Least "scratchy" holster? Holster wear...

toppermost · December 23, 2013, 07:22 PM

(Every holster scratches eventually, but...) Which "plastic" holsters in your experience tend to scratch the finish of your handgun the least?

I want an all-around, range, open carry, hiking, camping retention holster. I had one great Serpa a couple of years ago but have had bad luck with them ever since (were they lemons??).

I am interested in the 5.11 thumb drive, or a Safariland thumb drive of some kind - but I am open to ideas!

chris in va · December 24, 2013, 03:09 AM

Helps if you post the gun model.

How about a quality thumb snap leather OWB? Would look classy out in AZ plus wouldn't flop around as much.

Shadi Khalil · December 24, 2013, 10:08 AM

I have been using Comptac holsters for years and have not had any issues with scratching.

Kreyzhorse · December 24, 2013, 10:39 AM

Leather is going to scratch less and hold up just as well. It will look better too.

BarryLee · December 24, 2013, 11:09 AM

I have two of the SafariLand 6378 holsters. I use the belt mount instead of the paddle, but it comes with both so you can choose which you like better. The holster has a thumb operated locking mechanism and a lining to protect your gun. I got them on Amazon for a decent price and may buy more in the future.

http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/p....aspx?pid=6378

toppermost · December 24, 2013, 11:51 AM

It would be for a Glock 23.

I admit, I have always wanted a nice looking leather holster, but I am concerned about moisture - I go anywhere and every where I hike. It will get wet. It will get sandy. It will get mud in it.

Brian Pfleuger · December 24, 2013, 12:07 PM

I've been carrying a Glock 33 in a Crossbreed Supertuck since January 2008. The only apparent damage to the gun is where the top edge of the kydex goes across the slide. It appears to slowly polish the tennifer finish such that there is now a shiny line maybe 1/10" wide across the slide. Personally, I couldn't care less.

ClydeFrog · December 24, 2013, 09:20 PM

Check into the new polymer holster series from Safariland; www.policehq.com www.safariland.com .
I think it's called AT7 or AS7. These new designs reportedly reduce the contact points inside the holster body & let dirt/grit/water/etc slip through.
They are only for the Beretta M9 9mm pistol & the Glock 22/17 models but in early 2014, I'm sure the firm will bring out more designs.

The holster costs around $36.00 too,

.
I might get one for the Smith & Wesson M&P pistol. They are easy to modify to cross draw FBI cant etc.

Clyde

Kreyzhorse · December 25, 2013, 07:31 AM

Quote:

I admit, I have always wanted a nice looking leather holster, but I am concerned about moisture - I go anywhere and every where I hike. It will get wet. It will get sandy. It will get mud in it.

It will clean up easily with a damp cloth. Unless you are swimming with your gun on your side, I would still go with leather.

WC145 · December 26, 2013, 08:03 AM

Quote:

I have two of the SafariLand 6378 holsters. I use the belt mount instead of the paddle, but it comes with both so you can choose which you like better. The holster has a thumb operated locking mechanism and a lining to protect your gun. I got them on Amazon for a decent price and may buy more in the future.

http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/p....aspx?pid=6378

These are great holsters, rugged and secure, and very, very fast. I've used one for casual duty work and IDPA and have been very pleased with it. I just wish they made a Commander length model for 1911s, luckily they're inexpensive enough for me to experiment with shortening one to fit.
It does leave light rub marks on the top of the slide behind the ejection port.

boondocker385 · December 26, 2013, 11:42 PM

I like leather.... I find that sweat is tougher on holsters than dirt and water.

KyJim · December 27, 2013, 11:41 AM

I would suggest you look at Garret Industries line of holsters -- http://www.giholsters.com/silent-thunder-holsters/. They have a Kydex shell and are lined inside with thin leather. Keeps moisture out whle protecting the gun's finish as much as possible. I sometimes carry my Kahr CM9 in one and can recommend it.

johnwilliamson062 · December 27, 2013, 05:46 PM

If you don't want to damage the finish I suggest not holstering the firearm.

Fugit1ve Wizard · December 28, 2013, 10:11 PM

My Uncle Mike's Reflex holster works well for me. Glock finish is very durable, and should last through many draws before you'll see wear, particularly with a modern synthetic holster such as the Reflex.

toppermost · December 30, 2013, 12:07 PM

Quote:

If you don't want to damage the finish I suggest not holstering the firearm.

