Leather, Kydex, or Hybrid?

[ipscshooter]

I'm looking for an IWB holster for my Sig P238. I have a kydex IWB holster for another pistol, and don't particularly care for the way it pokes my "spare tire..." I'm looking at either the Crossbreed Micro Clip:

http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/Micro ... roductName" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Or, a Tucker Mini IWB:

http://tuckergunleather.com/miniiwbforlcp.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Any opinions on these choices?

[hpcatx]

My hybrid holster has a horsehide back, rather than the standard cowhide. It costs a few dollars more, but makes the holster more protective against sweat and moisture -- especially in the heat we're having. Just a suggestion, but you might want to factor that into your decision making process.

I can't speak to the kydex poking you, but I find a major advantage of the hybrid holsters is that they are much thinner than the full leather ones.

[AEA]

My vote is leather for any style holster.
I believe that leather causes less holster wear on the firearm. Even stainless ones.

I have no experience with IWB. So I cannot comment on that other than to say leather over Kydex would be my choice.

[Zoomie72]

I have a CompTech Minotaur

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.ph ... tdvfamd3u5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I like it a lot, and seems like it is going to hold up for quite some time. It certainly doesn't make my USPc45 "disappear" but with a good button up shirt it is well concealed. Between the leather and the bobbed hammer on the end of the pistol, it is pretty comfortable. Retention is great. The pistol (not a lightweight) holds in the holster even when free, and cinched under a good belt it is very secure.

Edit: I was originally looking for an all leather but having a slightly uncommon pistol, the cost and wait time for a custom were ridiculous!

[gfmun]

I have a regular version of the Crossbreed and I like it. The leather/kydex mix is more comfortable as far as sharp edges punching you. The down side is that the leather will make you sweat more, especially without a t-shirt for it to be against. The other downside for me is that it is not real easy to put on and take off. Not a problem, unless you need to do it a couple of times per day. My favorite is the DeSantis Scorpion all kydex. It does poke you a little if you have put on a few extra pounds, but I really like the way it carrys and the retention. ( also not easy on and off )

The one I end up using most of the time is the Comp-tac Infidel. It conceals well, easy on and off and not that unfortable once it finds a place on your belt that it likes.

just my $.02
George

[Matt78665]

If you or anyone else is shooting a pistol that does not have a "safety" then I would lean toward Kydex. Almost eliminates the chance of something getting in the trigger guard when holstering the pistol. That being said I am a relative newbie here and would love to learn what others think

[Fisherman74]

I am partial to full leather rigs.

Eric Barber makes some nice stuff, just do a search.

Sparks and Rosen are excellent.

Several others are very good also, might give Lighting Arms Sports a call, just do a search. I probably mention that place to more folks than any as they carry some great leather in stock and very nice folks. I don't think they are carrying any of the three I mentioned currently. However they have some other great makers works in stock.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

I have a Minotaur MTAC for my XD45 Service model. I absolutely love it. The leather backing is very soft. I would highly suggest it for a IWB holster.

It is tuckable, adjustable, interchangeable, and very easy to re-holster one handed.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

If you or anyone else is shooting a pistol that does not have a "safety" then I would lean toward Kydex.

Absolutely.

Kydex does an excellent job of protecting the trigger, which is crucial when using a "point and press" arm. Kydex maintains its form and allows for easy one handed re-holstering, which is nice, but not a deal breaker for me. Kydex is easy to maintain as well, simply wipe it down.

Leather tends to be more comfortable, and does a better job of conforming to your body, however, as it "breaks in" and becomes more elastic, it can lose some of the protective qualities it once had around the trigger. Leather can become brittle in dry environments, and can start to rot in humid environments, however, these are long term concerns.

IMO, go with what is comfortable and practical for you. Leather is fine as long as you keep an eye on it and replace it should it lose its protective qualities.

[RAM4171]

another option would be what Kurtis Baker has.

Kurtis hangs out at GlockTalk and has a few threads running on his holsters. Some by him, most by satisfied customers.

He makes a holster similar to the Crossbreed for $50.00 shipped. I ordered one for my Springfield and really enjoy it.
I ordered it on a Friday afternoon, it was delivered the following Thursday, built to my specifications. Fast delivery!


I'm just a satisfied customer... you can see what he's got at http://www.shieldedholsters.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

+1000
I've been wearing my M&P 45c daily in mine since the first week of April. The leather is thicker and more stiff than the cbst. I did however have to trim a little leather around the mag release, it would drop the mag upon bolstering
I highly recommend the shielded holster just make sure you wear it around the house a little before going out into the real world.

[Express]

I have a Minotaur MTAC for my XD45 Service model. I absolutely love it. The leather backing is very soft. I would highly suggest it for a IWB holster.

It is tuckable, adjustable, interchangeable, and very easy to re-holster one handed.

I also have a MTAC. It's a great holster and made in Texas!
You also get a Smarties.

[ipscshooter]

I also have a MTAC. It's a great holster and made in Texas!
You also get a Smarties.

Comp Tac doesn't make many holsters for the P238. The MTAC is for larger pistols... My son used to work for Comp Tac. Their place is only about a mile and a half from my house. I've got several of their kydex rigs, and that's why I'm leaning toward leather or hybrid. The kydex just doesn't seem very comfortable.

Tuckers are also made in Texas (Porter).

[hpcatx]

Comp Tac doesn't make many holsters for the P238.

Check out theisholsters.com for your P238. I have one for my LC9 and it's great; good price and excellent fit. I can't speak highly enough of the holster.

Only drawback, it's made in Arkansas... not Texas!

[ipscshooter]

Nice. Looks a lot like the Crossbreed Mini Tuck, but, can get horsehide for the price of a crossbreed cowhide.