ltwguns.com

Mr. Bulman, Mr. Garrity and Mr DelFatti, I want to preface this post by apologizing ahead of time. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that your leather is great. Lou has time and again pointed out that all of your work is second to none and I know his ability to judge quality.

I was lucky enough to have a wife that was concerned about me having the right equipment to carry my M9 in for a year...so I ended up with two of Lou's holsters for my extended trip...a shoulder rig and an OWB... Well I dont get to wear the shoulder rig much at this point but I have worn the OWB, a lot!! Far more now than I originally thought I would.

(Lou sorry for the sad state of the outside and Im sure the fine finish you put on it will be totally gone when I get home. In my humble opinion, I dont think it could ever look better...)

My drop leg got way to uncomfortable on one particular outting, so I switched over to Lou's. This was just going to be a nice ride. (In steps Murphy.) It got a bit busy for a time and well the holster took a beating from sand, rock, kevlar and Im sure a few dozen other abrasives. Funny thing is even without a retaining snap my pistol was still by my side when I got time to take stock of my stuff...I dont go out without it now and Im certain that when I reach down, my pistol will be there to help me figure out where another rifle is.

If anyone doubts the quality of retention that Mr. Alessi's holsters provide...well I promise not many will put a holster through what this one has been put through in day to day wear it gets now and my sidearm is always right where I left it.

Thanks to my beautiful wife for thinking enough of me to go to a master craftsmen...but thanks too Uncle Lou for making sure his customers are well taken care of...

When I get a chance I'll be posting some pictures of this masterpiece complete with all of it's well earned scars from a few more hectic times...

Jim

Edited to read: PS Uncle Lou, Ive been slimming a bit here and well Im out of holes on that belt...so get your machine oiled Im thinking of a nice size order when I get home...

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"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Benjamin Franklin , 1759

Hey Jim-

As long as it's the gun-hide taking the scrapes and not your hide, everything is good, right?

Need anything?

Chip

P.S. - more pics from your world would be cool. I think I can safely say that we all enjoyed seeing the last batch!

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Sic Semper Tyrannis

Just glad to hear you're well, Capt.
But now that I think about it, I don't think I've heard any reports on Alessi holsters over there!

Hey Jim:
I'm not offended at all! I think it's great that you (or you wife ) bought holsters that do what a holster should and still look good doing it.

The most important thing is that you or any customer for that matter are happy with your holsters. That's one of the reasons that Lou's customer base is so huge.

Matt, so true. Uncle Lou does have his legions. But the same principle also explains why your backlog is now measured in years and not months!

Best to you and Gina,

Buck

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NRA Endowment Member

Jim,
No offense here either. Lou has helped us all at one point or another and has all of our deepest respect. One suggestion though: if you are that hard-use on a holster I would invest in shark-skin next go-around. Go ahead - try to scuff it!!

Buck,
Speaking of year long waits...
Your order is nearing completion, and is even left-handed this time!

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http://www.garritysgunleather.com
"He who works with his hands is a labourer, he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."
(St Francis of Assisi)

Mark, your secret was safe with me, but the cat now seems to be, well, out of the bag! You're a good and honest man, Mark Garrity.

Look forward to your call, and know that the rig will be downright gorgeous, based on the quality of both the hide and your attention to detail. Thanks for the update!

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NRA Endowment Member

Thanks Buck!! I'll tell her you said hello.

Hey Mark:
For better or worse, I'm self taught so I would not be included in the "all" in your statement above. I still think Lou's a nice guy and a great holster maker, just wasn't my mentor.

Sorry, Matt, no offense meant.
I'm self-taught too; no-one has taken me under their wing.
Bad wording on my part.
What I basically meant is if anyone has a question regarding the business, a source for supplies, or machinery problems, Lou will do his best to help or steer you in the right direction and not shrug you off.
I shouldn't have generalized though....

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http://www.garritysgunleather.com
"He who works with his hands is a labourer, he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."
(St Francis of Assisi)

I'm just glad that all of y'all ended up making holsters

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Sic Semper Tyrannis

Jim – Great to hear from you as always and thanks for the communication and the photos. You know if you need anything just give me a holler. Stay safe my friend and we’ll surely have to throw a few back once you return!

These pictures are of Jim’s kit as complimented by the Alessi leather. It’s a neat sight as far as I’m concerned seeing Lou’s gear used and used well in a needless to say “harsh” environment right along side drop-leg rigs and all the other high speed gear our brave men employ. I guess it is true... sometimes simpler is better.

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Heirloom Precision
http://www.heirloomprecision.com

Jim, Thanks for those kind words. I'm happy to hear that your gear is holding up well. I even happier that you're safe over there.
When you get home, we'll have to get you a new belt to replace that well used one.
Our thoughts, and prayers are with you. It'll be good to see you when you get back home.
Lou

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Alessi Holsters, Inc.
You'll never know it's there, until you need it...

Jim,

I'm glad to hear you're doing well. Some people carry a gun every day and talk about how nice and comfortable and retentive and well-made their holster is. But, I doubt there is any better a review on usefulness or durability test than what you're giving it. May the wind stay at your back and the sand out of your eyes. GOD Bless you and all your fellow troops. Thank you.

~Jim Keeney

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"I'd rather die on my feet than keep living on my knees." - Emiliano Zapata, Mexican Revolutionary

Jim,

Thanks for doing a great job for us over there!!

I would have to agree with you on the quality of Lou's work - I even bought one off of 1911Forum for myself the other day .

Come back safe, and I am sure Lou will be more than happy to get you another rig that is a little more presentable when you do.

John

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I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com