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Holsters are made to safely carry a firearm and allow for quick access.  The safety function of the holster requires some level of friction to achieve level one retention properties.  This often results in some sort of wear of the finish of your firearm.  This can vary from finish to finish and firearm to firearm.  It is often assumed that a softer material, like leather, would create less abrasion on the finish compared to thermoplastic material such as Kydex or Boltaron or Holstex.  

It has been our experience that this is not always the case.  While some synthetic holsters rub while holstering and drawing, this does not always occur.  During the holster making process, the preparation of the molding drone or firearm can make a big difference in the fit of the holster with both retention and smoothness of the draw.  We have found that using thin spacers along the to and side of the slide as well as in the frame can go a long way into preventing this rubbing.  

For example, we have used several spacers to model this Makarov PM9 and this resulted in a smooth draw synthetic holster with an audible and palpable click when reholstered.  



This is especially important with inside the waistband holsters where the belt pressure is compressing the thermoplastic holster and causing more friction as the firearm is drawn.  

The trigger guard area with the retention screw is the place where the amount of friction can be fine tuned to allow for that magical smooth, quieter draw with rubbing along the slide or frame, and then allowing for secure click when reholstered.  

Leather holsters are molded to the firearm and these spacer techniques would not be appropriate, no would it be practical.  The leather will continue to mold and form to the firearm, stretching and conforming as it is worn.  The inside of the leather is generally the flesh side or rougher side of the leather.  We have found this does collect dirt and cause a sandpaper like effect on the slide region, especially at the muzzle end since it will spend the most time rubbing against the leather as it is drawn.  Leather lined holsters would certainly help with this but this would still occur to a certain extent.  

While not all holster wear can be avoided, we do strive to minimize it.  Certainly when making holsters for light and laser attachments, the friction along the light or laser is required to get a good locking click when reholstered, since the trigger guard area is not really in play.  

Certainly there are leather and Kydex style holster fans out there.  Some customers prefer one over the other for various reasons.  Whether is be based on looks, function, or the comforting sound of the audible click, as the gun is holstered, there are good reasons one would choose leather or Kydex over the other.  We feel that holster rubbing causing damage to the finish of your firearm is possible with either type of construction, so we advise against using this as one of your selection criteria.  


We hope this was helpful.  God bless you and yours.  

Jeremiah 20:11 Holsters, LLC

11 But the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.