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  #51  
Old 03-07-2012, 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Photoman44 View Post
Lou died in 2009 and there's no telling what might be going on there.
Alessi Holsters died with him.
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  #52  
Old 03-12-2012, 05:14 PM
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Alessi Holsters is still in business and still making fine holsters just as Lou Alessi did when he was alive. The current owner, Tom Kulwicki is a very open and pleasant guy who has the experience to make the holsters just as well as they were always made. He also has all of Lou's original patterns and dies, including experimental ones that didn't go into production. I have one such IWB holster very similar to the classic Nelson Summer Special. It fits S&W J frame and Colt D frame snubbys, and fits both equally as well. It's pretty old but in good condition. When it starts to wear out it's going back to Buffalo so Tom can make me a fresh one.

You can't go wrong with an Alessi holster or one from Ritchie, either.
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  #53  
Old 06-05-2012, 11:33 AM
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I've always had a fantastic experience with Alessi. I ordered a Talon for my Kimber about two years ago. I know Tom took over after Lou passed, and i'm sure there were some growing pains for a while.

When i ordered my previous Talon holster, it took several weeks, but it was so worth it. My Kimber is the only pistol i carry now because i love that holster so much.

I came upon this post while trying to find the Alessi website on Google cause i'm wanting a holster for my XD. I found the site, called the number and got Tom on the phone the first time. He's a SUPER nice guy and always willing to chat. He personally took my order over the phone and promised i'd have it in two weeks.
  #54  
Old 06-05-2012, 03:13 PM
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I recently acquired an Alessi holster; it's a truly outstanding piece of work.

It also took much longer to receive than the company's quoted 10 to 12 weeks (I didn't start checking-in with them until the far end of the agreed upon timeframe passed). They made no attempt to contact me to let me know the item -- for which they required full payment up front -- would be delivered later than promised. Email inquiries were met with an automated response system.

It seems they expect their customers to sit, wonder and wait.

I called, and they do answer. They're truly polite and friendly, and tell you the item is almost done and will ship this week. They'll repeat this conversation with you for the next several weeks, with a different answer each time explaining the delay, and again, only if you call them.

They will offer nothing in the way of concession unless you push for it (marginally expedited shipping in return for my not finally canceling my order and demanding a refund).

This is a lousy way to do business. I'd chalk it up do my unpleasant experience alone except there's this thread and others like it.

This has nothing to do with not understanding the nature of custom work; that's insulting.

This has everything to do with basic, good business practice: keep paying customers adequately informed when you can't meet the agreement you've made.

If I hire myself out as a driver, and you pay me to pick you up next Thursday, and I have car trouble, don't show, and don't let you know, would you really accept "You don't understand the difficulty of car maintenance" as an explanation?

Of course not -- you'd expect me to call you as soon as I knew I wouldn't be able to pick you up, so that you could make any needed adjustments.

And you'd be right to expect that kind of basic customer service, in that situation or any time an agreement is reached and deal made -- especially one that involves money, goods and specific timeframes.

As stated, I eventually got the holster; it's truly terrific. I might even order from Alessi again, I'd just do it with no expectation of when I'd receive it, regardless of what they told me.

And that's a bit unfortunate.
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  #55  
Old 06-07-2012, 07:01 PM
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OK, first item--I do have a comment about Alessi Holsters, but I will get to that just a little later. Forgive me if I may break a few of the "unwritten rules of forums", yet I am a new member to the Smith & Wesson Forum, just joined today and I noticed this subject right off the bat; therefore, this is my first post to the S & W Forum. I read all of the previous comments, and I must say, you seem to be a bunch of good, intelligent, and knowledgeable people, especially in this area of conversation--proud to be associated with each and everyone of you.

My input: I guess we all have our favorite holster maker(s), mine is located back in the woods of Alabama near Springville (Kenny Campbell--KC Custom Gunleather). KC has made me close to 20 holsters (counting the ones he is currently making) and I have about 6 more I need to order from him--could be more since I have my eye on three new additions to my collection (incidentally all of the new additions are made by S & W).

