Holster Decisions & Questions

[Baklash]

I didn't have this much trouble deciding on my CW9, (Ok, maybe I did) but this holster thing has got my panties in a bind. I'm very anal (hold your comments on that), and probably downright OCD as well. "Paralysis by analysis." Don't want a drawer full of rejects. So what is true and what is false?

1) Leather- I've heard that leather won't wear the metal finish as much as kydex. In fact, one mfg. even says his thinner kydex doesn't cause as much wear as his own thicker kydex option. Kydex might be more comfortable because it is thinner. But then again leather might be more comfortable against the skin. See what I mean?
2) Cowhide or horsehide- OK, horsehide seems to be better for hotter climates, doesn't absorb moisture, and is thinner, but more costly. Is it worth it? Horsehide limits color.
3) Hybrids- Maybe the best of both worlds???? The hybrids with 2 belt clips seem VERY LARGE (more leather increasing weight) and maybe harder to put on. However, I've read that 2 clips hold the holster more secure. But the hybrids with only 1 belt clip are much smaller than those huge slabs of leather with 2 clips. I would go with the smaller version if the single clip does it's job well.
4) All kydex (no leather) 1 clip- These are definitely smaller, but it's plastic against the skin and a single clip. Some mfg. place the clip to the side so it doesn't make the holster thicker. Is that feature significant? Neither pj or Cook's do this.
5) Kydex thickness- PJ uses .060" for their tuckable model and .080 elsewhere. Others use .080", and some .092". Can you really feel the difference in comfort? This is where a lifetime warranty can come in if the thinner gauge cracks.
6) Clips- metal, kydex, & leather loops options. Some metal clips are sharp, can cut, maybe even wear your clothing or your car's upholstery. Kydex clips break eventually and have to be replaced or the holster sent back to the mfg. for repair. And kydex is thicker....less comfortable? Then there are different designs. For instance the j hook hangs all the weight on the pants instead of the belt. Some hooks are glued to the holster, others with screws, etc. Your thoughts on metal vs kydex vs leather loops?

So far the only decision I've been able to make is I want a tuckable IWB. I'm leaning toward either a smaller 1 clip horsehide hybrid like the Theis , or an all kydex 1 clip like the pj and Cook's, just because of the size, "if" I could be sure about that single clip. One is a hybrid holster, the other all kydex. Which one? Which one? :confused:
Yeah, I know, "it's a personal thing", but I would appreciate your comments on as many of these considerations as possible. Sorry about such a long post.
As you can see I'm suffering here. :der::2eek::)

[GLOCKROCKER]

I personally like the N82 pro model (as I've stated in other posts here). Lots of video reviews out there on the interweb - check 'em out.

[RRP]

Don't want a drawer full of rejects. So what is true and what is false?


It wasn't the most economical way, but I bought a drawer full. Leather, Kydex, hybrid; I wanted to try them all to make an informed choice. Single clip, double clip, IWB, OWB, pocket, paddle, pancake; you name it, I tried it. They run the gammut from a $19 Desantis to the beautiful Mitch Rosen, which is in excess of $100.

In the end, I use one holster for the PM9. That is a PJ, IWB, no-tuck 1.5" clip with 15* cant.

The rest collect dust. My experience (stupidity) can save you some money.

[rjt123]

^^^^
What he said. I tried dang near everything and ended up extremely happy with the PJ holster. It's one of those deals where if it gets lost/broken/stolen/etc. I'm going to immediately buy a replacement. It's what works for me. Easy on and off. Forget it's there...all that good stuff. And I'll close with my standard statement that Paul is a great guy to do business with.

The downside of buying a PJ holster is (the last time I bought one not too long ago) delivery was 10 weeks. :eek:

Anybody wanna give me $50 for a backpack full of holsters that didn't make the cut? ;)

[RRP]

Anybody wanna give me $50 for a backpack full of holsters that didn't make the cut? ;)

A few years ago, I would have been all over that; like white on rice!

[kwh]

You have made the decision much easier by deciding on a tuckable IWB. Next decision Single vs. double clip. In my experience double clips are more stable, tuck much better (easier to hide grip) than single clips. However they are more time consuming to clip on and tuck, not good if you are in a hurry out the door. Another decision on your part is to wear an underneath t-shirt. If not, will need a holster to cover back of grip for sure. Any extra coverage of the grip will take extra practice to slide thumb between grip and holster flap when drawing. Single clips are easier to put on. For me, more difficult to have a good tuck that hides grip. Also they all rotate a little, so grip is not precise in rotation angle each time. PJ small & light. N82 comfortable, larger. Offset clip seems to rotate the most and does not seem any thinner to me. I have not tried the new Ramora tuckable, looks interesting. My name brand Kydex hybrid cracked at screws. For my next tuckable holster I will contact Nelsonholsters.com in Lenoir. N.C. Custom made leather with different styles, clips, neoprene padding, incorporating best ideas from several holster makers into one and he will work with you to make the best decision what you want/need. I feel your pain and suffering.

