1791 Leather Holster RDS ready for P80 SC & GST-9

[One Ping Only]

We have a WTP carbon pattern Kydex and another brand of kydex holster (with mounted light/laser) onhand for our SC’s; but I wanted another holster that would properly fit and protect the fwd barrel/slide to the muzzle of our GST-9…and that I can also use for a P80 SC without the light/laser mounted for daytime use….also wanted it RDS ready for if/when a RDS is desired.

Kinda burned-out on the kydex thing. It’s great, lightweight etc, but for a few reasons I wanted a leather pancake holster this time. I’d seen the 1791 brand in one of our local stores in the SG section; and though they didn’t have a great selection representing the brand, it was enough to propel me to some online research.

The more I dug online, the more I found appealing to me, including the aesthetic that appealed to my traditionalist nature. And, I really felt the dual purpose nature of two different sidearms accommodated was achievable, in spite of some reports that P80 wouldn’t fit (-and that the GST-9 did)….and I wasn’t convinced of that being the case.

So I ordered one to fit a Glock 19 (and it’s also listed to fit other models) from Amazon as they had them in stock. Ordered that glorious Signature Brown color. Yum!

The holster arrived in a clear plastic bag with a solitary sticky label on it, no oem retail packaging, no instructions for fitment. But I’d already done my homework, fortunately.

The reported issue with the P80 allegedly “Not fitting” is because that lower front tang/hump on the P80 trigger guard rubs up against the rubber tension grommet for the level 1 retention…and this is, imo. NOTHINGBURGER, as the holster need to be stretched/fit to your particular frame(s) anyways.

So I put the SC into a quart ziplock bag, and first forced the sidearm all the way into the holster. And yes, though the GST9 was snug initially, the P80 was more so as stated above.

Leather Honey Conditioner was applied to the leather, and let sit for a bit with the SC fully seated in the holster. Next step was, pulling the SC out of the holster and reinserting it a few times; then only inserting the frame far enough for that trigger guard nub at lower front to be right over that internal rubber tension screw grommet. Then I used a hair dryer to heat the leather, and reapplied more conditioner. Tested fitment for the GST9, then the SC, and then reinserted just until the trigger guard was dragging on that grommet, and re-heated the leather, applied more conditioner so the leather can stretch there. Let dry and cool. Did this twice more, and then let the sidearm sit in the holster overnight.

So I got up today to find the leather stretching & form-fitting prep efforts yesterday are paying off. Brand new out of the wrapper the GST9 was Uber-snug and the SC even worse; today we have something workable for both frames. I did the heating the leather and conditioner application a few more times today, and things are shaping up. Tonight the SC will be swaddled in that leather with the frame fully inserted. We should be good to go after this final stretch. Maybe we’ll put a small leather thong on it to pull over the rear of the slide/Beavertail area should I find level 2 retention necessary; but time will tell. This is a magnificent holster, IMO. Now my wife is admiring it….lol. Can you imagine how that will turn out??

I also set a 15 degree (“FBI”) fwd cant and used loctite blue on the paddle adjustment screws. Here’s a few pics, the first with the GST9, the second with my wife’s SC:

 

[One Ping Only]

 

[Steelart99]

Very nice! I've been "planning" to get into leather holster making ... well 'cause I like leather better than kydex. I like the look of this 1791 brand. And, I have lots of exotic leathers to add as accents

 

[Mooner]

Nothing against leather or 1791 brand but that gap in the trigger guard is very concerning.

A reminder of three basic rules of acceptable holsters...

[Holster Conversations | Cornered Cat]
must do these basic things:

• Cover the trigger guard completely with something sturdy enough to keep the trigger from moving if something brushes up against the outside of the holster;
• Hold the gun securely enough that we can trust that the trigger will stay covered at all times, that the gun will stay in the same orientation at all times, and that the user can visit the bathroom without having to take the gun out of its carry location (so that the gun will reliably not fall to the floor if the holster gets inadvertently tipped upside down and shaken gently); and
• Allow the user to access the gun when they need it.

Example of a holster storage bin of shame...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox7GrdjqRXk

 

[clm2112]

snip...

Leather Honey Conditioner was applied to the leather, and let sit for a bit with the SC fully seated in the holster. Next step was, pulling the SC out of the holster and reinserting it a few times; then only inserting the frame far enough for that trigger guard nub at lower front to be right over that internal rubber tension screw grommet. Then I used a hair dryer to heat the leather, and reapplied more conditioner. Tested fitment for the GST9, then the SC, and then reinserted just until the trigger guard was dragging on that grommet, and re-heated the leather, applied more conditioner so the leather can stretch there. Let dry and cool. Did this twice more, and then let the sidearm sit in the holster overnight.

snip...

