Kydex vs. Leather holsters

[sds]

I got my Uncle Mikes holster a couple of weeks ago and the holster itself I like. It does have a couple of edges that seem to poke but I have a feeling that that is common with IWB holsters, particularly ones big enough for my glock 17. I didn't like the belt clip at all. I felt that it didn't securely attatch to my pants and had a couple of instances where it came out with the gun when I went to draw the gun during practice. I modified the belt clip to actually have a true belt loop and that problem has gone away. I've found that it is least noticable right under the seem of my pants on the edge of my hip.

Overall I think that I will like kydex holsters but this one could be improved on. Of course it was $20 so I guess you get what you pay for. In all fairness I intend to use this holster and now that I've modified it with a belt loop I have good confidence that I can safely and quickly draw my gun. It is comfortable to wear for the most part though sitting can be an issue, likely a concern with all IWB holsters.

If you want an inexpensive holster and have the capability of modifing the clip this one is worth a look.

SDS

[Razorback]

Good info Thanks. I'm looking at the Comp-tac CTAC for IWB. Anyone got any reviews of this holster? Also would it be possible to install felt or something to protect the slide on a Kydex holster, seems like it would hard on the finish? For the belt I was thinking of the the galco with a conceal carry vest.

[The Jeffly Has Spoken]

Kydex is pretty rough on a blued finish, but if you have a modern finish like stainless steal or one of the ultra-tough treatments (Nitron, Tennifer, Armor Cote, etc.) then you shouldn't have any problem. This concerned me, too, so I talked to a gunsmith I know that has been carrying in Kydex holsters for years and he's never had a problem beyond the slight wear that can be expected with any holster. Any kind of fabric would limit its retention ability and get fibers and such in the works and edges of the gun, and may actually wear the finish faster. There's a reason they tell you not to clean glasses with natural fibers.