Best Kydex Holster

M

Mike Baugh

New member
I am going to take the plunge and try a Kydex holster . Who has the best ? I want one for a S&W 640 .357 and am leaning towards a paddle style , only because of the short barrel not feeling secure in a leather IWB [perhaps a kydex IWB rides different/lower than leather]. How is the gun retention compared to a leather holster of the same style ? I usually buy Kramer and have had good luck with his but want to try something different . Thanks , Mike...
 
Mike,
I'll take a stab at this one as no one else has yet jumped in. Retention in Kydex holsters is generally far better then leather especially over time. Leather over time will "break in" and become soft in areas vital to retention. The "break" (that is the point at which the holster lets go of the weapon) is much cleaner and IMO faster with Kydex then leather.

There are several quality makers of holsters who specialize in Kydex.

Gun Glove holsters by Mad Dog have a long standing reputation for being practical, functional and tough. The retention on these holsters is excellent and non adjustable (that is unless you heat the Kydex, which will probably void the warranty). Philosophy behind adjustable tension vs. non- adjustable tension in Kydex holsters varies depending upon who you talk to.

Blade-Tech has had mixed reviews on this forum however, I have never seen anything but quality holsters from their shop. Their holsters all have adjustable tension screws. This allows you to set the tension the way you like it.

There are a few other makers with good reputations and I'm sure the other members will vouch for them however, the ones above and the ones I make are the only ones I have had opportunity to sample in-depth.

As far as who is best … I may not even have to give my opinion on that as Kydex holsters for revolvers (as far as I know) currently are only available from Edge-Works. If anyone knows of another Kydex holster maker who makes holsters for revolvers please post.

Any way Mike I encourage you to try the Kydex. Once you have a quality rig you'll be hooked.
 
Just picked up a Kydex sheath for my NAA Mini-revolver on a neck loop cord from Livesay Combat Knives.
 
"Muzzle at your head"..ROTFL... you're killing me Scott!


Seriously,

I need a holster for a scoped 629 Classic, Scott, so add it to my order.
 
To add to what Scott has said about Blade-tech, my holsters are a bit of a mixed bag. My right side IWB's workmanship is top notch. I can find no fault in it.

On the other hand, my left side IWB's workmanship seems shoddy. I mean, the molding isn't crisp and clear like the right one. Even worse, the holes for the retention screws are a full 1/8" of an inch off from where it should be. It's as if someone left it in the hands of a moderatedly experience amateur.

I'm sure there is a rational explanation for this. But since I know next to nothing about Blade-tech's manufacturing process, I can't say just what that would be. For all practical purposes, however, both works where it counts, and that's good enough for me.

Another note I would like to add. About a week or so ago, I went to the gun store nearby me and saw a man wearing wearing a Glock with a Mad Dog holster. A brief conversation with him confirmed that it was. Upon close examination, I noticed that the inside of the trigger was exposed by a 1/4" gap! Enough to expose the space behind the trigger. This was quite alarming indeed. But, I didn't mention anything to him. I guess I should've, but he uh.. didn't seem very receptive somehow. Don't get me wrong, of course. My Mad Dog IWB is of excellent quality even if the fit is a bit tight.

Anyways, I am just re-emphasizing Scott's point about holsters being a mixed bag. Aside from minor characterstics that needs to be taken into consideration when selecting a holster, the overall quality of the holster is more important than what brand or who makes them.

$.02

[This message has been edited by SB (edited February 26, 1999).]
 
Scott
Yes the way it came was like that but I ran the loop through one of the side holes instead so that it hangs horizontally now.
 
Fal308,
Good move. How is it wearing it around the neck? I have a holster I made for my NAA .22mag that can be used in the pocket or with a "Mini Harness". (that's a fancy name for a shoulder harness that I make out of a large loop of 550 cord crossed behind the back in a figure "8" / you might try this with yours also) However, it almost always goes in the right front pocket.

Rob forgive my ignorance but what is …ROTFL ?

Also, call me on that order as I want to talk about the other as well


[This message has been edited by Scott Evans (edited February 26, 1999).]
 
The only problem with the present carry is that I couldn't double the loop line to make it lay naturally flat against my chest. The open rivet hole is small enough to only allow the parachute cord (?) through once and not doubled as was intended. Thinking about drilling an oversized hole nearby so that I can run a bight through the hole so that it would lay truly flat. Though it's not really a problem until you lean forward, then the weapon wants to twist perpendicular to your front body line. There's just enough weight so that it then prints. Also I've been carrying on an empty chamber, just in case.
 
ROTFL- ROlling on the floor, laughing.

LMSO- Laughing my socks off

LMAO- Laughing my a** off.

ROTFLMFAO!- That was really funny!
 
FAL308
If you pull the strands out of the center of the 550 cord (parachute cord) and sear the ends with a match, it should be small enough to go through the hole more then once and strong enough or your needs. Unless you envision an emergency rappell escape from a high rise building with your holster :) HTH
Jeff

[This message has been edited by Jeff White (edited February 27, 1999).]
 
Check out a Safariland Concealex paddle. I am not certain if they are made for the S&W 640, but it is a pretty good holster IMO. It is a lined Kydex holster with thumb break retention.

Phillip
 
Thanks Rob … I was SMHFH (Scratching My Head For Hours) Trying to figure that out.

Some times you just CSTFFTT (Can't See The Forest For The Trees) … KWIM (Know What I Mean) ?


Phillip,
Is that Safariland holster being advertised as actually using Concealex?
 
The Safariland kydex holster is actually marketed as part of thier Concealex line. I have not seen any actual advertisements for them, but have seen them at a couple of LE shops. A couple of friends of mine have the duty version and recommend it highly. I intend to get one for my SIG 239 as soon as I find one.
 
I have a Blade Tech standard scabbard for a 4" S&W 25-2. Haven't used it much yet but it seems all right. It is secure but fast. I will probably buy more Blade Techs. Bill

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Let me throw in a vote for David Elderton, maker of Ky-Tac holsters.

I have found David's holsters superior to any other kydex holsters I have used or examined to date.

Blues

------------------
Live Free or Die
 
I make kydex holsters, and can make one for the S&W 640 .357 snubby.

I make it is based on the customers preference, since he is the one that's going to use it !

I utilize twin tension screws, as that allows the user to set the tension to their preferences, not mine ! Rivets do not allow that flexibility.

I also make a "Neck Holster," called the "O.S.H." for the NAA mini-guns. I include a "cocker blocker" for safety and twin cord holes at the top to minimize twisting.

Like most of you, I also have a boatload of holsters that were "almost right," which is the main reason I started making my own !

David

------------------
Ky-Tac

Innovative Kydex Tactical Gear
http://members.aol.com/kytac
 
As many know, Mad Dog Holsters are a favorite with me due to the positive lock at the rear trigger guard and the lack of tension screws.

However, I'd be hard pressed to knock David's KyTac line. He spent considerable time with me on the phone and delivered well made and perfectly finished holster, mag light holder and mag pouch.
Welcome David.
Rich Lucibella
 
Hi, Rich !

I just found this place and I like what I've seen so far !

Rivets can work, as Mad Dog has shown, but there are shortcomings with them, such as, two different guns of the same model probably won't fit the same, loud drawing sound, etc.

Tension screws allow the user to adjust them to fit THEIR gun the way THEY want it. If there is a concern about the screws coming out, then use Loc-Tite and tweak the screws to how you want them.

However, since this is the same reason they make Fords AND Chevy's, I am now offering a riveted holster for $39.50

The downside is, there is no choice to cant, belt width, etc. And it is currently only available for Glocks.
 
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