Need more holster advice (sp101)

[Revolver Ocelot]

Looking at upgrading my iwb holster for my 3" gemini sp101 which is on it's last legs (too soft / doesn't stay open anymore), and I am looking at a few offerings from a couple makers.

I'm looking at the following:

Milt Sparks Versa Max 2
Milt Sparks Summer Special 2
Andrews custom Leather MacDaniel 2

I'm curious on opinions of these / what works for you, but if you have another suggestion that's fine, it just has to be iwb, have a reinforced mouth and preferably have an option for horsehide.

 

[JTQ]

Does Andrews offer horsehide? I know they offer exotics, but I haven't seen horsehide as an option, though I'll admit I haven't searched very hard for it either.

Kramer is known for their horsehide http://www.kramerleather.com

 

[JTQ]

I don't know if it matters to you, but I think the VM II only has horsehide on the body side. I don't think they offer the entire holster as a horsehide product.

 

[WYO]

I carried mine a lot in a VMII for about 2 years. It was very concealable and comfortable. I did not specify horsehide so I guess it is cow.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

Does Andrews offer horsehide?

You might be right, it looked like horse hide so I just kind of assumed. I will likely give him a call and ask if he uses horsehide and if not can I request it. As far as the VM2 though, I am aware it is only the side touching the body, however my understanding is you can request one made completely of horsehide.

 

[JTQ]

...however my understanding is you can request one made completely of horsehide.

You are correct. I just looked at their site. I had thought I'd read a post from Tony Kanaly on another forum saying they'd stopped, but I'm wrong.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

when i carry my 3" sp i use a CrossBreed IWB I fell into a deal on a few years ago $25 as new so i bought it it works ok if i were to buy a new holster i would give Tom a call and at http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-226-21-summer-cruiser.aspx and have him make this for a 3" barrel i carry my 1911 in it and like it a lot

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I was looking at TT gunleather as well, but I was just informed he doesn't use horse hide. That's unfortunate as I did like the looks of his "mike's special".

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I was looking at TT gunleather as well, but I was just informed he doesn't use horse hide. That's unfortunate as I did like the looks of his "mike's special".

just so you know horse hide will get just as wet as cow hide on a hot day

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

It will, but it will take a lot longer to break down. After my last experience with cowhide I figure giving horsehide a shot can't do me wrong.

 

[JTQ]

Lobo Gun Leather had offered horsehide, though I'm not sure he still does.

http://www.lobogunleather.com

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

Thanks for the tip, unfortunately they have no reinforced options.

 

[JTQ]

I'm not trying to talk you out of your three initial options, as they are probably your best options, I'm just giving you others you may not be aware of, and may appeal to you.

R Grizzle http://www.rgrizzleleather.com/iwb-holsters.html

C. Rusty Sherrick is another horsehide specialist, though I don't think he reinforces the mouth of his holsters. http://www.c-rusty.com/pages/holsters/insidewb.html

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I see that, and I do appreciate the suggestions

 

[JTQ]

I had forgot about High Noon, though they do charge quite the premium for horsehide. http://www.highnoonholsters.com/search-by-gun-model/?manufacturer=7286&gun-model=7287&material=79

 

[bannockburn]

Revolver Ocelot

For a different perspective on having a holster made of horsehide you might want to check out Andy Arratoonian's Horseshoe Leather Products website: holsters.org. Makes for interesting reading, especially as it relates to using cowhide or horsehide.

 

[JTQ]

Here's the above link so you don't have to search. http://www.holsters.org/which.htm

High Noon also has some cow vs horse hide info in their FAQ section.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

bannockburn, that right there is some useful information, I may need to reevaluate my stance on horsehide. Truth of the matter is I was looking at horsehide as my last cowhide holster went quite badly and I figured I had nothing to lose by trying the "superior" horsehide. But in reality having no prior experience with horsehide I may just as well be wrong, perhaps I just need to try a new maker.

 

[JTQ]

If you want more piling on, here is Mitch Rosen's take on horsehide http://www.mitchrosen.com/faq/