First, some background info:
I recently purchased an XD45 Tactical to keep my XD45 Compact company. The Compact rides around all day in a Comp-Tac C-Tac holster (IWB kydex, if you aren't familiar). The holster is marked 40/45, but I know there are minor dimensional differences between XD40's and 45's (45 is bigger). Because this holster will fit the smaller 40 too, it leads me to believe that it's maybe a little tight in places for my 45. Result, lots of holster wear. So much that I actually sent the gun back to Springfield to have it refinished as a warranty issue. I have since accepted that it's the holster's fault, and I can live with it. It's just a cosmetic issue, and this an everyday carry gun. I'm cool with some character marks now.
On to the questions:
Now that I have two of the same model with different slide lengths, I want to get a leather slide holster that I can carry both guns in. I'm currently eyeballing a DeSantis Thumb Break Mini Slide and a Galco Silhouette Hi Ride. I have no experience with leather holsters, so please be gentle! My questions are as follows:
Thanks for your thoughts.
I recently purchased an XD45 Tactical to keep my XD45 Compact company. The Compact rides around all day in a Comp-Tac C-Tac holster (IWB kydex, if you aren't familiar). The holster is marked 40/45, but I know there are minor dimensional differences between XD40's and 45's (45 is bigger). Because this holster will fit the smaller 40 too, it leads me to believe that it's maybe a little tight in places for my 45. Result, lots of holster wear. So much that I actually sent the gun back to Springfield to have it refinished as a warranty issue. I have since accepted that it's the holster's fault, and I can live with it. It's just a cosmetic issue, and this an everyday carry gun. I'm cool with some character marks now.
On to the questions:
Now that I have two of the same model with different slide lengths, I want to get a leather slide holster that I can carry both guns in. I'm currently eyeballing a DeSantis Thumb Break Mini Slide and a Galco Silhouette Hi Ride. I have no experience with leather holsters, so please be gentle! My questions are as follows:
- The Galco holster only specifies XD, no caliber. Will this holster, which is presumably formed to a 9/40/357 gun stretch to fit my 45 without ill effects? The DeSantis holster has a model specifically for XD45s.
- Is leather easier on a gun's finish than kydex? The 45 Tactical is not going to be a safe queen, but I would like to keep it looking nice for as long as possible because it just looks so sexy compared to my well loved Compact.
- Considering the style of holster I am looking at, are there any others I should consider? I am a lefty, I want a thumb break, must be OWB, must have open muzzle for two slide lengths. Price range is <$75
Thanks for your thoughts.
Last edited: