Can I use just one strap system with two or more holsters?
Yes you can. This option is available. At checkout use coupon code "holsteronly21" to save $30 and receive just the holster, no strap system. This will save you $30 (the price of the strap system) and you will be able to use the same strap system on multiple holsters. To exchange the straps just remove the 4 screws and one snap and put it on the other holster. By doing this however we do recommend that you purchase the extra screws for $5 as you are more likely to loss screws.
When will my order be charged?
Funds are collected immediately at purchase. Your order may not be ready to ship right away as we do have a back log of orders however funds will be collected at the time of the order.
Will my high suppressor front sight fit?
We can make your holster for high suppressor front sights up to 5/8" HOWEVER due to the holster liner leather tearing with the sharp fronts we have to suede line the inside which will help protect your gun and the holster. The suede lining will still be safe for your gun just don't store your gun in the holster for extended periods when not being used (stored in a safe).
Who do you use to ship and do you ship international?
We use the United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail for ALL of our shipping. Standard transit time to the lower 48 is 5 business days. We ship to Canada however due to MANY shipping issues and the high cost from our shop in Alaska we no longer offer shipping to any other international location EXCEPT for Canada.
Are any of your holsters closed or are they all open on the bottom?
All of our holsters are open on the bottom. This allows water, silt, dirt, and anything else foreign to escape. On closed bottom holsters the build up will cause mold or dirt and not be ideal. Each holster is handmade to your exact barrel length which makes no need for a closed bottom.
Is each holster made to fit only a certain gun?
Each holster is cut, stitched, and molded precisely to fit only the gun model you select. We make truly custom holster, not a generic fit!
What retains the Guide’s Choice Holster?
Revolvers have 3 types of Retention:
1. Form fitted to the specific gun model 2. Rubber tension screw located in front of the trigger guard that allows you to adjust how tight you like the draw. 3. As a safety back-up there is a hammer thong. THE HAMMER THONG IS ONLY ON REVOLVERS. THERE IS NOT AN OPTION ON REVOLVERS FOR A RETENTION STRAP.
Semi-Autos have 2 types of Retention:
1. Form fitted to the specific gun model 2. Retention Strap. THE RETENTION STRAP IS FOR SEMI-AUTOS ONLY, NO HAMMER THONG FOR THE SEMI-AUTOS. If you choose the removable flap option, there will NOT be a retention strap.
What is the removable flap option and how does it work?
The removable flap is a great choice if you are more concerned with protecting your gun then you are about a quick draw. Don't get us wrong, you can still get your gun out in a hurry, and that is the reason it is removable, but while connected it will cover the top of your firearm to help keep dirt and water from coming into the holster. The flap is connected with two screws that are easily removable and a snap in the front. Here is the catch, with semi-auto holsters, the removable flap will be in lieu of a retention strap, so, when the flap is not on you will not have a retention form over the gun. The holsters are all form fit so it will be a snug fit no matter what, but it will not come with a retention strap. On the revolvers however there will always be a hammer thong.
Do you have holsters in stock?
It would be impossible to keep stock of all of the holsters and products that we offer however we do try and keep on hand a selection of our most popular holsters. If this is the case, and your holster is in stock than the wait time will be considerably less. When your holster ships we will notify you via email.
Where can I check my online order status?
Click hereORDER STATUS. We update this page depending on what month of orders we are currently working on. If you are curious about your order status then please check this page first. We are running 4-6 weeks out on orders that are not in stock. Thank you for your patience, we are going as fast as we can and we DO NOT allow cutting in line or paying extra for expedited orders, each order is of equal importance to us and get's the same care.
Why don't you expand to have faster production times?
Diamond D Custom Leather feels strongly that in order to get the quality product we produce it would be impossible with mass production. Other small holster companies will tell you the same thing. If you want off the wall quality and that works for you then there are many out there. If you want the highest level of leather craftsmanship then look no further. We put so much into our work that it is not always that profitable when you figure in the time.
Does Diamond D Custom Leather do custom work?
Everyone of our products is hand-crafted by skilled Leather Smiths who pride themselves on high quality leather work. That puts the "CUSTOM" in our name. We do not however accept custom jobs for projects that are not our standard line up, just too busy. Some of our products are easier to make than others. Therefore, delivery times are affected by our hand-crafting methods and attention to detail and finishing the final product. The methods we use to create leather holsters, belts and accessories can not be done with mass production and are labor intensive but worth the wait for a quality superior product.
