Mitch Rosen Vs. Milt Sparks Gunleather????

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JLStorm

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Ok I need a new OOB holster for my HK USP 45(full size) variant 2. I have always wrapped my guns in milt sparks leather, but I recently read an article regarding Rosen's holsters and how superbly they are made. I have a hard time believing anyone could beat Sparks' leather, but that's why I am asking. Mitch Rosen costs between 50% - 100% more than Sparks, and this is not to say its a waste of money, I am certainly one of those "you get what you pay" for kind of guys, Im just wondering what Rosen could possibly have that sparks doesnt??? Im in the market for functionality, I dont care if one holster looks better than the other.

Any ideas guys?
 
I have had both and they a both great. Mitch's look a lot better, but if the looks don't impress you than you may want to stick with Milt Sparks.

I ran into Mitch at the 2003 Shot Show. I lost a screw from a belt that I bought from him in 1994 and he pulled one out and replaced it. He is a very nice guy!
 
Buy milt sparks gear (or alessi, or kramer, or tucker, etc) , rosen's is not worth near his premium to me. ymmv.
 
Thanks for the replies. I asked a buddy of mine to post a similar question on a few boards which he frequents that I do not, and so far it seems like all the responses say basically the same thing which is, go for sparks because rosen is over priced.
 
I've never handled a Sparks holster but i can say each of my Rosen made itms are well worth the cost to me. The first one hooked me and I've bought no leather since.
I also can attest to Mitch as being a great guy. At his shop, he's taken thetime to answer my questions and address a concern I had.
 
Rosen is overpriced, when I got my holster I was underwhelmed. The supposed 12wk wait is a spoof, I had my holster in a week. Sparks on the other hand is covered up in work, for a reason.
 
Rosen is overpriced, when I got my holster I was underwhelmed. The supposed 12wk wait is a spoof, I had my holster in a week. Sparks on the other hand is covered up in work, for a reason.
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I keep coming back to Sparks' I-BAK holster. I am hoping they make it for the HK USP. I have spoken to Rosen once in the past and really did not like the tone of his voice, he acted like he didnt have time for me. Tony at Sparks on the other hand has always been so nice. I have spoken with him off and on since 2002/2003 and even though they have always been busy, he always acted as if he had all the time in the world for me. Its just that many of the designs I like are limited to only 1911 types of weapons when it comes to Milt Sparks :(
 
I have several MR holsters and they are great. Well worth the money. Can't comment on the MS as I have never owned one.
 
Rosen made me choose Sparks!

Well, I had my second attempt at communication with Rosen today and I was not impressed.

The first time I attempted to speak with him as on the phone in 2003 and he brushed me off with a very cold tone, then I heard from Tony at Milt Sparks and he was so hopeful both over phone and email that I just couldnt go with anyone else, even though there was a 6 - 8 week wait. I received a wonderful rig from them consisting of a 1.5" belt a VM2 and a single mag pouch for my 1911.

Well here I am 3 years later, and I wrote a very short and simple, yet detailed email to Rosen. I am working nights lately and due to this I am often not up during business hours. Rosen sent me a generic reply email stating that I would need to call them since they are unable to answer questions over email. I found this strange since his site specified that I could contact them via email with any questions. I was not attempting to place an order, I just had a simple question regarding the HK 45 USP and if they made a specific model of holster for that gun model. Tony from Milt Sparks on the other hand sent me his NINTH reply in about 10 days regarding various holsters, etc. Tony even pointed me to another holster maker (Rusty Sherrick) when I asked him a question over email about an additional rig that would allow me to carry with a weapon light. Again, I could not see giving my business to anyone else. So I ordered the I-BAK and a double mag holder, and the wait is now aroudn 20 weeks. I guess all that great work and wonderful customer service paid off over the last number of years!

In the meantime I have a Galco Miami Classic II that arrived today which I will use until the Sparks holster arrives.
 
Hmmm...in 2 years I may not even be carrying the same gun....that is a bit much...:confused:
 
Hmmm...in 2 years I may not even be carrying the same gun....that is a bit much
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Those dedicated to order a DelFatti are also dedicated enough to that same gun. I'd have one of DF's rigs but For my purposes, I'll stck to Rosen.
 
There are many other quality holsters makers out there also. Brommeland Leather, Alessi, Del Fatti, Bulman, HBE Leather, to name a few.
 
Brommeland also makes real quality leather. I believe he does share a few of the same designs as Rosen. I think that Mitch Rosen leather looks beautiful but I am wondering how the holsters hold up after a lot of use? I am expecting them to hold up well since the man has a very good reputation for quality.

Anyone got any input on Kramer holsters? They seem to be a good deal and reasonable about their pricing.
 
I have heard great things about kramer and brommeland. I am just so happy with Sparks' designs and quality, not to mention customer service that I am afraid to switch to anyone else.:D
 
Well you guys have to realize that there are many world class makers that do alot of similar stuff. Each design is our own...but may be INSPIRED by other makers. My Com 3 was originally inspired by the VM2 that Tony designed...but have taken it in so many directions since then....it is its own design now.

In choosing a maker...material is something to consider. Kramer specializes in Horsehide and was a pioneer in this material. If thats what you want and like the designs.....then your set.

If you want cowhide we all make alot of similar stuff that mostly performs very close to the other makers holsters in most regards. Some makers can "customize" it to exactly how it will work the best for you...altering cant/rd ht/etc for your needs. Others just way...this is what I make..if it works for you.
Then call me..........

My advice to you is look around. Matt Del Fatti, Lou Alessi, Josh Bullman, Mark Garrity, Gary Brommeland and others are all very very worthy of your consideration.

shoot well and god bless.
Eric / HBE
 
Both Sparks and Rosen make fine, well made leather products. The Rosen OWB models may look a little better than the Sparks. ???

However, I think Rosen is over priced.

That being said, I prefer the Kramer IWB #2 with matching belt and mag pouch made from horsehide for my Kobra Carry and daily carry.

Their Belt Scabbard is also a very nice holster.

For an IWB, if I don't use a Kramer IWB #2, I like the Sparks Summer Special II and have 4 or 5 of them for various pistols. They are top notch and ride well.

I met Rosen once at a Glock GSSF match in MD. I asked a few questions of his products that were on display. I got the impression that I was wasting his time and got what I felt were condescending replies from him. :( I kept my $'s in my wallet that day.
 
I am also interested in a Sparks holster. But 14 to 20 weeks is a long time to wait.

Eric, how is your lead time at HBE?
 
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