Great gunleather must be durable, functional and attractive to boot. And while there are many excellent Kydex or polymer concealment holsters that have the two former qualities in spades, there really is no substitute for the appearance and character of well-worn, but well-maintained, steerhide. The boys at Wright Leather Works got the formula right with the Predator—a pancake-style, leather concealment holster. The workmanship of the leather is excellent with tight, neat stitching and clean lines. Held in place by two 1¾” belt slots, the holster rides tight to the body, and the vertical offset of the slots cants the gun forward by about 15 degrees. The design is ideal for those who carry at the four- or five-o’clock position, behind the hip, because the firearm is still easy to reach and draw, and the grip frame is angled slightly upward, minimizing its “print” when concealed. I’ve found the Predator, shown here in walnut, to be an excellent choice for carrying a commander-size M1911, especially when paired with WLW’s ¼”-thick bullhide gun belt. Fit was a bit tight at first, but the leather was quickly “broken in”—retention is sufficiently snug without hindering draw—and the overall carry profile is clean and easily concealable under a jacket or vest. The price is $88, and holsters are available in five colors and can be hand-fit for dozens of firearm models. For an additional fee, the Master Collection Upgrade adds a soft pigskin lining to the interior of the holster, better protecting the firearm’s finish and adding another layer of strength to the rig. Contact: Wright Leather Works, LLC, 5244 CR34, Green Springs, OH 44836; (419) 307-6191; wrightleatherworks.com.
