mine has a zip out liner..but under that, its a mesh liner..i just went through the mesh and later had to cut the mesh fromaround the shoulder area cause the studs pulled it and was cuttin off my circulation under my arm around the pit area...but my vest(old jacket) however turned out amazing but had a normal liner in it..so i guess it depends if its mesh or not.
I usually have cut the linings out myself, but you can stud through it. it will be hell on your thumbs though. you can get a tool on ebay to pre-punch the slits/holes if you want. I always just used a knife. It will sure as hell keep you busy for awhile. if you do cut the lining out the jacket won't fall apart...not if it's your standard old style biker jacket. good luck.