Firearm Safety with Leather Holsters

Firearm Safety: Read Before Using Our Holsters

These warnings should be read before the use of all leather holsters. All firearms are potentially dangerous weapons. Firearms should be kept out of the reach of children. Use of a handgun under any conditions may be dangerous. Serious personal injury or even death could occur without proper training in the safe handling of firearms by an accredited firearms safety course. No person should handle any firearm unless such person has successfully passed an accredited firearms safety program. Great care should be used when handling, storing, or transporting firearms or when placing or removing a handgun from your holster.

TESTING A NEW HOLSTER FOR PROPER HOLSTER AND HANDGUN FIT

Never place a loaded handgun in a holster without first testing, it in an unloaded condition (double-check to make sure the chamber is empty), for proper fit with the handgun. Most holsters are designed to fit factory-equipped handguns. The use of trigger shoes or grip adapters or any modifications to the handgun may cause improper holster fit and accidental discharge. All leather gun holsters are designed to function safely and are made for specific handguns. DO NOT ALTER YOUR HOLSTER IN ANY WAY, INCLUDING ANY SAFETY DEVICE INCORPORATED IN ANY PRODUCT TO ACCOMMODATE HANDGUNS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT FOR WHICH THE HOLSTER/SLING WAS NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED.

It is the user’s responsibility to personally check for holster handgun compatibility using actual products. It is also the user’s responsibility to regularly check the holster and its hardware (including, but not limited to snaps and tension screws) for proper fit and function. Although we attempt to fit the most current model handguns, manufacturers of handguns constantly update their product specifications. Slight manufacturing changes in a handgun model can affect the proper and safe fit of your handgun and holster. We will not be responsible for such changes or for typographical or other human errors, which can and do occur despite diligent efforts. Should any of our products become worn, loose, broken, defective, or ill-fitting, or if in your opinion is unsafe, cease use immediately.

FIREARM SAFETY: CARRY “CONDITION” OF THE GUNS

Carrying any handgun with a live cartridge in the chamber immediately in front of the firing pin may cause an accidental discharge. Single-action revolvers and some semi-automatic pistols should be carried with the hammer or firing pin resting on an empty chamber. The leather holster for 1911 model/style firearm with safety straps and thumb breaks is designed to carry 1911 in the “hammer down, chamber empty condition”. Most 1911 holsters that are “open top” (no safety strap and no thumb break) are designed to carry 1911’s in all safe “conditions of carry” as specified by the firearm manufacturer.

It is the user’s responsibility to exercise extreme caution when handling or carrying any handgun and to assume at all times that the gun is loaded. Do not attempt to cock a handgun while it is in the holster. Cocking the handgun while holstered can cause damage to the holster, gun, or both and may cause an accidental discharge. 

HOLSTERING YOUR FIREARM
You must be certain that your gun is securely seated in the holster each time you holster your firearm before removing your hand from the grip. Firearms must snugly fit in holsters to guard against accidental loss of the handgun. However, a snug fit may cause the slide to go out of battery when holstering. Therefore, you should always place your thumb on the back of the slide to ensure that the slide does not go out of battery while holstering.

Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 

Keep your fingers off the trigger and out of the trigger guard when drawing or replacing the handgun in the custom holsters.

FIREARM RETENTION
Always make sure your gun is fully seated in the holster, activating all auto and/or manual retention devices (when provided). Retention devices must be used when provided. During vigorous physical activity, including running, you should not rely on your holster’s retention capabilities; the gun should be held in place with your hand to prevent the gun from falling out of the holster. We strongly recommend a regular practice routine be utilized to ensure the continued capabilities of both the product and the user.

If your holster has tension screws: the tension units are not pre-set at the factory. You will need to adjust them to the appropriate tension to help retain your firearm. Checking your tension screws each time you use your holster is required as part of a regular safety inspection of your equipment. Applying a small amount of clear nail polish to the threads of the tension units after they have been properly adjusted will minimize screw back-out.

FIREARM SECURITY
Carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility that requires constant awareness. It is your responsibility to exercise extreme caution during any situation where another individual may attempt to take away your handgun. Law enforcement officers in particular should be familiar with the departmental tactical and procedural guidelines regarding the use and carrying of firearms in close proximity to potentially dangerous individuals.