Forget Everything You’ve Ever Learned About Leather Holsters

We fabricate REAL leather holsters and let’s face it, there is ALOT of bad (and flat out dangerous) information out there about leather holsters, and even more holsters for sale that have the look, but lack the necessary qualities to ACTUALLY HOLD YOUR FIREARM SAFELY. We strongly believe that beauty should take a backseat to safety, and when you see how good your holster looks, you’ll know that you’re carrying safely. DO NOT PURCHASE A HOLSTER FROM US if you do not understand the following. We are more than willing to miss out on a sale if it means your safety, or your life.

Disclaimer

Holster Misconceptions

Holster Care

General Gun Safety from the Legendary Jeff Cooper

For those that don’t know who John Dean “Jeff” Cooper was, we strongly recommend that you take the time to study his teachings if you partake in firearms, particularly handguns. He is the creator of the “modern technique” of handgun shooting as well as an expert in small arms. His teachings will enable you to enjoy firearms safely and efficiently. Remember, your life and someone else’s depends on it.

“Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands.”

Jeff Cooper

Jeff’s 4 Rules

  1. All guns are always loaded

  2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy

  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target

  4. Be sure of your target

Holster Misconceptions

  • Leather holsters are not as good as kydex.

    • Kydex has its place, and that is in the battlefield. When it comes to all out durability, leather is no match for kydex, and we have no issue in admitting that. If you are plowing thru saltwater marshes submerging your rig on a daily basis, they kydex is a must (as well as replacing your firearm on a weekly basis). But in the world of everyday carry, it’s like driving a tank to work. The day WW3 breaks out on your way to work you may be glad you have it, but until then your life will be filled with unnecessary misery and hardships. Kydex can damage your clothing, is extremely uncomfortable and may cause rashes or scrapes, does not conform to your body, and overall acts just like what it is, a piece of plastic.

  • Leather holsters aren’t safe.

    • The leather holsters that you are more than likely familiar with are in fact, not safe. Not because they are leather, it’s because they are cheaply made. Whether that’s to compete with foreign knockoffs, the kydex industry, or other USA made holsters. A properly made leather holster carries with it all the safety of other safely made holsters. If a kydex holster was made from HPDE and half the thickness it should be, it wouldn’t be safe either. Same goes for leather holsters made from veg tan vs chrome tan.

  • Leather holsters require a lot of maintenance.

    • A good leather holster will be virtually maintenance free. Resealing may be required every 1-3 years if your holster is used in extreme environments.

  • Leather holsters are comfortable.

    • This is a partial misconception. While leather is definitely more comfortable than its kydex counterpart, there isn’t any holster that is as comfortable as not carrying one. To think that you won’t know the difference when carrying would be borderline insanity. You will notice any EDC, but leather will be more comfortable than most other alternatives.

  • Kydex holsters are indestructible.

    • Kydex is tough, but it’s a wimp in cold weather. Cold weather can cause kydex to become brittle and crack, and if you’re not inspecting your holster regularly, could lead to a dangerous condition. Also, if a retention screw is utilized, more than likely a rubber spacer is used as a “buffer” between the layers of kydex. This rubber is a weak point in the design and must be checked frequently to make sure it has not been compromised.

  • Kydex provides “engineered” retention.

    • Retention in kydex holsters are due to being molded to your firearm, and some with an additional retention screw. Unless you are carrying outside of the waistband, the retention in your holster will always vary, regardless of the holster material or the use of a retention screw. While kydex does not compress as much as leather, if the interference becomes too great, certain kydex holsters could “lock” your firearm in place preventing a clean draw. . This is due to the design of interference in holsters (the major component holding your gun in), that “click” sound when seating your firearm. If the interference becomes too great, the kydex lacks the flexibility to allow the firearm to be drawn through the interference, where the leather will naturally compress and move out of the way.

Disclaimer

  • Do not utilize a holster that you do not feel comfortable with. If there is any question about it performing correctly, cease use until you are certain it is operating correctly.

  • NEVER use a holster with a loaded firearm (chambered or clip inserted) that has not been properly broken-in. These holsters are tight, and your weapon could unknowingly load itself when inserted into a non broken-in holster. Always keep shells out of the handgun while breaking in per the break in procedure.

  • The use of any holster is done so AT YOUR OWN RISK. All holsters made by Baffin Leathers are designed to be carried in Jeff Cooper’s Readiness Condition 3 or higher. Holstering of a firearm with a round in the chamber is not recommended.

  • Do not solely trust the holster during risky physical activities (jumping, running, climbing, etc.). Though our retention is effective to retain the firearm, there is always a chance that it could come loose from the holster. Use of your hand or other restraining device during these activities is recommended to prevent ejection.

  • Holsters are designed for specific carry positions on the body. DO NOT use any holster in a position it was not designed for. For example: do not use a small of back holster for hip or appendix carry.

Holster Care

1. As your holster ages, small amounts of Mink Oil or Shoe Polish can be applied to the OUTSIDE ONLY to buff out or improve appearance of minor scratches and scuffs. Again, DO NOT USE LEATHER CONDITIONER OR LEATHER OIL as it can soften the leather and reduce retention, causing the firearm to not sit secure in the holster. Any oil and/or conditioning should not be necessary throughout the life of your holster unless it is normally used in very harsh conditions. In these circumstances, it is suggested that you contact us for proper leather treatment procedures and approved products. We do offer a free resealing (limited to once per year) on every holster we make. Just pay the shipping and we’ll reseal it for free.

2. DAILY INSPECTIONS ARE REQUIRED! These include making sure that all components are fully functional to hold your firearm including:

  • Ensure all stitching is not frayed and/or severed. Be aware that all our holsters are hand stitched, and individual stitches should not unravel to the next (should not run like pantyhose), so care must be taken to ensure that no stitches have been damaged; inspect them all.

  • No cuts or abrasions to any leather on the holster.

  • Proper retention is achieved when the firearm is inserted into the holster. A definite “click” should be observed when the pistol is fully seated.

  • Holster should be clean and free of any and all debris.

  • Leather should be free of any cracks or obvious damage.

  • Make sure hardware (if equipped) is tight and snug. Retighten if necessary.

We hope that you enjoy your holster. It will take care of you as long as you continue to take care of it. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will get you taken care of to make sure that your purchase is well enjoyed for a lifetime.