For as long as there have been weapons, humans utilized a wide array of contraptions to carry them around. For example, swords and knives have been sheathed in scabbards and attached to specialized belts, rifles have been carried in slings, and of course pistols have been carried in holsters. Modern pistols have a wide range of capabilities and sizes, with each one requiring a different type of holster. There is no exception to the popular full-size semi automatic PPQ M2 15 + 1. A nice pistol like the PPQ M2 practically demands a quality holster to complete it as a weapon system, especially when dealing with an everyday carry (EDC) situation. Given this need, here are some things to consider when purchasing a Walther PPQ M2 holster.
Holster Material
Keep in mind that a Walther PPQ M2 is a full-size pistol, and it weighs about 1.5 pounds. Considerations when carrying a handgun such as the Walther include comfort, ease-of-draw levels, and the weapon system's total weight (pistol, optics or additional sights, and illumination, ammunition, extra magazines, and holster(s)). A heavy handgun in a bulky or ill-fitting holster could become a grind, in other words.
Kydex
Pistol holsters generally come in leather, nylon, or thermoplastic (Kydex). Kydex was initially produced in 1965 by the company Rohm and Haas. Rohm and Haas gained fame for its manufacture of plexiglas acrylic. This transparent plastic revolutionized aircraft canopies during World War II due to its lightweight and durability. Since then, Kydex makers today have built on Rohm and Haas' work to turn holster making into a science. For one, the material is infinitely malleable. For its part, Kydex is versatile enough to make into any shape needed. Unlike an organic material like leather, there's no need to break in Kydex because it's an inorganic.
Kydex has only a couple of potential, very minor, cons as a holster material. Tactically speaking, drawing a gun from this kind of holster may create at least a small amount of noise, such as a clicking or scraping sound. When ultimate quiet is critical in a tactical situation, leather and nylon are quieter holster materials.
Durable and long-lasting, Kydex doesn't require much care except for a damp cloth wipe down or occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. It is resistant to the elements like rain and snow, which make it ideal for nearly all climates. Kydex pistol holsters also exist for just about any handgun type or model, no matter the maker.
Leather
Leather holsters have been around for as long as handguns. For thousands of years before that, leather served as a carrier material for many other weapons. It's a sure bet that as soon as humans figured out how to tan an animal's hide, they then began working on slings, sheaths, and scabbards to carry around their axes and swords. The Romans certainly did with their classic legionnaire's sword, the Gladius. Tanning, cutting, dyeing, shaping, and tooling or "figuring" (decorating) of leather is definitely an ancient art.
Leather is also an organic material made from animal hide, just like a baseball glove or any pair of leather shoes. However, being organic, if a leather item isn't lightly coated or hydrated with oil, it will break down or stretch out. It is also especially susceptible to the elements. Wet leather tends to become moldy and damp leather tends to degrade, split, and cut.
The organic nature of leather also means that no matter how well-maintained it is, it will degrade and provide less support over time. There is no doubt that a handgun placed in a sagging leather holster is less secure. It may be more challenging to draw, which is an essential factor in any tactical environment. Body sweat, which is composed of water and salt, will also cause "sweat through" and break down the holster much quicker. Needless to say, leather is not typically an practical holster in the 21st century for a variety of reasons.
Nylon
"Nylon" is a generic term used to describe a whole family of synthetic polymers. Like Kydex, it's a thermoplastic, but comes from the lab as fibers or strands with varying degrees of strength and elasticity or malleability. Nylon has a history dating back to 1935 when it was first created in the laboratory by DuPont. its first commercial use in 1938 as the significant component in a nylon-bristled toothbrush. This synthetic material quickly became far more famous in 1940 when nylon took the place of silk in women's stockings, creating the first pair of "nylons". Nylon was pivotal during WWII when it was used as a superior replacement material for silk in parachutes.
Nylon-made holsters deliver a high degree of tactical capability, as drawing a handgun from one of them is whisper-quiet. On the downside, nylon holster material is less structurally sound, even with inside stiffeners. Nylon is more appropriate for outside-the-waistband (OWB) and shoulder holster setups than IWB or inside-the-waistband offerings. When going with IWB holsters, always factor in comfort and sweat or perspiration, mostly if high-physical-stress tactical environments play a role in a carry handgun scenario.
Unlike Kydex, nylon holsters are usually 'universal' for handguns, meaning that the material isn't shaped or molded for any specific pistol. However, universal holsters are not always recommended because the guns don’t always fit perfectly in them. In order to be as safe as possible, guns should fit snugly in a holster. Though comparable to Kydex, on a cost-to-benefits ratio Kydex is definitely the superior choice.
Choosing the Right Holster
The right holster for the Walther PPQ M2 depends on a combination of factors. These include:
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Are you planning on carrying concealed or openly? Be sure to research your state laws before making a definitive decision.
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How easy is it to holster and then draw a pistol? Ease-of-use should factor into a pistol holder’s selection decision, especially when looking at full-size handguns like the Walther.
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How durable is the holster? Indeed, more than a few gun enthusiasts can open up a large dresser drawer and pull out a dozen or more holsters in all types of material. However, if money's tight or amassing a holster collection isn't a crying need, then go for a holster that will last a while.
- Will the holster fit the gun snugly? Never select a holster that doesn't provide an adequate level of security. If the holster doesn't hold the handgun securely within it, avoid it. Safety is an essential consideration in heavier-weight and bulkier full-size handguns like the Walther. Until you draw your pistol, it should fit snugly in its holster, not only for security, but also for safety reasons.
We the People Holsters
Kydex has made it possible to create a holster for nearly every type of handgun and carry environment, such as inside or outside the waistband. Here at We the People Holsters, we offer high-quality Kydex-made OWB Holsters and IWB holsters for the Walther PPQ M2 in various lengths and characteristics at a price that's easy on the bank account. Regardless of your handgun model or its features, take some time to research not only your pistol but also the holsters that will fit it best. Quality holsters should be long-lasting, easy to maintain, and deliver high performance and reliability whenever needed.