Force 10

I purchased both of these holsters and like and dislike each of them for different reasons.
One should note that I have modified my kydex belt clips. Both holsters came with a perfect pair of belt clips.

The Comp-Tac is the Kydex holster on the left while the K&D is the leather holster on the right. Front View


Back View


I added this picture to show that the Cochise Defender has a smaller profile. However, I prefer the width of the belt clips on the Comp-Tac as they seem to wrap around my body a bit more, fitting in my belt better. The Cochise Defender feels cramped and has a hard time making the contour of my body. Nevertheless, I've only worn the Cochise Defender for a week so given more time, this holster will more than likely fit better. Because of the way I carry (just behind the hip bone) my holster needs to be able to make a good contour. The C-T.A.C. makes that contour out of the box.










Cochise Defender inside waistband. I altered the clips, drilling new holes to make the holster ride a little higher. I had a hard time getting my big hands around the grip with the normal holes. This I do not see as a negative for K&D...rather a preference for me. I'm sure many people would rather their weapon ride deeper in their waistband. I like mine a bit higher, however.


Here's the Comp-Tac. I did not drill any extra holes in the kydex clips for this one.



Alright, here's where things get rough for the K&D holster. My front sight gets caught on the holster while drawing the weapon. I've talked to another gentleman on the forum here and he is experiencing the same thing. The bad thing about this is the gun is hard to draw, I'm afraid I might draw the holster, too. Although this hasn't happened yet, I have yanked one clip off my belt while drawing, leaving my holster to dangle on my side. The other bad thing about this is it is filling my front sight up with leather so my bright white sight is dull unless I clean it regularly. I can only imaging having to draw and fire on a BG, in the dark, and not being able to sight correctly.







This picture shows the complete draw where my sight runs along the leather and the sew line to the right of it.


If the leather came together more to the left, I don't think I would be having this problem.


Comp-Tac for contrast. No problem with the draw whatsoever.


Now for the dirt on the Comp-Tac. Why are they using this crappy fastener system? The barrel nut they are using is very thin walled. For a spacer they have a spongy rubber grommet. While adjusting my clips fresh out of the box, I immediately cross threaded the nut into the barrel bolt. This is because it is very difficult to get the two lined up with the spongy spacer between them. Of course I realized what was going on, and I knew it might cross thread before I started, so I was able to save it. Bottom line is it makes adjusting the Comp-Tac a real pain in the butt. They need to move to a different solution.








I like the K&D solution much better. The walls are plenty thick and I will not cross thread this baby; much cleaner, too.






And now for the fun stuff...video of me drawing a compact M&P .40 from both holsters:

Cochise Defender - Notice how shaky the camera is..that's because it's taking a lot of force to remove the pistol. Also notice how I yank my pants up my crotch trying to draw:

Comp-Tac - Notice the camera is fairly still and my pants do not move. This draws nicely!:

Conclusion - I've sent the Cochise back to Kevin. He, as usual, is happy to correct any problems or do any other mods one feels is necessary. I'll be anxious to review a holster from K&D that is not faulty. Until then, I'll just have to wear the Comp-Tac. Keep an eye out as I'll update this post with new pics and videos when I receive the new holster.

Deltona Couple

Personally I prefer this holster. it has zero drag, releases perfectly due to the natural position of most peoples trigger finger when drawing a sidearm. I have had NO problem with drawing from side, rear mount, inside rear pants, etc. It is lightweight, and is comfortable no matter how I wear it... Also it will hold your weapon at ANY angle, on your side, when running, even if upside down.

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"It is not that I have failed, but that I have found 10,000 ways that it DOESN'T work!" --Thomas Edison

Force 10

The release for this holster is wrong. It promotes putting your finger inside the trigger guard while drawing the weapon...your finger should be out of trigger guard, off the trigger and up, almost on the slide, if not on the slide (depending on the gun) while drawing and any other time. The only time your finger should ever be inside the trigger guard is when you have made the decision to pull the trigger. (see one of my videos for an example and tell me how I would release a gun from this holster)

Furthermore, I personally I like a holster with two attachment points as it distributes the weight of the gun and helps prevent your pants from falling down. This is important if one carries 24/7.

The comp-Tac also will hold your weapon upsidedown and both are very adjustable, as well.

Plan9

NICE post. Extensive.

I dislike leather because it is bulky and soaks up sweat.

I still have like six holsters made out of it, though.

Fobusholster.com <- great stuff

__________________
Whatever you can carry.

"You should not drink... and bake."

Deltona Couple

I have to disagree with you. I have NEVER drawn my weapon and had my finger inside the trigger guard. this holster actually helps keep your finger OUT of the guard area, by the method in which you draw it, because after pressing the release, your finger is actually slightly ABOVE the trigger area. weight distribution is great, and ballance is perfect. no "pulling down" of the pants. the gun only weighs 38 oz fully loaded. I dont have photos or video, but I have used this holster for quite a long time and have always had fully safe draws from it.

__________________
"It is not that I have failed, but that I have found 10,000 ways that it DOESN'T work!" --Thomas Edison

theox

I have a CTAC and love it. Great little holster

Force 10

You would know better than I since it's your holster and you wear it. It looked to me as if the release was promoting putting your finger in the trigger guard...But it is too hard to tell without seeing a gun in the holster. I retract my statement.

JStrider

I've been eyeing some of the comp-tac holsters for a little while now... always been tempted, but never made the purchase... thats a bummer about their lame fasteners

I've been pretty happy with my don hume inside the waistband holster, my only complaint is the lack of tilt control which the comp tac would solve, but it naturally holds it at an angle close to what I want.

also my uncle gave me a really nice sharkskin inside the belt (but not the waistband) holster... really like it... but man its so tight I practically give myself a wedgie trying to draw with it... need to spend some time wearing it around the house and practice drawing it.

__________________
-=JStrider=-

~Clatto Verata Nicto

Coastey

I have the Comp-Tac "Infidel" holster for my M&P 9C and haven't had a problem with it. I'd recommend it.