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.

Why do you use horse hide?

The properties of horse hide lend it to be made into a superior holster structurally. Horse hide tends to be stiffer than cowhide when the same thickness is compared. This will allow for a holster that has less bulk. Horse hide has a lack of grain and its fibers more compressed. This fact is also the reason that horse hide is more complicated to dye and finish. Horse hide has a tendency to look splotchy when dyed colors other than black. This “figured” look is desirable for some but is totally the preference of the individual. Horse hide is more water resistant than cowhide as well. Does this mean that cowhide holsters are no good? Of course not. There are many fine cowhide holsters that will offer their owners good service. We have made holsters over the years from both materials and we prefer horse hide for a superior holster.

What colors do you offer?

We offer 5 standard colors in horse hide: natural, light brown, dark brown, burgundy and black. When choosing high grain horse hide please note that the grain pattern is unique and also affects the color. Black is not available in high grain. Each hide is unique and the way it dyes is also unique. Below is a photo of the 5 colors we offer The 5 strips side by side came from the same hide. The small piece of dark brown came from a different hide (and is noticeably different in color even though it was dyed the same as the longer strip). 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?

There are two ways to place your order. The first is by emailing us at info@exodusgunleather.com, telling us what you would like to order. We will send a return email confirming the order details and price. The second method to place an order is to call us at (816) 244-1671. We can gather all of the information needed and move forward with the phone order.

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. We will also accept personal checks and money orders (we will contact you at the start of the order to mail your payment so it arrives and can be processed in time to ship the holster). If you prefer a different method, please let us know how you prefer to pay and we will make every effort to accommodate.

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. Please also check with our friends at Wicked Grips (http://www.wickedgrips.com/) and Chambers Customs Pistols (http://www.facebook.com/ChambersCustomPistols) as they also stock holsters by Exodus.

How do I change the straps on an EDC?

We have created a short video:

Return Policy

Each item ordered from Exodus Gunleather is hand made for the individual that ordered it. Therefore, all sales are final and there are no returns. In rare cases, Exodus Gunleather may make an exception, at our discretion, and allow an item to be returned (a restocking fee of up to 25% may be assessed). We will not accept any returned items without proper authorization. The item must be unused and in perfect condition. The items will be inspected and a final decision will be made after that evaluation. We enjoy a reputation of being fair and honest.

When your custom order arrives, please take a few minutes to inspect it. We allow a 3 day inspection period from the time your order arrives to ensure it is free from defects. We guarantee our workmanship and hope that you find it exceeds your expectations. In the rare case there is a problem with your order, please contact us so we can make arrangements to correct the issue. The 3 day period is for our clients to inspect for defects only. We enjoy a reputation of being fair and honest.