Thumbs Up For 'Azula' Holsters

[WrongHanded]

I typically buy Simply Rugged when I want a leather holster. Nothing against other brands, it's just my go-to option. But recently I tried something different for work.



(The owner allows carry, just FYI.)

I wanted something black, OWB, still easily concealable, and that could be worn comfortably (truly comfortably) all day. 40+ hours a week.

This Azula holster, which I shamelessly bought on Amazon for quick delivery, has been keeping my G33 close for about 2 months now. It cost about $50 including shipping. Well worth it. The leather is not too stiff, but has excellent retention and moulding for a leather pancake holster. Zero complaints so far. I believe they're made in South Africa.

 

[DTL]

Similar DeSantis Mini Slide and a 1791 4-way USA made leather are my choices for OWB with Shield Plus and Springfield XDS. The iwb clip on the 1791 is removable for 3 position owb.

 

[WrongHanded]

Similar DeSantis Mini Slide and a 1791 4-way USA made leather are my choi ces for OWB with Shield Plus and Springfield XDS.
View attachment 1104988 View attachment 1104989

My only issue with those designs is a lack of sweat guard. I've found that to be a deal breaker for me in the hotter months when I'm wearing no layer between myself and the gun, and sweating all day over hot weldments with the gun directly contacting my skin. The same actually goes for yard work and such. And if I am going to have a layer between myself and the gun, I've found that both drawing and registering is easier if the holster has a full length sweat guard, though this is less important.

Just my preferences of course. And my reasons are not applicable to everyone. And Desantis probably also has some holster models with sweat guards too.

 

[DTL]

Well I have a Clinger Kydex I can wear In or out For the Shield Plus. I added the comfort pad as well but the holster itself covers all but the grip.

 

[WrongHanded]

Well I have a Clinger Kydex I can wear In or out For the Shield Plus. I added the comfort pad as well but the holster itself covers all but the grip.
View attachment 1104992

That looks nice. I use both kydex OWB and AIWB holsters, depending on the gun and the activity. Those also have full length sweat guards. But I've determined they are not the best option for my work. AIWB is just not all day comfortable for me, and kydex OWB will release the gun from retention if bumped, in a way that leather will not. That is also suboptimal.

Don't worry. I know what works for me. The point of the OP was just to tell people about an experience with a brand of which I, and probably some others, were previously unaware. Nothing wrong with that, is there?

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

I have a couple of azulas, for K and J frame revolvers. When I bought the one for the K someone called me from Azula to make sure i had ordered the right one, and when we finished up he had it boxed and shipped an hour later.

I like Azulas very much.

 

[Mot45acp]

I like my azulas at their price point, but they have a design problem for their 1911 holsters.

The holsters are molded with the 1911 safety in the fire position. This causes it to switch the safety off. I discovered this in class constantly finding my safety off. Thinking it was me not paying as much attention as I thought, I would put the safety on, 5 minutes of walking around and the safety would be off.

Easy fix with a hammer and nylon drift. Beat it into submission and remold it.

 

[WrongHanded]

I like my azulas at their price point, but they have a design problem for their 1911 holsters.

The holsters are molded with the 1911 safety in the fire position. This causes it to switch the safety off. I discovered this in class constantly finding my safety off. Thinking it was me not paying as much attention as I thought, I would put the safety on, 5 minutes of walking around and the safety would be off.

Easy fix with a hammer and nylon drift. Beat it into submission and remold it.

That's not only annoying, it's dangerous. How unfortunate. Did you find it to be the same on multiple holsters?

 

[Mot45acp]

Just my 1911 models, I have 3. Government, commander, and railed commander.

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

I like my azulas at their price point, but they have a design problem for their 1911 holsters.

The holsters are molded with the 1911 safety in the fire position. This causes it to switch the safety off. I discovered this in class constantly finding my safety off. Thinking it was me not paying as much attention as I thought, I would put the safety on, 5 minutes of walking around and the safety would be off.

Easy fix with a hammer and nylon drift. Beat it into submission and remold it.

I have a 1791 holster for the 1911 that is set up this exact way. It’s not a constant problem, but I have discovered safety off on occasion. Wondering if carving a little trough in the shield to match “safety on” position would fix it.

 

[Mot45acp]

I used a hammer and drift and molded it around the safety in the on position. I tried the cutout method on a holster that kept hitting the mag release, and didn't like the results.

 

[stonebuster]

I like my azulas at their price point, but they have a design problem for their 1911 holsters.

The holsters are molded with the 1911 safety in the fire position. This causes it to switch the safety off. I discovered this in class constantly finding my safety off. Thinking it was me not paying as much attention as I thought, I would put the safety on, 5 minutes of walking around and the safety would be off.

Easy fix with a hammer and nylon drift. Beat it into submission and remold it.

I'd bet Azula would like a heads up about that issue before somebody gets hurt. After buying a couple Azulas for revolvers I bought an IWB Azula for my P226 Legion 9 recently. I doubted it would carry as well as it does IWB. Very comfortable sitting or standing, conceals well and retains the gun well.