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Old December 16, 2013, 09:47 AM   #1
Dc777
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Do plastic holsters scratch guns?

I've never used a plastic holster so I'm wondering if they scratch guns? I have a brand new m&p on its way and I like the way the owb holsters look, but I have a feeling that they will take the finish off of the gun. Can anyone confirm my theory?
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Old December 16, 2013, 09:58 AM   #2
Microgunner
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Every one that I've ever owned did, including the new Bravo Concealment kydex holster I just received for my new S&W M&P9 which is already rubbing the finish off the sharp corners by the muzzle.
I much prefer leather.
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Old December 16, 2013, 10:04 AM   #3
Jim Watson
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A kydex holster won't scratch a gun but it will wear the finish where it contacts. Since most plastic holsters only contact the gun in a few locations, it concentrates the wear into spots and stripes. A well fitted leather holster will spread out the wear.

Contrary to Internet Opinion, I found a suede lined holster to be the easiest on gun blue. It only needs to be brushed out periodically to remove the grit that bothers people.
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Old December 16, 2013, 10:23 AM   #4
Louca
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I just got a Kydex holster for my HK 45C, and I fully expect it to wear the surfaces a bit where it clamps the gun in. BUT ... I own leather holsters and they definitely will abrade the surface. Leather, although it feels soft, is an abrasive material. And it has a good ability to hold dirt, which is even more abrasive.

Although I am one who likes to keep my guns looking as good as possible, I have come to see the wear marks (from Kydex or leather) as signs of character, signs of being used as they were intended.

Lou
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Old December 16, 2013, 10:46 AM   #5
JimDandy
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Just about every holster will wear the finish on a pistol. Handling wears the finish. The question is the rate at which it happens, and whether you're willing to risk your finish to a holster
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Old December 16, 2013, 11:10 AM   #6
Dc777
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I think I'll stick with a plane Jane uncle mikes holster then. Out of all of the handguns I own, this will be the first one that I have ever purchased brand new, so I would like to keep it looking new as long as possible.
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Old December 16, 2013, 02:28 PM   #7
ClydeFrog
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New Safariland AT7....

Safariland, www.Safariland.com has a new line of polymer duty & ALS type concealment holsters called 7TS.
The firm says the new holsters do not damage or mar the sidearm & the contact points inside the patented holster are limited.
It's available in a few styles & colors. I think these new holsters are only for sale in the Glock 22/17 series & maybe the Beretta M9/92-96 FS pistols for now but newer models for the M&P, SIGs, XDs, etc should be out by early 2014.
The Safariland holsters sell for approx $36.00 USD .
I'd look into it. I do security work & like the features of these new polymer holsters.
Scuffs, nicks & minor wear marks(contact points) are common with most duty pistols. I used a Blackhawk SERPA holster for my M&P Compact with 0 problems.

For sales of the new Safariland holsters see; www.policehq.com or www.galls.com . More web & brick/mortar retailers should have these AT7 holsters soon too, .

Last edited by ClydeFrog; December 16, 2013 at 02:34 PM.
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Old December 16, 2013, 03:36 PM   #8
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This won't be a carry gun. It's actually an m&p 22. But I would like to keep it holstered at my hunting camp.
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Old December 16, 2013, 04:41 PM   #9
Kreyzhorse
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Yes.... A kydex holster will wear your finish off. A leather holster will do the same but kydex will do it faster.

It won't happen overnight but it will happen. I accept that guns get worn with use and I'm okay with it. I just try not to use things that speed along the process so I steer well clear of the plastic thingy holsters.
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Old December 16, 2013, 06:03 PM   #10
chriscw81
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Most if not all holsters will wear the finish on a gun......

This is why I don't carry a kimber every day. I carry a well maintain pistol and I don't care about its looks.

Chris
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Old December 16, 2013, 06:31 PM   #11
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Dc777,
The M&P 22 pistol has a painted finish.
It's going to wear fast no matter the type of holster.
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Old December 16, 2013, 06:50 PM   #12
Tom Servo
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Kydex, in and of itself, isn't likely to scratch the finish. What will do it is dirt that gets in the holster, then abrades the gun.

I have noticed less wear from Kydex than I have from leather. My best guess is that the Kydex doesn't come in tight contact with the whole gun, so it isn't rubbing against it when holstering and unholstering.
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