New member here.

Just curious if anybody knows the backstory I heard somebody bragging up Bobby Mac holsters on a different thread so I tried to order one for my .38 special sent in my money and got nothing but promises for eight months when I finally asked him to refund my money because I thought it was a scam the next day I got my money back. Nothing but excuses for 8 months. Im new to handguns, is this common? Seems awfully weird to me.

Today I ordered a Galco and it was in stock BAM

I realize the BM's are custom made but 8 months in this day and age seems ridiculous from my perspective.

Go to the "gun leather/ carry gear sub forum,
Lots of good advice for a holster, and other gear.

Nobody knows....?
8 months seems completly out of line in this day and age, maybe common in the handgun industry.

I've never heard anything negative about Bobby Mac's shop until your post. As far as I know, they're a one-man shop. Milt Sparks has a few artisans working there, and for a time their turnaround time exceeded 6 months. Not holsters, but grips made by Craig Spegel have at least a 1-year turnaround time.

Did they give you a quote about how long it would take?

If you don't want to wait for a holster, don't order from a small custom shop.

I am unfamiliar with this maker and so expect it is mighty small and relatively new. The major companies are a ready choice because they build and hold inventory. Galco is one of the very best choices for this and for good design and excellent quality though they predominantly make Bianchi copies. DeSantis in NY and Aker in CA are also large stocking makers but offer their own, original designs, some of which are by me for them.

The so-called custom makers claim their long ladtimes as a sign of quality, and I suppose it does indicate a willingness to wait to own a particular brand. Yet what it actually indicates is that the maker is unwilling to gear up for more production. That would introduce more economic risk for them.

Myself, without asking for your business but to give you a frame of reference, I provide a 4week guarantee to your door from my shop in Australia. Or I don't accept the order (which has never happened). And I don't accept payment until the order is completed and a pic by email has been approved. Every little maker is capable of doing this, they just have to stop excusing and even bragging about their long delays.

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

Thanks. I already ordered a Galco, but may need more

As someone who is self-employed and has to stock inventory I totally understand that but leather is relatively inexpensive compared to other manufacturing. He did have a son that he said needed 26 operations and I'm empathetic towards that but he took my payment in full and then sat on it for eight months so lesson learned.

I've waited for a couple of months to get custom holsters from El Paso Saddlery. It always feels longer, but I've been really pleased with their work. I think many custom makers have got crazy-good skills in their craft, but have a harder time with the business end of entrepreneurship. If exclusivity is what you're looking for, these newer artisans can give you something that Galco or Safariland can't deliver. However, if the wait bothers you, you may wish to go with a larger, more established outfit...