I'll have to take a look at that product. I've been using just saddle oil on the leather, soaking in as much as it would take, and letting it dry with the pistol in the holster (which did a decent job re-molding the holster around the P80 trigger guard)

 

[One Ping Only]

Mooner- I really appreciate the safety focus. IMO lack of proper training and respect for the weapon first and foremost, is what has made so many AD's prevalent today. Add to that careless carry and holstering practices...now having said that, I treat a striker fired pistol in the same way that I would a DA loaded revolver....have been operating firearms for 50+ years. And, though we have the advent of a safety blade trigger setup with striker pistols whereas we didn't with DA revolvers, it doesn't guarantee anything. It's user error that gets us in trouble, just like so many aviation accidents go down to pilot error. Also, this is a OWB pancake unit. I can't see ANYTHING getting in that area, let alone the leather won't budge or buckle; and the trigger itself is well-sheathed from unintentional access.

clm2112 - great saddle oil idea! I know some like to get one of those new holsters, put the gun in the holster and let it sit in a hot truck cab for a day or two and they are golden. Others use a system as follows: holstered pistol in it in a ziplock bag, submerged in hot water. Others wetform it the leather with water. Others, like you, saddle oil.

I would like to offer that the leather in the 1791 holster is extremely stiff...almost as stiff as the kydex holsters. And because each unit, say in the G19 category, fits a number of different sidearms, you mold the leather to your specific model before you put it in service. It's a process, and I'm not fully done with it yet, but about 95% there.

Secondarily, it does in fact MORE THAN satisfactorily protect the trigger, IMO. Common sense goes a long ways here, and not just "so and so said.." Well, let's evaluate that by application, case by case. Look at it with sidearm inserted... can a garment get stuck in there? Any risk of the trigger being snagged and pulled? etc. In this instance, the sidearm is VERY secured in the holster, and what minuscule "gap" you perceive is at the very backside of the TG area, and is IMO a nothingburger. YMMV. Everybody must decide what's acceptable and what they are comfortable with. Me, I'm fine. Here's a photo of the three OWB units we have onhand (one belt-slot mounted, the other two are paddles.)

Top to bottom: 1791 leather OWB Paddle, SlimFit Kydex for weapon light OWB, WeThePeople Kydex OWB paddle.

 

[One Ping Only]

As always, precious peeps, Your Mileage May Vary. (YMMV)

 

[One Ping Only]

One more that might raise alarm with some.. this is the SFH unit...by virtue of the channel to accommodate the weapon laser/light, the channel has to be as wide as it is. However, the Trigger Guard is still covered, and trigger in cocked mode is still very protected.

 

[clm2112]

Leather Honey looks like an interesting product. I'm still looking around for a vendor who carries it. I only started using saddle oil on slings and such because I couldn't find anyone in the area selling Neatsfoot oil. Though I read that olive oil is also a good leather softener. I mean, when you get right down to it, all you are doing is replenishing the fat that came out of the leather in the first place.

Personally, I don't see any problem with the way your holster guards the trigger. Looks like mine and I can't get a pinky or pencil down inside that area to touch the trigger, the leather is just too stiff with the double thickness. About the only thing I had to do while oiling & drying the holster was put a clothespin on the trigger guard to force the leather to mould and conform to the scallop of the P80 frame (the area just in front of the mag release.)

snip...
clm2112 - great saddle oil idea! I know some like to get one of those new holsters, put the gun in the holster and let it sit in a hot truck cab for a day or two and they are golden. Others use a system as follows: holstered pistol in it in a ziplock bag, submerged in hot water. Others wetform it the leather with water. Others, like you, saddle oil.
snip...

 

[One Ping Only]

Leather Honey looks like an interesting product. I'm still looking around for a vendor who carries it. I only started using saddle oil on slings and such because I couldn't find anyone in the area selling Neatsfoot oil. Though I read that olive oil is also a good leather softener. I mean, when you get right down to it, all you are doing is replenishing the fat that came out of the leather in the first place.

Personally, I don't see any problem with the way your holster guards the trigger. Looks like mine and I can't get a pinky or pencil down inside that area to touch the trigger, the leather is just too stiff with the double thickness. About the only thing I had to do while oiling & drying the holster was put a clothespin on the trigger guard to force the leather to mould and conform to the scallop of the P80 frame (the area just in front of the mag release.)

Don't use Olive Oil. It will turn rancid and stink. The LeatherHoneyConditioner is clear, and virtually odorless. Bicks #4 is also reportedly a great conditioner, though I have not used it.

In this internet Information Age, I generally geek-out and do quite a bit of reading and research to get as educated as possible before plopping down cash on a product. You also learn to filter out the rubbish, naysayers, etc; & get a general feel. The internet, as good as it is for information, also has a TON of rubbish, and many "the sky is falling" scenarios you have to discern and wade-though. But the time spent is worth it, IMO.

As far as Leather Honey, I had no prior experience with it and purchased it with my holster; but it has quite a huge following of satisfied users and leather product manufacturers. Quite a bit of leather care products and holster formation information was researched before I sprang for the holster, or the Conditioner. We DO have some Smith's in a tin (great stuff but I wanted the conditioner to help slightly soften and condition the new leather without using anything with Beeswax to seal the pores). Once I have it where I want it, the holster may see an application of Smith's. I used Lexol on leather products for years, and Griots 3in1 leather treatment on our Bimmer seats in the last few years; but got away from them both in lieu of non-toxic products. Oh and, the LH Conditioner does impart some water repellency as claimed on the bottle. It also minimally changes the color of the leather...many conditioners darken the leather substantially.

