I am thinking of getting from Amazon an Azula holster for my 3 inch 686 Plus. I know it is not of the quality most would choose but for a leather, pancake, OWB holster under $100 it seems like it would be OK.

Does anyone have any opinions on this holster, or another in that category that would be better?

Don’t have any experience with Azula holsters, but own many Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake holsters and they cost $90. Think one would work well with your Model 686.

To be honest I bought one based on a recommendation here. I ordered for my 2.5 inch 686. It arrived cut for 3 inch. I don’t like extra leather below muzzle. I emailed them and complained. They had me send back and they cut it down but not a perfect job. The rear sight goes below the rim of the holster and gets hung up when you tighten your belt interfering with the draw. I would go with another. For your price point I would recommend the DeSantis speed scabbard available with and without a thumb break. They were on sale at Midway last month. I have them for several guns and they are excellent.
I should have spent the extra $25 but I went cheap for like $45 and then add on the return postage …. Another holster in the bin …
If you are going to wear it a lot I would spend extra and go with Kramer but you are talking close to $175 with shipping and most times a wait.

I know nothing about Azula but out of curiosity, looked at their website.

The pic below shows the knots in the sewing not pulled through correctly. Look between the stitches - you can see where the bottom thread shows through the top. The knots aren't pulled up right.

It'll probably never bother a thing, but setting the thread tension is kind of a basic competence. It's a decorative stitch in that spot and a single layer. But it's sloppy and that's the picture they chose to use as an example of their work.

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I bought a DeSantis recently from Midway, about &45 shipped. It’s more now but still a pretty good price, imo.
Fits Pythons as a bonus.

Access Denied

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I have 4 Azula pancake holsters and don’t have a problem.

Thanks much guys, those are very helpful insights.

I am surprised you do not consider using one of the holster maker on this forum. They do excellent work at reasonable cost.

Kevin

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Straw hat - is there someway to look up the holster makers on the forum? Or a list of them ? Thanks.

I happened onto one at a gun show which fit the criteria I needed for one of my carry guns...Not the prettiest in my leather drawer, but certainly functional and worth what I paid......Ben

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MTR Custom Leather lists your 686 Plus 3 inch. Their Belt Slide Master Carry (C-2) is in your price range and is a quality pancake holster. They make this style of holster for both revolvers and pistols.

My daughter raves about her belt slide master carry. Check out the reviews on this holster. They also have other options available for your handgun.

I bought an Azula holster for my 625. I didn't want to spend big bucks on a holster. It has been just fine. I really only use it for range and USPSA matches. It is holding up great for the money.

Did not even occur to me. I just checked the Vendor section and did not find a list of holster makers. Are they identified somewhere else?

Here's a thread with a few. Self promotion is frowned upon around these parts so I think that's limited participation somewhat.

Custom Leathersmiths on the Forum

You could always get a "beginner" leather crafter kit off amazon and jump down the rabbit hole. In about $500 you'll have a $100 holster.

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I have 2 Azula holsters for the 3913/6906 frame. Absolutely love them. I have been using one for EDC for about 6+ years and it hasn't lost its shape and is still snug. I have some other leather holsters, one which is a nice Desantis and the gun is now loose in it.

I ordered directly off Azula's website. You can't beat them for the price.

Rosewood

I wonder if you'd mind posting front and back of one or both of those Azulas. I'm curious if their stitching has changed in 6 years. The pics on their website show pretty inconsistent stitch lengths.

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I have a few, some for several years now and all have been a perfect fit for the gun I ordered them for. would not hesitate to purchase more if the need arose. Lee

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Here you go.

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Appreciate it. That older stitching looks better than what they show on their website today.

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The black one is the one I have had the longest. The brown one is probably 1-2 years old.

Rosewood

The black holsters it's hard to see the stitching. I was looking at the lighter ones just because it's easier to see The website pics definitely show inconsistent stitch lengths along the seams, while yours don't. Both show some at the corners but you sometimes play with the length there to hit the corner exactly.

Just picking a nit, really. For the price point, it's not really an issue.

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I really like mine and have recommend the brand to others. I have had various holsters over the last 38 years (since I have been carrying) and they seem the most durable leather I have owned.

The only thing I didn't like is the white stitching on the brown holster. I wished it was brown stitching. Just me.

Rosewood