[HavinaPretzel]

I plan on buying a Versa Max II for my 1911 soon, but don't yet know whether I'll get the horsehide or cowhide one. Are there any practical differences between these materials? I'm especially interested in any differences that would affect comfort, gun retention, and protecting the gun's finish. Also, is it worth the extra money to get the tuckable Kydex clips? I don't often wear my shirts tucked in, but am considering them for those times when I do.

[Zundfolge]

read this

http://www.highnoonholsters.com./_Questions/_questions.html#1

[torrejon224]

Don't know how true this is but I have been told that the parts of the VMII that touch the body (back of holster) are made of horeshide and the rest is cowhide. Seems like a great idea since the horse is more resistant to moisture.

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I have a cowhide VM2 that I have worn for six years now, including pistol training in the summer heat in Texas. It is lasting quite well and has many years left on it.

The horsehide is reputed to be more waterproof; but the cowhide appears to be holding up well. About the only change I've noticed is a slight darkening of the leather.

[bulbboy]

I have a horsehide version. I've heard that the horsehide is tougher and not quite as comfy - but mine is extremely comfortable! I do have a cowhide version on order but won't see it until November!!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f284/kevinmichaeldick/VersaMax2.jpg

[Top Gun Supply]

If you get a cowhide VM2 you are getting both horsehide and cowhide. The panel between your body and the gun are horsehide and the outer panel that is formed around the gun is cowhide. And of course a horshide VM2 is all horsehide.

Here is some information about this subject from Milt Sparks web-site:

One of the more notable properties of horsehide is its natural ability to repel moisture. This is due to the dense cell structure of the hide thus limiting its porosity. This natural ability to repel moisture makes it very useful for certain applications, particularly for use inside the waistband. Unlike with cowhide, horsehides non-porous nature reduces its ability to fully absorb the casing solution during the forming process, making it much more difficult to get good crisp detail of the weapon when molding around the gun. Also for the same reason horsehide tends not to absorb the dye and finishing materials as evenly making it in my opinion, somewhat inferior in that respect to good cowhide.

On the durability issue there has been much BS circulating on the mythical wear characteristics of horsehide. I will not argue that a well made horsehide holster will give you many years and possibly a lifetime of good service, but with proper care a good cowhide holster will last just as long.

Some of our holsters combine the use of both horsehide and cowhide, taking into advantage the desirable attributes of each material. So which material is better?? That is a personal preference issue. Where horsehide is available as an option, the choice is yours.

[45crittergitter]

And yet another opinion from Mitch Rosen:

Q: Is there any advantage to horsehide?

A: There is absolutley no advantage to horsehide as a material for high-quality holster manufacture. All of our standard products are constructed of best quality cowhide. However, we do keep some horsehide in stock for those who have been successfully advertised to.

[roo_ster]

Properly treated cowhide will be as sweat-resistant as horsehide. Untreated horsehide has it all over untreated cowhide, sweat-resistant-wise.

I can't think of any untreated cowhide holster I have ever bought.

[JerryM]

The first ExC, cowhide, I bought from Sparks had a moisture barrier between the layers of the body side of the holster. I am not sure if he offers such a barrier in his IWB holsters now or not.

Several months ago I bought another ExC for my Kahr P9 in horsehide. The barrier was not offered.

Still think it is a good idea, especially for the high humidity areas of the country, and those who sweat more than average.

Jerry

[2PAK]

Just recieved the horsehide VM2, its great. No slipage, great looking and, more importantly, works excellent in presentation and concealment for my 220SIG

[AlanD]

I have VM-2 in both cow and horsehide, and there is no significant difference IMHO.

[griz312000]

I also own both...the horsehide is a little stiffer and is taking a little longer to break in. Not all of the cowhide sparks holsters have horsehide backing...that's a special order item. As far as the clips, they are a small investment compared to the cost of the holster, and they do offer some flexibility as to wearing the holster in different social situations. Can't go wrong with the VMII....absolutely the most comfortable IWB holster out there..