A little about Kenny, KC apprenticed under the infamous recluse (other peoples' words not mine), Thad Rbyka. Interestingly, KC does not have an Internet presence. He does business the old fashion way, word-of-mouth. You have to call or write him, or you could do what I do...get in the car and go see him at his place--he has some good stories to tell. I first heard of KC from Mr. Kenny Jordan who works at Shotgun Sports, HW 431 in Anniston, Alabama and he owns several of KC holsters. Since I have bought a lot of my firearms from Mr. Jordan, I take his advice readily and he was on the money about KC holsters. As stated earlier, I always travel to his place in the woods and work with him in his shop picking the leather and the design of the holster I want (picked up a holster just last week for a Walther PPS 9mm in pigskin--don't laugh--it is a heck of a good rig).

Now with that said, I do buy holsters made by other craftsmen--DeSantis, Bianchi, Galco, Mitch Rosen, and others (yes, I do have a lot of holsters--one/two for each gun). Yesterday, before I joined the forum, I went online and looked over the Alessi Holsters (I have done this on several previous occasions, but finally had the urge to buy) and decided to order some shoulder holsters (KC has taken shoulder holsters out of his line). I talked with the person who answered (Laura?) and I finally got to a question that needed Tom's assistance. Tom was out, yet when he returned he called me right away, discussed my holster needs, came up with a very good solution to meet my needs. I even got a 10% discount for some reason, probably due to something I said in my conversation or it must be my wit. When I asked about billing, Tom told me they would call me when my order was completed and get my shipping address and billing information and they would bill me at the time they shipped the order. I thought, "Hey, this is pretty good, pay for the product when it is ready and not before." KC does the same thing, so I like the setup Alessi has, and they treated me better than family. Now, with that said, I admit that the wait time I was told is 6-8 weeks, but hey, I think we all have to wait to get good custom made holsters. Heck, we will wait weeks--even several months--to get a gun made, repaired, or "tricked out." I have had some places tell me the lead time for a holster is 16-20 weeks, and frankly I do not care about the wait time as long as I get a quality holster--so, all-in-all, not a bad experience. I will keep you posted on the rest of this story, but hey, so-far-so-good.

Last edited by Dock49; 06-07-2012 at 08:58 PM.
  #56  
Old 06-09-2012, 01:12 AM
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There are five Alessi apologists and/or cheerleaders in this thread who at present have exactly one post.

Just sayin'.
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  #57  
Old 06-09-2012, 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Dock49 View Post
My input: I guess we all have our favorite holster maker(s), mine is located back in the woods of Alabama near Springville (Kenny Campbell--KC Custom Gunleather). KC has made me close to 20 holsters (counting the ones he is currently making) and I have about 6 more I need to order from him--could be more since I have my eye on three new additions to my collection (incidentally all of the new additions are made by S & W).

A little about Kenny, KC apprenticed under the infamous recluse (other peoples' words not mine), Thad Rbyka. Interestingly, KC does not have an Internet presence. He does business the old fashion way, word-of-mouth. You have to call or write him, or you could do what I do...get in the car and go see him at his place--he has some good stories to tell. I first heard of KC from Mr. Kenny Jordan who works at Shotgun Sports, HW 431 in Anniston, Alabama and he owns several of KC holsters. Since I have bought a lot of my firearms from Mr. Jordan, I take his advice readily and he was on the money about KC holsters. As stated earlier, I always travel to his place in the woods and work with him in his shop picking the leather and the design of the holster I want (picked up a holster just last week for a Walther PPS 9mm in pigskin--don't laugh--it is a heck of a good rig).
Here's a Ken Campbell holster I have for an N-frame:


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  #58  
Old 06-09-2012, 03:51 PM
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There are five Alessi apologists and/or cheerleaders in this thread who at present have exactly one post.

Just sayin'.
Good obs...
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  #59  
Old 06-12-2012, 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Hapworth View Post
There are five Alessi apologists and/or cheerleaders in this thread who at present have exactly one post.

Just sayin'.

Valid point Hapworth, this was my first post. After all, a person has to start somewhere when joining a forum and I thought this would be a good place to do it since all of you seemed to be well informed about holsters and firearms just like me, so I thought I would add my two cents including my personal experience with Alessi Holsters with a nod to KC who has made most of my holsters (see the posting by db showing one of KC's holsters).

Hapworth, I concede that I have not gone as far into the process as you did--I have only ordered three holsters and discussed how and when payment would be made--I have not actually received the holsters. I did note that I would keep the forum members posted on the rest of the story. Trust me, if it turns out good or bad, I will let the forum know. All I wanted to do was share my viewpoint and an experience with you and that is all it was--my personal experience/opinion. OK, second post--thanks and have a good day.

