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Kydex, agressive on finish???

3318 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  hilandr
I am looking in what may be a good holster (sturdy, issolation from body sweat, cant options, return option and good warranty) for Bersa UC9. How agressive is kydex on gun's finish, any experince / data out there?
Thanks , Valent.

https://clevelandsholsters.com/Home.html
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I'm not a big fan of Kydex, plastic, or nylon holsters, too rough on the body and the gun. After a few trial and errors with various styles, both IWB & OWB, including paddles, I decided on a good quality owb leather holster from UBG Holsters for both my 380 and my 9UC.
And I can attest to the fact that Kydex holsters have NO ILL EFFECT on any of my firearms finishes !!

Here is a comprehensive review on the holster you have asked about...

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Bobby Cleveland is the proprietor of Cleveland's Holsters LLC located in West Allis, Wisconsin.

https://clevelandsholsters.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Clevelands-Holsters-LLC/119323708154588




Bobby was gracious enough to send us two holsters to test and review for the members here. One for a Glock 30SF and one for a Colt 1911a1.






Cleveland's Holsters are made from 100% American manufactured materials and are produced for a variety of pistols and revolvers. The two styles offered are the CUT: which provides the wearer minimal yet adequate firearm coverage protecting and padding it from the body, and allows for a quicker presentation and access to the trigger...and the UNCUT: which provides the wearer full coverage of the firearm padding the sharp edges while protecting it from perspiration. Colors options include the natural tan or a dyed jet black.




The main components of the two holsters sent for review are tanned Horsehide and Kydex. Bobby uses American Horsehide because it is a denser leather than cowhide, making it rugged yet comfortable. This material also helps to keep the firearm isolated from the body and acts as a barrier to naturally corrosive sweat. Horsehide also molds itself to your frame and retains that shape the more you wear it. For added comfort, the edges of the horsehide are burnished to provide a comfortable fit, a smooth finish, and to discourage the peeling of the leather over time.

Kydex is a line of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride materials vacuum formed by Bobby to the dimensions of the firearm type you've ordered for an exact fit. The high profile design of the Kydex mold positions the mouth of the holster above the beltline, thus allowing for a secure one-handed reholster of the firearm. In addition the design acts as extended protection of the frame as well as the entire slide and barrel.

Adjustable retention is achieved by American manufactured screws of solid brass that have been oxidized to a non glare black finish. As the leather stretches from wear, these screws can be tightened to regain retention.

The seven position "J" shaped belt clips are manufactured from sturdy American steel and are also oxidized to a non glare black finish and can be worn both over the belt or under the belt and will allow the wearer to tuck in their shirt for a deeper concealment. These can easily be swapped out for a set of Kydex belt clips for a nominal charge. Cleveland's Holsters offer 49 positions of cant ( position and angle of the firearm ) to enable the wearer to orientate the holster to their preference.

Each Cleveland Holster is backed by a 100% non-prorated Lifetime Guarantee. If you ever have a problem with any Cleveland Holster due to defects in materials or craftsmanship...simply ship it back and it will be repaired FREE of Charge !!
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I also wanted to include that Cleveland's Holsters sent the two holsters via USPS Priority Mail, in a very timely manner, utilizing a non-descript manila envelope.

The opening of this package revealed a see-through resealable plastic bag that included a colorful Cleveland's Holsters marquee that can be used as a target should the buyer wish...



A small tube of American made Vibra-Tite Thread Locker ( medium strength ), that is similar to Loctite Blue, is included to secure the retention screws once your satisfied with the way you have configured it...

And, at a nominal cost, an extra set of Kydex belt clips can be purchased should you desire them.

A small 23 page booklet entitled: " What Every Gun Owner Needs To Know About Self-Defense Law", written by Marty Hayes, J.D. and provided by the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network, INC. was also included. This pamphlet is very informative for anyone who carries a firearm for self defense and provides an application to join the ACLD Network.

I have been able to wear the CUT style black dyed G30SF holster for one full month as my EDC rig and I must say that I am a true believer in this style of holster for everyday concealed carry. The holster was very easy to configure and comfortable to wear. The design spreads the weight of the firearm around the entire waist and the non-descript "J" clips can be worn either under the belt or secured to the belt as the user desires. I wore mine with a Blackhawk Riggers Belt and the system worked flawlessly. The ability to configure the cant in any of 49 different positions enables the user an ability to custom tailor the fit perfectly. I also plan to wear the UNCUT style neutral colored holster for my Gold Cup National Match for a period of one month and will post the pictures when that time frame has expired. I would also like to report that the holster(s) have not scratched the finish on either firearm.

Below find images of the holster as new in package... as well as images of the holster after a full month of wear:








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Any holster can cause wear marks to any guns, regardless of material. The biggest culprit in wear is of course the drawing and holstering of the sidearm. The more you do it, the more you get, simply.

That said, kydex does wear a little quicker then leather, but IMO no more severley or damaging. A carry gun is a tool, dont sweat it too much ;)
I make my own holsters after wasting a ton of money on what I was told were great holsters. Some were good some were crap. If a Kydex holster has good solid retention and the gun does not rattle around in the holster the wear should not be an issue. The wear that I have seen on my own guns is very minimal from practicing draws and dry fire drills. The wear I have seen from other Kydex holsters are a result of sloppy or loose conditions and the gun moving around while being carried.
I make my own holsters after wasting a ton of money on what I was told were great holsters. Some were good some were crap. If a Kydex holster has good solid retention and the gun does not rattle around in the holster the wear should not be an issue. The wear that I have seen on my own guns is very minimal from practicing draws and dry fire drills. The wear I have seen from other Kydex holsters are a result of sloppy or loose conditions and the gun moving around while being carried.
There are still times that I wish I had the talent to make my own holsters, so I've done like most, go through several before finding the better or the lesser of the evils.
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I make my own holsters after wasting a ton of money on what I was told were great holsters. Some were good some were crap. If a Kydex holster has good solid retention and the gun does not rattle around in the holster the wear should not be an issue. The wear that I have seen on my own guns is very minimal from practicing draws and dry fire drills. The wear I have seen from other Kydex holsters are a result of sloppy or loose conditions and the gun moving around while being carried.
I believe I shall be taking the same route and make my own, since there are 3 diferent firearms in question. Once the press is set up, should not be too hard. I have allready found a good tutorial and have most of the tooling.
When working with leather some talent goes a long way...I guess that is why I usually work with Kydex. It is very forgiving and if the fit is not right just heat it back up and try again. Try to only press the slide area that needs to be in the press and be patient and let it cool down in the press good.
I've been using a Blackhawk Serpa almost daily for several years and its not worn my Glock down at all
I've got a Di Santis Nemesis for my thunder 380 CC. I have only had a few weeks. It's still a bit tight but it appears to be pretty easy on the gun.
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