Henry Rifle Forums

I thought we might want a nice leather forum, so I'll kick it off.


When I got the S&W 681, I had a couple of holsters that it would fit in, sort of. I wanted a nice belt holster to wear under a jacket or without in the woods. I saw a DeSantis speed scabbard on Amazon at a more than reasonable price. Without shipping charges, it was about five dollars less expensive than other sites. It came quickly, as Amazon things do. Still wanting a different type of holster, I found that Don Hume is still in business. Since I like basket weave, as it was available on this holster, I ordered one. Triple K also offered a similar holster, but I wanted to try Don Hume. It turns out to be a very nice holster. I don't think it's quite the same as Hume once was, but it was very reasonable and nice.
It occurred to me that we may want to share good leather finds with others.
I know they make things out of Kydex and Nylon, but I have always appreciated a really nice basket weave leather holster (and belt for that matter).

Here are some pictures.

When I worked patrol, I was the firearms instructor and responsible for the gear we carried and wore on duty.

I tried several times to get the Chief to switch to Nylon Duty Gear so it could be easier to maintain. Nope, wasn't having it. He was a traditionalist. We carried Safariland Leather in the Basketweave pattern.

It looked Great!

Professional and clean looking, but... it was heavy, squeaked and moaned, and if you got blood on it, we had a policy that it had to be replaced as you could never really be sure you could get it out of the pattern. Not really. Wasn't worth the risk to keep it.

Our sister departments eventually all went with Nylon gear. Easier to maintain, lighter, and quieter. Still looked good when properly maintained.

The department was still in Safariland Basketweave when I left for Fish and Game.

I love a nice leather holster, and quality made at that. I have always liked Galco. This belt slide for the Kimber tactical Ultra II fits like a glove.


The little pistol was a gift from Tina when I was recovering from one of my surgeries... I have forgotten which one, but she told our Guy at Greentop outside of Richmond it would be my "Off Duty Gun" and he told her that would be the perfect holster.


It was great, held the gun tight against the body under a t-shirt or light jacket and the matching single mag pouch rode behind the left hip. Great combo.

I have a very nice custom MTR leather holster for my Beretta Compact Carry, excellent fit and retention but unless I'm going to be carrying for a long time I'll just grab my kydex IWB as it's so much easier and quicker to put on.

Also have my custom Mernickle holster for my Blackhawk along with the leather sheath I made for my Henry.

Fun topic Dave.

Just yesterday I switched my EDC from nylon inside the pocket to a hybrid leather/kydex paddle holster. I selected this over an all leather belt loop style as it’s very quick on and off. I do have and use other all leather holsters particularly a few shoulder holsters.

These are the leather ones I have. On the right is a Hunter Cross Draw. Next to it is HellHound Ghostwood, slightly customized to leave the toe open. The two on the left are old handme downs. I believe the tan one is from the mid-1940s. The black one no idea. The U.S. one at the top is recently new. Made in India of all places (Warreplica.com).