Cheers! If you find something else that works great, please let us know here.

 

[One Ping Only]

Update- holster breaking-in nicely. Used a couple of layers of ziploc quart bags, a plastic produce bag and let the SC sit in there overnight, fully inserted to the trigger guard. The GST fits wonderful, and the SC Should be done tonight. I’m still wondering why my holster shipped as it did (in a labeled plastic bag & without the normal 1791 retail packaging) but it’s certainly the real deal and so well made.

With both the GST9 and the SC, you can hold the holster upside down and level 1 retention works very well. If we get one for my wife, I may try to wet form that one…but this process works fine. It’s a 24-48 hr or so process to break-in, depending on what sidearm you fit this holster to. (This model and size accommodates quite a few).

In the 1800’s Wild West the best way a cowboy would fit a brand-new pair of boots was to step into a watering trough, and then wear those things until they dried. Perfect, form-fitting cowboy boots!

Also wanted to affirm I’m nothing but a paying customer here, and in no way work for 1791.

 

[USApat]

@One Ping Only

Mr. Ping,
Thank you so much for putting this detailed post up about your holsters with GREAT high-res photos at multiple angles, along with how to work with leather. It answers a lot of questions I had about leather holsters.

Cheers.

 

[USApat]

@One Ping Only
If you find some time, is there any chance you can snap a pic of the opposite side of the holster in the middle of the photo featuring the three holsters side-by-side? I'm hoping to catch a glimpse of the other side that's closest to the person's body with the holster that can hold a light.

They don't have an IWB light-bearing holster on their website in the style you've shown, so I'm thinking about trying to convert it by mounting an outside facing belt clip on this particular model to make it into a IWB. So, I would like to see what the opposite side of this holster looks like - the part that contacts the body if this were made into an IWB holster. Not sure if the outside clips could work on it with the gun still inserting correctly without conflicting or hitting inside hardware needed to mount the outside clip I'm thinking about.
The company sells various types of clips and hardware separately.

And, I do think I will dive in and try one of the 1791 leather holsters, but a different style that's IWB. Their multi-way leather models look interesting.

 

[jawgacracka]

 

[jawgacracka]

@One Ping Only I've edited this thing twice now. I guess I need to hit 'save'.
I ordered a holster direct from the 1791 gunleather website in December when they had a 17.91% off sale. I can scan the back of the page with terms of sale and corporate lawyer CYA jargon on it if you want it.

Amazon shortchanged you man.

 

[jawgacracka]

 

[USApat]

View attachment 10409

Which holster is that? It looks like an IWB. Is that a clip on the outside?
I haven't seen that model on their website.
Do you have a direct link to it on their site?

 

[One Ping Only]

View attachment 10409

Great posts & Thank you!! I didn't receive any of the swag with mine, or instructions; that said, Amazon states that 1791 O.L.G. is in fact the shipper. Mine just came in a plastic bag with a code label on it, as if it was from perhaps a case lot of holsters without retail packaging. It shipped out of Medford, OR (less than 45 minutes from me) and was shipped DOWN to Vacaville, CA, and then back up to where we live. Amazon has some bizarre shipping patterns at times, and this wasn't the first. That said, I did reach out to the company for authentication and what not, and told them how my holster shipped.

Thanks for posting that!! I wasn't aware of the twisting the sidearm in the holster, nor did it cross my mind. That's likely a good key to faster break-in. I noticed that you got a P80 in there JUST FINE!!! Bravo.

 

[jawgacracka]

Which holster is that? It looks like an IWB. Is that a clip on the outside?
I haven't seen that model on their website.
Do you have a direct link to it on their site?

I got the four way holster. I wanted something that I could throw in the boat bag and clip on in case I wanted to jump out of the boat or truck if saw a hog or some other critter.
I had signed up for their email specials.

Multi-Position Holster - 1791 Gunleather

 

[One Ping Only]

You know, Kydex has been such the rage and, clearly set the standard for what you can do with modern holsters. But I have read numerous complaints of Kydex either scratching/marking sidearms, or wearing the Glock Polymer frames down incrementally.

These new leather holsters such as mine as shown above, really aren't much more in perceived weight than kydex, and especially if you webform the leather, can form fit every bit as good as kydex...with the added panache of leatherwork's aesthetic. I'm not saying it's RIGHT, but it's what I like, and amazingly enough once more: "what's old, is NEW". lol. I suppose what I find satisfying is after all the polymer & nitride or cerakoted metal, the leather introduces a more organic element to the experience, that is truly time tested and proven. If you take care if it, it will last and can be passed-down through generations, gaining more character and patina over the years. Add to that these are made in America, with American leather and 4 generations of leather-crafters. and the price is especially attractive. YMMV.