Good Leather Holster Selection in TC Area?

[goldtopper]

I'm looking for a good place to see and try out some varieties of SAA Cowboy-types. Could be embossed or plain, but need for a 4 3/4" barrelled SA revolver.
Thanks.

[rugersol]

Don't know anyone with a shop, around here, that stocks a bunch.

If ya wanted to "check one out", best bet is Sportsman's Guide, or Cabela's ... but most of what they got is junk ... and not even all that inexpensive.

If ya really wanna "check out" some nice cowboy leather, ya should hit the 2010 MN SASS Championship behind Ahlman's, in Morristown, 3rd Saturday in September. They usually have a few leather vendors, who'll have a few rigs on display.

There's basically four types of cowboy holsters (I'm talkin' quality, not style):

1. cheapest (or if it ain't, it's a rip-off) is the "un-lined" stuff (smooth outside, rough/crushed inside) ... the maker (or factory) only used one piece of leather, for the whole holster ... at which, it should be nearly half the price of a comparable "lined" holster (under $50)

2. wet-molded ... if it ain't "unlined", it's two pieces of leather ... but they were basically soaked, then shaped around the gun, and left to dry ... these are purdy good ... and what most folks make (beyond "unlined")

3. kydex-reinforced ... basically, before stitching the two pieces of leather together, they slip a piece of kydex in between, heat it, mold it to the gun, and let it cool ... this helps to keep as little "friction" on the gun (particularly around the cylinder), for a nice quick draw ... however, while not on a cowboy rig, I have had kydex "collapse" when left in a vehicle in the summer

4. steel-reinforced ... I know of only one guy that does this ... and he does it quite well ... I knew him when he called Canada "home" ... he's since built up a business, and now lives in Nevada ... he's arguably the #1 maker for SASS folks ... it's Bob Mernickle ... with the steel, it's the same idea with kydex, only it don't move ... although, if ya squeeze hard enough, ya CAN re-shape the holster ... I spent a few hours with mine ... and got 'em to where it's almost impossible for any other maker to produce a finer fitting holster ... that lasts

Ya might think that Mernickle's stuff is gonna be a lot more than anyone else's. But last I checked, he's still offering his "basic" "Evil Roy" double-gun rig for $400 ... including two cartridge slides ... everything with border-tooling and conchos ... that's what I have ... and it's lasted 5yr now, with no signs of needing replacement, anytime soon.

[Stradawhovious]

Form or function? If it's form you want, make your own. Tandy leather in Bloomington sells kits for most cowboy action revos on the cheap. If it's function, see ahrens post.

[goldtopper]

I've got a heavy Mexican gunbelt rig if I want to go all Tombstone, I'm just looking for a belt slide for daily carry. Don't really want fancy ornamentation to draw any more attention to the fact that I open carry. Most people don't notice my full size 1911, so I'm going to alternate now and again.
It is amazing isn't it, that cities the size of mpls/stp have absolute **** selection of holsters?

[Srigs]

Check out Jason at http://www.hardskins.com

He makes great SA rigs and is in the Twin Cities.

[rtk]

Check out Jason at http://www.hardskins.com.

What the heck is Fetish gear?

[rugersol]

Check out Jason at http://www.hardskins.com

He makes great SA rigs and is in the Twin Cities.

Not sure what's up with that website ... but it's the same guy, partnered with another guy, here ... http://www.doublejleather.com/DoubleJLeather/Contact.html

They've had a table at the MN SASS Championship (3rd Saturday in September) for the last few years.

They made a double-rig for my boy.

Referencing my earlier post, they do the "wet-mold" method. They talked about kydex ... not sure if they ever used it.

I was also gonna say, these guys, Mernickle, and most anyone else will have a "carry" SAA holster available. In fact, Dillon has pictures in their monthly catalog, of Mernickle's (I don't believe those are steel-lined ... and I don't know that it'd matter).

The Tandy "kit" would be ok ... except, IIRC, they were upwards of $50. I think I'd just pay a pro $70 or so ... unless I was thinkin' of makin' a whole lot of 'em.

[Rem700]

Check out Jason at http://www.hardskins.com

He makes great SA rigs and is in the Twin Cities.

Not sure what's up with that website ... but it's the same guy, partnered with another guy, here ... http://www.doublejleather.com/DoubleJLeather/Contact.html

They've had a table at the MN SASS Championship (3rd Saturday in September) for the last few years.

They made a double-rig for my boy.

Referencing my earlier post, they do the "wet-mold" method. They talked about kydex ... not sure if they ever used it.

I was also gonna say, these guys, Mernickle, and most anyone else will have a "carry" SAA holster available. In fact, Dillon has pictures in their monthly catalog, of Mernickle's (I don't believe those are steel-lined ... and I don't know that it'd matter).

The Tandy "kit" would be ok ... except, IIRC, they were upwards of $50. I think I'd just pay a pro $70 or so ... unless I was thinkin' of makin' a whole lot of 'em.

What they said

[mnglocker]

http://www.pistolpackaging.com/

Right here. Their best work is their gunslinger rigs. They have their shop in Maple Plain and she still makes it to the MWCA shows.

[plblark]

I've seen their work at Ahlman's days and it's really something to behold. Beyond craftsmanship and into artistry if you ask me.

[rugersol]

I've seen their work at Ahlman's days and it's really something to behold. Beyond craftsmanship and into artistry if you ask me.

You're talking about "Roundup" (August 28th/29th)?

You're talking about Rockin' Double J, right?

I wasn't aware they had a table, for that.

I might try to git down there, that weekend, myself ... gotta take all 3 kids with me, if I do, though.

[plblark]

Well, it was last year IIRC, It was definitely Jason. I've met him before at Tandy. And there was a celtic theme to a lot of the gear. Hit them up on the contact us page and see if they're going.

[oneoldjimmy]

I have the answer to your question... http://www.thorshammercustomleather.com/
Dan is my cousin, and makes some VERY nice leather goods....