I have been happy with Leather Holsters. In particular holsters specially made for each firearm. It’s my own personal preference that works for me

 

Leather can actually be pretty harsh if the inside is rough and the leather is allowed to get dirty.

For IWB, I prefer a Kydex front and leather backing. For OWB, I prefer all leather. For me it has to do with comfort, not appearance or effect on the finish.

 

I prefer leather simply because of the aesthetics and how it wears. Leather just seems to mold and fit and feel better after it's been worn a bit. It's more comfortable to me, and I don't tend to get me or my carry particularly dirty. If I do, then I'm cleaning everything before I wear and carry it again.

I might make a different choice in some sort of professional carry circumstances (law enforcement, military, etc.), but for EDC I'm relatively gentle on my gun and am not beating up on my holster. Might also be different if I was carrying in some sort of rough outdoors situation like construction or farm work.

 

I've tried kydex holsters, but they're too rigid and uncomfortable against my body when wearing them. They're butt ugly as well. But I'm an artiste and was known as a "candy-ass" sailor back in the day, so take my opinion for what it's worth.

Living in El Paso, Texas back in the 1980's I was blessed to be able to take a short drive to El Paso Saddlery and they'd fix me right up with good leather for my pistols and revolvers. I had no complaints about carrying with that leather.

But in my old age I've gone demented and have a new found love of the cordura nylon UM mililtary flapped holsters originally made by Bianchi. Yeah, it's not designed for quick draw. I get that. But I can draw at least comparably as fast as I can shuffle with my walker across the room to retrieve my 1911.

 

I've tried kydex holsters, but they're too rigid and uncomfortable against my body when wearing them. They're butt ugly as well. But I'm an artiste and was known as a "candy-ass" sailor back in the day, so take my opinion for what it's worth.

Living in El Paso, Texas back in the 1980's I was blessed to be able to take a short drive to El Paso Saddlery and they'd fix me right up with good leather for my pistols and revolvers. I had no complaints about carrying with that leather.

But in my old age I've gone demented and have a new found love of the cordura nylon UM mililtary flapped holsters originally made by Bianchi. Yeah, it's not designed for quick draw. I get that. But I can draw at least comparably as fast as I can shuffle with my walker across the room to retrieve my 1911.

The firearm that’s on your person is a lot better than the firearm across the room for sure

 

I switched from leather to kydex, leather seems to be harsher on the guns finish

 

I actually like both materials. for me, leather for 1911’s and kydex for everything else. Can’t give you a good reason “why”, I’m just that way.😎

 

...heck... you're talking about a 1911. You can't put it in freakin' plastic.

Just got my first 1911(s). I'm not planning to carry mine for SD. I have a Beretta and Canik for carry. Beretta I have a Kydex/Leather hybrid, Canik has all Kydex holsters. But I have been looking at holsters for the 1911s for when I go off traipsing in the woods or other places where open carry makes sense. Not sure how I could do anything except leather. It's just...right.

 

I prefer leather pancake style holsters worn at 3:00 on my belt. My usual carry guns are either government model 1911s or 4" revolvers.

 

I prefer Kydex. Leather cracks, deforms, mildews and rots, and wears out a lot faster than a good quality Kydex holster like those from Blade Tech. After 5 years of carrying my Stainless Elite Sig P229 in my Blade Tech Kydex belt holster, I noticed that the holster and my handling of the Sig had polished the stainless steel, from a matte finish to a smooth, polished finish. Which was nice. Since I retired, I sold the Sig and started carrying my blued NHC 1911 with no ill effects in Kydex OWB holster. A few years later I switched to my DW stainless steel Specialist Commander for the shorter barrel and it also has experienced no ill effects from the Kydex OWB Blade Tech holster. I do have several leather holsters for when I want to carry in an SOB holster only because I can't find Kydex SOB holsters.

 

I do have several leather holsters for when I want to carry in an SOB holster only because I can't find Kydex SOB holsters.

K Rounds closed up shop https://www.krounds.com/

Lawful Carry: The Dualist - SWAT Survival | Weapons | Tactics

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www.swatmag.com

 

No question that fancy carved leather holsters are beautiful. As a rookie ranger thats all I used. But they do cause wear even on tough finishes like DLC. Pretty much all I use today for carry and matches are various types of kydex. Safariland for hard use work stuff and Red Hill Tactical for daily work carry and off duty. I've not noticed much of a difference when it comes to finish wear.

