Need holster suggestions

[dkmlever]

Bought a new S&W 396 Titanium 44 special 3 1/4 inch barrel five shot revolver. I want two holsters to use with it. One an outside the pants, belt holster cross draw, the other an inside the pants for concelement use.
I was thinking kydex just since the pistol is 18 oz why wieght it down with heavy leather but am open to ideas and suggestions of brands, makers and models.
Thanks!

[kimwcook]

I pack everyday, all day and over the years through most every situation one can.

I think Kydex and polymer holsters have their place right along side leather. They don't soak up moisture (perspiration) and are very stable, that's a good thing. On the other hand, they make noise, don't give at all and create hotspots because of their impermeability. That's okay if you don't care if your wearing it outside the belt and you're not concerned about exposure.

Leather will soak up moisture, but gives and forms. Plus, it doesn't make much noise if you bump it on something, giving away your packing.

I have both and use them at the appropriate times and places. I use mainly leather for most of my packing. I use Kydex/polymer for camping, hiking, clan lab processing anywhere I'll be excessively sweating and I don't care who knows I'm packing.

Once you decide on leather or Kydex/polymer it'll be easier to suggest a maker/model. Oh, you'll want to decide on how much you want to spend. Good leather, at least, can be on the spendy side. Buck's recent posts on his leather work should make a leathermaker easier to locate.

[alnitak]

Here's some references for you:

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulletin ... dated.html

Some of the better recommended IWB makers incude Cross-Breed (kydex and leather), FIST, TT Gunleather, Little Bear Holsters (custom), Bulman, Wild Bill's, BladeTech, etc. -- literally tens of others. Check out a few of the links, and read on that forum some of the members' experiences. I own a custom IWB (tuckable) from Little Bear in elephant skin:

[brionic]

Contact Rob at www.simplyrugged.com

He is a great guy and will make a great holster for you, at a fair price.

Google him and you will read nothing but raves about his services and products. I have five of his holsters, along with others from El Paso, Mernickle, Milt Sparks, Barranti, Alessi, Del Fatti, etc etc etc and Rob's are my first suggestion.
--
Brian

[dkmlever]

Thanks guys for your ideas, I will let you know what I end up with.

[fatoldfool]

Another suggestion to check out Rob's products at SimplyRugged.

[bsaride]

Can't go wrong with simplyrugged.com

My 21-4 holster:

[Streetstar]

Was just looking over the El Paso Saddlery catalog today myself

http://www.epsaddlery.com/