[Demitrios]

Hello everyone, I'm looking to buy a holster as I'm picking up my Utah Carry Permit soon but the problem is I don't know what brand holster to get. I know I want a pancake holster, preferably to carry 4 or 5 o' clock to carry my S&W M&P. I like Galco, from what I've seen, but I know vitually nothing else. What I want is a strong leather so I can get a smooth, easy draw that won't destroy the bluing on my pistol or let my body sweat mess it up. I'm also open to cross draw and shoulder holsters as well. Any info, such as brands, pricing and location to purchase would be terrific. Much thanks guys.

[Demitrios]

Some views but no replies?

[Dan Crocker]

Most leather will end up hurting the bluing on pistols because of the chemicals used to tan and dye it. However, since you have an M&P, I wouldn't worry about it. Kydex also works very well, especially for the polymer pistols. I use them almost exclusively for my XD and Glock.

[rcmodel]

Nothing used to tan or dye leather used in a quality holster will harm the finish on any gun.

Finish wear is just that.
Wear from dust & dirt that gets in the holster, then repeated movement from drawing and re-holstering.

The better the holster fits the gun, the less movement there will be, and the less finish wear there will be.

rc

[Dan Crocker]

Many suedes are chromium tanned and they can cause holster wear. Additionally, like RC model said, debris can easily be caught on the rough sides of the heavy skirting leather (9-12 oz.) normally used to make holsters. Keep it clean and you should be okay, but gunk can build up.

[Demitrios]

This is all well and good but what I had in mind was something that stayed in place well and allowed a fast draw AND was conealable. I've talked to a few people at the range and they've steered me towards Fobus and their new E2 Evolution paddles. Personally I'll dress around my gun so concealment shouldn't be an issue but what I need is a fast, reliable draw preferably with some comfort and conealability.

[Jason_G]

I've talked to a few people at the range and they've steered me towards Fobus

Stop right there...

If you want kydex, go look at Comp-Tac and their M-Tac line up.

If you want leather, there are many choices, but I like Milt Sparks personally.

Skip the Fobus.

If you want some leather that is readily available without a wait, you might look at Galco. Not the best, but you could do a whole lot worse.

And get yourself a belt. A dedicated gun belt that won't sag or roll under the weight of your pistol is a must if you want to carry comfortably without constantly pulling up your pants.

Jason

[Big Daddy Grim]

I got the Galco locking holster and it does great with stopping wear my 1911 locks in place so it does not rub in the leather I highly recomend the holster.

[Maelstrom]

Your father has a Comp-Tac holster. Perhaps you should look it over.

[Demitrios]

And who do you think you are, Maelstrom, to be giving me advice?

[CB900F]

Demitrios;

I'll suggest doing a search here on THR for Ugly Bald Guy, or UBG, holsters. He's in Utah, SLC area I believe & has had good feedback on this site.

I don't have a UBG, but not because I've anything against him, just not in the market right now. The reason for that is that I use a Milt Sparks exec's companion for IWB carry. That holster has been in continuous use for about a dozen years & is still going strong. The downside to Milt Sparks holsters is getting one. Not so easy to do at this time, they run a monthly quota system to even get an order in.

900F