In a world that is seemingly full of glass-filled polymer, kydex and carbon fiber, it seems there is little need anymore for leather, walnut, and steel. As the times change, so to have the firearms, and the need for accessories. It’s almost as if the sun has set on the classics.
Craftsmanship and artisanal trades have taken a back seat to mass produced, injection molded, almost indistinguishable components. Everywhere you turn, there is some black plastic shell hanging from a hook at your local sporting good store, each claiming to be superior to the one hanging next to it. The options have become so endless that one can lose their mind just trying to find something that fits their gun, as well as their need.
IWB,OWB, cant, claws, paddles, switches, sight tunnel, optic relief, light housing…the list goes on and on. Sure, there are several companies out there that have an on-line order form that you can go to, fill in a bunch of boxes, and a week later have your very own custom-made holster…and they are FANTASTIC! It’s as close to instant gratification as you can get for something made just for you. What’s also amazing is that many of these companies will manufacture a beautiful rig and for less than $75…DELIEVERD.
But what of us old guys? The guys that still like to carry a wheel gun, or the Back-To-Back World War Champion 1911? Yes, there are modern options for us dinosaurs, but there’s something so unseemly about sliding John M. Browning’s beloved Government Model .45 into a plastic sleeve. Yes, a good Kydex Molded Holster has several advantages. Yes, they have adjustable retention, won’t mar up your finish, they’re waterproof, non-reactive to oils or other chemicals, and can be made to fit just about any custom firearm there is, but there is just something special about a hand tooled piece of leather that makes some guns look and feel “at home”.
Just by happenstance…
Some months back we struck up a conversation with a gentleman named Chris Vandal. Chris is the owner of Vandal Custom Leather in Enfield Ct. Our initial conversation had nothing to do with leatherworks, or holsters, and we happened upon the subject purely by happenstance. When Chris mentioned that he hand crafts holsters and directed us to a gallery of some of his work, I knew I just had to get one of his rigs. I have not been making it a habit of carrying any of my 1911’s as the North Carolina heat doesn’t really lend itself to much comfort when lugging around a 4lb chunk of steel on your hip. However, when I travel to cooler locations that afford me more opportunities to wear an overshirt, or jacket, I give myself an excuse to carry my Cold Gold Cup Trophy or Kimber Crimson Carry Trace.
The problem for me was that just about every other piece of leather I have is either worn, in disrepair or just isn’t as comfortable as I would like it to be. When I explained this to Chris, he just had a few questions for me regarding how I like to carry the gun, and said “I’ll take it from here”. A couple of weeks go by, and I pretty much put the conversation out of my head…but then a box arrived.
Upon opening the box, I was punched right in the face with the undeniable aroma of leather…REAL LEATHER.
What I removed from the box had me grinning from ear to ear. An absolutely stunning, saddle brown set of magnificent, hand made artistry. First, we have the holster. At first glance I could tell it was something different. I’m used to a belt loop protruding from either side of the holster like a pair of wings. Not this one. Only one belt loop is visible from the front with another being integrated into the body of the holster itself. This maximizes both the proper cant and insuring it is a tight to the body and comfortable. I also noticed a very tall protrusion from the top of the holster that shields your body from the gun, and your safety from being swept. The holster feels both rigid and pliable at the same time, with a glossy brown exterior and a smooth, velvety soft interior.
Next out of the box was a magazine pouch…a pouch I hadn’t even discussed with Chris. This 2 mag pouch , like the holster, is expertly crafted, down to having the same number of stitches on the opposing sides. Rigid enough to hold 2 magazines firm, but pliable enough to contour to my hip. Helping me almost forget I am wearing it. Lastly what the belt. This is the ONLY part of this system that I have an issue with. When I gave Chris my measurements, he did not account for me gaining a bunch of weight, expanding my to a pudgy 42” waistline.
Shame on you Chris. ))
The Letter.
Well, once I was done inspecting the rig and drooling, I found a detailed letter in the box explaining to me the complete Vandal process of how he makes these leather goods, where he gets his leather, how it’s tanned, colored, tooled, selected and stitched for each individual customer. What I can tell is this…the 9 Ounce material is procured from one of the finest tanneries in the nation, Wickett-Craig from Pennsylvania. The style of the holster is called “The Agent”. This is the preferred style of both Law Enforcement and Private Citizen alike. The holster provides extra clearance for taller sights and the open design prevents any debris from accumulating at the muzzle. The holster has a 12 degree cant that not only allows for an extra quick deployment, but aids in concealability.
I’m never comfortable enough with ANY product from the first moment to make it a part of my daily ritual. I want to ease my way into trusting a product. Getting to know it slowly before putting my full faith and confidence into it. Treating this rig like I would a new baseball glove. I decided to put one of my 1911’s in the holster and let it sit for a good long while…let them all get used to one another. After a few weeks of getting them acquainted, I wanted to see if there were any oils or colors that may have leeched out, or if any of the metals in the gun discolored the leather. Nope. Nothing. The acrylic sealing that Chris applies really does do a good job repelling any of the oils in the firearm. The beeswax polish makes for a deep glossy shine.
Then and now…
Over the last month and a half, I’ve been wearing the rig as much as often as possible. The 3 pieces work wonderfully as a set, and provide a real sense of confidence and comfort. In both my professional and personal capacities, firearms and gear are a common topic and colleague tend to compare notes. When asked what I was carrying on particular days, I would say “Colt 1911”. Almost without fail, someone would ask “Where ?”.
Pulling back my shirt or jacket, they would see my Gold Cup with 10 Round McCormack Magazine and be surprised. They would not believe I could carry such a large gun and not be printing to high heavens. This kind of concealability, comfort, and quality, is something you simply will not find in an off-the-shelf leather holster.
For somewhere between $150 and $300, a custom leather set like this is one that no gun owner should deprive themself of.
The holster you wear is JUST as important as the firearm you carry. Without training and making them a cohesive pair, they are both useless. It doesn’t matter how beautiful or how expertly crafted your holster is, if it doesn’t perform, it’s worthless. It also doesn’t matter how tricked-out, or reliable your firearm is…if you can’t get it out of your holster. Whenever you adopt new gear, you have but one sole responsibility. TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN….and then TRAIN Some More. If you want to be proficient, AND have the nicest leatherwork around, go and get yourself Vandalized.