Respectfully and with Best Regards,

Dock49

PS By-the-way, I like the moniker Hapworth--any literary connection to J.D. Salinger?

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  #60  
Old 06-19-2012, 10:12 AM
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Valid point Hapworth, this was my first post. After all, a person has to start somewhere when joining a forum and I thought this would be a good place to do it since all of you seemed to be well informed about holsters and firearms just like me, so I thought I would add my two cents including my personal experience with Alessi Holsters with a nod to KC who has made most of my holsters (see the posting by db showing one of KC's holsters).

Hapworth, I concede that I have not gone as far into the process as you did--I have only ordered three holsters and discussed how and when payment would be made--I have not actually received the holsters. I did note that I would keep the forum members posted on the rest of the story. Trust me, if it turns out good or bad, I will let the forum know. All I wanted to do was share my viewpoint and an experience with you and that is all it was--my personal experience/opinion. OK, second post--thanks and have a good day.

Respectfully and with Best Regards,

Dock49

PS By-the-way, I like the moniker Hapworth--any literary connection to J.D. Salinger?
Perfectly fair reply, and gentlemanly, too.

And yes, my handle references Salinger's last.
  #61  
Old 06-22-2012, 05:19 PM
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Perfectly fair reply, and gentlemanly, too.

And yes, my handle references Salinger's last.


Hapworth:

Thank you for the nice reply. BTW, Salinger has always been one of my favorite authors--truly a tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy.

Dock 49
  #62  
Old 01-15-2013, 11:03 PM
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I too have several Alessi holsters and live nearby. I bought my first holster about two years ago, went over last March to by one for my new Glock and just asked about a shoulder rig for my Kimber Grand Raptor II, he showed me a holster, set it up and said take it home and try it. One week later I told him I want to order the holster for my Glock and wasn’t sure about the holster for my Kimber. Said just bring it back when my Glock holster is ready. He called me two week later said it was done. Said I didn’t like the way shoulder holster carried. He brought out a 1911 set the holster up properly for me. And I said I’ll take it, but only had the cash for the Glock holster and a bit more. He didn’t know me from Adam, but said take it and swing by when you get a chance and pay the rest, so I did. My Glock holster is one of my most used holsters out of nine holsters. And now that NY is limiting the rounds carried in a clip I will be buying more shoulder rigs with double clip carriers for some of my other guns. And every time I have been there, Tom has taken great care of me and my guns!!
  #63  
Old 01-16-2013, 07:07 PM
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Lou would be turning over in his grave.........He was a great craftsman and a all around good guy....He is missed !!!!!!!
  #64  
Old 07-07-2013, 09:45 PM
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I just received an Alessi Bodyguard shoulder holster for my S&W 1911 Sc E .45. I ordered this in March 2013 and received it four months later.

I own shoulder holsters from Kirkpatrick, Galco and others. In truth, I own way too many holsters of all types. Wthout a douby, this Alessi is the nicest holster I have ever seen both in design, fit, finish and especially the quality of the leather. They have a pull through button that latches inside the trigger guard. This works perfectly and means you don't need a strap of any type to secure your gun. The cut of he straps and the design make this very easy to wear all day long without any shifting of any sort. The holster is smaller than any others I own, doing away with any superfluous leather.

I don't know abut their products when the former owner was alive but I do know what I bought. The absolute best shoulder holster I have found.

I will be ordering others from Alessi. The wait sucked but it is no worse than many other leather craftsmen. Oh, their email goes unanswered so you do need o call them to ask about shipping dates. Although when it shipped, I did receive an email informing me.
  #65  
Old 07-07-2013, 09:55 PM
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I just received an Alessi Bodyguard shoulder holster for my S&W 1911 Sc E .45. I ordered this in March 2013 and received it four months later.

I own shoulder holsters from Kirkpatrick, Galco and others. In truth, I own way too many holsters of all types. Wthout a douby, this Alessi is the nicest holster I have ever seen both in design, fit, finish and especially the quality of the leather. They have a pull through button that latches inside the trigger guard. This works perfectly and means you don't need a strap of any type to secure your gun. The cut of he straps and the design make this very easy to wear all day long without any shifting of any sort. The holster is smaller than any others I own, doing away with any superfluous leather.

