This category of holsters is often manufactured with exotic hides like shark, elephant, stingray or alligator.
These go perfect with fancy jeans, cowboy boots, big belt buckles and bolo ties.
The third and final level on my list is the duty or working leather holster.
In this list I include all retention holsters.
In the case of leather holsters, the most common mode of retention is the thumb snap.
The bottom line with a working holster is that it must be manufactured with the best materials and workmanship.
It doesnt have to be flashy or fancy, but it must be well made and durable.
There is absolutely no question that one company that meets all those criteria is DeSantis Gunhide.
As a result, I believe they make some of the best working holsters in the industry.
After browsing through their online catalog, I set my sights on the Thumb Break Scabbard.
MSRP is $78.99.
To be clear, the lining and basketweave texture are special order items, but they are available.
I wanted the classic look of the brown leather with the lighter stitching, because it just looks classy.
The first step in using this holster was the break-in process.
At the end of the day, the pistol was perfectly fitted to the holster.
This holster is so well made that only a minor break-in is required.
DeSantis also mentions that, with time, leather will stretch and become looser.
This is where I think the adjustment screw is such a great addition to this holster.
It allows you to increase tension when you feel its necessary.
But, honestly, I dont think this holster will become loose any time soon.
After the break-in day came the fun part a range trip.
And I want this without fear of it accidentally falling out while performing other chores at the range.
In fact, at times I almost forgot it was there at all.
What else could anyone want from a holster?
A New Direction
In the past, I never considered thumb break holsters an option.
I felt, erroneously, that the thumb break was unnecessary.
That is until now.
I have found that this style of holster is not only utilitarian and reliable, but also very attractive.
I also never considered them as an option for concealed carry.
Getting this holster opened my eyes to a new way ofthinking about retention holsters.
A company like DeSantis has a well-earned reputation in the shooting world.
They make fine holsters and accessories with exceptional quality, fit and finish that cant be beaten.
And they do this all at a price that wont break the bank.
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