Gun impression in ITP holsters. Why?

[choppers]

OK, I have never understood why most Pocket Leather holsters have the imprint of the gun on them. If removing the gun from the pocket is most sucessfull with less resistance it seems having  friction caused by the imprint just work against that goal. They also will cause more rub marks on the gun.  If I'm missing some big point here someone plese square me away.  Thanks.

[tracker]

Choppers,

I think you may find that if you experiment with both designs
the imprinted version has less play with the gun and doesn't
leave marks. The Hedley I own allows the gun to slide out
rather easily by using my middle finger to push against the
holster slightly as the gun comes out. I have another holster
similar to that one made by the late Lou Alessi but with a smooth
inner lining. After using both of them awhile I don't notice much
difference between the two in ease of use but I definitely prefer
the imprinted style over the pouch style.

[choppers]

Well I understand what your saying, it might be to each his own. I just wonder why MOST are imprinted.

[tracker]

The only thing I can say to you is that they are most in demand.
One other subtle, subjective observation is that in a stressful
situation It is much easier to separate the gun from the holster if
it is imprinted. This is strictly tactile feel that has no basis in fact,
only my opinion.

[choppers]

I just cannot get my brain wraped around the idea that having to push the holoster loose would be better in a stressful situation. If a holster is imprinted it involves more work, looks cool, will print more in your pocket  and they can charge more for it. I wish there were more options for a non imprinted holster.

[tracker]

It is more of a smooth draw with the holster staying in the
pocket. There isn't a push down of the holster; it is more of
a slight blocking of any upward motion. The holster doesn't
adhere to the gun as much as you may think or as much as
it may appear just because it fits the gun well. I think, if
possible, you should try it somewhere and convince yourself.

There are other options available if you really just don't believe
it will work.

[tracker]

For example, the DeSantis "Nemesis" is a cheap nylon holster
that fits a P3-AT perfectly but will also hold an R9. It is more
difficult to get a smooth continuous pocket draw from that holster
than the imprinted leather Hedley. For one thing, the Hedley is
designed better for a pocket draw and gun/holster separation than
the DeSantis; being leather also helps quite a bit. The extra cost is
there for a reason because it looks better and works better.

After spending over $1000 for the gun it doesn't make sense to
scrimp on the holster. That would be like putting cheap tires on
a Ferrari.

[choppers]

I am aware of the "Nemesis" and "Uncle Mikes" and have both of them. The gun seperates from them and stays in the pocket as advertised and  I dont think I'm skimping on the gun buy using them. They are thinner, softer and more comfortable then most leather ones. I just wish there were more LEATHER holsters that were not imprinted. Meco makes a fake Alligator skin called the Armagator but he is two months out. I'm not aware of any other leather holster for the R9 that is not imprinted. If there is any I sure would like to know about them.

[tracker]

Why don't you just use an interim nylon holster and wait the
short two months for the Meco?

[choppers]

OK I just ordered the Meco holster. I will give you a report when I get it.  Thanks for batting this ball back and forth tracker. I think were a couple old coots set in our ways or should I say a couple of guys with long life experiences who can agree to disagree.

Choppers

[tracker]

That we can do; I'm glad you placed the order.

[Reinz]

Choppers - two things; one, I only waited three weeks for two Armagators, two, why not ask Robert of Meco your burning question?  He is the professional here, that's his business.

Reinz

[MrsFosforos]

I think holsters that are molded & boned to fit the gun have better retention; yet still allows for a smooth and easy draw.

[kjtrains]

I'll second that.

[Reinz]

I think holsters that are molded & boned to fit the gun have better retention; yet still allows for a smooth and easy draw.

I agree, I think that is the answer in a nutshell. but I think it would help for Choppers to hear this from a professional craftsman.

Reinz