I'd like to get a leather holster for my model 15-4 and I'm looking for recommendations. Any thoughts on cant, manufacture etc are appreciated. The only thing I'd like for sure is a suede lining. After that I'm all ears!
The suede lining may limit your selections. I get my custom revolver holsters from John O'Rourke. He's the owner and the guy you'll talk to when calling. Very experienced in the field of holster making. Here's his site: J.W. O'Rourke Leather Products -- Holsters, belts.
For blue guns, I prefer a smooth lining. El Paso Saddlery makes excellent products for K frames, especially the Tom Threepersons holster or the #2 Thumbbreak, although the wait is sometimes more than you would desire.
I'd strongly suggest a Safariland "Top Gun" Model. I wore one as a police officer (after trying the judge, various breakfronts, and a 070). The top gun gives a straight up draw with thumb snap release. It allows you to get a full grip on your gun while your thumb is on the snap and has an open bottom. It also features an elk hide lining for finish protection. I carried a blue Python for years and the gun still does not need to be reblued.
This is the one I carry my 4" model 19 in. A Gould & Goodrich 3 slot pancake holster. Not as pretty as El Paso, just a simple rugged design. It gives you the option of straight or 'FBI rake' in 1 holster. I carry it in the forward rake because I find it a bit more comfortable & concealable. I also finally broke down and bought a real gun belt from 511. It has a polymer insert to help strengthen the belt so it doesn't sag from the weight of the hardware. (G&G also makes them)
They have a variety of used holsters to choose from.
I purchased a vintage H.H. Heiser from them for my 4" model 18 and it was awesome. Super tough leather that was made back in the day.
This company also sells vintage Lawrence holsters as well as others.
If you're going to spend roughly $100 on a new holoster, you might as well look at the originals produced around the same time as your gun. ;o)
I'd like to get a leather holster for my model 15-4 and I'm looking for recommendations. Any thoughts on cant, manufacture etc are appreciated. The only thing I'd like for sure is a suede lining. After that I'm all ears!
Alpine .... you've received some really good recommendations, including; El Paso Saddlery, Mily Sparks, and Vintage Gun Leather. Other quality leather crafters I'd consider are: Black Hills Leather,Kirkpatrick Leather and Rick at Old West Reproductions. Overall, you received several very good suggestions. Just thought I'd add my 2 cents. Have fun! Shadow SD
I have had one of our Forum members, LOBOgunleather make me now 3 holsters. K Frame stubby, J Frame Stubby, and a 9mm minnie. All fit great and carry comfortably. None of mine are suede lined. I have been told by several holster makers that suede will retain dirt, which will wear blued surfaces greater than a well fitting unlined holster. So far, I have not experienced any wear problems in my unlined holsters.
There are some really great holster makers out there and some are very small shops. I too like Bianchi and Don Hume. I always liked a thumb break with a slightly forward cant. I think it is also called the FBI cant. Suede lining is fine for a hunting holster, but as I remember, in years past, they weren't recommended for duty holsters. The issues were supposedly that the suede would retain more moisture than saddle leather and the suede was subject to tearing which could result in the gun snagging on the front sight or hammer, etc.