Plastic or Leather holsters?

[OneSevenDeuce]

In response to Sammy Reese's recent article in American Handgunner entitled "Carry Options", comparing plastic to leather holsters, I thought I'd pose the question to my fellow CalGunners. What do you use for Open/Duty carry, Concealed carry, or "other" to including any type of carry you utilize that involves a holster. Do you prefer plastic or leather for any type of carry? Why?

Here are my picks...

Concealed carry: Bianchi IWB full size suede leather. The leather feels much better for all day wear in my opinion, when it comes to concealed carry. There are several plastic choices available for CC, but they don't seem to be as popular for this type of carry and I can see why.



Open/Duty carry: Safariland Special Ops Tactical Holster. I love this holster and used it extensively in the military. It has multiple retention systems but does not adversely effect the ability to draw quickly.



Honestly I have no aversion to either plastic or leather, but they each have their uses for me. I do like both for different reasons, but I don't see myself wearing a leather open/duty holster, or a plastic CCW holster. What say you?

[shoupdawg]

I don't use a holster, but why don't you put up a poll?

[OneSevenDeuce]

I hate polls. Can't stand them. They detract from constructive conversation in my opinion. I post these questions because I like to give CalGunners the chance to have their own gun magazine column in a sense.

[Black Majik]

I find leather more comfortable for concealed carry, leather is just more easy on the body than hard kydex.

I do prefer kydex overall, it is much, much faster than leather.

[FeuerFrei]

I have both types and won't pimp any particular brands here.
Kydex is what I usually dress with. Sweat won't affect it and re-holstering is easier.
Leather is more...traditional and expensive. Sweat and or water will soak in eventually and keep the moisture close to the weapon...bad.
Leather can be more comfortable against your skin (IWB).
Men and their holsters are like chicks and their purses. Got one for every occasion.

[Trapper]

I've used plastic holsters for IPSC/IDPA matches and nylon holsters in the military, but prefer the look and comfort of leather holsters.

[rgs1975]

Open carry...






Concealed carry...

[HighLander51]

Plastic is faster ,but leather is more comfortable. There is no one be all, end all holster, it's all about compromise...

[gaucho750]

Concealed carry...

Where did you get these holsters?

[OneSevenDeuce]

rgs1975,

Are those plastic holsters with the leather pad bulky at all? I was thinking of trying one but they look like they take up a lot of space IWB.

[jdg30]

I prefer leather holsters because they are more comfortable to wear, especially IWB. I like how they get worn in the more they are used and have a custom worn in look and feel. They just seem more personalized than plastic ones.

For simple shooting at the range, I may use a Kydex holster over a leather one because of the ease of drawing and reholstering, but for carrying I prefer leather.

[adrenaline]

This is the only one I have. I am amazed at the ease of draw and am liking the Serpa setup right where my index finger is naturally resting along side the pistol. However, this is only for the range or if I feel motivated to join one of these UOC meets.






If/when I ever get my concealed carry permit, I would go leather. I really do like the ones I see posted so far.

[BigDogatPlay]

To carry out in the world, concealed or open, leather. I prefer Aker Leather. Made in California, superb quality, designs to fit all preferences and reasonably priced. Below is their Flatsider.



To carry around the homestead, in the boonies or on the range, kydex is good to go.

[9mmepiphany]

i started with leather back in the days when my back would still allow me to wear IWB with a real classic...the Milt Spark's Summer Special for a 1911. i'm still partial to leather with a Alessi CQC/S and ACP for a Sig 220 and Beretta 92/96.

for teaching (Blackhawk CQC Serpa) and Competition (Comp-Tac Settable Cant Paddle), i've found that Kydex holds up better and is faster to draw from

[ExZeRoEx]

Where did you get these holsters?

Looks to me like a crossbreed holster