Milt sparks question about a holster I just received *Update in OP*
I sent photos to Milt Sparks and they sent me a return label, said they would get me another made ASAP. Again, wouldn’t have killed me either way but I’m glad they also considered this less than ideal for their brand.
OP: Border stamped HSR crossdraw for 4.63” Blackhawk.
Same border stamped HSR crossdraw for 6” 629 Lee Horton.
PMK for 3” GP-100.
Here is the holster in question. I bought another Axiom for the DWXc. I have a black with shark, but wanted a plain brown. Don’t ask me why, because I don’t know. I just like Sparks leather. The first photo is my black one, fully covered slide and front sight. The second photo is the new one, clearly showing an exposed front sight tip and slide, albeit slightly exposed. I don’t think it’s egregious, but I also don’t like spending 300$ on something not 100%. I’ve emailed them but I don’t know the level to which I should demand perfection.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,
Nine years to retirement! Just waiting!
December 31, 2025, 03:20 PM
captain127
Just being nit picky. When working with natural materials variations are inevitable regardless of craftsmanship level. More or less stretch or shrink while the holster is wet molded can result in such a variance.
Won’t affect function and you are not going to notice it while under use. I would not even notice such a minute variation.
December 31, 2025, 03:36 PM
sourdough44
That 2nd holster looks very nice. I have a few cross draw holsters, they are ok. Often it seems like the butt/grips stick out too much.
December 31, 2025, 04:24 PM
pace40
Pretty obvious the leather is cut or molded incorrectly. The bottom of the frame is covered but the sight and slide are not. If the maker was using a mold of that pistol, it should not be that way. That said, what you do about it is up to you. Send Sparks this pic and see if they're happy with it. I wouldn't be if I made it.
____________ Pace
December 31, 2025, 08:19 PM
Nick
I would not accept that from a custom holster maker.
"Escaped the liberal Borg and living free"
December 31, 2025, 08:43 PM
dking271
Beautiful leather gear. Having dealt with MS quite extensively over the last 30 years, my guess is they will take care of making your holster right. I would see what they say and push for something more acceptable.
_________________________ "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile - hoping it will eat him last” - Winston Churchil
January 01, 2026, 05:31 PM
KMitch200
Yeah, that would need a do-over. I’m sure MS will make it right. Any holster that doesn’t protect the muzzle is not acceptable. - “Won’t affect function and you are not going to notice it while under use.”
And if he sits down on some rocks?
-------- After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.
January 02, 2026, 04:13 PM
4MUL8R
All I know is that I am lusting after your Blackhawk.
------- Trying to simplify my life...
January 02, 2026, 07:44 PM
egregore
That is unacceptable on a $30 holster, let alone a custom, made-to-order costing ten times that.
"The Almighty, He put some livin' things on this earth so a man can eat." - Festus Haggen, Gunsmoke
January 04, 2026, 04:12 PM
OttoSig
quote:
Originally posted by 4MUL8R: All I know is that I am lusting after your Blackhawk.
Thank you, Sir.
I’ve got another special build in the works that I hope to have photos of in the next 6 weeks or so.
Nine years to retirement! Just waiting!
January 08, 2026, 12:54 PM
OttoSig
Update in OP
Nine years to retirement! Just waiting!
January 08, 2026, 03:43 PM
TheFrontRange
I’m glad to see this and thanks for the update. Just took delivery myself right after Christmas of a PMK and a VM-2 for a couple of different S&W N-Frames. I suspected they’d make this right by you.
"The sea was angry that day, my friends - like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli." - George Costanza