After plenty of searching, I decided to contact Erik with Side Gaurd Leather Holsters. I emailed him what I was looking for and for which firearms. I also asked him about problems I'd had with other leather holsters from a different manufacturer. His return email to me was quick and positive. Not only could he meet my needs but he also educated me on a quick way to remedy that pesky holster squeek. I returned his email with my order: a Slide (owb), Quick Change (iwb), and single mag holder for a S&W 908, and a Rough Out pocket holster that would fit both a S&W 642 and a Taurus 85. After mailing a check to him, the holsters arrived at my doorstep in the promised time period, around 2 weeks if I recall correctly.
The first holster I tried out was the owb Slide. Inspection of the holster was very good, stitching is above par, finish is good, and overall quality is excellent. The holster was extremely tight in the beginning, making draws difficult. After an email to S.G.H.'s I was informed on how to break the holster in, and it worked. The holster now holds the weapon very secure, conceals very well, and rides very flat along the side, which I like. The flap on the side of the holster does make it very comfortable, no more safety/decocker poking into your side. This holster rides high on the belt and the leather is very stiff (which I prefer). I have worn this holster for about two weeks, I like it very much. I've had no problems concealing with simply jeans and a t-shirt.
The single mag holder was also well made, but it took a little getting used to. The side guard flap is different that what I am used to (in the little amount of time I carry a semiauto pistol anyways) but does what it's designed to do. I've since learned to draw the magazine by the following method: place the first finger on the front edge of the magazine, the middle finger on the outside edge near the baseplate, and the thumb behind the side guard flap...keep pressure on the first and middle finger and begin pulling the mag out of the holster, letting the thumb ride behind the flap, when the thumb clears the flap it will contact the side of the magazine and all is normal after that. No big deal really, just a slight re-training. The mag holder rides flat to the body and very high.
The next holster was the iwb Quick Change. This holster has become my favorite for this firearm, if not my favorite holster period. The Quick Change is very well constructed, stitching is excellent, the holster opening and flap are double layered leather, the belt loop is secured by two screws which have not yet loosened up. The concealability of this holster is excellent, the cant of the holster is right, and practice draws have proved to be natural. There is enough relief around the grip of the firearm to provide a firing grip straight from the holster. The holster is tight enough to provide positive retention but still allow a smooth draw. I've put more miles on this holster than the Slide simply because it is comfortable and just slightly more concealable for my summer dress.
I have not yet tried the Rough Out pocket holster that Erik made, but promise to do so in the future. I'll report on that when it gets some ride time.
In short I believe you can't go wrong with Side Guard Leather Holsters. Yes I ordered more holsters from him than I need, but I've covered my semiauto needs for summer and winter carry, and added the option of pocket carry for my smaller revolvers. Erik has been very helpful before and after the sale, modest in his pricing, and delivered what he said he would when he said he would. I admit that I carry my revolvers more than semiautos, but when I carry a semiauto it's my S&W 908 in the Quick Change holster. The holsters and magazine pouch have held up very well, with no real signs of wear. Break in time was minimal and they retained good retention.
Check S.G.H. out at http://www.sideguardholsters.com/index.htm, I'm sure he'll be able to help many others here looking for the same qualities in a holster. If you need help deciding on the right holster for you Erik will provide his honest assistance.
JLaw
