PHLSTER

Enigma – Care and Maintenance

General Care and Maintenance

Do not expose your Enigma or holster shell to high heat. Protect your Enigma faceplate from abrasion. While the Enigma faceplate is flexible, do not allow it to flex more than 90 degrees, and do not allow it to crease or fold.

Regularly inspect your Enigma, holster, and hardware.  Make sure your hardware is tight. Check for any loose stitching or fraying.

Once you have your Enigma adjusted the way you like it, we recommend thread locking all your holster hardware according to the instructions below for your Enigma model. 

Thread Locking

“Thread locking” means applying an adhesive compound to the threads on your screws to prevent them from backing out and getting loose over time.  This is important because the Engima is designed to move and flex with your body. Thread locker helps make sure your hardware stays tight – you don’t want things loosening up and coming apart.  Make sure to check your hardware for tightness every time you put your holster on. If anything is wiggly or loose, re-tighten the fasteners and re-apply thread locker as needed.

We recommend Vibratite VC3 for all holster hardware. See the instructions below for your specific Enigma model.

Enigma Express

Enigma Expresses purchased after 7/2022 have pre-applied thread locker called Nylock, and do not need additional thread locker. While you don’t need to disassemble your Enigma to apply thread locker (you can safely skip that step), you DO still need to regularly check to make sure your fasteners are still tight, because even the best thread locker can loosen gradually over time. Before each use, make sure nothing is wiggly or loose, and tighten as needed.

If your Enigma Express was purchased before 7/2022, check your holster hardware. If you do NOT see Nylock on the threads (it looks like a yellowish goop), you must apply your own thread locker. We recommend Vibratite VC3.  Apply to the holster screws and the buckle attachment screw. Follow the application instructions on the Vibratite package, or their website.

Here's what Nylock, the pre-applied nylon thread locker, looks like. If your holster screws have this, you do NOT need to apply any additional thread locking compound. If you DON'T see this yellowish material, you must apply your own thread locking compound.

Standard and Light Bearing Enigma

Once you have assembled your Enigma and adjusted it to fit your body, we recommend thread locking all holster hardware (except the belt attachment screws) with Vibratite VC3. The belt attachment screws have pre-applied Nylock thread locker, similar to the photo above, and do not need additional thread locker.

Apply Vibratite to the holster screws and the modwing insert screw. Follow the application instructions on the Vibratite package, or their website.

Washing Instructions – All Enigma Models

The Enigma faceplate can be wiped down with a damp cloth.  The leg leash and belt can be hand washed with mild soap, such as dish soap.  Air dry. 

Do you need extra holster length?*

*If you’re carrying a longer-muzzled gun or a revolver, adding extra holster length may not be necessary for you, but for short semiautomatic guns, it’s often helpful.

Guns with short muzzles can be top-heavy and difficult to conceal comfortably. To solve this, some holsters have extra length added to the muzzle end. Like the keel on a boat, the extra muzzle length helps balance the holster, making it more comfortable and easier to conceal. This is especially true if you have a bit of a belly, which tends to push the grip out more and make the muzzle dig in.

Note that while extra muzzle length reduces grip printing, it can increase muzzle printing, which can be a concern with lower carry positions and tight fitting pants such as leggings or yoga pants. 

Learn more about the Keel Principle here.