Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Gun Leather & Carry Gear
o

Notices

Gun Leather & Carry Gear All Holster and Gun Leather Topics


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-02-2016, 08:23 AM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
US Veteran
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Boise, Idaho
Posts: 8,002
Likes: 35,764
Liked 29,650 Times in 6,014 Posts
Default Thad Rybka holster

Thad had previously made me one of his SPS Speed Scabbards
for my LCR, and I really liked his work, so I went back to him.
Here is a speed scabbard with "dog ear" added, shown holding
my S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg SAM_0046.jpg (120.4 KB, 460 views)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-13-2017, 02:34 PM
-db-'s Avatar
-db- -db- is offline
US Veteran
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 4,569
Likes: 13,995
Liked 5,918 Times in 1,761 Posts
Default

Here's one I found recently on eBay. Listed as an unknown holster for an unknown pistol, I easily recognized it was for a 1911 but when I saw the seller's photo of the backside of the holster, I smiled. Apparently no one else figured out what it was, so I got it for the opening bid price. I think it might be an earlier Rhodesian model due to the lack of a date marked along Rybka's initials and/or a special order due to the tension screw and the cant. Most of these I see lack the screw and are neutral cant. Musty, dusty and dirty when it arrived, it cleaned up well.



__________________
SWHF #448

Last edited by -db-; 04-13-2017 at 02:37 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-13-2017, 04:08 PM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
US Veteran
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Boise, Idaho
Posts: 8,002
Likes: 35,764
Liked 29,650 Times in 6,014 Posts
Default

Good pick db. It looks like new.
__________________
In Omnia Paratus
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 04-14-2017, 01:55 PM
buffhuntr buffhuntr is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Up North
Posts: 51
Likes: 148
Liked 51 Times in 13 Posts
Default

Does Thad still offer a catalog? Just wondering how much to send him to get a copy.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 04-14-2017, 02:23 PM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
US Veteran
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Boise, Idaho
Posts: 8,002
Likes: 35,764
Liked 29,650 Times in 6,014 Posts
Default

I don't think he has a catalog. You can send him a letter and describe
what you need. He will probably write back and enclose an order form.
Let me know if you need his address.
Whoops! Just noticed his address is on the order form in post #2 above.
Still correct last I knew
__________________
In Omnia Paratus

Last edited by crazyphil; 04-14-2017 at 02:27 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 04-20-2017, 08:01 PM
p8riot's Avatar
p8riot p8riot is offline
US Veteran
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Chesterfield County, VA
Posts: 510
Likes: 464
Liked 1,123 Times in 264 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyphil View Post
I don't think he has a catalog. You can send him a letter and describe
what you need. He will probably write back and enclose an order form.
Let me know if you need his address.
Whoops! Just noticed his address is on the order form in post #2 above.
Still correct last I knew
That's what happened to me. Wrote him, waited a few weeks got two order forms, now have two holsters on order for about a month now.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 04-21-2017, 12:51 AM
Cyrano's Avatar
Cyrano Cyrano is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 7,581
Likes: 13,500
Liked 6,743 Times in 2,526 Posts
Default

Here's another one of his. I bought it about 20 years ago to carry a Colt Mustang as a backup, hence the left handed holster. Sold the Mustang and have been meaning to get another, but just never did. He sure makes good holsters.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_1520.jpg (75.1 KB, 127 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_1522.jpg (71.3 KB, 109 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 04-21-2017, 06:39 AM
keithherrington's Avatar
keithherrington keithherrington is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Palmyra, VA
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
Liked 171 Times in 49 Posts
Default Here's mine

Post deleted due to Photobucket's policy change.