...am I the only one who wishes you could delete posts that contribute nothing to a discussion?

Microgunner · December 30, 2013, 01:00 PM

I've had bad experiences with plastic holsters in the past and therefore prefer leather.
Recently I purchased a S&W M&P CORE and could not find anyone willing to make a leather holster for it (it has a Trijicon RMR mounted).
I finally ordered a custom fitted Kydex holster from Bravo Concealment.
I've been wearing it four days a week and after six weeks or so the pistol is showing significant finish wear.
I hate plastic holsters.

In memory of dad · December 31, 2013, 06:50 AM

ALL holsters will eventually wear on a finish. Some faster than others but that's what handguns are made for. To carry and protect, not look pretty or go buy a stainless weapon

PawPaw · December 31, 2013, 07:55 AM

Quote:

I am interested in the 5.11 thumb drive, or a Safariland thumb drive of some kind - but I am open to ideas!

I can't speak to the 5.11 holsters, but the Safariland ALS system holsters are leather lined. I have several of them for various pistols and they're my go-to retention holsters.

crashxl · January 2, 2014, 04:35 AM

If it's a carry gun why are you worried about scratches? It's no longer a pretty safe queen it's a freaking tool to save your life! Use the thing like it! Would you buy a hammer and and only use nails that wouldn't scratch it?

DannyB1954 · January 2, 2014, 11:36 AM

I use one of these.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Glock-Sport-...item46156cd272
They look like cheap junk, but it is my favorite. It is made from a soft flexable plastic. I see no wear on my guns. It is ambi, so you just need the one for your caliber. I think this is the one.

I accidentally bought 2 of them from Amazon. A couple of years later and I am still on the first one, and I am not letting go of the 2nd one either. Also fits my Ruger SR9C nicely.

toppermost · January 3, 2014, 04:11 PM

Quote:

ALL holsters will eventually wear on a finish.

This was mentioned in the OP.

Does anyone actually read these things?

KyJim · January 3, 2014, 05:15 PM

I get the fact that using guns causes wear. That's part of it. What I don't get is why some folks care if somebody else wants to minimizes that wear by using a leather holster. Why not just get a holster lined with something really abrasive like sandpaper? Why not get everything duracoated in pink or neon green if the looks don't matter?

Sarge · January 3, 2014, 07:09 PM

Any of the lined Safariland holsters are good. I use the 27 for IWB and the 295 for duty. I've used the 6280 and it's a good duty holster as well.

I've also got a Bianchi UM84, which covers the gun well but that danged metal ring will contact the slide of my nickel 1911occasionally, on the draw. I believe they make a thumb break attachment for it and I may have to try that.

December 23, 2013, 07:22 PM	#1
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 224	Least "scratchy" holster? Holster wear... (Every holster scratches eventually, but...) Which "plastic" holsters in your experience tend to scratch the finish of your handgun the least? I want an all-around, range, open carry, hiking, camping retention holster. I had one great Serpa a couple of years ago but have had bad luck with them ever since (were they lemons??). I am interested in the 5.11 thumb drive, or a Safariland thumb drive of some kind - but I am open to ideas! __________________ k.i.s.s. Last edited by toppermost; December 23, 2013 at 11:44 PM.

December 24, 2013, 10:39 AM	#4
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Leather is going to scratch less and hold up just as well. It will look better too. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

December 24, 2013, 11:09 AM	#5
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	I have two of the SafariLand 6378 holsters. I use the belt mount instead of the paddle, but it comes with both so you can choose which you like better. The holster has a thumb operated locking mechanism and a lining to protect your gun. I got them on Amazon for a decent price and may buy more in the future. http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/p....aspx?pid=6378 __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

December 24, 2013, 11:51 AM	#6
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 224	It would be for a Glock 23. I admit, I have always wanted a nice looking leather holster, but I am concerned about moisture - I go anywhere and every where I hike. It will get wet. It will get sandy. It will get mud in it. __________________ k.i.s.s.

