dustoff451

I'm thinking of buying a Kramer Horsehide, Vertical Scabbard for my 1911, 5in..

I've used this style of holster in the past and I like the versatility and speed of draw.

Again, one holster can't do everything for all stuations or suit all people's needs at all times.

I'm not jumping on any band wagon so to speak, it's just that I puchased a cowhide straight drop holster like Kramer's Vertical scabbared from an excellent holster maker and it's lost a bit of it's tension.

I've been told that the quality of cowhide is not as'good' as it has been in the past, second to cattle being slaughtered earlier in life.

Correct me if I'm wrong. I purchased a 'used' Kramer horsehide, crossdraw and it's stiff and holds the pistol VERY firmly. And thats with one of my dehorned 1911's.

Again, any advice would be helpful.

Reloader

You cannot go wrong with either. I have owned Kramers in both and they are top notch. Most of mine have had heavy use over 10 years and still look brand new.

__________________
NRA Pistol Instructor
NRA Life Member
Amateur Radio License KE5LDO

P7fanatic

I've done some research on cowhide vs. horsehide. Here is what I have gathered from that research.
1. First off, the quality of the work from different leather holster makers can vary greatly.
2. Cowhide will generally 'take' a color dye better or more uniformly because it is 'more porous'.
3. Horsehide is generally thinner, usually more expensive, is more durable and will take more abuse. Because Horsehide is more dense than Cowhide, it will generally not dye as uniformally except in black.
4. Do not use a leather holster for your pistol if it has been 'chrome tanned'. It will affect the finish of your weapon.
5. I thought I had read in the past that Cowhide will accept the 'moulding' process better that Horsehide but I'm not so sure of the truth in this.
6. A holster made of either leather can give you more than a decade of good service if it was quality made and it is taken care of properly.

Hope this helps.

Ping Ping

Great post.
1. You could say that a dozen times and it would still not be overstated.

3. Thinner depends on where the hide is harvested.


5. You are correct. Also, cow is superior in shape retention.

I personally do not care for horsehide for a holster. Even if #5 were incorrect, horse offers no advantage over cow and therefore doesn't justify the price hike.

Chrome tanning is great for suede. Not so for holster leather. Vegi-tanned is the only way to fly.

I do not think there is a global problem with recent cowhide. It's entirely dependent on who your supplier is.

Kramer makes really nice stuff.

__________________
"Happiness, is a warm gun" -St. John of Liverpool

Proud to be an infidel.

N-frame Smith

While I prefer and usually buy cowhide, I've got a couple of Kramer horsehide holsters and they're rock hard, noticeably firmer than any of the cowhide holsters I have. I can't imagine the amount of use it would take to loosen them up excessively. If this is your primary concern, I would say go with the horsehide.

__________________
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" - Patrick Henry

BILLYKALDRICH

I got the same holster you are looking at for my Nighthawk Talon II.I think it rocks also.I absolutely love it.

__________________
RVN 68-69 101st Abn. Div. D Co. 101st Avn. Bn.