ltwguns.com

Hey all,
I have my first custom 1911 being worked on now. It's going to be a very "Spartan" type of build (no "bling", all business etc.) and I figure I "need" an equally nice rig for it. Now, let me say that I live in MD so CCW is NOT an option (yes, I'm working on moving) so an IWB is sort of overkill (plus I won't have to buy new pants). However, I might use it for IDPA, "just looking nice", etc. Now, I know of some of the "usual suspects" as far as holsters go. Some of my considerations are...

DelFatti SSK HTL
DelFatti LP-HTL
Bulman FBS-H
Alessi CQC-S

Any thoughts or recommendations? What about materials? I know I want it black, but do I want cowhide, horsehide, shark, ray, combination of hides? I just can't put a custom in Kydex.

As for belts, here is my question. I know that the above makers make belts, but has anyone tried the belts from Rafter S or "the Beltman"? I see Beltman makes a horsehide belt with available plastic "stiffener", which intrigues me. I know not to go cheap on the belt, so any input would be great.



FWIW, I'm 6'1" 215lb. I usually wear jeans/khakis, etc so a belt that's uber-dressy would look a little weird.


Thanks for the help
Rich

nothing against del fatti but his wait is about 2 years long.

bulman and alessi are 3 -4months. i have stuff from both of them but i usually favor towards josh's stuff.

i recomend the cqc's style holsters....

Rich...a couple of fine holster makers to consider would be Alex Nossar of Nossar Gunleather in Peru, and Andy Aratoonian at Horseshoe Gunleather in England. (not trying to commit blasphemy, just trying to help a fellow out!!) Both are gentlemen of the highest quality, as are their products....I don't think you could possibly go wrong with either one of these gentlemen and their product line. Mr. Nossar has quite a few posts on this forum with pictures of his goods. Best of luck in your search!--John

http://www.nossargunleather.com
http://www.holsters.org

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"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee

Trumpet,
I ordered a highend belt once from a household name with a plastic insert. I ended up not liking it as much as traditional design. It wasn't as comfortable to me and I couldn't see a significant increase in holster support over ordinary construction. It just never conformed to my waste contours as readily as the traditional non-supported design. So... my next belt will not have the plastic insert.

Rich,

You may want to include Milt Sparks Holsters in the mix. I've had good experiences with their products, although the holsters have been IWB.

They have a new Axiom OWB holster that you may want to check-out.

All of their products are high quality and functionally first class.

HTH,
John

Jebus, TWO YEARS!?

I have holsters from Matt and Lou and will say that both are oure art. I also have belts from Lou and Rafter S. Lou's belts just feel more right, not knocking Rafter S or anything. With that said I'll agree Matts wait is a bit long but worth the wait IMHO. I will also say I have a holster and belt on order with Lou as I type this and figure when the box shows up it is here. I also have a belt on order with Rafter S right now also. As with most things the wait doesn't matter once the item shows up.

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And this eternal resting place Is known as Fiddlers' Green.

My Del Fatti ISP-LP IWB holster and mag pouch just came at lunch. Pretty slick. It was my 1st real holster and I dig Matt's work. I do need a belt and may try one from Sparks to try something different. I got the Del Fatti since lasports had one in stock. For me, my search was narrowed down by availability from vendors since I can't wait for anything. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the well known leather guys. They all take pride in their work and put out quality products.

You might also give Mark Garrity a call and see whether he has something suitable on hand (like the rest of these fine makers, it's a long shot, but that's how I wound up with some of Matt Del Fatti's work). http://www.garritysgunleather.com

I believe that Mark's work is as good as that of the other three gentlemen, and that's saying something!

Lightning Arms Sports is a great source of Sparks, Alessi and Del Fatti gear. The nominal premium you pay is well worth avoiding the wait, in my opinion. If you can swing it, I'd recommend you secure a belt, holster and mag pouch from Craig & Audrey at LAS, and concurrently place an order for exactly what you really, really want with one of these other gentlemen. Then forget about the order until it shows up in your mailbox. http://www.lightningarms.com

If I had to pick one maker for my belts, it would be Lou Alessi. Fortunately, I don't have to.

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NRA Endowment Member

I'll second the opinion on Alex Nossars work. Currently I have two of his horsehide rigs, two cowhide rigs on order and since I just picked up a new 10mm, he is currently trying to find a dummy gun for it so he can build me a couple more. His work is impressive, that's the only way to put it and his lead times are actually better than most custom makers here in the states. The first two I bought were here in a little over two months. If you are interested, then New Christensen from this board is the man to contact as he is Alex's rep here in the states.

oh i forgot to add nossar leather, mark garrity and of course 5 shot...