R.O. Gunleather IWB Holster Review

[KI4LIV]

This is my first review - I am more of a technical writer, so, please be gentle!



Please note: This review is being posted with the knowledge and consent of the maker of the product, however I purchased the product for my personal use and I have no affiliation with the manufacturer!

Since I obtained my Florida concealed weapons permit, I have carried my sidearm religiously. I quickly found out that a poorly made holster would result in either me losing my firearm, or even worse, my life!

So, with that in mind, I have always kept my eyes open for a well made holster that has a tailored fit to the size and shape of my pistol.

When I purchased my previous handgun, a Sig P226, I was a bit short on funds while shopping for a holster, so I settled with a Triple-K leather IWB holster. Although it was exceptionally well made, the single metal retention clip left a LOT to be desired. The holster could rock back and forth without effort. Since I wear my pistol at around the 2:30 position on my right side, I wear it with a somewhat aggressive forward cant – being able to rock back and forth easily was a serious concern for me!

With my recent move back to the Springfield XD series, I began shopping for another holster – one that was affordable, well made, comfortable, and would stay put unless I wanted to move it myself!

I shopped my usual shopping mall – the internet!

My first place to shop for anything these days is Ebay. I ran across the entire spectrum of holsters – from the ultimate in cheap pieces of garbage to high end brand names.

Looking more towards the middle end of the pricing spectrum, I stumbled across RO Gunleather’s works. The seller’s name on Ebay is ‘gun_leather’ and sports 863 positive feedbacks – that’s 100% folks!

The price was $39.99 plus $5.00 shipping. I figured this was fair, and based on the description, the holster met all of my needs! I figured I’d give the man a shot – with 100% of his positive feedback coming from holsters that he hand made, I figured they have to be at least respectable!

I made the purchase online on Monday, January 21st. Since this was a federal holiday (MLK’s Birthday), shipping did not occur until January 22nd. Fair enough – not too much we could do to control that! Shipping was done via USPS 1st class mail with . The shipment got into the mail on the 22nd as promised, but then the postal service earned their name – SNAIL MAIL! I didn’t get the holster until Wednesday, January 30th! NOTE: I DO NOT HOLD THE SELLER AT FAULT – HE DID SHIP WHEN HE PROMISED! He has since started shipping via Priority Mail.

The holster arrived in a plain white box, packed well with foam popcorn. Note – I have blacked everything out I felt that I and the seller would not want published!


I was a bit anxious, so I tore into the package like a kid at Christmas time.

The holster’s finish is matt black, and the leather is of very good quality. There is no ‘bling’ on the holster other than the ROG label stamped into the leather on the side that would be towards your body.



As you can see, the leather is shaped to the form of the pistol, and directly below the trigger guard is a flap of leather that I have found on the past forms itself to your body, preventing the pistol from being about to turn inside your waistband.
Below you can see how the muzzle end is open, and a shot of the slide cover.



The snaps are of very good quality, being the type that can only be opened from one direction. If the holster is in your waistband, you must open the snaps in a downward opening fashion. The stitching is also exceptionally well done – trust me, I was trying to pull it apart with my hands – t’aint happening here folks!



Now comes time to insert ye’ ole pistola and see how she fits!

Since my pistol is an XD45 Compact, I figured the fit would be tight. The ebay seller advised me that it would fit though! I slid her in the first time – fit like a glove! Not too tight, not too lose – PERFECT.




Not that anyone would see the holster, but, I have to say – it’s actually pretty sexy looking! (Don’t tell my wife I said that!)

Here’s the business end of things. As you can see, it comes just shy of the end of the holster.



Although I have only had the opportunity to wear this holster once – during an evening of shopping and dining with the wife – I can say that it is extremely comfortable, and rides in probably the most perfect position that I have found.

He currently makes IWB holsters for Colt/clones in 3” to 5” flavors, pretty much all the Glock family, Springfield XDs in 3” and 4”, many Sigs and several HK pistols. He also makes belt holsters for 1911’s, Glocks, HK USPs, XD 5”, and a couple of Sigs.

His website can be found at http://rogholsters.com , and since yesterday’s lovely email from Ebay advising of their rate hike for seller fees, he will be moving to GunBroker at http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Sel...sp?User=295938 .

All in all, I can honestly say that I will be coming back to this guy for any future holster needs! This was a great purchase, and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a premium holster without the premium cost!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

[philbo]

Thanks for the review. Like the detail pics of the holster. Let us know how it suit your needs after you've worn it a bit longer, especially if it conceals under less than a jacket.

[KI4LIV]

Originally Posted by philbo

Thanks for the review. Like the detail pics of the holster. Let us know how it suit your needs after you've worn it a bit longer, especially if it conceals under less than a jacket.

Lets put it this way - I was wearing jeans , a t-shirt and a polo shirt... You could see .... nada - zilch - NOTHING.

But yes - I will keep everyone posted!

[R Dub]

I've had one of his IWB hosters for about 6 years. I think it was one of his first selling on ebay, name gun_leather. It is one sturdy and well built holster. It will not close after the pistol is removed. He has refined his design some over the years, but mine is what I carry in daily, untold hours of wear over the years and it still perfect.

[KI4LIV]

One additional thought - I also slipped my wife's HS2000 into it, I figured it was worth a test since there is no rail. Fits great as well!

[Ed Ely]

Good review!

Ed

[KI4LIV]

Did some further fiddling with the holster last night... Even with the tightest that I could crank my belt down on my gut and still breathe, when I pulled the pistol out the holster still stayed open. Also, I attempted numerous times to pull the holster out with the snaps engaged - unless I pull them open from the top down, they will NOT open.
Nothing is changing my opinion of this one

[KI4LIV]

2 weeks later, the holster is going strong, no signs of wear or tear, no issues at all!

I've been wearing it every single day. Extremely comfortable, hides very well and keeps my pistol snug!

[BukWild]

Great job on the review! And the holster looks and sounds great. Plus a pretty sweet price!

[kayl]

Great review and a nice price on a holster!