Why a Leather Revolver Holster Is Just Better

There’s a lot of variety out there in terms of Kydex and nylon holsters - so why would you pay more and get what the old timers used to carry?

That is, a leather holster, specifically a leather revolver holster?

And why would you carry a wheelgun - sling one if you will - when you could carry a modern semi-auto?

There are lots of good reasons. Let’s get into some of them.

Why Revolvers?

First things first, revolvers are classic. There’s no way around that. Enough said.

Now, let’s talk about function and reliability.

With fewer moving parts and greater mechanical simplicity, revolvers are more reliable than semi-automatic handguns and do not jam in the same fashion.

A revolver can fail or stick, but it’s far, far less likely to happen than with a semi-auto. And you can’t “limp wrist” a revolver.

It’s also a common misconception that revolvers are slower than semi-automatics. The ROF (rate of fire) of a semi-auto is limited by action time. With a revolver, you can shoot as fast as you can pull the trigger (or in the case of an SA, as fast as you can cock the hammer and pull the trigger).

Therefore, revolvers are actually faster than semi-automatics.

So revolvers are mechanically more reliable and faster.

Another great thing about revolvers is that you can tell if the thing is loaded just by looking at the cylinder; and if not, swing it open and feel the cylinder. You can tell in the dark; you can’t do that with a semi-auto.

Revolvers are also physically tougher than most semi-automatics, so they can put up with more abuse.

And, on top of that, revolvers are simpler to use. Most don’t even have safety mechanisms. You just point, pull the trigger, and short.

There’s no magazine to charge, no need to rack the slide and disengage the safety - you just pull the trigger on a double-action, and off it goes.

That can be beneficial in a high-stress environment, too.

So now that we’ve thoroughly vindicated revolvers, let’s talk about a classic - leather.

So why would you want to carry in a leather revolver holster when there were so many other modern alternatives that probably cost a lot less, too?

Why a Leather Revolver Holster?

Leather revolver holsters have a lot of advantages going for them. Here are just a few of them.

For one, leather revolver holsters are a lot more comfortable to carry. This is one of the big gripes among those that carry in nylon and Kydex holsters. They’re hard, stiff, and dig into you. Leather is soft, supple, and a lot more comfortable to wear against your body.

There is also a great variety in leather revolver holsters, so whether you want a classic, old army leather revolver holster or a modern leather shoulder holster, there are going to be options at your disposal.

On the same note as comfort, leather revolver holsters will conform to the gun over time, affording a custom-like fit that even Kydex can’t imitate. After a while, a leather revolver holster will fit your gun like no other.

A leather holster will also cushion the gun, which will help protect it against impact, better than a hard holster, which will also leave wear marks on the revolver.

Another big thing to love about leather revolver holsters is that they more often than not completely cover the gun. While most modern nylon and Kydex holsters cover the trigger, they may leave the hammer exposed, which is not preferable.

Some old-school leather revolver holsters have a cover that not only covers the hammer, it completely encloses the gun itself, which is a benefit in terms not only of retention but of security.

And then of course, there is this simple truth: leather has way more class and aesthetic appeal than nylon and Kydex. They look tacticool, but leather looks classic cool.

Plus, leather, when properly cared for, will offer heirloom quality. If you take care of a leather revolver holster, it will last as long as the gun.

Sure, you need to break in a leather revolver holster - which you don’t need to do with modern synthetics - and you will also need to condition it from time to time, but aren’t these minor concessions worth all of the other benefits mentioned here?

Shop the SARCO Collection of Leather Revolver Holsters

Thinking a leather revolver holster might be the way to go for you? Take a look through the full  collection we offer here. In addition to 1911 leather holsters, we offer a wide range of leather revolver holsters, including shoulder holsters and US 1903 holsters as well as US Civil War holsters that are ideal for some full-sized revolvers.

Check out our collection and get in touch with us at 610-250-3960 for more information.