Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What type of leather do we use?
We use top-grade full-grain vegetable cowhide leather. The benefit of this tannage is that provides a leather that will not cause your weapon to rust or corrode the way chromes tanned leather can do when the gun is left in it for extended periods of time.
Q.2 Are all your products hand made?
Yes, our leather and nylon products are completely handmade with the utmost care to last you for years and years.
Q.3 What kind of thread do you use; natural cotton or synthetic?
We use synthetic thread. Synthetic thread is impervious to deterioration from the long-term effects of perspiration, sunlight, chemicals, moisture and will not rot. They are far stronger and more resilient to the effects of abrasion in addition to having a higher tensile strength.
Another significant point to consider is the effect of sweat on these fibers. This is particularly important when considering IWB and other deep concealment holsters, normally worn close to the body or on the skin itself. Cotton is a natural fiber and, if used, is liable to deteriorate when subjected to the effects of perspiration over a period of time. Synthetics, on the other hand, would still retain their integrity. In terms of appearance, modern synthetic threads are equally attractive and indistinguishable in appearance from cotton. Every start and stop point is double lock-stitched for added strength and durability. Our stitching is guaranteed for the life of the holster.
Q.4 Do we do custom work?
We do custom work for casual dress belts and specially designed brass buckles for large volume orders. Furthermore, we do custom hand made grips for large volume orders. Special holster designs are welcome for large volume orders. Company names, logos, etc. can be crafted on buckles, grips, and holsters. Please contact us for your special needs and detailed information.
Q.5 Is each holster made to fit only a certain gun?
For a leather holster, YES. They are wet-fitted to the gun that it is made for.
For nylon holsters, NO. They accommodate almost all popular handguns and revolvers.
Q.6 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 inadvertently omit some of them. If you don’t see your gun model, send us an email and just ask us.
Q.7 Do you recommend a double thickness or single thick belt for use with a gun?
For medium and large frame handguns we suggest using a double thickness gun belt to attain the best possible lateral support. If you are carrying a small frame gun you can probably get by with a single thickness belt.
Q.8 What can be done to prevent holster wear on my guns finish?
Our holsters are designed for use by professionals and others who carry a handgun consistently. The act of drawing your pistol from a holster creates friction at the points of contact, and eventually, those points will begin to show signs of wear. For that reason, it would be unfair to expect that your personal sidearm will remain in new condition forever. A suede lined holster is a way simply delay the inevitable, which is holster wear. If you practice hard, your guns finish will wear, suede lining helps retard the process.
Q.9 Do we make holsters in the left hand as well as right?
Not in leather, but many nylon holsters which are ambidextrously designed can be worn both right and left-handed. Please check each product for detailed information.
Q.10 What if my holster gets wet?
Do not force to dry it with hot air, like a hair dryer or an oven, this will cook and dry out the leather. Just let it dry naturally under a fan, blowing room temperature air.
Q.11 Which material is better for the harness of the shoulder rigs?
There is much debate on this issue. There are pros and cons of both. Some argue that suede is more comfortable to wear and some say that leather is more durable. We produce both and leave the choice to our customers.
Q.12 The leather holster I purchased is too tight! How can I break it in?
Tightness in a new leather holster is very common and is preferable. If the draw is a little stiff at first, it is recommended that you work with it to see if it doesn’t loosen up with a bit of use. About 25 to 50 presentations should be a good indicator of whether the holster will break in sufficiently on its own or if maybe a little blocking out of the leather is in order. There are many variables as to why a holster would be excessively tight ranging from the texture of your guns finish, to slight changes in climate or humidity from where the holster is made. Whatever the reason is, a too tight holster can easily be remedied by the user with the method below.
To stretch your new leather holster first unload your pistol or revolver and place the gun into the plastic bag that your new holster with any solution to aid the stretching process. The blocking out process as described serves simply to stretch the leather a few thousands of an inch larger than the gun. The amount of stretching time needed for satisfactory results ranges from a just a few minutes to overnight.
If your holster is still too tight, the natural leather or synthetic fibers 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. This may need to be done several times to break-in the holster.
Q.13 Do the nylon ankle holsters come with the calf strap?
Yes.
Q.14 Do tension screws need to be adjusted on the holsters?
Yes. Frequently they fall from the holsters. If you use the holster daily, you should tighten the tension screws frequently to keep them from falling out. Since the tension units are not pre-set at the factory you may need to adjust them in order to holster your handgun the first time.
Q.15 What is a”thumb break”?
A thumb break is a retaining strap secured by a snap and released by a pushing motion of the thumb. A thumb break usually secures the weapon in the holster by means of a strap going over the hammer, or in the case of a cocked and locked single action auto, it will be placed between the firing pin and hammer. A thumb break should release with a quick motion that doesn’t require any excess motion.
