I have built-to-order holsters for my Freedom Arms Model 97 4.25- and 5.5-inch barreled 45 Colt revolvers. Both are cross-draw with 15-degree cant and integral safety/retaining strap that is pressed into a brass stud. While I do not know the cowhide's weight, holsters have heavier leather weight than any other of my holsters.

I just noticed that the brass studs are becoming more loosely anchored in the leather. As I type, looseness is noticeable but not close to a serious problem. I noticed it when revolver was strapped into holster. Stud's far/stressed side showed empty space where brass gapped away from leather. Unstrapped, there is no gap. To notice it, I must put pressure on stud.

I checked inside the holster pouch. Stud's mate shows no damage or undo wear. When I put pressure on the stud, I can see a small amount of opposite side gap that is comparable with stud's outside stress gap.

I must emphasize that as I type, there is no serious problem. I have owned and used these holsters for about 10 years. What I request is prognosis - that is, should I anticipate this becoming a problem? If I should, please recommend damage control before the damage becomes a serious problem.

Do you have pics you can post?

I have no photograph that would show the flexing. The more I think about it the more I'm believing that such flexing is inherent in anything rigid being fastened via punch-through to anything leather.

Sounds like the stud (the male part that is fastened to the holster) is lifting enough to put a fingernail under its flange, and perhaps can be turned with finger pressure? Simply hasn't been set firmly, and will still be quite strong. It will also slightly increase the release effort, which is not a bad thing. I'd say enquire with the maker but the capitalists amongst them don't much worry about this level of customer service, or they would've set the snap fully in the first place!

__________________
Red Nichols The Holstorian

AHA!

Many thanks, Red. Rather than ship the holsters out state, I'll try my "leather guy," Stan Logan in Missoula.

FYI: For those of you who have leather garments (A-2, B-3, G-1, G-2, RAF Irvin jackets, etc.) specifically including zippers and tailoring, in need of adjustment/repair, Stan Logan does [slow but] excellent work. I know nothing about his holsters, knife, or saddle scabbards. For complex tack, I use Wes Daems of 7X Leather in Ennis, Montana.

Or send them to me and pay shipping both ways I'll fix them for free.

Tom
Anderson Custom Leather