Some makers use horse hide for their holsters because it does not absorb moisture.
Some makers use horse hide for their holsters because it does not absorb moisture.
I know it’s not the topic of the thread, but are you, in your testing, controlling for ride height? I’ve spent a lot of time on a timer over the years playing with a variety of Kydex and leather rigs. And while I’ll generally jump on the kydex is faster boat, the ride height makes a pretty considerable difference for me.
On the topic of the thread, I’m a devout SME user. I haven’t found anything else that combines such a high degree of concealment with such a high degree of comfort. It’s almost like TLG and SLG, et al, kinda knew what they were doing. 😊
Ride height is very important to me. I'm able to run a lower ride height holster with a traditional wedge (JMCK George) vs wing claw. Also, the wedge doesn't interfere with my middle knuckle like a wing claw.
@taadski - the SME rides pretty low no? Are you still able to get a good grip and fast draw compared to kydex?
He only made them for a limited number of guns in the past, and I thought there was no red dot option but apparently he's opened up to making more configurations. You'd have to contact him to get a read on what he's willing to make, though...the "wing" on the SME is a bitch on stilts to manufacture from what I remember.
As for what to do in the restroom, flipping the gun inwards into the lowering pants works really well for keeping that bit of visibility down.
3/15/2016
Yeah, the SME rides pretty low. Even with the taller belt loops that John sells, it is right on the edge of my being able to have a full grip on the pistol without hitting knuckles. I have large-ish hands though (XL glove).
I’m consistently faster out of Kydex if controlling for ride height. But I’m more than willing to trade a 10th or two of pure draw speed for the level of comfort and concealment the SME gives me.