Today’s feature is from correspondent Dave Spaulding.

Like many modern shooters, I now own a sizable number of Kydex holsters. While I do not possess sales numbers, it would not surprise me to discover there are now more synthetic (Kydex, Bolatron, Carbon Fiber, Injection Molded) holsters sold than leather. While I certainly understand this, it also saddens me a bit. Being one of the “Fudd Generation,” I fondly remember the look and smell of a new leather holster as you take it from its packaging. Much like new car smell, it was quite pleasing and as it went away with use, there was a bit of sadness. It was part of the wonderful leather holster experience.

Now, I really can’t blame folks for transitioning to synthetic materials, they have a lot going for them. If I want to perform at my maximum, I will likely choose a synthetic rig. They are darn near indestructible, fast and require no break in period. That said, they also have no real “take me home” appeal -- pride of ownership -- like the finely molded leather rigs of the past. They offer solid utility but not strong attachment. I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.

The Galco Thunderclap is a solid rendition of the Bruce Nelson Professional rig. It is both concealable and fast.

Fortunately for us, there are still master craftsmen making leather rigs for almost every popular (and some not so popular) handgun available. While walking the aisles of the NRA Show in Dallas last Spring, I ran into my old friend Mike Barham at the Galco Holster booth. Knowing I really like leather holsters, he wanted me to see their new Masterbilt Line, a nod to the finely crafted leather holsters of the past. After an overview, I asked Mike to send me a sample for testing.

The rig Mike sent to me was their Thunderclap model, a holster based on Bruce Nelson’s classic Number 1 Professional holster. Knowing I am a fan of this part pancake/ part pouch style rig, a holster of this type can be both fast and concealable. It is an excellent example of the entire Masterbilt line which also includes the Revenger holster, similar to the Thunderclap but for revolvers, and the Stow-N-Go, an elegant Inside the Waistband for pistols and revolvers alike.

Perfectly paired to either EDC guns or that collectible special-occasion pistol, the Thunderclap offers a unique set of features and the best possible construction methodologies. The Masterbilt holster line combines the finest-quality premium leathers with the skills of Galco’s most experienced craftsmen. These rigs are the pinnacle of leather holster construction, unlike anything else on the market.

The belt loop system of the Thunderclap combines a reinforced belt tunnel with a rearward belt slot. The combination holds the pistol close to the body.

Due to how these rigs are dried for the final time, they’re ready to go right from the plastic box with little or no break-in required, something many Kydex users claim is their advantage over leather. With detailed hand molding -- not a press machine like synthetic rigs -- and full-grain leather lining, Masterbilt holsters are not only beautiful, but supremely functional. This lining provides increased tactile feedback on the draw while easing wear on more-delicate handgun finishes. For those who wish to preserve the finish on their pistol, the Masterbilt series of holsters is the right choice for you.

The Thunderclap’s mild forward cant is intended to give a fast, wrist-locked draw stroke, while the reinforced opening provides easy, one-hand reholstering. Relieved at the base of the trigger guard, it allows a full firing grip while the metal-reinforced tunnel-style 1 .5-inch belt loop pulls the pistol tight to the body while the rear slot pulls the grip in close. A molded sight rail prevents snags on the draw. All Masterbilt rigs come in either black or brown.

While I prefer a vertical ride on my belt holsters, I recognize a canted holster can both carry well and draw clean if done right. It has been my experience over the years that the forward cant of any holster cannot be standard; it must be based on the handgun carried which includes the girth, weight and length of a selected model. You can’t expect a full size 1911 to ride and draw the same at a J frame snubby. After wearing the Thunderclap around town under a loose-fitting shirt in the heat of summer, I was happy to discover it carried quite well. The pistol I selected was a Dan Wesson Commander-length 9mm with a single column magazine. But carrying doesn’t tell me a thing about presentation. The only way to gauge that is to head to the range and “run” the gun and holster a bit.

To test the draw speed of the leather rig, the author had his son-in-law use both a Kydex rig and the Thunderclap in a side-by-side comparison. The Kydex rig rode vertically while the Thunderclap was canted.

Since draw speed is “a thing,” I decided a side-by-side test of leather versus Kydex was in order. I enlisted the help of my son-in-law Daryn for this project for several reasons. One, his fast twitch muscles are certainly superior to mine and I wanted to give the Thunderclap its best showing. Second, I know what I wanted to get from this small test, so it was better that I be behind the camera holding the PACT Timer. It is actually a simple test, but I wanted to make sure it was conducted as consistently as possible. At seven yards on a six-inch square target, I had Daryn draw and fire one round as fast as he could ensure a hit. I didn’t want him to just “fling” the gun towards the target in an effort to please the timer.

The test would be conducted with both the leather Thunderclap rig and a quality Kydex holster. Each rig was used in the same position with the hands starting in the same place to try and standardize the path of travel. Three draws were conducted with each rig with the average of the three reported here. Daryn couldn’t help himself, which I suspect would be the same for most people, he tried to go as fast as he could without a complete regard for accuracy. IMHO, the definition of the combat draw is the gun arrives where you need it, not just a fast time. Of course, when he tried to go all out, he missed the six-inch square.

The test was conducted at 7 yards on a six-inch square chest target. The hands started in the same position both times and the draws were unconcealed to eliminate possible fouling. The times were almost identical.

Once I got him going only as fast as he could ensure a solid hit, I discovered the draw speed between the two rigs was insignificant -- 1.51 seconds for the Kydex rig, 1.57 seconds for the leather. I believe this shows a properly fitted leather holster -- one that is not too tight, resulting in drag requiring a break in period -- is no slower than a synthetic rig. I know many will strongly disagree, but in this case the timer does not lie.

If you are of the “Fudd Class” or just prefer old school carry rigs, the Galco Masterbilt series may be for you. No, they are not going to be as inexpensive as a press fit synthetic holster, but craftsmanship does not come cheap.

— Dave Spaulding