Custom Holster Options

Features:

**Note: Some holsters are limited to the features that may be used on the holster. Certain designs are simply not compatible with some of the options offered, due to the nature of the specific design used.

For the sake of example, I will list the features available on an IWB holster as it offers the most choices that really work. All other types of holsters fit the same criteria but are more limited by design to what features actually work.

Cant/angle:

1) An angled cant, such as the "FBI", is most common on holsters worn behind the hip on the strong side. This angle puts the grip of the gun "into" the small of the back and offers better concealment, superior comfort and matches the arms natural range of motion while drawing the weapon from this location. This assists in a smoother and faster draw.

The degree/angle of cant can be varied according to the holster carry location, gun carried and personal preference.

2) 0 degree / vertical carry is typically limited to OWB carry when a gun is worn slightly in front of the hip at a 3:00 location. However, it can be used quite well in IWB holster applications. When carried in the front part of the pants it offers superior comfort but does compromise concealment.

Ride Height:

Low: puts the gun muzzle farther down for a lower center of gravity and is sometimes preferred for full size and/or heavy guns.

**Note: H.B.E. will only offer this feature if it DOES NOT interfere with grip access of a holstered gun.

Medium: puts the guns grip further up for quicker grip access and offers better concealment than low ride height. This is the most popular ride height.

High: puts the guns grip at its highest point for optimal concealment. Depending on the gun carried, this ride height may compromise grip access and ease of draw.

**Note: For full sized and/or heavy guns carried this way, a very heavy cowhide is used for its superior physical properties. The weight of the gun is carried higher and thus puts more stress on the holster.

Spring clips/Belt loops:

Spring Clips: These are very strong spring steel clips especially designed for IWB holsters. This style of attachment offers superior ease while putting on and removing your holster. This is very popular for people who are constantly removing/putting on their gun leather throughout the day. Holster retention is not compromised by this method of attachment.

Belt Loops: This method of attachment is very popular also. While not as quick a spring clips, it does offer easy installation and removal of the holster from its carry position. Belt loops can offer more location choices on the holster. A wider or narrow spacing can be chosen. Dual belt loops or a wider single loop may be chosen as well.

Snap or Permanent belt loops and loop spacing:

Snap loops: This is the most popular style of loop. The snaps offer superior ease of holster installation and removal by simply unsnapping the loops. Removing your belt is not necessary for this process. The snaps used are the best available and will offer years of service.

Permanent loops: This style of loop is the strongest offered on any IWB holster. The loops are sewn to the main body of the holster with very heavy polyester thread. While very strong by design, this style of belt loop does require removal of the belt to install and remove the holster.

Loop spacing: For a smaller gun carried in a more compact IWB holster a narrow spacing or a single belt loop will offer a more compact holster. A larger and/or heavier gun will benefit from a wider loop spacing as it assists in spreading the guns weight out and offers greater comfort for all day carry.

**Note: A narrowly spaced design will put the loop/s between the body of the gun and the pants adding the holster/gun thickness. A wider spaced design will move the loops outside of the main body of the holster/gun and does not add to the thickness of the setup. This is a good design when the thinnest holster possible is desired.

Open top/high back

Open top: This design/feature is popular with tradition double action or double action only guns. It has nothing to interfere with the draw of the gun above the main line of the holster.

High back: This feature is most popular with guns that have safety or decocking levers that may contact the wearer, causing discomfort. This is a common feature while carrying Single Action guns, such as a 1911 style that is designed to be carried "Cocked and Locked".

The High back can also have the preferred safety lever location molded into the leather for a more secure carry. This also helps the safety from being "swept off" while being carried.

Smooth side/rough side out:

Smooth side out: This is the most common design. It offers the truly great look and feel that you would expect in a very nice leather holster.

Rough side out: Typically this is finished in a natural color with a clear coat to protect it from moisture. The rough side out design does have advantages: It offers more adhesion and keeps the holster in place better than smooth side out. If you are very active and have problems with holsters moving around while being carried this may be a feature to consider. This is also very common in pocket holsters for the same reason.

Reinforced Open Top:

**Note: This is actually considered a safety feature by some, as a high percentage of Negligent Discharges happen while reholstering a weapon. This design may assist in reducing the risk associated with ND's while reholstering.

Color and Finish choices

We currently have 5 different Blacks, Dark Brown, Chocolate, Light Brown, Saddle Tan, Sun Tan, Natural, Mahogany and Burgundy.

The "Natural" finished holsters are clear coated with a water and abrasion resistant formula to help keep your holster looking, feeling and functioning like new for years to come.

All colors are attained by using at least a 2-coat application process and are polished to a very high gloss finish. A clear coat can be put on any finish at your request and on light colored finishes a different color of edging may be requested.

A very classy and popular example is a Natural finish with dark brown edging and then the final clear coat. If you have a color or shade in mind you don't see, just email us and we will see what we can do for you.

H.B.E. Custom Holsters can be produced almost anyway imaginable. Only one thing is critical, it must function properly. I carry a gun in one of my Holsters on a daily basis, as do my customers. I take what I do very seriously, as I should. I design, produce and fit each holster as if your life depended on it. In actuality it does depend on it.

If you have any ideas for a holster, I am just an email away. I will help you when I can and will take great pride in doing so. I'm a leather craftsman. Simply put, "Its my job - its what I do!"

Eric Larsen
H.B.E. Specialty LeatherWorks