Opinions needed...Leather Holsters

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Lonerider357

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I'm a gunleather maker, mostly Cowboy Action for over 9 years. I was thinking about expanding to carry type holsters. I need opinions what is wanted/needed out there? Belt holsters, IWB, ect
 
I am a professional custom kydex maker, I sell and am asked to make more IWB holsters than anything else. There is a small demographic that want full custom belt rigs, but these types normally do not run leather, so that is not really a group that you need to worry about. More and more people are starting to carry, and the demand is for high quality IWB holsters. Some OWB but like I said I have been doing a lot of IWB stuff.
 
I think for concealed carry the high ride pancake style would be a good bet. Some people like some kind of retention strap/snap and some just want a good tight fit.
The IWB type are also popular.
 
1911 carry holsters seem to be popular both OWB and IWB. I would love to see a leather drop leg holster but I doubt that is a big demographic. Most people I talk to also like to have their holsters canted for a quicker draw. I would also I like to see some cross draw holsters for j frames angled a little for an easier draw, and some small of the back holsters for j frames. Just some ideas but I am not sure if they are any good.
 
Yes, a high ride pancake is a good choice.

Molding on the outer layer, and flat on the body side is generally more comfortable.
Andrews "Saddle Style"
http://www.andrewsleather.com/traditional.htm

Milt Sparks "I-BAK"
http://www.miltsparks.com/

A reinforced mouth on a pancake, since they have a tendency to close up after the draw is a nice feature.

Horseshoe Leather "Covert 22"
http://www.holsters.org/covert_22-holster.htm

Most of the top makers are going away from "small-of-the-back" (SOB) holsters, and thumb break holsters (specifically for 1911's in some cases) because they think they are a bad idea. I tend to agree. However, there are enough folks asking for such models on the forums that you could probably make a bunch of cash selling to these folks.

You could also count on a repeat customer after they quickly realize how much they don't like the SOB or thumb break and need to call you up and order a proven design such as strong side open top belt holster.
 
My problem

IWB holsters obviously are best for concealment, but they are uncomfortable to me. An OWB high ride holster would be ideal, except for one thing: I need to remove the holster from time to time.

Any thoughts on an OWB high ride FBI cant holster that attaches and detaches without the need to unbuckle the belt?
 
I would like to see a leather IWB holster with the following:
adjustable cant
reinforced mouth
body & sweat shield
tuckable belt clip/loop
stable at 3:00 position

I think tuckable and stable are the hardest to accomplish together
 
Any thoughts on an OWB high ride FBI cant holster that attaches and detaches without the need to unbuckle the belt?
Click to expand...
Again I am a kydex gear maker, and not a leather so I this may or may not help you. I can tell you for what you are asking I personally would not make anything like that, but that is because I do not/ have not come up with a way that I would feel comfortable selling a holster of those specs to someone. I could make the loops or a design like you are talking about however they would be by far the weakest link to the holster. I would just not feel right about selling and or making something that I wouldn't carry myself or something that I don't have 100% faith in.
 
Yes, I agree with Possum on this! If you had something that snapped on some way and the snaps give way you'll have a gun/holster on the ground!! I don't make gunbelts or anything else with snaps, don't trust them holding, I use chicago screws on belts.
 
Another vote for pancakes. For snubbies, I don't want retention. For the larger guns, I prefer it....Matter of fact, I just spent 4 days camping and wore a Tex Shoemaker PC Hugger with a 4" .44 magnum in it. I originally bought the holser for 4" .357's. It works just fine for either my medium or large framed guns. I wore it for no less than 8 hours a day and found it comfortable.
 
Opinion for carry type holsters made of leather: I no longer buy any leather products. For me, Kydex is the only way to go. Easier to maintain, not bothered as much by salt water, better for re-holstering without looking down, dosen't crack, gun can be left in holster for extended periods without rusting, etc. I am not bothered that Kydex holsters seem harder on the finish though. Would I ever park a Colt SSA in Kydex? Never. That is what good leather is for.
 
I just wanted a low cost vertical shoulder holster for my Smith Model 10 4 inch heavy barrel, something nobody makes anymore; everything is tacticool. :)
I carry autos IWB, so the prevailing opinion is right - IWB is popular, especially during summer, OWB comes back into vogue when jackets can be worn again. You need a Spring and Fall collection! :D
 
I have shot of lot of competition with handguns (mostly 1911s but also wheelguns) and also daily carry and the old Milt Sparks holsters (IWB Summer Special) are the best ones I have found. They're comfortable and they work very well. Rough side out was a great idea IMO. They stay where you put them and allow a smooth fast draw. Most people are sold once they try one. But nowdays everyone seems to prefer Kydex and other synthetic materials (not for me, thanks) so you may find a limited market for good leather. I hope I'm wrong about that. Nice leather work is an artform. Besides it smells SO GOOD.
 
Make one of those for a Glock 27 & I'll test it out for you...Won't charge you a thing for the product testing either. I could be your proving grounds for all of you holster designs & it would cost you nothing but a little leather & some labor. Now that's how you keep your overhead low!!!!:scrutiny: ...You're welcome!;)
 
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