Holster material excess at muzzle

[cupton]

Silly question here. Is there a benefit (or negative) to not have a holsters material cut right at the muzzle of the pistol the holster was designed for? Not sure how to word that. Example, I have a new Hellcat I purchased a couple of holsters for it. The N8Tactical Xecutive that came in has about an inch of excess kydex between the muzzle and the tip of the holster. Other holsters I have for other guns have the excess as well while others seem to be a little more flush. This is not a complaint either. The N8Tactical Xecutive holster seems like a nice holster for the money and my Hellcat is snug as a bug in it. Its a keeper.

I was just curious if this excess material was to help prevent junk from getting into the barrel, or for ease of manufacturing a holster for a gun that has multiple barrel sizes, etc.?

 

[David N.]

The excess material you mention can be a benefit, because it creates a keel effect preventing the holster from tipping outward away from your body. For more information see this video from Tulster Holsters.

 

[cupton]

The excess material you mention can be a benefit, because it creates a keel effect preventing the holster from tipping outward away from your body. For more information see this video from Tulster Holsters.

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing!

 

[TidalWave]

Just a thought: Might that excess or gap accommodate the thread protector on a suppressor-ready barrel?
You see these barrels installed more often these days - but most folks just attach the suppressor when needed.
? ? ?

 

[Area52]

I had a OWB leather holster with the same issue, turned out it was because the particular S&W had a 3.5” bbl and maybe a 4” model but I believe Safariland only had one holster for the 4”. Over time the leather wore down, squished. When I did find a Biancchi OWB leather holster that fit he 3.5” it eventually wore away, exposing the muzzle by 3/16”.
Sometimes it’s these universal fitment products are just manufacturing cost savers.

 

[Keystone19250]

Silly question here. Is there a benefit (or negative) to not have a holsters material cut right at the muzzle of the pistol the holster was designed for? Not sure how to word that. Example, I have a new Hellcat I purchased a couple of holsters for it. The N8Tactical Xecutive that came in has about an inch of excess kydex between the muzzle and the tip of the holster. Other holsters I have for other guns have the excess as well while others seem to be a little more flush. This is not a complaint either. The N8Tactical Xecutive holster seems like a nice holster for the money and my Hellcat is snug as a bug in it. Its a keeper.

I was just curious if this excess material was to help prevent junk from getting into the barrel, or for ease of manufacturing a holster for a gun that has multiple barrel sizes, etc.?

No matter the material I’ve always seen a small amount of holster material extended past the muzzle end of the gun as a good thing as it does a lot to protect the gun in general including the crown of barrel.