FAQ

What is the best holster?

This is probably the most important question someone could ask before purchasing a holster. It would also be great if there was an answer to that question. The best holster is purely 100% personal preference. There are many factors that can make a particular holster perfect for you and not someone else (height and build, position to be carried, intended use, etc…). If you are unsure about a style of holster, please feel free to call us at (816) 244-1671.

What leather do you use?

We build in two leathers, and you can choose the one that fits you best. Our premium holsters are made from horsehide, and our Exodus Field Series is made from cowhide.

Horsehide tends to be stiffer than cowhide when the same thickness is compared, which allows for a holster that has less bulk. The grain structure is different and more compressed, which is also the reason horsehide is more complicated to dye and finish. High grain hides dyed in colors other than black can take on a “figured” look. This is desirable for some, and a very small percentage of hides have this trait. Horsehide is also more water resistant than cowhide.

Does this mean cowhide is no good? Of course not. Cowhide is a fine holster leather, and our Field Series carries the same Exodus craftsmanship and fit. We have made holsters from both for years, and we are proud to offer you the choice.

What colors do you offer?

Our horsehide holsters come in 5 standard colors: natural, light brown, dark brown, burgundy, and black. When choosing high grain horsehide, please note the grain pattern is unique and also affects the color, and black is not available in high grain. Each hide is unique, and the way it dyes is unique too.

Our Exodus Field Series, made from cowhide, is offered in black, brown, and rough out natural.

Below is a photo of our horsehide colors.

How do I break in my holster?

When your holster arrives, it will probably be a little tight. This is normal, and actually the way we prefer it. This allows you to break in your holster to be as tight or loose as you choose. Please remember too that many 1911’s that look very similar have different dimensions. They may have cocking serrations, different sized slide stop or thumb safety. Many 1911’s have also been dehorned or the profile of the slide changed. It takes a small break in period for your gun to “marry” into your new holster.

Before you even check the fit on your new holster, please unload your gun. Not to sound like anyone’s parent, but please check it one more time. If the holster is too tight, there are a couple of methods we recommend. One method is to take the bag the holster arrived in, and place your unloaded gun inside the bag. Now take your gun and bag and slide it into the holster until it is seated all the way. Leave it in for a couple of hours, remove the gun and bag, and try to draw from the holster a few times. Repeat these steps until your holster fit is to your liking. The second method is to wrap wax paper around your gun with the wax side facing outward. Place the gun wrapped in wax paper into the holster like the instructions above. The wax will transfer to the inside of the holster (a very minute amount) and aid in the draw of your gun.

Please be cautious and we recommend going slowly during this break in. Leather will stretch easily but it does not shrink quite so well. If you stretch too much, you can end up with a fit you are unhappy with. If you have any questions about your break in, please call us at (816) 244-1671. There is also a short YouTube video we made:

 

How do I care for my holster?

There should not be a whole lot for you to do to care for your holster. Most of the time you should be able to wipe your holster with a rag to clean off any dirt or debris. If you would like to shine your holster, do so like you would a pair of dress shoes using neutral paste shoe polish. We use Kiwi brand but any paste type in the little metal cans will work. On exotic hide holsters, just wipe down the exotic with a slightly damp (we repeat, slightly damp) soft cloth or rag.

Do Not use any type of oil or leather treatment on your Exodus Gunleather holster. Your holster does not need it because it will only soften the leather and aid in the loss of retention.

How do I measure for a belt?

Many makers use different methods of measuring belts. We use the method below because we feel it gives us the most accurate measurement to make a belt that fits you perfectly. We would like for you to measure from the inside tip of your old buckle to the hole you normally fasten your buckle. This is the measurement we need to craft your belt. Another analogy that we think helps is to imagine hanging your belt, by the buckle, from a nail on the wall. Then you would hook the tape measure to the nail and measure to the hole that you normally wear your belt.

Please note that the measurement will probably not be your pant size, and it may not be the size of your old belt.

 

How do I care for my belt?

Please care for your belt in the same way we recommend you care for your holster. Do Not use any type of oil or leather treatment on your Exodus Gunleather belt. Here is a short video:

Will my holster wear the finish on my gun?

This is a topic debated by many. What is the best way to keep from scratching or wearing on my gun’s finish? Will lining my holster with softer leather, or another soft lining, keep it from happening. Here is the one fact everyone should know: Using a holster WILL wear on a gun’s finish no matter what the holster is made of, or lined with. If the finish on your gun in question is on the top of your priority list, do not put it into a holster. Placing a gun into a holster and drawing out of the holster causes friction between the gun and holster. Over time this wears on the finish.

One handed re-holstering?

A question that comes up from time to time is how important is one handed re-holstering. This can be answered similar to which holster is the best. One handed re-holstering is a personal preference. For some it is an absolute must while for others it is not important at all. For us to give advice on the subject, we must know the intended use for the holster. If the primary use of your holster is for concealment and will not see too many draw and re-holster activity, then one handed may not be an issue for you. On the other hand, if you plan on using your holster and practice drawing you gun a lot or compete, then one handed re-holstering may be higher on the priority list. Holster design affects the ability to re-holster one handed. If you have any questions about this topic, please feel free to call us at (816) 244-1671.

How do I place an order?

The easiest way to order is right here on our website. Find the holster or product you want and click the Order Here button to build your order and check out online. If you would rather talk it through or have questions, you can also call, email, or text us at (816) 244-1671 or info@exodusgunleather.com, and we will help you get your order placed.

How/when do I pay for my holster?

We accept just about every method of payment. We gladly take Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, as well as Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo.

Can I change or modify my order?

You most definitely can make changes to your order up until we cut leather to start your order. At this time there will be very few changes that we can accommodate without modifying your order. Please call us if you have any questions about your order.

When will I get my holster?

We will give you an estimated completion date when you place your order.

Do you have holsters in stock for immediate purchase?

We sometimes have stock holsters ready to ship. If we do, you will find them in our store. If there is no link to the store, then we do not currently have any items in stock.

How do I change the straps on an EDC?

We have created a short video: