I ordered a original Dirty harry holster 7/22/09 and I haven't heard anything. I was quoted 16 weeks which would bring it at around end of November. I was billed when the order was placed.

Anybody order one of their holsters? Are you behind or did you get yours when promised?

Nothing I can do now, being between the holidays, I thought a thread would satisfy my curiosity at the moment.

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NRA Benefactor Member

I just ordered 1 in November and was told it would be the first week of May-26 weeks. I ordered my first one last May, was told 16 weeks and it took 20. Just wait. When you get it, you will understand why. Just e mail Ursula and she will set you mind at ease. Good people.

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jj

thank you!

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NRA Benefactor Member

Good to read this as I was considering putting in an order there soon myself. I guess there's no sense in waiting to order if the lead time is 20 weeks!

I don't mind waiting for quality though, so it's reassuring to hear your positive review, jj2am.

I just added to your post on shoulder holsters.



The only bad thing is the wait.

500 Magnum Nut-did you get yours?

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jj

Very handsome holster!

I ordered mine from lawman the first of Aug. with a delivery date of Dec.11 th. Still dont have it. I have called a couple of times and just get the runaround and excuses. Everything but a holster.I hope I didnt get scammed out of a couple of hundred bucks.

Old topic but I'm still waiting. Anyone order a lawman holster lately?

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NRA Benefactor Member

I too ordered a holster with a delivery date of March 26, I called and spoke with the head of the company-can't remember his name at the moment. He told me that they were having such rainy-wet weather that the factories the holsters are being made in were very humid-thus not allowing the holsters to dry in the normal time. Not sure I really buy any of that story.
He looked up my order and said that most orders are running 4-6 weeks behind, he said my order would go out at the end of April-I still have not gotten it.
I too am beginning to wonder if this company is legitimate.
SM1357

I emailed them 5 months ago (After the holidays) and this is exactly what they told me as well.

Maybe there is only one guy who works there? They are in Vegas so we are fueling the slot machines I guess.
I figure I'll call them on my 1 YEAR anniversary date and ask them if they are in fact making holsters. Then contact the credit card people and ask for the money back.
Having money come out of their account will get there attention, don't you think?

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NRA Benefactor Member

The guy I spoke with on both occasions, when I ordered the holster and when I inquired about the staus of my order is Jerry Ardolino,he, I believe is the Vice President and founder of the company, at least that's what I remember him telling me. I have spoken to a couple of other people that are still waiting for their holsters after a year. Maybe you are correct in calling the credit card company and cancelling that charge. The other people that I know that have inquired about their orders have been told on numerous occasions that it would ship out in a couple of weeks-still no holster(s).
Not really sure what is going on with this company.
SM1357

I emailed them today and will let you know what they say. Mine was due on May 1.

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jj

JJ, thanks for the follow-up.
SM1357

Thanks JJ. I like to know what's up too. I notice they still advertise on American Handgunner, yet they are having problems in delivering as promised.

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NRA Benefactor Member

UPDATE: 5/21/2010--
Just got a phone call from Jerry Ardolino of Lawman Leather-they sent me a response to an e mail as well--they are running at least 5 weeks behind in all their orders. Weather conditions (temperature and humidity) have set them back from scheduled due dates. The weather during the last several weeks has been good and they are starting to catch up. Keep in mind these are hand made-they don't just pop in a rivet and stitch an inch or so of leather. PM me if you would like a copy of the e mail. Hold tight, guys, they ARE coming and I guarantee you, you will not be disappointed.

Think back a couple of years when someone found Ted Blocker to make some of the Dirty Harry holsters. If memory serves me well, this took about 2 years to get the first holster. This is no different. I am now installing my flame suit.

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jj

I'm 6 months behind his quote of 16 weeks.....(I ordered the 29 holster with a 6 1/2 barrel)

Well, lets hope that he is honest. I'll give them more time.

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NRA Benefactor Member

I don't order any holster from a company that charges your credit card and then makes you wait for weeks or months.

I got took for $165.00 by a fairly well known holster maker because of this. I knew others that got ripped by the same guy. Some got thier holsters over a year later.

I'm glad I saw this thread. I won't be ordering a holster from them.

Guys, good news. I received the holster yesterday. It took 10 months and was quoted 4....

The holster is awesome and I tried it out, very nice quality.

To all that are waiting, I think you will get yours, but give them an extra 6 months. Either they are very short handed your the orders have over-whelmed them.

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NRA Benefactor Member

Glad you got it.

Waiting that long is simply bad business. Several of the top tier holster makers will stop taking orders until they get got up instead of taking your money and taking much longer than promised.

Here it is.

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NRA Benefactor Member

I have to say Lawman does build a quality product and nobody does it better.

But to say the weather was slowing production is nuts and one that believes it would be nuts. That may have been the case 40 yrs ago but not today.

Factories now can be equipped to control humidity very cheaply. The temperature, humidity and such is simple to control. Electronic makers such as ATT has been doing it for years.

If they said they could not get the leather supplied, a storm put them out of production temporarily or they were having to replace a major factory tool, then I could believe it. Even relocating their operation would be believable.

Weather conditions is not logical in this day in time. My house is kept at 32% humidity and I can control it 7% either way.

My best guess is they have a small shop with a handful of leather craftsmen and have more orders than expected. If you have 5 craftsmen and one quits, dies or other, your productivity just dropped 20% for a year or so until someone can be trained to replace the former employee.

500 Magnum Nut

Glad you finally got it. Nice holster and even better pictures.

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jj

My 4 inch Dirty Harry came today. It's even better than the first.

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jj

jj2am44 - When did you order the holster??

November 23, 2009.

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jj

jj2am44 - Thanks for the reply. Nice holster!

I'm still waiting for mine, ordered in October of 2009. I'm somewhat concerned that jj2am44 got his already...

I'd call or e mail them.

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jj

I would go with simply rugged holsters, they are more basic, but don't take that long to get. I oredered the long hunter, haven't got it yet, but everyone who I have talked to says they are quick with delivery!!!

This has Pyramidal Ponzi Scheme written all over it. Just enough folks get holsters to make it seem legitimate, and then the business busts out. Do a little due dilligence on the owner - he's written and published a book. That should give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

PS... the holsters are probably being made overseas.

I ordered a STU 12/09/09 and can not seem to get the holster? Called but I am being put off. Can I cancel this order on my credit card? I have never done this before.I really would like the holster but this is unreal.

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T. Johnson

My guess is this is a side line of work for what would appear to be a one man operation. I say that because of his lengthy estimated completion times on his orders. I doubt there is any factory at all, most likely a craft room in the basement. Not that the holsters are bad they appear real nice. Sorry to hear the run around stories. It's not real ethical for someone to take payment in full up front when delivery times are not reasonable. Giving a runaround under these circumstances just adds insult to injury.

Tech23

To keep everyone updated. Actual order was placed 12-3-09. Talked to Visa. They told me since he charged the card on the 3rd for full price saying there was a 24-26 week wait that my 60 day refund/cancelation would start on 6-3-2010 add 60 days so Aug 3 -2010 I would be out of the Visa 60 days. So they will cancel order and refund my money.But passed Aug 3rd I could or would ?? have been stuck.Spoke to him yesterday and they are having shipping problems and it would take a week to look into.Always some problem and no product. I,m glad to be done with it all.

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T. Johnson

I ordered my holster from Lawman Leather during their first incarnation back in 1987 as I recall. I placed the order in July, thinking I would have it by my birthday in September. I finally got it the week before Christmas after several phone calls. I don't know if the same people are running the company, but if they are that far behind they need to hire more people and do whatever it takes to get caught up. Back then I paid with a check. You can imagine how antsy I was about getting stuck, but it all worked out in the end.
Steve

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Steve

My wife ordered mine back in December with an expected delivery date in May. I called mid-June and was told that they had suffered a break in to their facility and were about five weeks behind. I emailed them last week and have yet to get a response. Reminds me of another holster maker, unnamed, who came up with a whole bunch of excuses when he got behind. Sounds like a Ponzi scheme to me and he's waiting for more orders to fund making the holsters. I, too, paid with a credit card and was charged at time of order. If I don't hear something by the end of July, I'll be in touch with the credit card company and see what can be done.

500, you always carry 3 speedloaders also?


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

I placed an order in January 2010. The quoted delivery time was the third week of June, 2010. One week after the date of delivery (and no holster or follow-up from Lawman), I placed a call.

I left a message, which was returned within a day. The representative from Lawman who called me (Jerry?) stated that they were running 5-6 weeks behind on delivery.

That will put delivery sometime into early August. If I haven't received the holster by then, I'll call again.

When I do receive the holster, I will be sure to let you all know.

It's ironic, back in the mid eighties I ordered a Dirty Harry shoulder holster for my 8-38" M57 from what was then Cattle Baron leather. I went through the same thing. My card was charged right away and then it was many many months before I got my holster. I did eventually get it though and it is a very nice holster. Do any of you folks know if Cattle Baron and Lawman Leather are the same company? I just think that it is quite a coincidence that the same thing is going on 20+ years later!

I don't know what it is with some holster makers. I ordered a set of replacement belt loops for a holster that I bought a few years ago. It took them over a month for them to get it to me. You would think that belt loops are easy to make and they would have some back stocked. Of course they charged my card right away.

There are several holster makers out there that can't seem to keep their business on track. They fall behind but still take money. Excuse after excuse and they are still months behind.

What's really too bad is that most of them make an excellent product.

Thoughly research any holster maker before buying.

This is an exact quote of the latest excuse from Lawman Leather.

"According to our records, your holster went through our private packer/shipper for delivery to the post office then shipment to you. However; they never gave us the postal paperwork back. That means that a mis-direction occurred when they had it in the packing stage. So, I will start an inter-company trace to see if someone has your holster. This usually takes about 7 business days."

It's been 7 business days and I've yet to receive an update as to the status of my order. Lawman Leather must have significant managerial problems if they lose finished goods inhouse and can't get a trace done in less than 7 days. Or maybe this is just excuse #17 on a list of 25 most used excuses.

Yes Indeed,Lawman Leather, Cattle Baron Leather and now Lawman Leathergoods Is owned by Jerry Ardolino.I ordered the DH back In the 80's also.after about 4 months they closed shop and sent me check for the $89.00 money order I sent. Then about 1992 I recieved a catalog from Cathey Enterprises In Texas and got my DH holster from them but still waited 8 to 10 weeks

Earlier this evening I spent 20 minutes on the phone with Mr. Ardolino himself. While the initial portion of the conversation was, to say the least, a bit strained, by the end of the 20 minutes I believe we both came to new realizations. I realized that running his business is both difficult and frustrating. I think he realized that while my comments above were born of frustration, they have some validity inasmuch as I have yet to receive my holster.

Obviously, with over 250,000 delivered the Dirty Harry is a popular holster. Had it not been such a well respected piece of equipment I wouldn't have ordered it in the first place. But in any business transaction there are two points of view. Mine as a customer wanting the product and the other as a businessman trying to please his customers. When either side is unhappy, frustrations grow. While we may both be still somewhat frustrated, I think we each better appreciate the other's point of view.

Only minutes ago I received another call from Jerry and we further discussed the business of holster making. I believe he is sincere in his desire to make a well respected holster and I now have a better understanding of some of his difficulties in doing so. It's not a Ponzi scheme but his business is experiencing some growing pains. With an 800 percent increase in business it's no wonder that it takes over six months to get the product to the customer. I trust my somewhat more lengthy wait will be worth it and I'll report on the product just as soon as I've received it.

For those of you interested Jerry did furnish me with a link to a lengthy radio broadcast having to do with the origins of the holster and his time in law enforcement. I have yet to listen to it but plan on doing so. Here's the link: Lawman Leather The Dirty Harry Holster and Real Cops 5/6/2010 - AmericanHeroesRadio | Internet Radio | Blog Talk Radio

Jerry also stated that those of you who still haven't received your holsters from Lawman Leather Goods and wish a refund may contact him and he'll do his best to resolve the situation. I now truly believe he's doing his best to satisfy his customers. I trust I'll soon be one of his satisfied clientele.

Yes, but the bottom line is, STOP TAKING ORDERS YOU CAN'T FILL IN A TIMELY MANNER!

Thanks Neptune for the update. Of course, if Jerry has to have two or three phone calls a night, 20 minutes in duration apiece, it's no wonder he doesn't have time to get any work done!

I am still waiting on a holster ordered in January 2010. Delivery time was stated for end of June. Now it's August, and I've received no holster and no updates either.

To me, it comes down to communication. Every business has its ups and downs and set-backs. That's inevitable. But the right thing to do to alleviate customer frustration is open and frequent updates.

If you think the lead time for delivery of a holster is 8 months, don't quote 6 months. If you quoted 6 months delivery and something changed to make it 10 months, call or e-mail the customer to make them aware of the situation.

It is very understandable that customers will get frustrated when there is a complete lack of communication--especially when they've paid in full up-front! That's when people start bad-mouthing your business online, and canceling orders on you. No business wants that.

Skilled leather workers may be expensive and hard to find, but administrative help is cheap and plentiful. Hire some young girl with a pleasant voice to start working the phones and telling your customers when their order will arrive. It will be well worth the $8 an hour to save your company the bad relations.

Yes I got the 7 day-trace #17 also. That was when I gave up and got out.VISA refunded my money and not a word from the company ?? Must happen a lot ??

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T. Johnson

After nearly 8 months I received my Dirty Harry holster in the mail Saturday. I must say the workmanship and attention to detail are superb. The fit is perfect on my 686 and the adjustments are many insuring a proper fit. If you don't mind the long wait time, a few months longer than originally quoted, it's worth it. There are other holster makers who'll make something similar but this product is top notch.

Just wanted to add to this post I got my Holster for my 460XVR last month from Lawman Leather after about a 7 month wait. And as the last post said it is quite well made and after the long wait it was worth it to me. As everyone has said, a few times I felt I made a mistake and probably would be out a holster. But they did deliver and it is excellent in quality and its workmanship. It took a couple calls to check and I was assured it would be sent off. So if you can wait and really want one you will eventually get a fine holster, the wait is way way to long, but the product is real nice once it comes. Just thought I would let anyone know who is still waiting don't give up.
Thanks,

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Craig

I have not had good luck getting my holster from Lawman Leather! Ordered and paid for a Dirty Harry model at beginning of Nov 09, told it would be delivered April 22, 2010. Called about 30 Apr, told they were 4-6 weeks behind because they had some big military contracts. Called in June, told the weather was too hot and humid for leather to properly dry. Called end of July and was told it was sent to shipper on 2 July and I should have received it, but I didn't, their shipper might have "lost" it. Told it would take 8 business days to do an internal trace. Called back again today and was told it was lost and they are working on a replacement, which would take 4-6 weeks. Maybe I'll get it by this fall. I'm not impressed with their customer service or even caring about individuals who are customers. I also question their internal business controls. I certainly hope the wait is worth it!

I ordered mine in October 2009. I've had several conversations with company personnel, including Ardolino, but still no holster. At this point, I have kissed the money goodbye (paid with a check to get law enforcement discount). When they called me and wanted me to buy another holster before they ever shipped my first one, I figured out what was going on. Live and learn, I guess. I've been assured I'll get my holster, but I doubt it. I guess I'll believe it when I see it.

On July 21st 2009 I ordered a Dirty Harry Shoulder Holster . On August 23rd 2010 after waiting for one year one month and two days I finally cancelled my order . That is right you read correctly ONE YEAR ONE MONTH AND TWO DAYS . To say I have been extremely patient would be putting it lightly . Every excuse that has been written before me is the same that Lawman Leather have given me so I won't be repeating them here . There website says that the orders are filled in the order that they are received . Well then how do you explain the fact that members of this forum who ordered there's after I ordered mine which was purchased online with my Visa debit card yet they received there's and I did not ? To me that is a slap in the face and the ultimate *** !?!?!? As of today I have not received my money which is $237.95 so now Iam going to be getting in contact with the Nevada Attorney General's office as well as the Kentucky Attorney General's office in my home state . I called my local post office to speak with the postmaster but he was out . However the postal employee that I spoke with believes that it would still be considered mail fraud since they ship priority mail but I will not know for sure until I have spoken with the postmaster . So you see doing nothing and having a defeatist attitude is not your only option . You can do something about this and I would advise anybody that has waited as long as I have to do the same . But the decision is yours . It is a damn shame that it has come to this and I don't know why but there is no other alternative for me because I have been wrongly and unfairly treated .