Well, Pooh. Should Have Done More Holster Research.

[ZGrand]

I was casually looking for a holster for my 6.5" nickel Model 29-2. Saw a listing on E-Bay for a "New Smith and Wesson 19-26 Leather Holster" for a seemingly good price, so on impulse I clicked the "Buy It Now" button. Not an attractive model, but I wasn't looking for a carry holster, just one to use at the range.

It arrived today and was indeed in the original packaging and had obviously never been used. Upon opening it smelled like old musty leather, so I used some leather cleaner and followed up with the aromatic leather conditioner that I use on the leather seats of my Mustang. Smells much better and looks new.

Then (and only then) did I decide to do a little research here on the forum. It appears my impulsiveness bought me a "Wessonhide" synthetic holster instead of real leather. Lesson learned. Do the research first. Oh well, at least it wasn't an expensive lesson. I'm sure the seller thought it really was leather, so I'm not upset. It should still work just fine for the purpose for which I wanted it.

As with all unused holsters, the retention strap needs a little stretching and will not snap over the Model 29. I've got the 6" Model 686 in it for now to help it stretch some. In a couple of days I'll put the 29 in it and leave it for a few days so it will snap properly.

 

[crazyphil]

19 is the model number for all of the "Wessonhides", and 26 is the
correct size code for the S&W model 29 with 6" barrel. When you get
that strap stretched a little bit, you should have a perfect fit.

Here is my model 19 "Wessonhide" in size 32, made for my S&W model 10
with 2" barrel.

 

[boykinlp]

I went big game hunting many years ago in Asia. I specifically was after trophy Wessons and Naugas! After all, their hides are the best!! I was able to track and kill a gigantic Nauga. I was able to make a fantastic Naugahyde couch out of it. Unfortunately, I sold it to a collector who made me an offer I could not refuse. That's my story and I am sticking to it!
Larry

 

[crazyphil]

I think those Naugas are extinct now. You don't see much of their hide
any more.

 

[SF VET]

When I put a pistol in a new holster to form it better for that gun, I wrap the firearm in waxed paper to project the finish of the gun from any acids air other chemicals in the leather. Just a thought...

SF VET

 

[CajunBass]

I had one of those Wessonhide holsters back in the day. I didn't care much for it because the gun wanted to stick in the holster, so I don't even know what happened to it. It just sort of went away.

Thinking back on it, probably if I'd used it more, the material would have taken a set to the gun and the problem would have gone away.

I also had a Wessonhide pistol belt that worked fine. Used it for years until to shrank too much for me to wear.

 

[Racer X]

I think those Naugas are extinct now. You don't see much of their hide
any more.

There was a small colony of them living on an islet in one of the Great Lakes. They were slaughtered and used for seat covers in the last run of AMC Gremlin Xs.

 

[gwpercle]

Well...it at least looks like leather !
Should work fine for range use or advertise it as a rare and exotic holster material that is now hard to find and slap a high price on it and see what happens .
Some great and wise man once said ...
..."there's a sucker born every minuite" all you need to do is just find one .
Gary

 

[Mainsail]

Saw a listing on E-Bay for a "New Smith and Wesson 19-26 Leather Holster" for a seemingly good price...

Just about any gun you look up on ebay will have a listing with that same title.

New leather holster for a Sig P239....
New leather holster for a Ruger Redhawk...

The number of listings alone told me I should avoid them. These aren't new trade-ins or estate finds, I think it's some guy slapping them together in his basement. Yours looks surprisingly good tho.

 

[Drm50]

Maybe Wesson Hide is not a bad thing. The run of the mill leather holsters are hard on blue. I won't put a good gun in one of those. I only buy lined holsters. Synthetics may be easier on the gun?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Until Phil informed me, I didn't know that I had Wesson Hide.
I knew I had a couple of Holsters that wouldn't absorb any Oil, but did know exactly what they were.

 

[Johnnu2]

Nauga.... tastes like chicken...

J.

 

[glenwolde]

I think many of us have boxes full of disappointing holsters that we keep right next to the boxes of disappointing grips...

 

[ZGrand]

Just about any gun you look up on ebay will have a listing with that same title.

New leather holster for a Sig P239....
New leather holster for a Ruger Redhawk...

The number of listings alone told me I should avoid them. These aren't new trade-ins or estate finds, I think it's some guy slapping them together in his basement. Yours looks surprisingly good tho.

Oh, I'm convinced it is a genuine Smith and Wesson branded "Wessonhide" holster from the early '80's, for whatever that's worth (I'm sure less than I paid for it).

I've stuffed some paper towels soaked in leather conditioner in it and left it out in the sun a couple of times. At least it smells better now - not so musty.