One Could Say Oddly Ironic

[Coyote56]

Picked up a couple new pistols recently which required holsters. I’m rather picky about what rigs I use; seldom do I carry a production holster.
So, the wait for a Milt Sparks is over 6 months. OK. R. Grizzle…14 weeks. Kirkpatrick…10 weeks.
I have holsters for pretty popular pistols (Ruger GP 100, Glock 43X, Glock 19) made by Sparks, Grizzle, Kirkpatrick, and others (in perfect condition) that I cannot seem to hardly give away. Are people just that adverse to second-hand leather gear?

 

[eveled]

Were are they listed?

 

[Coyote56]

On multiple sites

 

[Bob Wright]

Well, as far as I'm concerned, I have no handguns that would fit into your holsters. Now, if you would care to offer a good holster for a Ruger Blackhawk, no thongs or straps, I'd be interested................

Somethng on this order:



Bob Wright

 

[Coyote56]

Can‘t help you out there Bob.
Closest I can do is this prime Milt Sparks specimen for a GP 100

 

[contender]

A lot of the value of a holster reflects upon the maker.
Once it's a "used" holster,, the value also drops.

Sparks & Kirkpatrick holsters have been handled & inspected by me. I've not experienced a Grizzle.

But I've also had experience with several other brands of holsters. A few of which, I still own,, but feel they just aren't up to the level of quality I have in many of my preferred brand.
The Sparks & Kirkpatrick ones when compared to my preferred brand, just do not reflect the same quality. I'm not saying they aren't "good" or that they don't work,, it's just not a good comparison.
As such,, IN MY OPINION,, I'd pay a lot less for the Sparks or Kirkpatrick ones on the used side vs finding a used one from my preferred brand. If I find one from my preferred brand, I'd not hesitate to pay a higher amount for one.

And you can go to a gun show & you will find vendors with a box full of all kinds of holsters & they are offered at a very low price.
Why?
Because yes,, in general, the used holster market is full of very low priced items to select.

 

[Coyote56]

Just curious…what is “your brand”? My interest is surely piqued.
I own/have owned holsters from quite a few makers. Privateer, Sparks, Andrews, Ritchie, Grizzle rank among the (in my opinion) best of the lot.
Rosen, Kramer, Kirkpatrick, (and some others) I categorize as mid-tier.
Pretty much everything else is either ho-hum production gear or stuff not even worth discussing here.
Then there is the legendary equipment from DelFatti, 5 Shot, Horseshoe…sadly I have never had the privilege of owning. I perceive you are a leather connoisseur. Mayhaps I would be interested in trying a rig made by your maker.

 

[Watertender]

Eubanks holsters are great. Lawrence and Bucheimer too. I like good quality used leather but if I want something new I go with Simply Rugged

 

[eveled]

I’ve bought used leather goods before that absolutely stunk, from cigar smoke. If you get stuck once, it sours you to the prospect of buying used leather.

OWB isn’t as bad, but who wants to use someone else’s IWB?

 

[Dave P.]

I’ve bought used leather goods before that absolutely stunk, from cigar smoke. If you get stuck once, it sours you to the prospect of buying used leather.

OWB isn’t as bad, but who wants to use someone else’s IWB?

What, you don't want a piece of leather that's been repeatedly soaked in someone else's butt sweat and
body oils?

 

[Watertender]

Used IWB no way.. I prefer to buy in person because I got a couple that smelled of smoke but I have put them in the sun to help me rid them of the problem. I have one Eubanks flap holster that appears to be soaked in some kind of oil which is giving me some difficulty. I may bring it to work and bake it on the rear door of one of the 500 horse boilers and see if that helps

 

[Coyote56]

Guess I’ll wind up just giving some away.

 

[Bob Wright]

As to holster makers, Mike "Doc" Barranti has been my go-to maker of late. But I recently learned of American Classic Gunleather and from the photos he seems to make a first class holster. Also, he was willing to make me a holster from my verbal description and that is in the process right now. Still about eight weeks away. I carry a Ruger Blackhawk and have my own ideas about what a holster should be like. I also have a couple of holsters from Graveyard Jack, and they are good holsters, but I don't like the finish so much. I did have a Tom Threepersons holster from El Paso Saddlery but they will not deviate from their standard patterns. Also flatly refused to make a holster without some form of retention method. I sold that one to somebody on this forum and do hope he is satisfied with it.

Bob Wright

 

[Randyzzz]

I’d you’re looking for something that’s well made, quick to get, and fairly priced, check out Camp Curry Leather on Etsy. I have a couple of his holsters and am pleased.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CampCurryLeather

This is for my 4 5/8 Blackhawk and it fits perfectly. I’d show a pic with it but she’s back at Ruger getting the barrel(sight) straightened out. The screw below the snap is for trigger guard retention tension. The strap can be removed easily as it’s held on by a screw under the belt loop. It’s the “Trail Holster”. $65.00.

This is for a 7 1/2”. Cross draw. Just got it, looks nice too. I need to flatten out the belt loop some.

 

[Coyote56]

A few from my preferred holster craftsmen. All proper rigs indeed.
Sam Andrews, Privateer, R. Grizzle, Ritchie Bros., Milt Sparks.

 

[Randyzzz]

A few from my preferred holster craftsmen. All proper rigs indeed.
Sam Andrews, Privateer, R. Grizzle, Ritchie Bros., Milt Sparks.View attachment 17826View attachment 17827

View attachment 17825View attachment 17832View attachment 17833

I see you have a HK45C there. One of my favorite carry guns. I run it in a DMBullard “Dual Carry” rig. CompTac belt clips. I prefer a polymer clip to a metal clip.
https://bullardleather.com/

I carry its big brother in a Garrett “Silent Thunder” leather lined kydex. Also equipped with CompTac clips. Super comfortable too. He stopped making these for some reason.

 

[contender]

"Just curious…what is "your brand"? My interest is surely piqued"

Gee,, since you asked so nicely,,,!

Mike "Doc" Barranti is my preferred brand. Many years ago, I was introduced to his work by "sixshot" (a member here,) and was not only impressed by his craftsmanship, but his designs as well. His NW Hunter really works, is very comfortable & as sturdy as you could ask for.
Mike got the nickname from some of us who are fans of Skeeter Skelton. Skeeter commented; "Next to my doctor, my holster maker is my most important person."

I have a local leather shop not too far from home with a history of 80 years in the business. They do some very good work. And one of the current owners is on my FoNRA committee. I call him a friend. He works on many holsters & makes some good stuff. But I still prefer Doc's work.

Bob has posted a few pictures above. All good ones. But,, if Doc hand builds you a holster,, you'll see the quality.