Thoughts On Sweat Shields

[katsass]

I'm a "new guy" both to carrying and to holster making, so the current trends in carrying are all I've seen. Thus far, I've made all my holsters with a sweatguard, because, as mentioned, it seems to be the expectation these days. I sweat a lot, and have those same dark stains on the sweat guard of one of my holsters that I left natural and didn't seal ( I was lazy, and rushing to cobble together an appendix holster for myself). My gun still gets moisture on it, but not as much as if it was against my skin.

I find the sweat guard to contribute to comfort as well, though, smoothing out sharp corners.

Katsass, how was that belt sealed? I'm curious to know if it was an acrylic or oil finish.

wookandsteel: That work belt was oiled then a double shot of an acrylic finish was applied. It do get a but toasty out here in the desert, and with the occasional influx of the monsoon moisture from Mexoco things can get downright nasty to go out and work in. Mike

[katsass]

OK, after reading the replies sent re: my original comments on sweat guards. it kinda seems that these may be more of a geographical thing than I initially thought. Most that responded somewhat emphatically seemed to originate in the mid-west to the southern part of the country I include Rayban....but ..I don't even actually see anything along the lines of what I consider a sweat shield on the holster for that little Smith.

I guess that my major problem with the things are that there is that LESS than remote possibility of getting hold of the shield with the thumb when TSHTF......and efectively stopping a rapid, smooth draw. I have seen all kinds of things happen while on the range AND when things are a LOT more intense. I can STILL see my partner's shooter in between me and a bad guy while I was physically engaged in attempting to keep from getting my butt kicked by the said BIG bad guy (that was not a good day), or how about a left handed shooter getting a poor grip and punching the mag out on the deck while trying to punch holes in a target downrange, or an overly excited young deputy drawing and sticking his firearm out at full arm's length directly in front of him, and finding out that while he is screaming some damned thing at full volume, a bad guy can kick hell out of a screen door and make the young deputy's shooter 'fly' across the backyard, luckily, without going bang! To me, anything that CAN POSSIBLY interfere with the solid and secure grip on your firearm is not a good thing. I guess that that is my main point......and I have seen too damned many bad things happen. I just don't see how the possible comfort aspect outweighs the negative aspects of catching a chunk of leather during the draw. Mike

Edited July 13, 2011 by katsass

[Rayban]

What sweat shield?/ Did I say I had a sweat shield?? I don't have a sweat shield........It's a safety lever shield!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And it's there...you're gonna have to trust me on this one..

BTW..I tried grabbing it during a draw....several of them...and couldn't......must be a good design eh?

[Nooj]

When I think of "sweat shield" I think of a thin layer of plastic (or other impermiable substance) sewn/glued between a liner and the holster leather. The liner being soft and cozy against the skin. Some holster maker(s) I've seen do just that, to attempt to prevent sweat soak through the leather to the firearm. I can see it working to some degree, especially if the holster is sealed well to begin with (but if it's sealed well enough... why use the plastic?).

A slide guard, or whatever you choose to call it, in my opinion is there to keep gun parts from fighting with your body parts. I made the mistake of having a huge one that interrupted my grasp and draw on my first holster. However, I think that they can be kept to a minimum and still achieve some protective comfort while still allowing a competent grasp and draw of the firearm.

I guess the terms can be synonymous. But that's my take on it. I've made 'em with and without.

Nooj

[Shooter McGavin]

I've seen really big sweat shield/ slide guards/ whatever you wanna call them, that certainly look like they would get in the way of a draw. The ones I use are generally pretty small and wont hinder the draw at all if the proper grip is used.

[Big O]

Mine are intended as "body shields", but that phrase seems to confuse people.

I suppose, in the case of the holsters I build for myself, "spare tire guard" would be most appropriate......

I use my own holsters at the range, drawing from concealment, and have never gotten the gun "trapped" in the holster, whether by the sweat shield, or the cover garment, or any combination thereof. T-shirt, tank top, jacket, "shoot me first" vest, whatever. Hasn't been a problem. Not saying it couldn't possibly be, just that it hasn't yet, in hundreds if not thousands of presentations from the holster.

I think design plays a big part. If the holster is designed in such a fashion that a full firing grip (minus the finger in the trigger guard, of course) does not interfere with the holster, then it shouldn't be a problem. And if it IS a problem, you don't HAVE a full firing grip, and are predictably opening doors to problems no matter WHAT holster you're using.

I need sweat shields to keep thumb safeties and the sides of high-profile rear sights from digging painfully into my flesh. Maybe it's a form of projection, but I figure other people want them, for that same reason, as well.

[katsass]

What sweat shield?/ Did I say I had a sweat shield?? I don't have a sweat shield........It's a safety lever shield!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And it's there...you're gonna have to trust me on this one..

BTW..I tried grabbing it during a draw....several of them...and couldn't......must be a good design eh?

Sorry about that...you didn't say 'sweat' shield.....it obviously is a useful design factor Mike

[katsass]

OK ........ I think what we have here is a problem of semantics, or, maybe things are showing up out here that are not necessarily showing up in other locations around the country. What I refer to as a sweat shield doesn't appear be what others are calling a sweat shield....like Rayban has a design element to protect against the safety/decocker grinding on him, it 'taint a sweat shield or ANY kind of shield.in my understanding. It's an integral design element to increase the comfort of the wearer. The sweat shield that I speak about is a big honking chunk of leather that covers that whole damned backside of the holstered pistol, and also climbs above (or at least level with) the top of the pistol when it is sitting in place on the belt. It isn't an element designed for the comfort of the wearer and to keep the safety, decocker, slide stop, etc. from chafing, rubbing or abrading the soft chubbies of the wearer, it's there to (ostensibly) keep sweat away from the gun, and, as I initially indicated, it 'tain't worth a diddly damn IMHO. The more I read and/or listen to others from different parts of the world....and even other parts this country.....I find that terminology can, and does sometimes get in the way of understanding just what the hell we are (or at least what I am) talking about. For example, back some time ago I had seen many comments about 'Barbecue Rigs'. I had absolutely no idea what folks were commenting about, I mean REALLY, why does one put on a special shooting rig to go to a BBQ? Is it that rough a congregation of folks....is it that the item designed for the cooker is still a bit reluctant to go on the fire?..... or are those involved holding off invading Artesians. I had no idea, because where I come from out here you just DON'T put on a shooter to show off your leather when you go to a friend's place for afternoon munchies.

Now, I think I'll just quit before I put my foot any farther in my mouth. Mike

Edited July 14, 2011 by katsass

[TwinOaks]

The more I read and/or listen to others from different parts of the world....and even other parts this country.....I find that terminology can, and does sometimes get in the way of understanding just what the hell we are (or at least what I am) talking about.

Ain't that the truth!!! I've had some VERY strange conversations with members in Gr. Britain, and Australia who claim they speak English, but pepper their conversations with colloquialisms and local slang...I'm not sure what we were saying to each other but at least we parted on friendly terms.

[Rayban]

How bout..."decocker, go awayer"

Edited July 14, 2011 by Rayban