Do you finish the interior of your holsters?
Yes we do. We spend a lot of time finishing the inside of your holsters so your gun's finish will enjoy it.
We DO NOT line the inside of our Pancake, Urban Defender, IWB, SSR, or EDC holsters to allow for a tighter more concealed fit.
How should my handgun fit my new Diamond D holster?
This is another very helpful video to reiterate the frequently asked questions we get.
Diamond D’s chest holster designed for the revolver models features a tension screw. This screw squeezes on the trigger guard in order to keep a snug fit on the gun even as the leather ages and may stretch a bit. It also enables you to loosen the screw when the holster is new for a looser fit during the initial break in period. Once holstered you will need to tighten or loosen until the desired tension is achieved. We recommend you check the screw and adjustments before and during each use.
If your holster is still too tight, the natural leather may need to be stretched. (A break-in period is needed, similar to a new pair of leather shoes.) Holding your unloaded handgun by the grip and pushing it into the holster while pulling the safety strap up with your other hand, will normally allow the handgun to seat in the holster. This may need to be done several times to break-in the holster (up to 40 is not uncommon). If your holster does not have a safety strap, hold the holster body when following the procedure above. Try to snap the safety strap. It may need to be broken-in as well.
What type of leather do we use?
All of our leather comes from Hermann Oak Leather in St. Louis, MO. They are known to provide the only the absolute best leather available on the market. Our leather is shipped to our shop at least once a month where we inspect every hide to ensure the highest quality leather will be used on each piece me hand craft. Our cowhide holsters use vegetable tanned leather. The benefit of this technique is that it provides a leather that will not cause your weapon to rust or corrode the way chrome tanned leather can do when the gun is left in it for extended periods of time. Below is a great video Hermann Oak has on their website showing a tour of their facility.
Which belt do we recommend?
Don't overlook a good belt. A flimsy belt will not support the weapon and superior holster as well as a quality belt. For medium and large frame handguns we strongly suggest using a 1.5" wide double thickness gun belt to attain the best possible holster support. If you plan on carrying on your hip and you are looking for a good high quality gun belt you may be interested in adding the kydex reinforcement for the extra level of firmness. We use 3 pieces of kydex placed between the belt layers on either hip and on the lower back.
Are all of your guns that you make holsters for on the list?
We try to constantly update the lists of guns that we make holsters for. However we sometimes inadvertantly omit some of them. If you don't see your gun model call and just ask us.
How long have you been in business?
Diamond D Custom Leather has been in business for over 30 years.
What are your current lead times for holsters?
That information is updated frequently on our ORDER STATUS tab on the left. We are running on average 8 weeks out from when the order is placed.
Why did I not get an email confirmation or the follow up email status?
AOL, Earthlink, Hotmail and a few other email domains block our emails at times or label it as spam or junk. So check your spam folder for the second email notification.
The status pages say’s my order has shipped, where is it?
Your order may just have shipped or is ready to be picked up for shipping. Please be patient. We ship through the post office and sometimes that takes time. Our shop is also located in Alaska, it may take an extra day to get your package. We will never ignore your order and not ship it to you. If it is finished we ship it.
Why do you not use Suede Lining inside your holsters like other manufacturers?
We find that any fabric such as Suede has a tendency to retain moisture, dirt, and sand. In the tough conditions we test our holsters this was not a desirable condition. This sand, dirt, and moisture that was retained had a tenancy to scratch the finish of guns, instead we double line the holsters with leather making the inside smooth, this is best for the finish of the gun. With all of that said, there are times when we do have to use suede lining due to sharp front sights that tear the smooth leather interior. On ALL Freedom Arms models suede lining is used.
When do you charge my credit card?
Your credit card will be charged when the order is placed.
What is the barrel length of my gun?
ALL HANDGUN BARRELS ARE MEASURED FROM THE BREECH FACE TO THE MUZZLE END OF THE BARREL, BUT THE BARREL ON REVOLVERS AND PISTOLS IS MEASURED DIFFERENTLY.
Autoloading Pistol Barrel Length (semiautomatic pistol) The method of measurement recommended by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is:
1. Unload the Gun. 2. Pull back the slide and cock the pistol, letting the slide close in the forward position. 3. Insert a dowel rod of appropriate diameter down the barrel of the gun until it stops at the breech face. 4. Mark the dowel rod at the muzzle end. 5. Remove the dowel rod and measure from the end of the rod to your mark. This is the barrel length.