I don't know abut their products when the former owner was alive but I do know what I bought. The absolute best shoulder holster I have found.

I will be ordering others from Alessi. The wait sucked but it is no worse than many other leather craftsmen. Oh, their email goes unanswered so you do need o call them to ask about shipping dates. Although when it shipped, I did receive an email informing me.
Without a picture of both gun and holster, it never happened.
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Old 07-15-2013, 10:29 AM
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Well I guess I will chime in on my recent experience with Alessi holsters.

In March, I placed an order through them for an IWB holster (Model PCH). I placed the order through their websight with no problems. Money was paid in advance and the Alessi websight reflected that the item was awaiting fulfillment. I then began to wait, two months, three months almost four months. I contacted them by phone prior to the four month anniversary to check the status. A young lady answered the phone. I explained my circumstances and I gave her my information. Within 10 minutes, I received a phone call back from a different, older sounding woman (I'm guessing the owner). She apologized for the mix up and assured me that the holster would be out for delivery in the next two weeks. At this point I was satisfied with the response and the promise of a quality holster soon to arrive. Fast forward to the present...... I received my holster this past weekend. Was I excited to finally have it. I ripped open the box to see THE WRONG MODEL HOLSTER!!!!!! I wasn't totally discouraged, what I saw in the box was nice, real nice. I thought I can live with this. It is a less expensive model but it was well crafted. I then go to put my pistol in the holster only to find that the holster isn't even for the model I ordered. (3" barrel instead of 4"). Totally useless to me.
I call them on Monday when they open and go over the details of the order. The young lady that answered the phone was very understanding of my situation. She again took down my information and assured me that it wouldn't take four months again to fulfill the order. When I asked about how long I should expect the remade holster, she informed me that it could get done in about A WEEK!!!!!. REALLY!!!!
I would hazard a guess that if I had not made the call three weeks ago, the original wrong holster that was mailed was not even in production. It wasn't until the heard from me that they noticed how far back some of their orders were backlogged (Thus the apology from the older lady the first time I called). I am currently mailing the wrong holster back (On my dime). I was told they will refund me the cost of shipping when they receive the product.
My closing opinion on Alessi holsters is it is a fine product. The finish for what I received was top notch, just wrong. Do not plan on receiving their product in a reasonable time unless you stay on top of them. In hindsight, I probably should have called and checked its production much sooner, like after two months. The next few weeks will tell how this is ultimately resolved. I hope my experience can help someone in the future.

Patrick
  #67  
Old 07-16-2013, 03:46 PM
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Update on my last post:

Today I was pleasantly surprised by a call from Tom, the current owner of Alessi Holsters. Tom and I talked at length about my order and after the discussion I have all the confidence my order will be filled in a timely manner. He explained that the mix up on the holster model was due largely to the type of pistol I ordered for. Apparently, the holster style I ordered will not work with the revolver it was intended. (Regardless of the order form allowing a customer to order one). He is refunding the difference and cutting a check for the shipping cost of the returned item. He also informed me that the production of my holster was going to begin today.

All in all, I feel a lot better about my purchase after hearing from Tom personally. I believe their products to be superior to many customs I have seen and I will most likely continue purchasing from them in the future. My advise to those that are looking to purchase a holster from Alessi, plan on a lengthy wait (approximately 4 months). I hope to post pictures of the completed rig in the coming weeks.

Patrick
  #68  
Old 11-12-2013, 04:12 PM
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Unfortunately, I did not do due diligence before ordering a shoulder holster from Alessi Holsters. My BAD. Another holster maker had recommended Alessi as he did not make shoulder holsters.
I placed my order with Tom on 12/28/12 and received it 39 weeks later. No joke. The pistol holding part of the rig looked fine. The entire rest looked as though it was punched out of naugahyde. Tom swore that it was chrome treated leather.
The single magazine holder did not fit! Tom said that he would ship the proper magazine holder ASAP. He did and it is of the wrong color but it fits and at this point I will keep it.
If you want a shoulder holster, may I recommend Black Hills leather? Rudy and Rudy, jr. go all the way for the customer. I have several of Rudy's holsters and love them. One more is on its' way.
So folks, why continue to be frustrated and disappointed with Alessi when we have several viable alternatives?
  #69  
Old 11-13-2013, 08:37 PM
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When one company has this much trouble delivering a product in anything like their original estimate of time and also can't deliver holsters for the weapons that fit properly, it's time to quit using them. People who like them and continue to order from them then have no one to complain to other than themselves. Alessi is not the only company making quality leather. Far from it.
  #70  
Old 11-19-2013, 06:32 PM
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Whatever the current state of Alessi Holsters, reading through this thread I learned of 4-5 holster makers new to me. I count that as a "Win." I have now added them to the 50+ holster makers I already have bookmarked. Thank you all.

