

The last rule is, whatever you get you have to come back here and post pics.

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JD

Leather us generally softer on the hip than kydex rigs, however there are several makers making leather/kydex "hybrids" which claim to be the best of both worlds, plenty of people swear by them, I have not tried them. Kydex has great fit as they are molded to the gun, but so do quality leather holsters. Most nylon holsters are worthless for the points you all ready posted, poor fit, almost impossible to reholster.


They all serve different purposes, I find snap loops to offer the most secure method of attachment, however sometimes the easy on/off clips are nice if you have to remove the gun and holster for various reasons, you have clips that are "invisible" that ride behind the belt as to not be seen on the belt.


My two top choices are the Milt Sparks Versa Max II and the UBG Canute.

You can see the most "popular" just by looking though this section of the forum.

And yes, as stated above, don't forget a good belt.

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dgg9

Leather = comfort, class, stronger in the event of a gun grab.

Kydex = weather/sweat resistant; gun goes in and out in a definitive, all-at-once sort of way.

Nylon = generally cheap junk. I can't recommend.

The two most common holster types are Outside the Waistband (OWB), or Inside the Waistband (IWB). OWB = generally more comfortable; IWB = a little easier to conceal.

I posted this on another board maybe 3 minutes ago:

It's hard to avoid accruing the proverbial "box of holsters" along the way. The "right holster" is subjective. A certain amount of buy->try->resell is inevitable. The way to survive this financially is:

1. Have a common gun -- G19 being perhaps the most prevalent of all, judging on holster sales you see on gun boards.

2. Buy quality holsters that are popular. Quality = there's a good chance it works for you. Popular = you can easily resell it. IWB: CTAC, MTAC, Milt Sparks VM2 (if you can find one -- unlikely) or a good clone like the TT. OWB: Kramer, Galco.

3. Have a good entry point in the price, which means: scour the gun boards and eBay, and buy one used but in excellent condition, probably from someone who just completed a buy->try->resell cycle.

dgg9

There's no way to learn everything you need in one thread. Just patiently read every thread related to "carry" or "CCW" and "holster" and also use the search feature. Over time, the complete picture emerges. Looking at holster threads and at want ads will tell you what holsters are popular.

As for manufacturers, work your way through these sites:

Defensive Carry Holster Links

lance22

Looks like good info. My .02 ...

Don't consider nylon. Nylon has no real retention - you might as well put it in a sweat sock and call that a holster as to buy a nylon "holster".

Kydex, Leather, and Plastic

Leather is nostalgic and beautiful. These are the very photogenic holsters that you see gracing our forums, posing like supermodels on a run-way. They are easy on the eyes and a pleasure to wear.

Kydex is fast, scratch and impact resistant. It is also weather proof and sweat proof which is why many use them for summer carry. Kydex is also a wee-bit thinner than leather due to the strength of the material and the difference in holster designs between the two materials. In competitions, kydex rules the roost. I'm talking about the thermoformed kydex used by craftsman such as BearClaw, Hillsman, and RM, not heat-ruined injection molded stuff turned out in factories (uncle mike).

Plastic holsters are also available, such as Fobus. Kydex and plastic are two totally different materials and obviously plastic is way cheaper but not better. Then, there is mis-handled kydex - Uncle Mike is an example - they call their material 'kydex' but it is liquified for their machines and injection molded. This process ruins the better quality of kydex so that it becomes like cheap, brittle 1950's vintage plastic. IMHO modern plastic is far superior to injection molded kydex, and thermoformed kydex is far superior to both.

IWB and OWB

Inside the waist is more concealable, Outside the waist generally more comfortable. Not everybody can carry IWB depending on your body type and shape but if you can it's really the most concealable option.

How Holsters attach to your belt:

C-Clips: Whether they are metal or kydex you have to be careful how you handle these as they can be pulled out too far. If you can't be careful with your stuff then c-clips are not for you. People get C-Clips because (especially with kydex) you can take the holster on and off one-handed even while sitting down. Personally I like C-Clips.

J-Clips: These go behind the belt and hook on the bottom of the belt so that the holster itself remains more 'hidden'. J-Clips aren't that popular and IMHO address a problem that really doesn't exist.

Normal belt loop - is your most indestructable option whether kydex or leather.

Suggestions for window shopping:

Kydex
BearClaw Holsters - Kydex Holsters by BearClaw Holsters
Hillsman Holster - Hillsman Holster Company
RM Kydex - Welcome to our online store

Leather
K&D Holsters - K&D Holsters | Custom Gun Leather and Shooting Accessories
UBG Holsters - index
SideGuard Holsters - Side Guard Leather Holsters - SGH
BoomStick Holsters - BOOM-STICK HOLSTERS - Home
Southern Holsters - Home

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Fixintu

If you have decided on IWB how will you be dressing while carrying and at what position do you plan to carry? (Shirt out or do you plan on "tucking" your shirt in?) If you plan on tucking make sure you buy a holster that facilitates this! Many of the IWB do NOT have the design or clip arrangement to allow for tucking your shirt in. I myself have to tuck for work as they frown on the "slacker" look. The first holster I bought I didn't give any thought to this and ended up with no "tuckability". The second (A Comp-Tac Two O'Clock) allows for tucking but IMHO isn't very comfortable for all day use as the kydex has NO give whatsoever and tends to poke me in the ribcage while seated. I spend most of my day sitting in front of a computer so I wanted to be comfortable sitting for long periods. I now have a CrossBreed SuperTuck Deluxe and couldn't be happier. It is comfortable for all day wear and does well for me down here in Texas with the heat. Another great feature is that you can adjust it for a better fit for YOU. Up, down and angle. CrossBreed also offers an upgrade to horsehide for those of us that are in hot/humid climates. Apparently the horsehide is denser and does not absorb moisture to the degree that cowhide does. So far this has proven true for me in 100+ degree weather here. I also invested in a decent gun belt and that reaaaalllllly made a big difference. The clips of any IWB holster you choose should have the clips going over the top of the belt to allow all the weight of the gun and holster to be on the belt (which does not flex) as opposed to the top of your pants which WILL sag. Just my 2 cents, hope this helps.

Wasabi

Do those of you who have tried both see more pistol wear with Kydex?

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retsupt99

I have both kydex and leather holsters...both serve their purpose.
Most of my Fist holsters are leather, IWB, and use a clip. Easy on, easy off...the gun is a perfect fit, and are very stable.
Leather is very comfortable...you get what you pay for!

Stay armed...use leather holsters...stay safe!

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