Custom Leather Holster Recommendation

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Olympus

Olympus

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I'm looking for recommendations on a custom leather holster trimmed in an exotic, probably ostrich leg. I would like an IWB, but I'm having problems finding somewhere. I really like Big River Leather, but he's got a very long wait. He is working on orders from October 2010, so a 7 month backlog. I also really like the Dual Carry model from DM Bullard, but I sent an email a while back asking about what exotics were available and what the wait would be, but I never received a response.

I don't mind going with a smaller maker or an up-and-comer, but I'm just having trouble finding someone who either doesn't have a 6 month wait or who makes what I'm looking for. I don't want the holster in full exotic, just one or two trim pieces like the reinforcement around the mouth or the belt loops, that kind of thing. Can anyone give me some other places to consider? I don't mind waiting, but 6 or 7 months is a little longer than I'd like to wait.


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I have a friend and shooting pal who has been making very VERY nice leather holsters as a business for a while now. He has done some cool things for me in standard cow and horse hide, and some VERY nice things in exotics for some others, including BullfrogKen.

Here's an IWB he made me that is like an improved version of a VersaMax but tuck-able.
0910110025-1.jpg

Here's his website. Tell him Sam sent you!
http://mysite.verizon.net/jrcustomleather/
 
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Website says "Not Found".


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Joel works much quicker than 6 months out. His prices are extremely reasonable. Compared to the rest of the industry in the same price range, he's not charging enough for the quality of work he puts out, in my opinion anyway. He's very meticulous, and I've seen what he thinks are his "seconds" where I couldn't spot some error he perceived somehow existed on a finished piece.

He's done 3 sharkskin holsters for me so far, and I think they're outstanding pieces of work. I recall him showing me some pieces of exotic leather he got in about 6 weeks ago that he wanted to experiment with. My memory is telling me it was ostrich.


What make and model are you looking to have done?
 
Looking for a holster for my commander 1911. I want a two-tone holster in brown and black colors, preferring the brown to be ostrich leg and thinking about the black in shark or something similar with a different grain than the ostrich leg.


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I'm quite sure Joel can do up something nice for a 1911 Commander.


It sure would be a shame to hide most of that pretty, exotic leather in an Inside-the-waistband holster though, don't ya think?
 
I agree, but I'm concerned about OWB showing, especially if I raise my arms and my shirt comes up. Don't want to worry about making sure my muzzle isn't sticking out. And I live in a city that doesn't allow open carry.

I've got a lot of safe queen guns that never get shot and rarely get looked at. It's a bit of a shame, I admit, but it sure makes me feel good knowing what I got. Same with a good custom holster. At least that's how I see it.


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Thanks guys for the kind endorsements. I have not used ostrich leg but can get it. In stock I have a couple of colors of lizard (mostly bright), some ostrich hide, caimen, a small section of toad, and a good selection of elephant. All work that I do is custom. So, I'll talk with you to find what your specific requirements are, sketch up a plan, if needed put together a proof of design (a usable holster machine sewn) , work out any bugs, and then build your final holster. Custom holsters are all hand stitched. Turn around is between 3 and 6 weeks. As I have one almost done for Ken, one sketched for Ken, and a Glock waiting in the wings, I would be able to get to a new order some time in the next 6 weeks.

Were you able to get to my web site? If not, my direct number is 7174330048 if you want to discuss starting the design process.
 
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I remembered I had a picture of one Joel did for me last year posted here. This one's for a J-frame, and I had him make the cant a little more radical than what's normal for me. The holster's nicer than the gun that's in it.


attachment.jpg


Sam's been after me to let Joel make a pretty holster for one of my Commanders for a while now. I've been using an old Milt Sparks RoadRunner for quite some time. In fact, I think they discontinued that design about 15 years ago now. I guess having him make you one is as good a reason as any to get a new one for myself.


I wouldn't worry at all about having an OWB holster show. Unless you're tipping in a jump ball, or wear mid-riff T-shirts you ought to be fine. That Sparks RoadRunner I like is a high-ride OWB, and I've never had a shirt ride up over it reaching up for something. If it happens to show a little of the bottom of the holster, anyone who notices it will assume it's a really snazzy PDA or cell phone case.

Most people don't notice anything at all. Even openly carrying.
 
Joel said:
Thanks guys for the kind endorsements. I have not used ostrich leg but can get it. In stock I have a couple of colors of lizard (mostly bright), some ostrich hide, caimen, a small section of toad, and a good selection of elephant. All work that I do is custom. So, I'll talk with you to find what your specific requirements are, sketch up a plan, if needed put together a proof of design (a usable holster machine sewn) , work out any bugs, and then build your final holster. Custom holsters are all hand stitched. Turn around is between 3 and 6 weeks. As I have one almost done for Ken, one sketched for Ken, and a Glock waiting in the wings, I would be able to get to a new order some time in the next 6 weeks.

Were you able to get to my web site? If not, my direct number is 7174330048 if you want to discuss starting the design process.
Click to expand...

Joel - thanks for posting here and providing additional information. If you don't mind, PM me with your email and I will send you some photos of what I'm seeing in my head. I won't have access to a PC until later tonight though.

I'm also thinking a primarily IWB holster that the clips or loops can be reversed so the same holster could be worn OWB as well. I like that idea the most out of everything I've seen so far.


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Had to update. Joel delivered two Hi Power holsters to me tonight at the club. A lefty for my wife, and one for me in sharkskin, for when I eventually get a Hi Power to call my own.


Here's the picture of it that he sent earlier this evening.


attachment.php



It's a high ride design, and I asked for the reinforcing band to go around the rear. They both turned out extremely well, but this one is absolutely superb. It feels like it's in exactly the right spot to carry.
 

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I'm working with Joel too. Mine is coming along.

Really like the BHP holster!


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I know this is a little older of a thread, but there is a guy on the Ruger forum that makes some great custom leather holsters. Here's a Sting-ray rig he make for me for a 4" Security six, as well as a sweet 1911 rig he made.


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