FTR, I love good quality gunleather and never bought an Alessi when he was alive.
  #71  
Old 12-05-2013, 03:36 PM
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Default My Experience with Alessi Holsters

Having been in law enforcement for over 30 years I was looking to purchase a new holster for my Sig 229 and I was given the name Alessi holsters by a co worker and in researching this company I came across this forum. I know there are always 2 sides to any story so I called this company to see for myself. After a couple of rings I was speaking to a very nice lady named Laura who was very helpful and then transferred to Tom the owner. Tom took the time to explain all my options and gave me his expert oppinion as well. When I had a few questions on the design of this particular holster Tom said no problem I have one right here and I will send it to you to see for yourself. Well I had that holster in my hands in a matter of a few days and I absolutely love it except it is not the color I want but Tom is making mine right now and I can't wait to get it! My dealings with Tom and Alessi holsters has been nothing but enjoyable not to mention the product quality is second to none! Thanks again Tom!!!!!
  #72  
Old 02-24-2014, 12:44 PM
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Here is an unboxing video of an Alessi Holster that talks about how long it takes to order one. I hope this sheds some light on some of the comments here.

Unboxing an Alessi Holster - YouTube
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Old 02-24-2014, 01:45 PM
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Here is an unboxing video of an Alessi Holster that talks about how long it takes to order one. I hope this sheds some light on some of the comments here.

Unboxing an Alessi Holster - YouTube
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You note in your video they quoted four months -- at least they're now extending the expected wait time up front. But they still took another four weeks beyond that to deliver; once past deadline, did they initiate any contact with you to acknowledge or explain the delay, and offer a revised delivery date?
  #74  
Old 02-24-2014, 03:15 PM
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I don't have any personal experience with Alessi holsters, so no comment on that, but if you like the Alessi style, Skip Ritchie, who was in the business with Lou and designed some of the old Alessi line, is making a really fine line of holsters under the name Ritchie Leather. I have several from them, and they are all fantastic. I bought a couple through Top Gun Supply, but I also called and ordered another directly. I talked to Bob Ritchie on the phone, placed my order, and had it in a couple weeks. GREAT product, no hassle service, and highly recommended if you like the Alessi style. In fact, I think they are working out of the old Alessi shop.
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Last edited by 66Park; 02-24-2014 at 03:18 PM.
  #75  
Old 03-10-2014, 03:28 PM
jrodrg jrodrg is offline
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I figured I'd join this forum and get in on this action. I'm local here in Buffalo to both Ritchie Leather Co. and Alessi Holsters. I had my heart set on the Nighthawk for my newly acquired S&W .40 Shield made by Ritchie Leather Co but I didn't want to spend $75 on a holster. I first saw that holster at Buffalo Gun Center and tried it out.... loved the fitment and quality but like I said before I didn't want to drop that much cash on a holster at this time.

After a quick search for "Buffalo gun holsters" on goggle I was led to this site. I started reading this thread and was even more sold on the Ritchie's Nighthawk. I kept reading and it seemed maybe a few people had a bad experience at Alessi. So I found their number and called them up. A sexy voice answered "this is Jenny" I asked if they had anything for my Shield and I was looking for inside the waistband. She gave the phone to her father Tom (current owner). We talked about the Talon and Talon plus. Tom said he was finishing up on one and he also had another one in stock. He said he could have either one shipped today. I told him I was local and wanted to come out to see the fitment and try it on. He said to come on down.

Once I got there he let me try on the Talon + and it was a great fit. We didn't discuss price and talked for about 10 mins. I finally asked if he took credit and he said no. I asked how much it was and he said he was going to give me a deal because the one he let me try on wasn't stamped correctly and I was local and took the time to stop in. $50 which I thought was really great deal. I told him to hang on to the holster because I needed to get to an ATM. He said don't worry about it, I trust you. I took the holster with me and came back with the $50 an hour later. That's really all I have to add to this... and that his daughter is very attractive..... sorry Tom if your reading this.... consider it a complement.

