Outstanding in all areas!
OK, first off, I have about a half dozen holsters from three or four different well known, respected companies. All are for mainstream common semi-automatics such as Glock, Sig, and Walther. All have their good and bad points, none being perfect. Some ride to high, or don't have the right cant to them. But all have been serviceable and work pretty well.
Now turn the way back machine on. In October of 2022 I ordered a S&W 327 PC with the 2-inch barrel. I immediately started searching for a holster for it, only to find a limited number of companies that made them for this particular revolver. I finally found Southern Trapper and was instantly impressed by their offerings and design features. I decided to give them a try and settled on The Nighthawk. I fully expected to have the revolver before the holster arrived in about 6 weeks. Well, the 327 was stuck in an immense back log at S&W, and so I bided my time. My holster arrived right on time in 6 weeks, the 327 was still on backorder and nowhere to be seen. Back to present time, my 327 finally arrived at the end of June 2024! Nearly 20 months but the wait was well worth it! I love this revolver!
I also love this holster! I tend to like my holsters simple and utilitarian, so this model suited me perfectly. I really love the option of having a thumb break, as it is a must for my carrying needs. I carry on motorcycle rides, bicycle rides, working outdoors; pretty much every day for every type of daily activity, be it work or play. Having a thumb break has allowed me to retain my pistol while being hit by a school bus on my BMW, running to call 911 after being bit by a rattlesnake, and falling down an Ozark cliff at our cabin. So, you will see why I won't own a holster without one. The other main design incorporated into this holster that I love, is the fact that it is a little long towards the muzzle end. Some of my other holsters end short and I really prefer to have extra leather to protect the delicate crown of the barrel and front sight. The option for a felt liner is also very nice as is the ability to wear this inside the waistband, although I wear all mine on the outside. This holster sits high and tight with just the perfect forward cant to it. It is beyond a doubt the most comfortable holster I own.
As for how Southern Trapper conducts business, they are "old school" where customer service and quality products are the two keys to success. A week after ordering the holster, I received a phone call to confirm all the details of my order. Now a days, that is rare but incredibly appreciated. I also received weekly updates at every phase of the holsters production, also very cool.
When the holster arrived, I was very impressed with the box, nice and well made. Upon opening it I was greeted with a beautiful velvet like bag (think Crown Royal) containing the holster. Also, inside was a hand signed note card, another very nice touch. The Nighthawk itself was beautiful, especially the seams and the ends of the leather pieces. Thick, perfect, unblemished leather, obviously handpicked. The holster did take about twice as long as my other mass-produced ones took to break in. That being said, following the video and instructions made it easy and painless to break in. I left the 327 in a Ziplock bag inside the holster for a few nights. I also wore it with the bag for a couple of half days, just doing things around the house. Drawing the revolver as shown on the video was followed by two 8-hour days of doing normal daily chores. At this point it was good. Any high-quality leather product that is handmade needs the extra time to break in (think Danner Acadia boots). I also have no doubt that like these other items, time and wear will only make this holster more comfortable and accessible. Time bestows a gift on high quality leather when it is well cared for.
So; there it is, my take on this holster from Southern Trapper. A bit overdue and a bit long winded. It certainly won't be my last holster from ST, as a matter of fact, I'm going back for a speed loader carrier. For the quality of the holster and the care and professionalism of the company I would expect to pay twice as much.
Thank you, Captain Bligh!