Q.16 What is the best way of maintenance of Cebeci Arms® products?
Our products are made of leather and synthetic materials. The answer is different for each.
- A) Leather Products: Cebeci Arms’ premium cowhide leather holsters, belts, and accessories will need minimal care and maintenance throughout their service life. Our leather products are made from natural steer hides that are range bred and grown. Therefore there may be natural range markings in the grain of the leather. This is normal for top grain steer hide and adds to the beauty and character of your Cebeci Arms leather product. Following the instructions below, you will add to the service life of your product.
DO
Do clean your leather product regularly with a hard bar glycerin soap. Work soap and a small amount of water into a leather and apply to the surface of the leather, rub in and wipe off with a soft cloth (do not submerge or saturate the leather in water).
Do allow to air dry naturally.
Do use a large, properly fitted screwdriver to tighten and loosen the adjustment screws,
Do make sure the holster provides secure gun retention in all circumstances.
DON’T
Don’t submerge or saturate your leather product in water or any other liquid.
Don’t dry your leather product with heat from a hair dryer, oven, radiator, direct sunlight, etc.
Don’t use pure oils such as Neats Foot oil as they will saturate and soften the leather too much.
Don’t leave your leather product to direct sunlight for extended periods, such as leaving on the dashboard of your car in summer, etc.
Don’t use Loctite.
Don’t use a holster if tension unit(s) are missing.
- B) Synthetic Material Products: Cebeci Arms’ synthetic material holsters, belts, and accessories will need minimal care throughout their service life. Our synthetic material products are made from the highest quality materials available (such as ballistic cloth, military specification webbing, Velcro™, etc.) and are made to rigid specifications. By following the information below, you will add to the service life of your product.
DO
Clean as needed by hand with a mild soap and water.
Allow airing dry naturally.
If needed, you may use a soft bristle brush(such as a toothbrush) to loosen any extra dirt or dust.
After washing, apply a very light coat of WD40 to all metal components(hardware).
DON’T
Do not put Cebeci Arms synthetic material in the washing machine.
Do not use artificial heat to speed up the drying process, such as that from a hair dryer, oven, radiator, direct sunlight, etc.
Do not use Loctite on your screws if they come in contact with a plastic part. Vapors from Loctite can cause a chemical reaction with thermoplastic that will make the plastic become brittle, causing irreparable damage to your product.
Do no use any solvents or corrosive chemicals on the product.
Avoid your Cebeci Arms product from direct sunlight for extended times, such as leaving on the dashboard of your car in summer, etc.
The above care and maintenance instructions cannot substitute for your good common sense.
Q.17 Which type of holster will fit me & my weapon best?
Choosing a holster for concealed carry will depend upon many factors. It is imperative that the weapon you choose be in keeping with your physical characteristics. If for instance, you are very slight of build but feel the need to carry a large handgun or a wide-bodied weapon, then you are creating a set of problems that aren’t going to be solved by anything as simple as a holster. The same set of difficulties may also be experienced if you have a large waist. A Surplus waistline will tend to push out and highlight any additions on your belt, such as a sizable, holstered handgun.
For most males(and slim females) a belt holster mounted just behind the strong side hip is perfect. The covering garment drapes down from the shoulder area and hides the holstered gun in the natural hollow of the hip.
Only you can decide which holster will work best for you and the chances are, that no one single holster will meet all of your requirements.
Q.18 What is your best holster for concealed carry?
Similarly, there is no simple answer to that question as well. If we ask hundred different shooters their favorite modes of carrying will probably get you a hundred different answers. Each will swear by his or her own particular preference. And in a way, they are all correct. Unfortunately, the answer is that there really isn’t one. Every one of Cebeci Arms products is designed for a specific application and performs admirably within the parameters of that application. Many are very strictly task specific, so any sort of general comparison would be quite inappropriate. It depends on body type, climate, concealment level, time, activities and weapon choice. You will need, ultimately, to invest in about two, or possibly three holsters to cover every eventuality.
Q.19 Will the salts used for leather tanning harm my firearms finish?
In all leather Cebeci Arms products we use vegetable tanned cowhide leather material, not the “chrome tan” method. Chrome tanned leather is what you will find in shoes, jackets, wallets, saddlebags, etc. Chrome tan leather cannot be shaped and molded like holster leather. Vegetable tanned leather, which is what we use for making quality holsters, is not tanned with any kind of salts. Vegetable tanning uses only organic substances like live oak bark, tree bark, beets, walnut shells, clay, plant extracts or other vegetable matter containing tannins, not man made chemicals to tan the leather.