-Jrod

Last edited by handejector; 04-02-2014 at 08:32 PM. Reason: Inappro Langu
  #76  
Old 03-10-2014, 04:26 PM
Hapworth Hapworth is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jrodrg View Post
I figured I'd join this forum and get in on this action. I'm local here in Buffalo to both Ritchie Leather Co. and Alessi Holsters. I had my heart set on the Nighthawk for my newly acquired S&W .40 Shield made by Ritchie Leather Co but I didn't want to spend $75 on a holster. I first saw that holster at Buffalo Gun Center and tried it out.... loved the fitment and quality but like I said before I didn't want to drop that much cash on a holster at this time.

After a quick search for "Buffalo gun holsters" on goggle I was led to this site. I started reading this thread and was even more sold on the Ritchie's Nighthawk. I kept reading and it seemed maybe a few people had a bad experience at Alessi. So I found their number and called them up. A sexy voice answered "this is Jenny" I asked if they had anything for my Shield and I was looking for inside the waistband. She gave the phone to her father Tom (current owner). We talked about the Talon and Talon plus. Tom said he was finishing up on one and he also had another one in stock. He said he could have either one shipped today. I told him I was local and wanted to come out to see the fitment and try it on. He said to come on down.

Once I got there he let me try on the Talon + and it was a great fit. We didn't discuss price and talked for about 10 mins. I finally asked if he took credit and he said no. I asked how much it was and he said he was going to give me a deal because the one he let me try on wasn't stamped correctly and I was local and took the time to stop in. $50 which I thought was really great deal. I told him to hang on to the holster because I needed to get to an ATM. He said don't worry about it, I trust you. I took the holster with me and came back with the $50 an hour later. That's really all I have to add to this... and that his daughter is very attractive..... sorry Tom if your reading this.... consider it a complement.

-Jrod
Greetings jrodrg and welcome to the forum. You're one of several now who were inspired to join and post based only on this thread.

Good to hear of your pleasant purchasing experience with Alessi; indeed they make an excellent holster.

I'm surprised to learn that they don't accept credit cards. Odd, but might be an in-store thing, I guess, because they've been accepting credit cards for online purchases for years.

Based on your post, I too Google searched "buffalo gun holsters" and got only five hits, none for S&W Forum or anything leading to it. Glad you nonetheless found your way here to provide a positive report.

The take away from your contribution, it seems, is that to have an overall good buying experience from Alessi -- particularly inasmuch as timeliness and communication are involved -- you have to physically go to the shop.

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  #77  
Old 03-11-2014, 09:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jrodrg View Post
I figured I'd join this forum and get in on this action. I'm local here in Buffalo to both Ritchie Leather Co. and Alessi Holsters. I had my heart set on the Nighthawk for my newly acquired S&W .40 Shield made by Ritchie Leather Co but I didn't want to spend $75 on a holster. I first saw that holster at Buffalo Gun Center and tried it out.... loved the fitment and quality but like I said before I didn't want to drop that much cash on a holster at this time.

After a quick search for "Buffalo gun holsters" on goggle I was led to this site. I started reading this thread and was even more sold on the Ritchie's Nighthawk. I kept reading and it seemed maybe a few people had a bad experience at Alessi. So I found their number and called them up. A sexy voice answered "this is Jenny" I asked if they had anything for my Shield and I was looking for inside the waistband. She gave the phone to her father Tom (current owner). We talked about the Talon and Talon plus. Tom said he was finishing up on one and he also had another one in stock. He said he could have either one shipped today. I told him I was local and wanted to come out to see the fitment and try it on. He said to come on down.

Once I got there he let me try on the Talon + and it was a great fit. We didn't discuss price and talked for about 10 mins. I finally asked if he took credit and he said no. I asked how much it was and he said he was going to give me a deal because the one he let me try on wasn't stamped correctly and I was local and took the time to stop in. $50 which I thought was really great deal. I told him to hang on to the holster because I needed to get to an ATM. He said don't worry about it, I trust you. I took the holster with me and came back with the $50 an hour later. That's really all I have to add to this... and that his daughter is very attractive..... sorry Tom if your reading this.... consider it a complement.

