Why not clear holsters?

TexasCop · September 9, 2006, 11:02 PM

Hey,

just got back from the gunshow a couple hours ago, and was once again amazed at the proliferation of the Kydex/injection molded/etc type holsters that are being sold.

But I was wondering, if they are really as inexpensive to manufacture, and can be made with just about anything, how come nobody has thought to make a clear one or any other color other than black or some greens and tans?

I think a clear holster would lend itself to concealability because the portion that sticks down below the gun wouldn't be recognized as a "big black holster" if it were seen. Plus whenever you go to a match with a really nice gun, people are always asking to see it and look at it even though there are range rules saying no guns out of holsters behind he firing line. A clear holster would take care of that no problem...

So what say you all? Good idea or am I just dreaming?

K-Man · September 10, 2006, 05:03 AM

There has been a couple of clear holsters made. I don't recall who the company was that made them, but you might find them through a google search.

There have been attempts to make clear kydex clips as well. It's my understanding that the material composition is different for the clear versus black, thus the durability is far less for the clear. I know there were some tests run and the clear clips were breaking after less than 50 on/off manuevers in comparison to a couple of hundred for the black.

Jim Watson · September 10, 2006, 10:11 AM

I saw pictures of a transparent plastic holster.
I doubt it would hold up long, pigmentation in plastic is not just for looks, it is also to protect the polymer from ultraviolet damage.

JR47 · September 10, 2006, 11:02 AM

After a number of presentations, the surface would cloud due to the small abrasions at the pressure points, too.

Big Mac · September 10, 2006, 11:24 AM

Besides, if it's clear and it shows, you're gun will be seen. A holster is hard to distinguish if only a part fo the holster is shown. Most people who don't handle guns will probably never tell the difference.

ceetee · September 10, 2006, 08:55 PM

Working in an office, I usually wear a black belt, or a brown one, depending on my attire for the day. It would be really interesting if the kydex could be molded using common belt colors. It would greatly add to the concealability of an IWB holster...

Holster makers take note...

mete · September 10, 2006, 09:57 PM

Kydex is manufactured in 34 standard colors .Holster makers haven't figured that out yet .One of the problems with clear plastic is that with time it will be scratched and look terrible.

KD5NRH · September 11, 2006, 03:20 AM

I'd like to see more guns offered in concealable colors; I've given some thought to khaki GunKote for my PT99 just in case my shirt rides up a bit over the tuckable holster.

Anything black or stainless showing just a little bit is more likely to draw attention that a flat, flesh colored finish.

September 9, 2006, 11:02 PM	#1
TexasCop Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2006 Posts: 396	Why not clear holsters? Hey, just got back from the gunshow a couple hours ago, and was once again amazed at the proliferation of the Kydex/injection molded/etc type holsters that are being sold. But I was wondering, if they are really as inexpensive to manufacture, and can be made with just about anything, how come nobody has thought to make a clear one or any other color other than black or some greens and tans? I think a clear holster would lend itself to concealability because the portion that sticks down below the gun wouldn't be recognized as a "big black holster" if it were seen. Plus whenever you go to a match with a really nice gun, people are always asking to see it and look at it even though there are range rules saying no guns out of holsters behind he firing line. A clear holster would take care of that no problem... So what say you all? Good idea or am I just dreaming?

September 10, 2006, 05:03 AM	#2
K-Man Member Join Date: June 18, 2005 Posts: 60	There has been a couple of clear holsters made. I don't recall who the company was that made them, but you might find them through a google search. There have been attempts to make clear kydex clips as well. It's my understanding that the material composition is different for the clear versus black, thus the durability is far less for the clear. I know there were some tests run and the clear clips were breaking after less than 50 on/off manuevers in comparison to a couple of hundred for the black. __________________ www.kdholsters.com U.S. Navy (Retired) May we always have the freedom to pursue our dreams.

September 10, 2006, 08:55 PM	#6
ceetee Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2002 Posts: 141	Working in an office, I usually wear a black belt, or a brown one, depending on my attire for the day. It would be really interesting if the kydex could be molded using common belt colors. It would greatly add to the concealability of an IWB holster... Holster makers take note... __________________ ceetee -- who absolutely refuses to drink the Kool-Aid, no matter if it's red or blue...

September 10, 2006, 10:11 AM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 9,671	I saw pictures of a transparent plastic holster. I doubt it would hold up long, pigmentation in plastic is not just for looks, it is also to protect the polymer from ultraviolet damage.

September 10, 2006, 11:02 AM	#4
JR47 Junior member Join Date: August 9, 2005 Location: North Georgia Posts: 2,228	After a number of presentations, the surface would cloud due to the small abrasions at the pressure points, too.

September 10, 2006, 11:24 AM	#5
Big Mac Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2006 Posts: 196	Besides, if it's clear and it shows, you're gun will be seen. A holster is hard to distinguish if only a part fo the holster is shown. Most people who don't handle guns will probably never tell the difference.

September 10, 2006, 09:57 PM	#7
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 4,938	Kydex is manufactured in 34 standard colors .Holster makers haven't figured that out yet .One of the problems with clear plastic is that with time it will be scratched and look terrible.

September 11, 2006, 03:20 AM	#8
KD5NRH Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2006 Location: Stephenville TX Posts: 175	I'd like to see more guns offered in concealable colors; I've given some thought to khaki GunKote for my PT99 just in case my shirt rides up a bit over the tuckable holster. Anything black or stainless showing just a little bit is more likely to draw attention that a flat, flesh colored finish.