 

I prefer leather for 1911s, but have kydex for other guns. I am OCD so I try to clean the interior of whatever holster I use probably a lot more frequently than just about anyone, but I guess I just like leather better from an appearance and comfort standpoint. I do think the kydex is harder on the finish, but I know all leathers aren't the same, so YRMV.

 

Exactly ! As you know there's a Hair Side and Flesh Side . Some older ones would normally be Acid tanned , The new leathers [ Texas ] have Vegetable tanned and Chrome tanned hides .
This latter is cheaper and faster , But contains Chromium & bad for the environment and does not wear well either .

Yes I have seen leather holsters with the Hide side turned Inward . .That is where you would see the Rough leather , wear & tear Not conducive to steel firearms .

I have delved into making my own custom fits, utilizing a Wet Form procedure. Yes a lot of work , especially by Hand & Sewing . You just have to know the thicknesses , Type , Where and How to implement them . My best is a Western drop rig , High Show finish in Black with white waxed stitching . YMMV , depending on your patience .

 

I used to use Kydex, but now I've learned the error of my ways. Leather is more comfortable, easier on the gun, quieter to draw from, retains without trigger guard screws, and heck... you're talking about a 1911. You can't put it in freakin' plastic.

 

... and heck... you're talking about a 1911. You can't put it in freakin' plastic.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

You have preached the gospel. Pity the heathen who sin.

 

I have Kydex for all my firearms. Just bought a cheap combo for the Carry to get use to carrying the thing around the house and yard till I get it broke in with a few hundred rds. I actually like the holster too.

 

Old school leather for me, I just find it more comfortable (I carry IWB).

 

You can buy some leather holsters that option to line a holster in a smooth and soft glove leather but you pay extra for it and wait and wait for it . I've used mainly two brands of holsters in 35 yearts . First one was a smooth side with some thin glove leather against my skin on the back side and it was a rather adjustable iwb made by a Tack Shop owner / Saddle leather shop !! It was sort of ugly and not really boned like some today but it worked well for 16 years . The rest of my CCW years has been with Comp-Tac Hybrid holsters . Nice leather against the handgun , glove leather back side against the skin and wear is not from the kydex half . If your want a purdy very well made and can be lined Look at Tucker HF-1 or 2 . I had a couple owb holsters . and one iwb brand so highly regarded and found all but one worth keeping and thats the Tucker HF-1. I do not wear it often but it serves my Commander very nicely and carry's almost as tight to the body as my MTAC . I tend to wear my MTAC 95% of the time with both my commder or m&p full size .

 

LEATHER!

 

I like Diamond D Leather for leather belts and leather holsters and Blade Tech for Kydex holsters and accessories. I don’t care for nylon holsters.

 

Kydex for my plastic guns
Leathers only on my 1911’s
Nylon if it’s in a glove box

 

I carry leather, I have used kydex, usually for competition. In my experience, kydex is like lining your holster with sandpaper. For good leather try:

Home | Davis Leather Company

Davis Leather Company

davisleathercompany.com

 

I have an RIA 1911MS. I find any holster designed for a Colt Commander will work for me. I prefer leather. Just a preference. I will say I have ordered a shoulder holster in nylon. Mainly because I’m not sure if it will work. However if it does, I will seek a good leather one. Good luck. 👍😎

 

There are no guarantees on how a holster will wear. Leather, however, has a tendency to wear against the entire surface of the gun that it contacts. Kydex will often just wear at the actual contact points. But much depends on the holster and the gun.

With the above said, I've never understood people who are worried about wear on a carry gun. If you care about the wear, then make the gun a safe queen. Nothing wrong with that. But if you intend to carry the thing it WILL get worn. That's what refinishing is for.

Some pros and cons of each...

Leather - Generally feels better against the skin. More susceptible to inclement weather and sweat. Requires a decent amount of break-in before it's ready for prime time use. The beauty of a quality leather rig just can't be beat. The draw may be a bit slower. Often more expensive than kydex.

Kydex: No break-in required. Impervious to the elements and sweat. Very positive retention. The draw may be faster. The material better lends itself to various modifications that can improve concealment and carry...think wings, claws, etc., on a kydex appendix rig. Note that I've seen this done with a leather rig. It can be done, but the rig I saw was about twice the price of a comparable kydex right. Kydex is usually cheaper than quality leather. But it's not very pretty. It may be downright ugly.

