Frequently Asked Questions
You will find that the information on this page will change and evolve from time to time.
Q: What's your recommendation for breaking in your holsters?
A: You shouldn't have to do anything specific if your gun is factory spec. Your holster should be tight, but repeated drawing and holstering will burnish (slick) the leather surface, i.e. break it in.
You will probably find
that the holster seems to fit more tightly when you wear it. That's to be expected. It has to
conform to your belt shape and width, and the contour of your body. Your belt should be tight so that the gun doesn't flop around. Tight - is a good thing. You want enough tension so that you don't inadvertently lose the gun. It takes time to burnish the leather surface inside of your holster. Be patient!
Alway unload and clear your gun before you fiddle around with it, e.g. clean it, inspect it -or- dry practice. AND remember ... Always treat all guns - even unloaded guns - as if they ARE LOADED!
Some holster makers recommend wrapping an unloaded gun with a layer of waxed paper or a plastic baggy and then seating said unloaded gun firmly into the holster. I don't have a problem with this, but if you do it: Use only one layer of wax paper or one layer of plastic wrap. Let it sit for 24 hours. After 24 hours test drive it, without the wrap. If the one layer of wrap did not work, your can try adding another layer of wrap. CAUTION: You cannot unstretch it, if you over-stretch it!
Q: Is horsehide better than cowhide.
A: Horsehide isn't better, it's different. In comparison to cowhide, horsehide is expensive, especially large pieces like sides or bends. I sometimes use horsehide for accent pieces in combination with cowhide. I like horsehide.
Q: What care and maintenance does your gun leather require?
A: The leather I use requires no special applications. KIWI neutral shoe polish is normally the final finish on my gun leather; hence I suggest you apply a coat of the same about once every 12 to 14 months.
Q: Are your concealed carry gun belts curved?
A: Yes, indeed! In my book, a good gun belt should be built on a curve.
This is another lesson we learned from Bruce Nelson.
In my experience a belt strap that is built on a curve comforts to the shape of the human torso much quicker, hence is more comfortable, than a straight belt strap.