[Pointblank]

Just get a big cardboard box for your basement now. You are going to endup with dozens of holsters just like the rest of us. :D

[b4uqzme]

^^^^ yep ;)

[berettabone]

I solved that problem...............I bought an MK and carry in my pocket. Saved lots of money not fooling with holsters;)

[kwh]

I solved that problem...............I bought an MK and carry in my pocket. Saved lots of money not fooling with holsters;)
Agree. CM9 is my EDC in pocket carry. Always go back to that after going through my box of holsters. Quick cheap comfortable conceable & easiest draw for me. Only problem is when driving with seat belt on. Am considering an ankle holster for that.

[RevRay]

Somewhere on the internet (so it must be true) I read that the whole concealed carry movement has been perpetrated by holster makers so that they could increase their revenue stream. From what I've read so far above, it apparently is true.

P.S. Kydex will absolutely, positively, without question, scratch your gun. So don't buy it if you're ocd about having a pristine looking gun.

[berettabone]

Agree. CM9 is my EDC in pocket carry. Always go back to that after going through my box of holsters. Quick cheap comfortable conceable & easiest draw for me. Only problem is when driving with seat belt on. Am considering an ankle holster for that.
I take it out and put it in front of me in the console, for easy retrieval, if needed.

[RRP]

P.S. Kydex will absolutely, positively, without question, scratch your gun. So don't buy it if you're ocd about having a pristine looking gun.

That has not been my experience, Rev. It really hasn't. I suppose it depends on the quality of the finish on the firearm. MY EDC (not Kahr) has been in-and-out of a Kydex holster 1000s of times and it shows no wear.

[Pointblank]

In pistols like Kahrs and Glocks I believe the bearing surface on a Kydex holster is the polymer frame, so there really isn't any scratching per se. I think it is more evidend in old blued guns with metal receivers.

[Acasper708]

I have a leather Kydex hybrid by Kohlster.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/24/hy3asyhe.jpg
It isn't as big as you think. The further the clips are the sturdier it is.
It's very comfortable.

Now I did make my own full Kydex OWB pancake style holster.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/24/y3y2a5et.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/24/9ebajede.jpg
I used .060
The thickness does not affect comfortability that much.
Kydex will not scuff a Kahr. The stainless is a really hard. Mine shows zero wear. I've made Kydex holsters for several guns and the only one that shows wear is my buddy GI 1911. But that's because it's blued.

[kwh]

I take it out and put it in front of me in the console, for easy retrieval, if needed.
I am not always the one driving and also I do not like the idea of my carry pistol loose in the car and not being attached to my person in one way or another.

[Baklash]

Thanks for the comments. I thought my post would kick start a lot of discussion on all the variations to choose from, but didn't get as much as I hoped. There were some statements/questions made that should have worked. I even asked some very specific questions that no one touched. For instance, I heard nothing about the clips. Guess I did a poor job of stirring the pot. :boink:

[kwh]

Thanks for the comments. I thought my post would kick start a lot of discussion on all the variations to choose from, but didn't get as much as I hoped. There were some statements/questions made that should have worked. I even asked some very specific questions that no one touched. For instance, I heard nothing about the clips. Guess I did a poor job of stirring the pot. :boink:Did not address this directly in my first post but check with nelsonholsters.com. will answer questions about clips .

[hardluk1]

I have tried a few iwb holster and then I bought the Kydex/leather from comp-tac minotaur neutral 4 years ago. I wear it just infront of ,my right front pocket and I had no use for the extra leather at the bottom so I trimmed it off and canted it to the rear. Bought for the cw9 but have since change to the larger tp40 a year ago. They are tension adjustable and very adjustable for height and angle. These belt hooks hold up very well and are not noticeable like most snap types or metal hooks.
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l444/hardluk1/th_100_0412_zps35febc3f.jpg (http://s331.photobucket.com/user/hardluk1/media/100_0412_zps35febc3f.jpg.html)
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l444/hardluk1/th_100_0463_zps270ea3a3.jpg (http://s331.photobucket.com/user/hardluk1/media/100_0463_zps270ea3a3.jpg.html)

[Baklash]

hardluk1, do you have to thread the belt thru those clips, or will the belt snap in place?
BTW, thanks for the photos. I like your mod. It looks like a very good unit.

[ohio lock]

I carry my CM 9 in a Don Hume black leather IWB holster. Double stitched around the top and a tough steel clip. Keeps it pretty deeply concealed but still allows me to get a nice grip. I wear an under t-shirt (my old navy days taught me to wear one every day) and it conceals great under even another t-shirt. I don't mind kydex but it does make a click sound and if/when I need to get the gun I may need it to be as quiet as possible. Kydex is louder. Maybe not much, but I don't hear a thing from leather. My two cents worth.

[JFB]

I pocket carry or OWB (Crown Holsters kydex) my P380 with CT. In the car it lives in a pocket holster velcroed in the map pocket of the door, lucky I am left handed, if I was not I would be velcroing to the consul.