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I have looked at a lot of holsters, via the internet, and there seem to be a few different options when it comes to holster linings. Some offer cowhide lining, I've read horsehide holsters don't need a lining due to how smooth they already are, others offer "speacial man made materials", some offer suede, and others don't offer a lining at all. I looked for a thread on this website about holster linings, but came up empty (I used "lining" for my search term.) If there is a thread debating the best lining, can someone direct me to it? If not, lets start one.

Which is the best lining for a holster? Here are a list of the priorities I am looking for:

1. Protection for my guns finish.
2. Concealable (I list this one because I was told the lining could effect how thick the holster is).
3. Minimal drag. This is last because minimal drag is not a problem IMO, but drag to where I have to hold the holster to get the gun out because the lining is holding the gun would be a problem.

I've attached a poll question and included all the types of lining I know about, if you know of something else, let me know and I can add it to the poll. Please specify in your post if you select "Other."

Harvey - Here's my opinion. First, I would reconsider your priorities. Like you, I like to keep my guns in pristine condition, but for concealed carry that would be my last priority, not the first. My first priority is getting the gun out as fast as I can, not keeping the finish pretty. Most people I know are now using Kydex holsters for that reason. I happen to like leather, but none of my holsters are lined. I happen to like horsehide holsters with a sweat shield just because they might be more resistant to water from sweating in the Houston heat and humidity. I don't think a lining would add enough thickness that would effect it's concealibility.

If you want a gun with no holster wear, buy another one and keep it in a gun rug, and carry the other one. Besides, a little holster wear gives your gun character.

WildBill, thanks for the reply. I also live here in Houston, Baytown actually, but close enough. On my priorites, I guess what I should have said is something to the effect of, I don't want a lining that is highly respected due to how fast the draw is, yet wears on the gun more than the others. Maybe those came across the wrong way. Just so I am sure, all the sweat sheild does it keep the gun from touching the sweat coming off your body, correct? I know we all sweat, but some sweat more than others, I'm on the low end of this totum pole, meaning I don't sweat much at all, so I'm not sure if a sweat sheild is justified for me. Does it make carrying more comfortable also?

Thanks for all the votes!

The sweat shield serves two purposes. It keeps the sweat off the gun. No matter if you sweat a little or a lot, a gun can rust. It's not as much a problem if it is stainless, but I carry a blue steel revolver. The sweat shield also prevents the gun handle from digging into your side so, IMO, it's more comfortable to wear.

WildBill wrote: The sweat shield also prevents the gun handle from digging into your side so, IMO, it's more comfortable to wear.

IMO making the holster comfortable enough to wear it all the time is the most important thing you can do.....if it hurts, you likely wont wear it.

Just get a kydex holster and carry that thing until the finish rubs off....refinishing is cheap. Besides.....if you practice enough, there is absolutely NO way you can keep the gun from getting some character marks.....it is just impossible.

Jason

I had a guy at Galco tell me once that unlined is better - better on the draw, and better on the gun. He said that suede linings, for instance, can accumulate trapped dirt and grit, which over time will abrade your gun's finish worse than simply leaving the holster unlined. That said, Galco offers lining in some of its products.

I use a suede lined holster most of the time for my daily carry. It is a simple outside the waist band belt holster that holds my XD40compact nice and tight against my waist. Since it is otwb, any extra thickness is a non issue for me. I noticed I still get holster wear but have resigned myself to the fact that that's ok. I do like the character it gives my pistol.

The one issue I have with the lining is that it tends to separate from the holster leather where there is a small margin between the stitching and the top edge of the holster. As the front sight enters the holster, it drags against the lining and pulls the suede away from the thicker leather of the holster. A small amount of glue between the two leathers has solved the problem to my satisfaction but I do need to re-glue after about 6 months of use.

My vote was for non-lined holster simply because, I see no practical benefit to the lining.

I appreciate all the replies. Just looking at sites with Kydex belt holsters, isn't that basically what the gun came with? Here is a picture of what came with the gun. I have only tried this holster on, not carried with it yet, and it does not make the gun very concealable. I had it positioned at about 3:30-4:00.

http://s760.photobucket.com/albums/xx24 ... 2614-1.jpg

I say this with all due respect....toss the XD gear and visit http://www.comp-tac.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for some quality kydex. The holster is just too important to risk your life with injection molded plastic.

Jason

I agree with the quality comment on the Springfield gear. Maybe it's good for tactical purposes, but for concealment, it defintley is not good at all. I tried it even with a jacket just to see and there is no way I could get it to work.

Those "free" holsters are fine for the range but not what I would choose for daily carry. If you like synthetics there are many decent kydex holsters (IWB and OWB) for less than two yuppie food stamps.

I guess this may have been considered under "other" for the poll, but what about a nylon holster like the DeSantis Tuck-This II? DeSantis website description says the holster is made of nylon and lined with pack cloth, whatever that is. Would this be an acceptable holster? I think I am going to go with some type of leather holster from Tucker Gun Leather, undecided on the Texas Heritage or the HF1. I am fairly sold on one of these two holsters, the only problem is it'll take 5 months to get and I need something now. So I thought I'd buy this DeSantis holster which is fairly inexpensive and order what I really want and wait. I also like some of the K&D holster pictures I've seen, but their not accepting new orders right now and I can't even view their line-up.

Let me know what you think about the DeSantis Tuck-This II.

I also would like comments on the Desantis Tuck This II, please.

We found the holster in town today; we liked the adjustability, the snug grip on the gun -- and the price. However, the stability of the J-clip concerns us.

Is it more stable than it looks? Can another clip be attached to the holster?

Thanks!

The Annoyed Man wrote:I had a guy at Galco tell me once that unlined is better - better on the draw, and better on the gun. He said that suede linings, for instance, can accumulate trapped dirt and grit, which over time will abrade your gun's finish worse than simply leaving the holster unlined. That said, Galco offers lining in some of its products.

I have to agree, the suede collects dirt abrads the pistol's finish and creates more drag when drawing....also holds moisture (and salt when sailing). I have some of each and prefer the inside surface to be cowhide that either has a sealant/balm or sealant/wax on the inside surface. It doesn't lose retention, but draws much better.

I do use Comptac Mtac's for my IWB holsters under a tucked shirt. The only trouble has been breaking the belt clips, and the unused portion of the clip poking me.....I know I could trim them off, but I might want to change adjustment of the cant someday.