The first "gun magazine" I ever bought was the 1969 Guns Illustrated. As a pre-adolescent I had my own subscriptions to Guns & Ammo and Shooting Times. Suffice it to say, that I have been an enthusiast a long time. Although I like shotgunning and riflery, my main interest and passion has been handguns. It became readily apparent that a handgun requires a holster. During the 70s and 80s Bianchi was the 800 lb. gorilla of the gunleather industry. Although I also acquired leather from peers like Roy Baker, Bucheimer, G. Wm. Davis, Gene DeSantis, Ernie Hill, Don Hume, Bill Rogers, Tex Shoemaker and many others... It was Bianchi that dominated my holster collection.

Designs like the #3/3S Pistol Pocket IWB, #4 Askins Avenger, #111 Cyclone cross draw, #50 Chapman High-Ride, and many, many more became more than accessories for the fashionable handgunner. Rather, these designs became favored companions. Most have been with me for decades now. In fact, most of these designs are still in production and having "endured the test of time" have become the criterion for comparison. Eventually, I came across a copy of John Bianchi's book, "Blue Steel and Gunleather." While studying the book, I first became aware of the contributions that Red Nichols made. Later, I learned that Red was in fact the designer of many of my longtime favorite holsters. Each of the holsters noted above (and all pictured below) are his designs.

So, when I recently discovered his new website... red nichols holsters ...offering his latest custom designs for sale, I couldn't resist. After studying the various models I decided on a Maltese Falcon OWB for a 5" 1911. Of course, ostrich trim and kangaroo lining were obligatory for a holster coming from Down Under (he moved from the U.S. to Australia some time ago.) As for color, I asked Red to surprise me. I am glad I did. Red's website promises delivery within four weeks. The Maltese Falcon was delivered in well under his stated time frame. That's remarkable for delivery of a true custom holster.

Without further ado, here it is.

First with "siblings" of Red's designs from makers including, Bianchi, Aker, DeSantis and Gould/Goodrich:



Next, with my Colt Gold Cup Trophy:



Finally, solo:



I could go into a lot of detail about this holster. Suffice it to say, that it does its job very well. It provides comfort, security, accessibility, ease of draw and presentation, etc. And, it is a work of art that was handmade by the man I personally consider to be the single most productive and prolific holster designer of modern times. In short, to me, this is more than just a holster. It is a prized possession.

Thank you Red.

Now, to negotiate with Mrs. Santa about the need for a matching belt and magazine pouch..

P.S. My apologies for the minor handling marks on the holster. (Seems like everything I own ends up with "handling marks".) That said, as elegant as this holster is, it isn't meant to be a safe queen, or meant for the "holster box". It is a tool that is meant to be worn.


MB