Last edited by keithherrington; 08-26-2017 at 10:33 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 04-21-2017, 10:08 PM
BC38's Avatar
BC38 BC38 is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 13,474
Likes: 1,145
Liked 18,396 Times in 7,278 Posts
Default

Interesting 1911 holster.
Is that cant meant for appendix?
Or for crossdraw?
Or for either?
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 04-22-2017, 09:33 AM
-db-'s Avatar
-db- -db- is offline
US Veteran
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 4,569
Likes: 13,995
Liked 5,918 Times in 1,761 Posts
Default

It's a strong side hip holster. The forward rake (or reverse cant, however you want to look at it) isn't quite enough for crossdraw. The basic design is borne of the Rhodesian Bush War and early IPSC influences.
__________________
SWHF #448
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 04-22-2017, 12:18 PM
turnerriver's Avatar
turnerriver turnerriver is online now
Moderator

Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Miami,Fl
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 11,161
Liked 18,010 Times in 2,512 Posts
Default

I've been meaning to get this old holster out since this thread started and finally did. I lived in Huntsville, Alabama in 1979 and bought this holster to carry my lightweight Commander in. The Commander is long gone but here is an old Rybka holster, the only one I own. The TR makers mark is on the right next to the belt slot in the closeup, faint & hard to see. I used to carry this holster fairly frequently.
Regards,
turnerriver


__________________
turnerriver

Last edited by turnerriver; 11-22-2023 at 07:07 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 05-06-2017, 06:32 AM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
US Veteran
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Boise, Idaho
Posts: 8,002
Likes: 35,764
Liked 29,650 Times in 6,014 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cprher View Post
Holding a 3.5" Model 27 with Spegels

Keith
Gotta love them Spegels.
Here is my Colt's Agent with extended boots
from Craig Spegel.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg SAM_0186.jpg (74.9 KB, 44 views)
__________________
In Omnia Paratus
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 11-22-2023, 02:55 PM
Papa Lee's Avatar
Papa Lee Papa Lee is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 207
Likes: 1,853
Liked 747 Times in 159 Posts
Default Thad Rybka Holsters

I decided to reopen this thread with an uncommon example of an Oak leaf tooled Cross-draw Thad Rybka from 2014 for a S&W N frame 4" barrel. If there is interest, I may add a few more Rybkas from my accumulation.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF0290.jpg (105.3 KB, 68 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0288.jpg (101.8 KB, 52 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0289.jpg (99.6 KB, 47 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0287.jpg (107.5 KB, 47 views)
__________________
Lee Erickson
Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #14  
Old 11-22-2023, 07:08 PM
turnerriver's Avatar
turnerriver turnerriver is online now
Moderator

Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Miami,Fl
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 11,161
Liked 18,010 Times in 2,512 Posts
Default

That’s a beauty, Lee. I fixed my photos in my post above. I’ve always found his business model intriguing.
Regards,
turnerriver
__________________
turnerriver
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 11-22-2023, 09:43 PM
SG-688 SG-688 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 407
Liked 2,219 Times in 618 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by -db- View Post
Here's one I found recently on eBay. Listed as an unknown holster for an unknown pistol, I easily recognized it was for a 1911 but when I saw the seller's photo of the backside of the holster, I smiled. Apparently no one else figured out what it was, so I got it for the opening bid price. I think it might be an earlier Rhodesian model due to the lack of a date marked along Rybka's initials and/or a special order due to the tension screw and the cant. Most of these I see lack the screw and are neutral cant. Musty, dusty and dirty when it arrived, it cleaned up well.
We later found that -db-'s holster is a Guatemalan model rather than a Rhodesian.

From the 1982 and 1991 catalogs: Muzzle forward carry is fast from crossdraw or appendix position. Not as concealable as the Rhodesian.
.

edit: -db- is living happily in retirement. I emailed him that I had reposted his pictures. He sent best wishes to all his friends here.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Rybka, Thad Guatemalan dbi a.jpg (122.3 KB, 34 views)
File Type: jpg Rybka, Thad Guatemalan dbi b.jpg (134.0 KB, 30 views)

Last edited by SG-688; 11-27-2023 at 01:59 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 11-23-2023, 12:46 PM
Papa Lee's Avatar
Papa Lee Papa Lee is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 207
Likes: 1,853
Liked 747 Times in 159 Posts
Default The Rhodesian by Thad Rybka

