Fear & Loading: Custom Kydex Holster?

by
posted on December 28, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
kydex_lede.jpg

Synthetic holsters are popular and hold up well for those of us who carry concealed, but they’re traditionally a monotonous breed, fraternal if not identical twins and seen most often dressed in black—or your favorite shade thereof. That’s quickly changing, according to Rex Burgess, III, owner of Projectile Combat Kydex.

The family-owned-and-run West Virginia company may not be a household name, yet, but it produces quality holsters in Kydex, and “Custom work is 40 to 50 percent of our business,” Burgess estimates. His firm has even produced setups for stethoscopes, law enforcement walkie-talkies, speed loaders and magazines, although secure sidearm carry is the specialty.

“We’ve been doing Kydex for four years. ... ,” he said. Turnaround time is surprisingly short, too. “It generally takes 7 to 10 days for a customer to receive their custom order.”

Burgess cautioned, however, that owners should give it some thought before they call anyone to order custom. The role it will perform and preferred style, for example, should be determined long before you pick up the phone. Also, be ready to provide the exact make and model of the handgun it will secure. Once that bookkeeping is complete, then the fun begins. Projectile Combat Kydex allows you to determine color, texture, mountings, hardware and more.

He did issue a warning for anyone ordering a personalized polymer/Kydex holster. Fabricating a strong and functional version may look simple from the outside, but “Don’t tell the holstersmith how to make the holster. Tell them what you want and what you want it to do….Let them know if it’s right- or left-handed, know the make and model of your gun. Let the holstersmith do his job.” He also cautions, “Also, have a good platform to mount the holster to, meaning a good belt.”

Kydex is functional, rugged and reliable, all the ingredients that make it ideal for every day carry. Unfortunately, it’s yet to acquire the glamorous reputation of leather, although Burgess’ statement, “Do not hesitate to ask for new things or ideas,” indicates that may change, and soon. “The sky’s the limit,” he said.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.