I’ve never been impressed with leather holsters. If you don’t need something as durable as kydex it might work for you.

The 82 is actually a sort of hybrid leather/plastic holster: The retention system is plastic mounted in a leather shell.

As for durability of leather vs kydex, give me a break. I have carried in leather holsters, kydex holsters, and hybrid leather/plastic holsters; the only failures I have seen develop among my holsters are cracks in the plastic bits. When it comes down to defending against gungrabs, or even day-to-day durability, I don’t trust kydex parts to be strong enough.

Don’t get me wrong: my primary EDC holster is a Crossbreed Supertuck, but there the areas under the most stress are the belt clips (stamped sheet metal) and the backing material (relatively thick horsehide), not the kydex.

You’re so cute when you talk like Yeager.;)

I hate that guy. Every time he says something sensible that I agree with I feel dirty and used inside.

You’re so cute when you talk like Yeager.;)

I need an exposed carry system (for easy access) that has some greater level of retention than “pull hard, gun comes out”. The Serpa was the first synthetic solution I liked. I’m willing to replace it. Thank you for doing the work I was too busy and, frankly, lazy to do.

And, since someone will ask, yes, we also carry long guns. Usually 12ga shotguns, although I have become a fan of bringing my Africa rifle in .458 Lott and my brother sometimes carries his elk rifle .375 H&H. My wife and I carry 10mm Glocks, most of the rest of our party carries .41 or .44 magnum revolvers.

Ive had lots of close encounters with wildlife, but to date I’ve not had to shoot anything in anger. Frankly, I’ve been more scared of 2 legged predators than anything else, but that’s because I think they’re much more unpredictable. My brother has had to shoot a black bear and warn off a grizzly and a moose, but he lives in South East these days, and his job has him working outside about half the year.

Again, thanks for doing the work. My wife and I appreciate it.

FormerFlyer

Another holster to consider is the Bianchi 82.

I’ve never been impressed with leather holsters. If you don’t need something as durable as kydex it might work for you.