An example of the much celebrated Rhodesian holster for a 1911 Colt. The year is hard to read - could be "98".
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF0291.jpg (77.0 KB, 61 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0293.jpg (82.0 KB, 56 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0294.jpg (78.9 KB, 47 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0295.jpg (78.3 KB, 49 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0296.jpg (84.0 KB, 46 views)
__________________
Lee Erickson
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 11-25-2023, 07:41 PM
Papa Lee's Avatar
Papa Lee Papa Lee is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 207
Likes: 1,853
Liked 747 Times in 159 Posts
Default Thad Rybka rough-out

Thad Rybka 1999 rough-out cross-draw for a Ruger Blackhawk.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF0297.jpg (64.5 KB, 26 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0298.jpg (78.8 KB, 21 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0299.jpg (70.7 KB, 21 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0300.jpg (130.5 KB, 17 views)
__________________
Lee Erickson
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 11-26-2023, 12:31 PM
Papa Lee's Avatar
Papa Lee Papa Lee is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 207
Likes: 1,853
Liked 747 Times in 159 Posts
Default Thad Rybka IWB

For a model 19 or 66 from 1985. Leather is thinner.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF0310.jpg (97.3 KB, 38 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0311.jpg (75.3 KB, 29 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0312.jpg (97.2 KB, 24 views)
__________________
Lee Erickson
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 11-27-2023, 02:03 PM
Papa Lee's Avatar
Papa Lee Papa Lee is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 207
Likes: 1,853
Liked 747 Times in 159 Posts
Default Another Thad Rybka IWB

For a Colt SAA. 1998. Possibly modified to be ambidextrous.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF0308.jpg (67.6 KB, 13 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0309.jpg (107.5 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0307.jpg (66.9 KB, 10 views)
__________________
Lee Erickson
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 12-11-2023, 12:26 PM
Papa Lee's Avatar
Papa Lee Papa Lee is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 207
Likes: 1,853
Liked 747 Times in 159 Posts
Default Another Thad Rybka holster

This is a cross draw for a 7 1/2" Colt SAA from 1995..
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF0304.jpg (64.3 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0305.jpg (76.6 KB, 5 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0306.jpg (131.5 KB, 6 views)
__________________
Lee Erickson
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #21  
Old 12-11-2023, 02:22 PM
470Evans 470Evans is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 51
Likes: 15
Liked 247 Times in 39 Posts
Default

I had Thad make a couple for me before he retired. One is for a 4 3/4" Colt SAA and the other is for a 7 1/2" Colt New Frontier.

I wish he was still making them as I could use a few more.



Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #22  
Old 12-12-2023, 11:30 AM
Papa Lee's Avatar
Papa Lee Papa Lee is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 207
Likes: 1,853
Liked 747 Times in 159 Posts
Default Thad Rybka mob

Perhaps the most unusual Rybka I have seen. A small of back holster for a 1911 style pistol from 1985. Or middle of back because the forum won't allow the other *** acronym .
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF0313.jpg (72.9 KB, 22 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0314.jpg (84.8 KB, 17 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0316.jpg (131.5 KB, 12 views)
__________________
Lee Erickson
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #23  
Old 12-19-2023, 12:13 PM
Papa Lee's Avatar
Papa Lee Papa Lee is offline
Member
Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster Thad Rybka holster  
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 207
Likes: 1,853
Liked 747 Times in 159 Posts
Default Another Thad Rybka

This one for a Colt SAA from 1999.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF0301.jpg (81.1 KB, 5 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0302.jpg (88.9 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0303.jpg (64.6 KB, 3 views)
__________________
Lee Erickson
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Thad Rybka holster question etexas Gun Leather & Carry Gear 3 11-15-2015 02:12 AM
Thad Rybka holster for SAA wsr Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 11-06-2015 06:46 PM
Sold: Holsters S&W J K L N Sherrick, Rybka, Side Guard + More -db- Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 5 11-18-2014 09:04 PM
My worn 36 and Thad Rybka holster jsfricks S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 8 03-20-2013 10:21 PM
WTS: J frame shoulder holster, Bianchi paddle holster, 1911 Holster ahanes Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 2 02-20-2012 03:18 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:30 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)