TexasCHLforum.com

Got a new PT145 Pro and was going to order my normal HighNoon leather holster in cowhide. I've always wondered if horsehide is worth the significantly extra $$$. I received it yesterday. Seems stiffer, smoother and slightly heavier....It's a good quality piece, but wonder if I would ever order another. Any thoughts on horsehide over cowhide?

If you sweat a lot and plan to use that holster a lot, then the horsehide is a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, the cowhide should be sufficient.

Horsehide is also usually much more difficult to form precisely to the firearm. This usually results in either a holster that is not as nicely boned and fitted to your pistol, or a much more expensive holster due to the time and effort needed to make it.

As mentioned above, horsehide is a little heavier and said to stand up to heavy sweating. I am a heavy sweater, but have had no trouble with the cowhide. It is quite comfortable, and costs a little less. My favorite so far is the Crossbreed. I wear it without a t-shirt, so it is next to my skin. No problems what-so-ever.

I have two very similar IWB holsters, both Galcos, but one is the "Summer Comfort" made of rough side in saddle leather, and the other is the "Royal Guard" made of rough side out horsehide. Other than the leather choice and the fact that one is rough side out and the other isn't, the construction is very similar. Both are good holsters, but the Royal Guard is definitely more rugged, and definitely seems like it will last longer in the long haul.

When I ordered the Royal Guard (which I did by phone from Galco directly), I asked what the rough out advantage is, and I was told that there were two: one is that the rough side of the leather tends to accumulate fine grit, which over time, will accelerate the wear to your gun's finish; and the other is that the rough out side will hold the holster more securely from moving around on your belt. I don't know if the first is true, but the second does seem to apply.

I bought the High Noon Public Secret in horsehide. It's a very comfortable holster and works well for me. I decided on the horsehide because I wear it IWB without an undershirt and was concerned about sweating in the summer. I haven't had it long enough to see how it will age, but it is of good construction, so I don't anticipate any issues. It cost $40 more than cowhide but, in the end, I figured that it was worth the extra money. IMO, natural horsehide isn't as pretty as natural or dyed cowhide, but it's IWB, so what the heck.

I have a Cross Breed mini tuck (LCP) and a Tucker The Answer (Colt .45). The Cross Breed is made of horse hide which is a very nice holster that looks good and is very comfortable to wear. The Answer is made of cowhide and it is an excellently made holster very nice and also is very comfortable to wear. As far as the difference between cow or horse, I really can't tell. I am very pleased with both of them.

However, there is an article on "Horseshoe Leather Products" web site concerning cowhide or horsehide. They go into much detail of what the differences is and have decided (their opinion) that cowhide is your best choice. Anyway it is an interesting article, you might want to take a look at it and then draw you own conclusion.
http://www.holsters.org/which.htm

-geo

Check out http://www.kramergunleather.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. I have 5 of his horsehide holsters that are over 12 years old and look brand new and are fantastic to wear. I can conceal them under a polo short, carrying a S&W 629. Make sure you get a heavy duty gunbelt, designed for that purpose, and you will be very pleased.