I have a S&W 4" model 65-3 that I am going to start using for daily carry/field carry/home defense and have settled on the holster I want. My question is whether to get it lined or not. The way I see it, it's stainless, bought used, has some nicks, etc., so I feel there is no need to line it. What are the pros and cons of lined vs. unlined holsters? Do you all agree with my thinking or do I need educated? Thanks in advance.
Lined vs. unlined holsters
- Thread starter 2DaMtns
- Start date
ChicagoTex
Moderator
There ya go. Lining the inside of holsters is an attempt to cut down on holster wear - which never made a whole lot of sense to me as guns that are carried are pretty much doomed to be scuffed and worn anyway. It's added cost and the linings usually don't hold up all that long anyway.
On the contrary, I still have my lined Safariland duty holsters from 35 years ago and they held up very well. They used orthopedic elk suede linings that did a decent job.
For a stainless gun, it's pretty much a wash. A stainless gun can be polished to a nice nickel-like shine any time you want. Or you can polish out the nicks can scratches and have the gun bead-blasted to get a frosted finish again.
Lined holsters really benefit blued guns the most. The big caveat is to wipe the muzzle and cylinder frequently when shooting to keep powder from collecting in the lining. Cleaning the lining is a pain too. There were some solutions for cleaning them but you had to let the thing dry for 48 hours after cleaning.
When storing lined holsters, keep them in their original bag or rubberband a ziplock baggie over the top to keep out dirt and dust.
For a stainless gun, it's pretty much a wash. A stainless gun can be polished to a nice nickel-like shine any time you want. Or you can polish out the nicks can scratches and have the gun bead-blasted to get a frosted finish again.
Lined holsters really benefit blued guns the most. The big caveat is to wipe the muzzle and cylinder frequently when shooting to keep powder from collecting in the lining. Cleaning the lining is a pain too. There were some solutions for cleaning them but you had to let the thing dry for 48 hours after cleaning.
When storing lined holsters, keep them in their original bag or rubberband a ziplock baggie over the top to keep out dirt and dust.
David Armstrong
Moderator
I'm with Bill here. A properly lined holster should not wear out under normal use. But, as mentioned, with a stainless gun it doesn't matter much, so save yourself a few bucks.
The unmentioned advantage/disadvantage (depends on your point of view) is that a suede lined holster has a predisposition to be more "slippery" and thus easier for the hand to remove the weapon from the holster.
I don't personally like that, . . . but if one does, . . . it would also be OK.
In the holsters I make, . . . I only suede line them if the customer chooses for it to be lined, . . . and I don't charge any extra for the lining. It is a couple of extra steps for me, . . . and a little bit more of cost to absorb, . . . but I feel that my customers are worth it.
May God bless,
Dwight
I don't personally like that, . . . but if one does, . . . it would also be OK.
In the holsters I make, . . . I only suede line them if the customer chooses for it to be lined, . . . and I don't charge any extra for the lining. It is a couple of extra steps for me, . . . and a little bit more of cost to absorb, . . . but I feel that my customers are worth it.
May God bless,
Dwight