1791 Gunleather Holster Review

[WardenRoss]

I just ordered a 1791 Gunleather paddle holster for my faithful J-frame 642.

Here is my review. I ordered it Thursday night and it was on my doorstep Monday morning. Cost was $60.29 with free shipping.

It came in a croker sack and included a key fob.

Tight fit is an understatement. I believe this one sets the record for a tight pistol fit. I wrapped the J-frame in a freezer bag and eventually pushed and wiggled the revolver into place. Unloaded, of course. After resting overnight, all is stretched and fitting perfectly.

This is a thick holster. The paddle is over engineered and works so well, gripping my belt and pants, that it's difficult to slide into place. Deep plastic hooks catch everything.

The tight gripping paddle would be welcomed in a quickdraw gunfight, that holster ain't going anywhere, but will be bothersome in daily use.

The only negative point I found is the steel adjustment screw heads (securing the paddle to the holster) dig into my expensive leather gun belt. So I need to find a way to cover them.

So there you have it. This 1791 Gunleather holster appears to be a winner.



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[WardenRoss]

And now for the dress rehearsal....

 

[Model 15-4ever]

I've looked at their holsters in person and they appear well-made.

But that's a helluva huge hunk o' leather for such a small lightweight gun. They seem to subscribe to the theory that buying a holster is akin to buying veal cutlet by the pound, the customer expects plenty of product for his money.

 

[K Frame Keith]

I've looked at their holsters in person and they appear well-made.

But that's a helluva huge hunk o' leather for such a small lightweight gun. They seem to subscribe to the theory that buying a holster is akin to buying veal cutlet by the pound, the customer expects plenty of product for his money.

I have a very lightweight Blackhawk leather holster for J frames I purchased years ago. Made in Italy. I bought it because of the light weight and apparent quality. It has held up well but, and this is a big but, you can feel the holster flex, even on a good belt. It has elastic retention and is secure but I’m looking for something heavier. I appreciate the review. Maybe just the manufacturer I’m looking for.

 

[WardenRoss]

For me, I want a holster that I can easily re-holster with one hand, while under stress, in low light or darkness.

I don't want to be distracted fiddling around trying to re-holster.

This one fits-the-bill.


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[rednichols]

Good looking holster but agreed, it is over-built with those thicknesses of leather.

Looks like the maker is using the same leather thickness for all parts when the mouth reinforcement can and should be much thinner. The paddle? I like it and wouldn't call it overengineered, I've done several Kydex and polymer paddles that take a knack to insert in the waistband -- which is because they're designed to STAY there instead of pull out with the pistol.

P.S. there is no 'reholstering' just as there is no 'refiring'. There is 'holstering' and there is 'drawing' and there is 'firing'. Repeat.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

This Galco is well made.
But less Leather than this 1791!
And the Paddle Screws are lower than the top of the paddle.

 

[WardenRoss]

Here's a classic Galco that I have used for about 30 years.

Note how the paddle is designed. It secures good enough, but is easy on and easy off, even when sitting.

 

[Claymore33]

I have had good luck with 1791 holsters . I have many. I carry SIG 226, .45 ACP , and .45/410 Governor in them .
My SIG 226 holsters are ambidextrous . I am LH and sons are RH.
They are very stiff and tight on arrival and I like supple holsters so soak them in leather conditioner for a few days before I wear them.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

I have a K frame 67 on me right now in a 1791 OWB. It’s thick but works well. I’m used to kramers but for the 40 ish I paid I’m very happy with it