If it matters, I'm a huge kydex fan. I do love the beauty and craftsmanship of quality leather...and especially some of the exotic skins. I just generally prefer the performance elements of kydex. YMMV.

 

There are no guarantees on how a holster will wear. Leather, however, has a tendency to wear against the entire surface of the gun that it contacts. Kydex will often just wear at the actual contact points. But much depends on the holster and the gun.

With the above said, I've never understood people who are worried about wear on a carry gun. If you care about the wear, then make the gun a safe queen. Nothing wrong with that. But if you intend to carry the thing it WILL get worn. That's what refinishing is for.

Some pros and cons of each...

Leather - Generally feels better against the skin. More susceptible to inclement weather and sweat. Requires a decent amount of break-in before it's ready for prime time use. The beauty of a quality leather rig just can't be beat. The draw may be a bit slower. Often more expensive than kydex.

Kydex: No break-in required. Impervious to the elements and sweat. Very positive retention. The draw may be faster. The material better lends itself to various modifications that can improve concealment and carry...think wings, claws, etc., on a kydex appendix rig. Note that I've seen this done with a leather rig. It can be done, but the rig I saw was about twice the price of a comparable kydex right. Kydex is usually cheaper than quality leather. But it's not very pretty. It may be downright ugly.

If it matters, I'm a huge kydex fan. I do love the beauty and craftsmanship of quality leather...and especially some of the exotic skins. I just generally prefer the performance elements of kydex. YMMV.

Now THAT was an in depth well executed explanation of your reasoning, the only thing I take exception to is your reference to using an appendix holster. My son is a HUGE fan/proponent of appendix carry...sorry but I have a real problem at having a gun...ANYONE'S gun...pointed at my..."jewels", the package may not be impressive to others but I'm pretty attached to it so...no appendix carry for me! LOL 😁
BTW, I have a nylon holster for my huge, heavy old school para P-14 .45 (only thing that I could find that fit! A kydex for my S&W M&P .40 and now a Craft brand leather holster for my Girsan 1911C, guess I got all the bases covered!

 

For me leather but I also like the Crossbreed line of holsters. You do have to keep the plastic clean before inserting gun and I use a silicon spray inside the plastic before before use too.
If you want IWB maybe this one:

Open-Muzzle Leather IWB Holster | Craft Holsters®

If you're seeking the ultimate in concealed, comfortable leather holsters, this is the best choice offering exceptional value. The open-top design ensures a fast draw, while the reinforced top facilitates a quick re-holster. Retention is easily adjustable with a tension screw, and the holster...

www.craftholsters.com

I have one similar to this for me my Colt:

Open Top Leather Belt Holster | Craft Holsters®

This open-top OWB pancake holster is handcrafted with a traditional appealing design, offering a slim, low-profile 4 o'clock carry with natural retention. Ideal for those seeking a lightweight, super quick-draw holster that combines great performance, concealability, and a classy appearance for...

www.craftholsters.com

I like OWB just slightly better.
This one has the upper leather tab for sweat and wear

MC 1911 SC

Girsan / EAA MC 1911 SC

urbancarryholsters.com

 

If I ever have a plastic gun, I might put it in a kydex holster, but my 1911s go in nothing but leather, these days.
I had an Uncle Mike's nylon holster, and after very little use the belt loop broke and the holstered gun fell to the ground; probably won't be using nylon again. The low price was the only positive.
My experience with kydex, three or four holsters in the little-used-holster box, is that they have "hot spots" that rub very heavily on the gun, which provide that satisfying "click" when holstering, but which will wear blued surfaces to bare metal in a day of use, and I have a lot of blued guns.
Leather has greater overall contact with the gun, but nothing bears especially hard, so not much wear.

 

Here's our answer to the OP's question; 1985 TR Rhodesian in horsehide with just a few miles on it. Ivory stocked Govt. Model by John Miller. We've never worried about the finish on any of our guns we just use them.

 

I find leather far more comfortable than kydex. Own both but find I actually use the leather holsters. Some of my leather holsters have been used for over a half century now.

 

I use both leather and kydex.

Most often it is leather.....probably 80% of the time I carry, it is in leather.