Quoted: It would be for outside the waist on a regular 1.5" belt. Is leather or kydex/plastic better?
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That's almost a religious question
A holster first and foremost needs to safely hold the weapon, i.e. it should only come out when taken out and should cover the trigger guard. Both leather and Kydex will do that. After that, it should weigh nothing, be as thin as possible and otherwise be as comfortable as possible. After that comes ease of use, other factors and fashion.
There are definite differences between Kydex and leather in those later areas.
Kydex is lighter than leather. Kydex is thinner and less bulky than leather. Kydex requires no break in. Kydex needs no maintenance except for the occasional screw adjustment and a squirt of Windex. Kydex does not absorb sweat or other dirt.
Leather is arguably prettier and more fashionable than Kydex. It can feel better against the skin. It won't trap a piece of grit and scratch the finish on your weapon. Depending on the holster, it also might have a bit more give than a stiff piece of Kydex.
I chose Kydex. "Form follows function" is my fashion. I don't mind a scratch or two on my weapon. I was also able to choose a holster that, with only a single belt slot, provided enough give so that the weapon was comfortable to wear. It can be a bit sweaty, though.
If you are looking for Kydex I'd say check out Blade-Tech at
www.blade-tech.com. A simple belt slot is very thin and non-bulky, stay away from the "Tek-Lok" attachment. The models with a single belt slot have quite a bit of give and are very comfortable.
If you want a Kydex holster that feels like it is bolted to your belt with no give at all, look at Comp-Tac at
www.comp-tac.com. Their double slot holsters are very rigid.
However you go make sure you have a GOOD belt. Double thick leather or stiff webbing. It's your foundation and your holster may not be comfortable otherwise.
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