Leather or Kydex Which one you like for a holster

[Hokkmike]

I have both plus nylon.

The Kydex is easiest to put on. The leather looks more dressy. The nylon goes inside the pocket. Each has its place and time.

[MOUNTAINORACLE]

Leather for my classic and my only plastic guns (G29s). Won't put a classic firearm in a plastic holster, but if twist my arm I'll put the plastic gun in a plastic holster

[Hoppy]

I started with a leather OWB pancake with a retention band. I carried my Kahr K40 in it. It was fairly snug but you could sit and bump the gun out of the holster because the muzzle came through and was exposed.

I also had a kydex paddle holster from Fobus years ago for my Makarov and liked it for the ease and the click in retention.

A few years back I decided to make the holster I was looking for and think I have been successful. It is kydex and has leather (suede) backing which really helps with comfort against the body and movement within the pants. It is a minimalist design and gives me the things I'm looking for which are ease of concealment, ease of draw, comfort, and retention.

I picked up a new Glock 26 gen 4 last week and have already made the holster for it. I haven't even shot it yet. It's very comfortable, easy to conceal. Easy to draw from and has good retention.

I buy my materials from DIY Holsters which are rivets, rivet tool, and kydex sheet. I get the suede from Michaels. I use contact cement for gluing the suede on and a razor knife to trim. The kydex is easy to cut with a dremel tool or score and cut with a razor knife. I made my own press with two pieces of plywood and some excercise mat foam. I heat up the kydex in an old free toaster oven I have at my shop.

[mpan72]

I like kydex and do not own a leather holster. For every day wear think kydex would hold up better in he long run. Less maintenance and more resistant against scratching and wear.

If I ever buy a classic big bore magnum revolver I would likely buy a nice leather holster to compliment it for use as a B-B-Q gun.

I also have a couple uncle mikes nylon holsters for guns I do not carry much. I carry a .22 sa revolver in one when I hunt with it.

[IronButt]

I'm an old fart. I think there's nothing like fine gun leather & I have a few nice ones for my 1911s & one of my Sigs. Still, there's something to be said for the practicality of kydex holsters. I have Raven Concealment Phantoms for the Glocks, HK & even one for the 1911s.