[BluesBear]

Back in the early 1980s there was a company, as I recall, called A&B Industries that made what I consider to be the world's most comfortable ankle holster.
I believe the company was located somewhere in Ohio.
Their holsters were made from dark blue ballistic nylon before synthetic holsters became fashionable.

I have searched high and low and can find no trace of the company. Someone besides me MUST remember this company. I know I didn't buy all of the holsters they made?

Surely someone out there somewhere has one they're not using.

I'd buy a dozen if I could find them.
Hells Bells I'd try to buy the company if I could.

Does anyone else recall the company or have any info on them?

[Black Majik]

Hmm... sorry cant help you. I wasn't even born yet in 1980. :o

[moredes]

With a better description of the holster, I might come up with a better 'search'--any support strap? weapon retaining strap? what size/kind of weapon did it hold (auto or revolver--sizes?).

This one's blue nylon:

http://www.ar-15store.com/pgroup_details.php?pgroupid=4024

and this one's in Ohio, but it doesn't look like anything to rave about:

http://www.cowboyneeds.com/Pass_Ankle_Holster.html

If your memory is correct (at least partially), my search says there is no longer any company name consisting of any variation of "A, B", "B, A", nor "Industr(y, ies)" associated with holster-making in Ohio.

[BluesBear]

It was 100% nylon (except for the velcro). No elastic whatsoever.
I know there's no A&B Industries anymore. I have been doing searches for over a year. I have searched out every ankle holster on the planet.

It's been 18 years since I ordered anything from them which was a few years before AlGore invented the Internet.

That's why I am asking if any of our members remember this company and maybe have an idea of what happened to it.
I wasn't asking for anyone to do a search. I wasn't asking when anyone was born. I was just asking for knowledge.

[Al Thompson]

:( Checked with Ohio's state office that tracks corperations? Here in SC, it's the SC Department of Commerce.

HTH

[isp2605]

You mean like this one?
I bought this one in the late 70s. I've worn it every day (still do) as my 2nd/backup/off duty. Still almost like new. The only wear on it is a small cut over the cylinder where I snagged it a few years ago climbing a barb wire fence. Put it in the wash and it comes out looking like new.
This is the best ankle rig I've ever worn. They were in Cincinnati, OH. No street address. Couldn't find anything with a web search. Might try contacting info in the Cincinnati area.

[Serpico]

If you can't find it, this may suit your needs....wide elsatic, unbelieveably comfortable and lesss than 50 bucks....the strap is is a pull thru design....holds the gun firm, but comes out with a yank.....and unlike molded leather rigs attached to a band, this one will fit under straight leg jeans without a bulge...from Renegade....

http://www.parkcitiestactical.com/album//00000364/ren0001.JPG

[Brian D.]

Top Line/ A&B Industries was indeed located in the Cincinnati Ohio area. They dealt in body armor and carriers for same also. The factory and store were one and the same, IIRC. They are long since gone. And finally, Don't call me "Surely"! :D

[BluesBear]

YES!

That's the company!

The best, most comfortable ankle holster ever made!


If anyone ever comes across one of these for sale PLEASE let me know.

[BluesBear]

I am still searching for one of these holsters.

Since I started this thread over a year ago I have been contacted by some people interested in producing this design.

If anyone knows where I can find one to use as a pattern it would be greatly appreciated.

[isp2605]

You can't have mine but if you want pix of it I'll send you as many pix from as many angles as you want.

[BluesBear]

That would be great.

[Flatfender]

Here are some patents for A & B products:
The inventor is John H. Atkins Sr. of Cincinnati OH

Be sure to ckick on "View Patent Images" near the top of the page.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4480776.html
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4718585.html
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4266297.html

[isp2605]

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4718585.html

This is the holster I have. John was a better designer than he was an artist. :) A&B was good stuff.
Attached is a pix of mine.

[Tse Gee La]

As soon as someone gets these made or finds available I want to know as well. I have been looking for an ankle rig similar for a while (not a year). All the current brands have too much padding for my taste.

[BluesBear]

Something I found interesting while looking at the patent info is that I bought my holster several years before the patents were even filed. :confused:

[isp2605]

BluesBear: I never noticed that. Me too.