This is probably the most important question someone could ask before purchasing a holster. It would also be great if there was an answer to that question. The best holster is purely 100% personal preference. There are many factors that can make a particular holster perfect for you and not someone else (height and build, position to be carried, intended use, etc…). If you are unsure about a style of holster, please feel free to call us at 864-903-4948.
When your holster arrives, it will probably be a little tight. This is normal, and actually the way we prefer it. This allows you to break in your holster to be as tight or loose as you choose. Please remember too that many guns that look very similar have different dimensions. They may have cocking serrations, different sized slide stops or thumb safeties. Many guns have also been dehorned or the profile of the slide changed. It takes a small break in period for your gun to “marry” into your new holster.
Before you even check the fit on your new holster, please unload your gun. Not to sound like anyone’s parent, but please check it one more time. If the holster is too tight, there are a couple of methods we recommend. One method is to take the bag the holster arrived in, and place your unloaded gun inside the bag. Now take your gun and bag and slide it into the holster until it is seated all the way. Leave it in for a couple of hours, remove the gun and bag, and try to draw from the holster a few times. Repeat these steps until your holster fit is to your liking. The second method is to wrap wax paper around your gun with the wax side facing outward. Place the gun wrapped in wax paper into the holster like the instructions above. The wax will transfer to the inside of the holster (a very minute amount) and aid in the draw of your gun.
Please be cautious and we recommend going slowly during this break in. Leather will stretch easily but it does not shrink quite so well. If you stretch too much, you can end up with a fit you are unhappy with. If you have any questions about your break in, please call us at 864-903-4948.
There should not be a whole lot for you to do to care for your holster. Most of the time you should be able to wipe your holster with a rag to clean off any dirt or debris. If you would like to shine your holster, do so like you would a pair of dress shoes using neutral paste shoe polish. We use Kiwi brand but any paste type in the little metal cans will work. On exotic hide holsters, just wipe down the exotic with a slightly damp (we repeat, slightly damp) soft cloth or rag.
Do Not use any type of oil or leather treatment on your holster. Your holster does not need it because it will only soften the leather and aid in the loss of retention.
Please measure your existing belt carefully using this guide. Belts made to your exact size are not able to be returned. If you have any questions about measuring for your custom belt, please email us at info@gearforpatriots.com or call 864-903-4948.
The measurement needs to be from the inside tip of the buckle to the hole you use most often. If you think you are in between holes, then give us the measurement in between the holes you prefer. The measurement is to the nearest 1/2″. This measurement is normally 3 or 4 inches longer than your pants size.
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This is a topic debated by many. What is the best way to keep from scratching or wearing on my gun’s finish? Will lining my holster with softer leather, or another soft lining, keep it from happening. Here is the one fact everyone should know: Using a holster WILL wear on a gun’s finish no matter what the holster is made of, or lined with. If the finish on your gun in question is on the top of your priority list, do not put it into a holster. Placing a gun into a holster and drawing out of the holster causes friction between the gun and holster. Over time this wears on the finish. Just so you know, we think holster wear on a handgun is sexy.
We will make every effort to make changes to your order up until we cut leather to start your order. Making changes may cause a change in price. Once we cut leather on your custom order, we cannot make changes. Please call us if you have any questions about your order at 864-903-4948.