10 Guns that Deserve the Best Concealed Carry Holster

As with most organic materials, there are a few drawbacks to using leather holsters. New leather is very stiff and it needs a break-in period to begin to mold to both your gun and your body’s shape. Many people who purchase a leather holster are surprised at how difficult it can be to remove and replace the gun into the holster until it’s broken in. It’s wise not to depend on your leather holster for concealed carry emergencies in the beginning because it may be difficult to remove quickly.

Some people break in their leather holsters by using leather lubricants, while others spend time manipulating the leather with their hands and gun until it’s more pliable and the gun can slide in and out easily. Others have found success with placing a thick plastic bag around the barrel of their guns and sliding it into the leather holster overnight. The added space provided by the plastic bag will stretch the leather more effectively.

Another drawback of a leather holster is that it holds moisture. If your holster is going to be against your body, plan on your leather holster absorbing some of your sweat each time. This moisture can corrode or rust your gun over time, so you’ll need to inspect your firearm periodically if your leather holster is absorbing a lot of moisture. If you’re in extremely hot or cold climates, this can cause the leather to crack and break down over time. You will need to dry out your holster after wearing it each time and pay close attention to maintaining your holster to ensure that it doesn’t crack or break.

Nylon holsters became popular in the 1980s because the material is much more flexible than leather, and it requires little-to-no upkeep. Nylon is typically used as a sportswear fabric because it repels moisture away from the body and helps keep an athlete cool, even while they’re active. It’s a very durable material and holds up even under the worst climate conditions.

The primary drawback of nylon is the build-up of grit, dirt and lint which can become trapped in the crevices of the nylon edges and fibers and can ultimately work their way into your gun. Nylon can also break down as time goes on, developing tears and rips in the fabric in the weakened areas where your gun’s barrel sits. Nylon holsters don’t typically last as long as leather holsters which are carefully maintained, so plan on replacing them more often than other holsters.

leather holsters are crafted from a special polymer plastic that becomes pliable when exposed to high heat. This allows the leather to mold to your specific make and model of handgun, making it a comfortable fit. If your holster needs a snugger fit around your handgun, a little hair dryer heat will allow you some flexibility with the polymer plastic. leather holsters repel moisture, so they require very little upkeep in terms of wiping them down after each use. They also are less likely to harbor dirt and lint build-up, which means your gun stays cleaner.