I have been writing for S.W.A.T. for over 16 years and have seen many holsters—some very good, others not worth the plastic bag I carried them home in.A holster has to do several things to make it functional. First, it needs to hold the weapon securely. Second, it must be quickly accessible—it does no good if you can’t get your gun into the fight.
Lastly, it needs to stay open so you can re-holster. After you have dealt with the threat, you need to re-holster, making the weapon secure again. Having a gun in your hand when law enforcement arrives can put you at odds until they know who everyone is. If this happens, do exactly what responding officers tell you to.
My preference is for a 1911 in an inside-the-waistband holster for concealability. However, carrying a handgun in a strong-side outside-the-waistband holster can be the best option for many people, which brings me to the focus of this article.
Recently I was asked to look at a company called Savoy Leather. Browsing their website, I was very impressed with the options and styles of holsters they offer.I am very upset with the NFL (and anyone) who feels the need to disrespect our flag and the brave men and women who fought and died for it. I have family and friends who have served and one of my best friends paid the ultimate price for our freedom of speech. I stand for the flag and kneel for the cross. I found the holster I feel supports my beliefs. More on that later.
Savoy Leather makes holsters for a specific handgun so that the fit is tight and snug. I chose it for my Smith & Wesson M&P. It is a pancake-type holster constructed from two heavy pieces of leather and glued together. It is double stitched around the circumference and again around the outline of the pistol with heavy nylon thread. All edges of the holster are very smooth and the width is such that it carries close to the body, enabling it to be comfortably worn for long periods of time.
The pistol sits deep and the rear of the holster is built up to cover most of the trigger guard to prevent anything from coming into contact with the trigger. The front of the holster comes all the way up to the rear sight. The belt slots are cut out of the body of the holster so the holster is worn at a cant. The inside of the holster has a front sight groove to prevent snagging on the drawstroke.
Getting back to why the holster supports my beliefs is the artwork Savoy Leather applies to their holsters.
I chose a design called the Ultimate Patriot from Savoy’s Patriotic Art series. At the rear front side of the holster are the colors of the United States flag. Toward the front is the Gadsden flag—a yellow background with a coiled rattlesnake and the phrase “Don’t Tread on Me.” The rattlesnake and stars are embossed on the holster.
I’m a big believer in a reload and light combo. Savoy does not currently make such a combo, so I bought the double mag pouch with a design that matches the holster.Using the same heavy leather and double stitching, the magazines are angled forward so they pull out more naturally (at least for me) than straight up. The body of the mag pouches has the same belt cut-outs as the holster. Like the holster, it is wider than many designs, so it rides close to the body while remaining comfortable.
Savoy Leather has many other art designs, including military and western themes, firearms manufacturers’ logos, and much more.
This is the first time I have used Savoy Leather, but I know quality leather goods when I see them. I have no doubt these leather goods will give me years of service, and I look forward to working with Savoy Leather again in the future.
I’m glad I took the time to look at their website. You should too.
SOURCE:
SAVOY LEATHER
(405) 786-2296
www.savoyleather.com
