Any Experience with Horseshoe Leather and .40 75B?

[edefonzo]

I found a custom holster, the Model 22H Covert #1, that I want from Andy at Horeshoe Leather.

I emailed Andy to inquire about the .40 S&W 75B and it's ability to fit into his holster. I was specific in mentioning that the .40 is wider at the front of the frame than the 9mm version. Andy responded only by saying that he had a block for the 75B, but didn't mention if their was one for the different versions? I'd like to order one, but, like everyone else, I already have a boxful of unsatisfactory holsters.

Does anyone here have any experience with the wider .40 fitting into one of Horseshoe Leather's 75B holsters?

[timbers]

Horseshoe Leather holsters are very tight, hand boned and made only for a specific model.  They are also expensive -- about $100 for the Covert.

The Horseshoe Covert for a CZ-75B/9mm that I've seen would not accommodate the .40S&W.

I think that a telephone call to Andy Arratoonian at Horseshoe in Ripon (England) is in order to discuss the matter before you shell out the $100 only to discover that you have to shell out another $350 to buy a CZ-75B/9mm to fit the holster.

Telephone: + 44 1765 605858

[cztops]

And since you have him on the phone, ask him how long before you could have one in your hands. IIRC, a couple years ago it was several months, maybe 6?

[edefonzo]

Thanks, Guys.

Since Andy from Horseshoe Leather hasn't responded to my second email, inquiring further into the the fit of the .40 S&W 75B, I think I'll continue shopping around.

Any recommendations for good leather in approximately that price range ($98.00)? Of course less is always better, but this time I'm looking for quality and a custom boned fit.

Happy Shooting.

ED

(Edited 3/21/03)

Shortly after posting ths I contacted Matt at High Noon Holsters and asked the same questions regarding the fit of both the 9mm and wider .40 caliber guns fitting into the same model holster.  Unlike Andy at Horsehoe Leather, Matt knew the difference and assured me that both models of 75B and 75BD would fit. His email responses were immediate and courteous, adding to his already awesome reputation for customer service.

Within moments High Noon had my order for their Slide Guard Holster, with a special request that he give my holster a redder tint than is usual for his tan model, which already comes with slightly red highlights. Matt emailed back, "No Problem."

Two weeks later I recieved a beautiful holster with a smooth cordovan finish, just the way I requested it. I chose the $15.00 option to line the holster on the inside to protect the finish. A bonus is that the additional stitching that secures the lining adds to the outstanding ergonomics of this holster. Precise boning makes it a perfect fit. And very pleasing to look at.

And Matt was correct. Both the narrower 9mm BD and the wider framed .40 both fit perfectly in the same holster. Which was my most important criteria for a custom holster for my CZ's.

This lined, cowhide holster held either 75B tightly, at a perfect 15 degree FBI cant, and remained high and close and secure on my strong side, even with a Docker brand 1 1/4" soft leather belt. A stiffer belt would have been even better, but the same belt I was wearing with my Dockers worked very well.

One handed holtsering was easy and consistent. MY full sized 75BD rode high and tight against me under a short, light jacket, without anything peeking through. Until I tried Matt's High Noon Holster, I never considered my 75B as a seriously concealable carry option. I ordered it because I thought a nicer holster would look better at the range.

Price was a very reasonable $79.95, lining included, plus $7.00 shipping, Total $81.95 delivered. I strongly recommend a High Noon Holster for a reasonably priced but extremely well done custom leather job. A company that aims to please is a company that I'll want to do business with again. And will mention to my friends.

Be Safe.

ED

[cztops]

I use Kramer IWB#3. An IWB#2 has less cant. Great quality horsehide design.

Emails are answered promptly. Ask about the 75B .40. If you will carry condition 1, make sure you put that in the comments so the safety will be boned in the engaged position.

[Lazarus]

A couple of comments on this subject:  I am NOT a holster expert, but do admit to having a suitcase full of them, just like everyone else who is searching for things that actually work!  I contacted Andy @ Horseshoe with a question.  His web site stresses how much time and effort he applies to the exquisite exterior boning.  I'm sure that this process makes for a very attractive and lovely looking holster, however I am going to naively assume that if the exterior is exquisitely boned, then the interior also reflects this same sharp detail. (? yes/no).  Now, if the holster has sharp detail in the leather we have a little problem.  Retention will be superior.  How about drawing and holstering of the weapon???  Especially drawing!!!  Since these holsters are for CONCEALED carry, I really don't care what it looks like...what I really want is something that DOES THE JOB.  Please contrast what Andy says about the horsehide/cowhide debate with Greg Kramer's comments about horsehide.  Beyond that debate, however, I would like to state that I personally put aside every other holster I own once I found Kramer Leather.  The exterior of a horsehide holster is nothing special to get excited about, but they are designed properly, they work and they last a lifetime.   I ordered a CZ97 holster from Andy, because Greg does not offer one.  So, we'll see what happens...
...In response to comments made by other posters:  new holsters usually are tight.  You expect that and I would be suspicious if a new holster was NOT tight.  This allows for differences in production tolerances and production runs of the guns.  The holster stretches out to match your personal firearm exactly.  This is normal.  As far as Horseshoe charging high prices, someone needs a reality check!  Any hand made holster takes a great deal of individual time and effort.  If you simply want to show off at the range, or desire an inferior product, there are many to choose from.  If you, on the other hand, would like something that WORKS and won't end up in the scrap pile then plan on paying at least $100 to $150 or more for a well built holster that can be worn daily for the rest of your life.

-Lazarus

[Mordru]

If you are considering a concealed carry holster other than an IWB model I suggest a Yaqui Slide model with adjustable tension screws.  I have one by Galco (got it off ebay very reasonably) that was designed for a Glock 26.  Because it has two tension screws it is no trouble at all to transition between my G26, CZ-75B 9mm; and my full size S&W 9mm this holster easy and securely adjusts to hold each of these handguns, as well as a friends Berretta 92 but will not  expand to hold the big wide Glock .45 models.   All other 9mmand .40s have been no trouble.  The Yaqui Slide provides, a close ride, can be positioned over a belt loop, and a full combat grip.  It only takes a few moments to adjust the tension screws.  I am very happy with it.