-Jrod
I wonder what made you want to take the time to drive over to the Alessi shop to check out a Talon plus, which is a $90 holster when the Ritchie Nighthawk is $75, and you said it was too much for you. Personally, I think $75 is a very fair price for the Nighthawk. I have two of them.
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  #78  
Old 03-18-2014, 01:35 PM
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All right, I waited a polite week to say it: since the last time I noted the same thing, we've had a few more "new members" who appear to have signed up exclusively to post a one-time-only positive comment about Alessi, then disappear, usually with questions unanswered.

Once again, just sayin'...
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  #79  
Old 03-18-2014, 06:54 PM
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I noticed the same thing.
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  #80  
Old 03-18-2014, 08:03 PM
Bell Charter Oak Holsters Bell Charter Oak Holsters is offline
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This thread should just languish and die away. Lou Alessi was a good guy, a superior craftsman and designer, and now he's gone. How many years are we going to beat this drum....it has all been said. Lou's gone, that's that, end of story.

Cheers;
Lefty
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  #81  
Old 03-31-2014, 11:45 AM
jrodrg jrodrg is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 66Park View Post
I wonder what made you want to take the time to drive over to the Alessi shop to check out a Talon plus, which is a $90 holster when the Ritchie Nighthawk is $75, and you said it was too much for you. Personally, I think $75 is a very fair price for the Nighthawk. I have two of them.
I did not know it was $90 new and my intentions were not to actually buy one at the current moment. However when shopping for a holster I feel that you have to try it on with the gun to get a feel for what you're paying for. I liked the fit of both to be honest and if Tom from Alessi said it was $90 after I tried it on I would've walked away and bought the Ritchie one. I'm also not to far from their shop.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Hapworth View Post
All right, I waited a polite week to say it: since the last time I noted the same thing, we've had a few more "new members" who appear to have signed up exclusively to post a one-time-only positive comment about Alessi, then disappear, usually with questions unanswered.

Once again, just sayin'...
I have nothing to prove to any of you. I actually live in Buffalo so why not go right to the source? In an essence I actually helped some of you out no? You have questions ask away. I actually brought this to Toms attention to make him aware of his business model he's presenting online. I could tell he was busy and perhaps over worked with orders. The place was a complete mess and finding the place was a disaster.

Also I feel I need to correct/ add some information to my previous statement about googling "buffalo gun holsters"

Upon googling "buffalo gun holsters" google led me to Ritchie and Alessi from there if you google Alessi this page is the 2nd link. That's how I found this page hence googling "buffalo gun holsters" LED me to this site. I didn't realize I needed to be more specific.

You guys don't seem to realize how the internet can damage a reputation of a business. If the original poster was unhappy he should've contacted his credit card company for a full refund.

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  #82  
Old 03-31-2014, 12:32 PM
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Quote:
...You guys don't seem to realize how the internet can damage a reputation of a business....
You have it backwards: what some business don't realize is how poor service can damage their reputation, and how powerful the Internet is at spreading the word.

If Alessi Holsters was genuinely interested in their reputation and customer satisfaction and loyalty, not only would they provide a better customer-oriented purchasing and waiting experience, but they'd step up to threads like these, identify themselves, speak to their customers' reported experiences, relay their side of the story, take responsibility for legitimate instances of sub-par service, and offer a clear vision of how they intend to improve.

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  #83  
Old 03-31-2014, 02:01 PM
jrodrg jrodrg is offline
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I concur Hapworth. To the contrary though I'm not affiliated with them at all. I just seem to have had a positive experience and Tom was nice enough to me so I felt it was worth my .02 to speak my mind. I'm happy with my holster and the price I paid. That's really all i have left to say about this matter.
  #84  
Old 04-02-2014, 08:56 PM
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Posted 3-18-14:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hapworth View Post
All right, I waited a polite week to say it: since the last time I noted the same thing, we've had a few more "new members" who appear to have signed up exclusively to post a one-time-only positive comment about Alessi, then disappear, usually with questions unanswered.

Once again, just sayin'...
That is probably a prudent thought to have in a thread like this.
However, it should be voiced very sparingly.
The fact is we gets LOTS of new members through Google.
Your post above is from 3-18. From 3-19 to my post today, 4-2-14 at about 9pm, well over 900 members have joined this board.
Most of them found us through Google.
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