December 24, 2013, 12:07 PM	#7
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	I've been carrying a Glock 33 in a Crossbreed Supertuck since January 2008. The only apparent damage to the gun is where the top edge of the kydex goes across the slide. It appears to slowly polish the tennifer finish such that there is now a shiny line maybe 1/10" wide across the slide. Personally, I couldn't care less. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

December 24, 2013, 03:09 AM	#2
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Helps if you post the gun model. How about a quality thumb snap leather OWB? Would look classy out in AZ plus wouldn't flop around as much.

December 24, 2013, 10:08 AM	#3
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	I have been using Comptac holsters for years and have not had any issues with scratching.

December 24, 2013, 09:20 PM	#8
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Safariland AT7 holster line.... Check into the new polymer holster series from Safariland; www.policehq.com www.safariland.com . I think it's called AT7 or AS7. These new designs reportedly reduce the contact points inside the holster body & let dirt/grit/water/etc slip through. They are only for the Beretta M9 9mm pistol & the Glock 22/17 models but in early 2014, I'm sure the firm will bring out more designs. The holster costs around $36.00 too, . I might get one for the Smith & Wesson M&P pistol. They are easy to modify to cross draw FBI cant etc. Clyde

December 26, 2013, 11:42 PM	#11
boondocker385 Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 640	I like leather.... I find that sweat is tougher on holsters than dirt and water. __________________ No second place finishes in a gun fight.

December 27, 2013, 11:41 AM	#12
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I would suggest you look at Garret Industries line of holsters -- http://www.giholsters.com/silent-thunder-holsters/. They have a Kydex shell and are lined inside with thin leather. Keeps moisture out whle protecting the gun's finish as much as possible. I sometimes carry my Kahr CM9 in one and can recommend it.

December 27, 2013, 05:46 PM	#13
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	If you don't want to damage the finish I suggest not holstering the firearm.

December 28, 2013, 10:11 PM	#14
Fugit1ve Wizard Member Join Date: December 26, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 67	My Uncle Mike's Reflex holster works well for me. Glock finish is very durable, and should last through many draws before you'll see wear, particularly with a modern synthetic holster such as the Reflex. __________________ There are many like it, but this one is mine.

December 30, 2013, 01:00 PM	#16
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	I've had bad experiences with plastic holsters in the past and therefore prefer leather. Recently I purchased a S&W M&P CORE and could not find anyone willing to make a leather holster for it (it has a Trijicon RMR mounted). I finally ordered a custom fitted Kydex holster from Bravo Concealment. I've been wearing it four days a week and after six weeks or so the pistol is showing significant finish wear. I hate plastic holsters. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

December 31, 2013, 06:50 AM	#17
In memory of dad Member Join Date: August 8, 2013 Posts: 93	Holsters ALL holsters will eventually wear on a finish. Some faster than others but that's what handguns are made for. To carry and protect, not look pretty or go buy a stainless weapon

January 2, 2014, 04:35 AM	#19
crashxl Member Join Date: January 1, 2014 Posts: 51	If it's a carry gun why are you worried about scratches? It's no longer a pretty safe queen it's a freaking tool to save your life! Use the thing like it! Would you buy a hammer and and only use nails that wouldn't scratch it?

January 2, 2014, 11:36 AM	#20
DannyB1954 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2013 Location: Pahrump Nv USA Posts: 480	I use one of these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Glock-Sport-...item46156cd272 They look like cheap junk, but it is my favorite. It is made from a soft flexable plastic. I see no wear on my guns. It is ambi, so you just need the one for your caliber. I think this is the one. I accidentally bought 2 of them from Amazon. A couple of years later and I am still on the first one, and I am not letting go of the 2nd one either. Also fits my Ruger SR9C nicely.

January 3, 2014, 05:15 PM	#22
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I get the fact that using guns causes wear. That's part of it. What I don't get is why some folks care if somebody else wants to minimizes that wear by using a leather holster. Why not just get a holster lined with something really abrasive like sandpaper? Why not get everything duracoated in pink or neon green if the looks don't matter?

January 3, 2014, 07:09 PM	#23
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	Any of the lined Safariland holsters are good. I use the 27 for IWB and the 295 for duty. I've used the 6280 and it's a good duty holster as well. I've also got a Bianchi UM84, which covers the gun well but that danged metal ring will contact the slide of my nickel 1911occasionally, on the draw. I believe they make a thumb break attachment for it and I may have to try that. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.