I recently purchased an El Paso Saddlery Pocket Max holster in horsehide for a J- Frame S&W. Here are my initial thoughts and review after carrying it for about a week.
1. Construction: Very well made, stitching is tight and appears to be glued as well as stitched. The edges are burnished for a nice finished look. Leather (horsehide) is very thick and should provide years of pocket use.
2. Fit: The fit on my S&W Model 36 is perfect. My gun has the exposed hammer and it is tucked neatly behind a small "tip" along the top of the holster (see pic) and does not snag when drawn properly. No portion of the barrel sticks out of the end of the holster. I think you will find the same fit quality if you buy it for other models but I can only speak for the J Frame model.
3. Performance: The rough side of the holster out sticks to the inside of all of my pants pockets better than the DeSantis Nemesis does. I preferred the rounded bottom as that is the shape of most of my pants pockets. The rounded bottom made the holster "seat" down in my pocket nicer than [more] square bottomed holsters do. In the short time I have carried this holster it has already begun to form to my leg and is even more unobtrusive than when new.
4. Cons: I really could come up with anything so I will just mention that the rough out leather will soil a little easier than if the smooth side was out but holsters are supposed to get used and that will result in some wear. That's the only "negative" I could come up with.
Overall: I think it is a very good looking holster and if you are a purist who thinks guns belong in leather, then you will appreciate it even more. I would highly recommend this holster. and for only $42, I think it was a fairly priced product for what it is intended. I give it a Five (out of five) hollowpoints rating. (My own rating system)
1. Construction: Very well made, stitching is tight and appears to be glued as well as stitched. The edges are burnished for a nice finished look. Leather (horsehide) is very thick and should provide years of pocket use.
2. Fit: The fit on my S&W Model 36 is perfect. My gun has the exposed hammer and it is tucked neatly behind a small "tip" along the top of the holster (see pic) and does not snag when drawn properly. No portion of the barrel sticks out of the end of the holster. I think you will find the same fit quality if you buy it for other models but I can only speak for the J Frame model.
3. Performance: The rough side of the holster out sticks to the inside of all of my pants pockets better than the DeSantis Nemesis does. I preferred the rounded bottom as that is the shape of most of my pants pockets. The rounded bottom made the holster "seat" down in my pocket nicer than [more] square bottomed holsters do. In the short time I have carried this holster it has already begun to form to my leg and is even more unobtrusive than when new.
4. Cons: I really could come up with anything so I will just mention that the rough out leather will soil a little easier than if the smooth side was out but holsters are supposed to get used and that will result in some wear. That's the only "negative" I could come up with.
Overall: I think it is a very good looking holster and if you are a purist who thinks guns belong in leather, then you will appreciate it even more. I would highly recommend this holster. and for only $42, I think it was a fairly priced product for what it is intended. I give it a Five (out of five) hollowpoints rating. (My own rating system)