Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes

[Grenadier]

Flipping through the holster bible, I see mostly sewn plugged toes on holsters but there is the occasional sewn through toe. I do not believe I have seen very many if any at all that were left intentionally open.

What's your preference?

[Cliff Fendley]

Depends on the style of holster which it should have but I generally like the styles that have toe plugs.

FA Meanea's work is my favorite style.

[Good Troy]

I like holsters with toes plugs.  Mainly because this helps keep the holster toe in shape, and acts as a stop for the barrel so the holster won't swallow the firearm if it is stretched or over sized.

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[Pitspitr]

Personally I like sewn in toe plugs, especially for IWB holsters.(OK, OK I know I'm not talking cowboy, but...) On IWB it keeps skin flakes and lint out of the muzzle and action.

I like them on my cowboy holsters too, but I guess I don't have much of a reason why.

[Coffinmaker]

For a working class CAS holster, I prefer an Open Toe.  Most of my holsters are commissioned for specific sets of guns, length specific and fitted.  There are occasions however, when I substitute different sets of guns.  Sort of like substituting 4 inch barrel Snubbies for 3 1/2 inch Snubbies.  .  Or perhaps subbing 7 1/2 inch Open Tops for my 4 7/16 inch Open Tops.  Big chunk of barrel hanging out the bottom.   

Were I to go more traditional, such as a California Slim Jim, my preference runs to a Closed Toe, such as the item posted by Cliff Fendley.  That is one very Classy Holster.  I don't actually own any like that.  Mine are all Open.  Fer SPEED ya know.   

Coffinmaker

[Good Troy]

For a working class CAS holster, I prefer an Open Toe.  Most of my holsters are commissioned for specific sets of guns, length specific and fitted.  There are occasions however, when I substitute different sets of guns.  Sort of like substituting 4 inch barrel Snubbies for 3 1/2 inch Snubbies.  .  Or perhaps subbing 7 1/2 inch Open Tops for my 4 7/16 inch Open Tops.  Big chunk of barrel hanging out the bottom.   

Were I to go more traditional, such as a California Slim Jim, my preference runs to a Closed Toe, such as the item posted by Cliff Fendley.  That is one very Classy Holster.  I don't actually own any like that.  Mine are all Open.  Fer SPEED ya know.   

Coffinmaker

Agreed...Cliff's holster pic is awesome!
Since my speed is "S  L  O   W " it doesn't  impact my holster selection!
 

[Major 2]

Yeah...but your Holster work is TOP drawer...as is Cliff's

I have one of each of their fine craft 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I don't have a preference. It depends on the style, I guess. Very nice pic, Cliff. Love those Meanea holsters.

[santee]

They are all nice. I'm with Coffinmaker, however. Depends on the gun I want to put in the holster, I might like the barrel peaking out the bottom.

[Capt Quirk]

I generally like open toe... not because I'm lazy or anything. I've done a couple of sewed closed toe, but never a plug. Working my way up to that.

[Cliff Fendley]

I generally like open toe... not because I'm lazy or anything. I've done a couple of sewed closed toe, but never a plug. Working my way up to that.

I don't like to carry a gun with an open toe unless it's a modern little conceal carry or something. Nothing that the barrel muzzle is extremely important on.

In my younger years I had a handgun muzzle get dinged pretty good when I was hunting and carrying it in a factory open toe holster. First thing I did when I got home was sew the toe shut on that holster and I've never hunted with an open toe holster since.

There's a reason makers of yesterday went through the trouble of sewing in toe plugs, I found that out many years ago. 

[Capt Quirk]

When I make an open toe holster, I usually give at least an extra 1/2" of leather to cover the muzzle.  Nothing is banging my muzzle, unless I wanted it to.

[Cliff Fendley]

When I make an open toe holster, I usually give at least an extra 1/2" of leather to cover the muzzle.  Nothing is banging my muzzle, unless I wanted it to.

Oh yes it can if you are active or out exploring the wild blue yonder, crawling doing the big buck sneak, etc, etc. Had it happen. 

[Capt Quirk]

Oh yes it can if you are active or out exploring the wild blue yonder, crawling doing the big buck sneak, etc, etc. Had it happen. 

Just how active do you think I am? Been a while since I was that active... no more Ninja Flips out of trees, flying kicks, splits and belly crawling, unless I'm on closing in on a critter  . But, even that is happening less. I suppose it is possible to still get to the muzzle, just never happened to me yet.

[Cliff Fendley]

Just how active do you think I am? Been a while since I was that active... no more Ninja Flips out of trees, flying kicks, splits and belly crawling, unless I'm on closing in on a critter  . But, even that is happening less. I suppose it is possible to still get to the muzzle, just never happened to me yet.

Sorry to offend you sir but you don't have to be that active at all. Probably if a person is just talking CAS and walking around the range and shooting when it's your turn it's not a real issue.

I am speaking of everyday holster use along with CAS. If you say nothing can hit your muzzle with an open toe unless you want it to then I have to question whether someone is elbow deep in the same activities I am from day to day.

Around the farm there are gates with chains, crossing wire fences, all kinds of handles, knobs, and bolts sticking out on tractors and machinery, theres the hardware and buckles on horse tack, the nifty little latches that hold the seat up on tree stands are lovely for snagging and scratching a gun in the dark, theres a million things out there that can get you. The easiest thing to bump a muzzle is the seat belt buckle in a vehicle. If you carry a gun a lot while doing other activities it is exposed to things that will scratch it no matter how careful you are. Holsters are for carrying and protecting a valuable tool, one of the most important areas is the muzzle crown. I'm basing my opinion as I had it happen to me.

[Capt Quirk]

I apologize for being overly smart with my previous post. I don't actually do Cowboy shooting, I'm a Homesteader. I live out in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of 25 acres of woods. While I may have been nigh invulnerable in my youth, I have reached the realization that I'm not up to taking on a big cat, bear, or even a wild dog anymore.

So, out dropping trees, clearing brush, digging holes, none of that has really had an impact on the muzzle end. The grip end though, that is the end that seems to take the abuse. My muzzle doesn't extend past the toe, it sits back in it a good bit, at least a half inch or more. So sure, I guess even then, if everything was lined up against you, and the fates were out to get you ( I call those average days ), it could happen. It just hasn't yet.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I have to agree for a daily use holster. I remember as a kid on the ranch, it's easy for your feet to go out from under you just walking downhill on a cow trail. Sat down hard more than a few times. An open toe is an invitation for mud or a stick to get jammed in there.

[Major 2]

I have to agree for a daily use holster. I remember as a kid on the ranch, it's easy for your feet to go out from under you just walking downhill on a cow trail. Sat down hard more than a few times. An open toe is an invitation for mud or a stick to get jammed in there.

Ha ! that conjures up a memory.... At my Granddads in the mountains of N. Carolina, walk'n' down hill in his back pasture , big old apple tree , I stepped ( heeled) a near rotted drop and skied on my heel about 10 feet before the wreck  , pride did not goeth before the on my ass that day.... happened WAY to fast      

[Coffinmaker]

THAT IS SO FRIGGING ANNOYING!!

I really wanted to gander Cliff's Plug Toe holster again.  Oh NO.  Those Ass Hats at Photo Bucket are holding it hostage.  What TRIPE!!

[nativeshootist]

I AGREE WITH COFFINMAKER, sorry for yelling.