This length may be closely estimated without a dowel rod by following this method:
1. Unload the gun. 2. Pull back the slide and lock it open. 3. Measure from the end of the barrel where the cartridge is inserted forward to the end of the muzzle, along the side of the barrel.
Revolver Barrel Length Measurement
1. Unload the gun. 2. Insert a dowel rod of appropriate diameter into the muzzle end of the gun. 3. Slide the dowel rod into the barrel until it touches the face (front) of the revolver's cartridge cylinder. 4. Mark the dowel rod at the muzzle end. 5. Measure the dowel rod from the end of the rod to your mark. This is your barrel length.
If you are ordering a holster for your Taurus Judge, we need to know the chamber length in addition to barrel length, specifically whether you have a 2-1/2" or 3" chambered gun. If you don't tell us the right measurement, you may not get the holster that you expected. Please measure your gun properly, and please call or e-mail with any questions before you order.
What is my belt length?
PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE OVERALL BELT LENGTH; THIS IS NOT YOUR BELT SIZE!
Your belt size is measured from the fold right before the buckle to the middle hole.
A. Your belt size is typically the same as your pant size plus 2 inches. B. To verify place a cloth measure tape THROUGH (NOT around or over loops) the pant belt loops to get an accurate reading. Where the cloth tape crosses should be your belt size. Pull it as tight as you are going to wear it. C. The preferable method is to measure an old belt from the fold to the hole you are wearing it in now. This should be the middle hole if the belt fits properly.
Do NOT go by the size written on the belt, these have proven to not always be accurate!
How do I care for the leather after I receive my Diamond D Custom Leather Holster?
Do not oil the holster when it arrives. All of our holsters come pre-oiled and ready for immediate wear. Oil is not a preservative, do not use it as such. If you get your holster wet in the conditions that is OK. Just let your holster air dry or put it in front of a fan. After it dries you can use some pure virgin olive oil on a damp sponge to re-moisten it. These holsters are made to last in the toughest conditions, you should not worry about taking special care and "babying" your holster. Enjoy it, use it, and take care of it.....Our holsters will last you a lifetime!
What type of Gun Models and Manufacturers do you make holsters for?
Diamond D Custom Leather makes all of our Holsters for the most popular firearm makes and models. Look at the Gun Models section of the site for a complete list available for the Guide's Choice™ Chest Holster.
How do I wear/adjust my Guides Choice Chest Holster?
The Guides Choice Chest Holster is an easy three step process to wear.
1. Put your arm through the main harness 2. Wrap the nylon band around your back 3. Connect the nylon band to it's clasp and cinch tight until the weight is off your shoulders and carried on your chest.
Fitting issues when your Guides Choice arrives.
Does the Guides Choice come in any different color?
The guides choice comes in one color, the natural oil finish. This is just a natural oil that we put on the leather and allow it to tan before shipping it out. We have found this method will help the holster to last longer by not compromising the leather and also making sure to not have any dye rub off while being worn. That being said, the leather will tan and darken considerably when worn or exposed to the sun and elements. If you would like your holster darker than just put it in a window sill, the leather will darken in just a few short days.
What is the largest size chest that the standard Guides Choice will fit?
The Guides Choice strap system will fit up to a 58" chest comfortably. If this does not fit you then let us know and we can make a strap that is larger, up to 64" chest. Just specify at checkout online in the special instructions section that you need a larger strap system.
Do you make your holsters to fit guns with lasers or scopes?
We can make our holsters for most reflex sights where their location is over over the cylinder. A picture is required for this and there is an additional charge on most of these since they are hand cut to fit. We do not make our holsters for custom guns or scoped/laser mounted guns.
Do you make your holsters for left handed shooters?
Yes we do. The option of left or right handed draw is available at checkout online.
What is the white film on my holster after stored and is it damaging?
When you holster is new or not well broken in and stored in either a dry or cold area for any length of time it can develop a white wax that comes out of the leather. There is nothing to worry about as this is normal break in. Not all of our holster do this however this wax is just the oil coming out of the holster and part of the initial break in. You can take a rag and wipe it down to get the new shine back into your holster. It will not damage the holster and will stop after the holster if fully broken in.
