Horsehide vs. Cowhide

[Steve133]

So, I'm looking at picking up a new holster. I've been shooting for a while and I have a couple of guns, but the only pistol that I've trained with enough to feel confident carrying is a Ruger P89. This presents a problem, since carrying that thing is like trying to conceal a brick on your person. I have a relatively cheap leather IWB holster that I use for IDPA, but it's not much good for concealment, since the ride depth is a little high for my frame (to perfectly honest, it's not much good for IDPA either, but that's another story entirely). I like IWB carry, but turns out that not too many people make IWB holsters for the P89.

But as it happens, Crossbreed is one of the few manufacturers that does. I've heard almost nothing but good things about them, so I'm probably going to order a Supertuck in the relatively near future, in the hopes that the ride depth/cant adjustability puts the Ruger vaguely within the realm of possibility for carrying (at least until I get more comfortable with my 1911...). If nothing else, it will make IDPA easier. So here's the main question:

Is a horsehide holster worth the extra money?

I've heard a few people talk about horsehide's improved moisture resistance, which seems like it would be handy to counteract both the Houston humidity and my (probably-related) tendency to sweat fairly heavily. I'm not completely opposed to spending an extra $15 if this is indeed the case, but petty as it may seem, $15 is well beyond my threshold for spending on pointless bells/whistles.

Anyone have any relevant experience?

[Gr8_Outdoorsman]

I have a horsehide and a cowhide supertuck holster. To be honest, I haven't noticed much of a difference in either one. I'll probably just order cowhide from here on out.

[Pug]

When still carrying a 1911 I used the Supertuck. I owned (still do) both cowhide and horsehide. The reason I got the horsehide is that it is supposed to wear more comfortably in the heat (doesn't stick to the skin with perspiration as much). Honestly, the difference (in TX heat) is not noteworthy.

Since moving to a Glock 36 I've abandoned my Crossbreed and moved to a Texas Tucker. It's not quite as large as the CB but every bit as comfortable (and for a good bit less money).

[garcia946]

I've heard the same. Right now I have a cowhide holster and I sweat A LOT with the job I do. So I ordered a Snapslide from CB in horsehide ( still waiting on it since I just placed order acouple weeks back). But after I get it I'll post an update on it.

[KDD]

I have both and can't tell much of a difference, I think the horsehide keeps it shape longer.

[Reloader]

Have used Greg Kramer's in horsehide for many years. They look like new and have no wear on them like cowhide will. Also, no decrease in the blocking. I'll stick to horsehide if possible. To me, It's worth it!

[kbscobravert]

ordered all my crossbreeds in horse. I figure pay the extra $10 less discount up front instead of it being the reason I hate the holster if I hadn't.

[i8godzilla]

Here is what Andy Arratoonian--a holster maker for 32 years--has to say on the subject:

http://www.holsters.org/which.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Pug]

Eeeeeuuuuuuuuooooooooooo...

So "oily" is the explanation for horsehide's greater resistence to the TX heat (i.e., too oily to absord human sweat). Glad I dumped mine!

Great article...thanks for the post.

Who's got the beef!

[Gr8_Outdoorsman]

Here is what Andy Arratoonian--a holster maker for 32 years--has to say on the subject:

http://www.holsters.org/which.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for the link! That was an interesting perspective. I haven't noticed my horsehide wearing any faster than the cowhide, but I haven't seen any benefit in the horsehide over the cowhide.

[Saintango]

Great for the information.

Went local and ordered a Maxtuck White Hat Holster.

Can't wait for it to come in the mail.

[equin]

Here is what Andy Arratoonian--a holster maker for 32 years--has to say on the subject:

http://www.holsters.org/which.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Very interesting. Thanks for the link. So it sounds like the chrome-tanned horsehide is superior, but because of its cost, is rare and hard to find. Instead, he had to import the less desirable cuts of horsehide and have them veg-tanned. And since they're less desirable cuts, he feels they're no better than the cowhide.

Also interesting to know about the oily, close-grained and dense properties of horsehide, which I suppose would explain why they're supposedly better for protection against body sweat seeping through and staining and rusting any steel parts. I guess for something like a Crossbreed or hybrid type of holster, horsehide would tend to protect better than cowhide in that respect since it's just a flat piece of hide. Whereas if you were going to go with a shaped and formed kind of holster, then maybe cowhide would be better since he claims it's more durable and better able to withstand the pressure blocking process.

Or at least that's what I got out of reading his piece.