Searching for 3rd Gen holsters?

[BAM-BAM]

Got back from the lake and stopped at the Post Office to pick up the mail. The Bang Bang Leather "Rhodesian" for my Beretta was waiting......see pics in post # 59 above.

Feels good riding on my Bianchi B-12 1.5" fancy stitch belt.
Grip is "snug" to the body but my thumb slides in easily.........
My Beretta 92 Compact with Mec-gar 15rd mag (15+1) and VZ thin G-10 grips weights in at 38oz loaded.
Because of the slightly lower cut the gun clears leather mid-belt. Easy to clear leather in a seated position.
Good retention.
Bottom of the holster (gun has a 4.25inch barrel) is at the top of the rear pocket on my Wrangler's. Seated I have a good three maybe 4 inch clearance on a chair.

Overall very nice first impression.

Just tried my Wilson Combat Centurion ...... really tight with the rail. I think the front sight ; a Ameriglo "Hackathorn" design is higher & wider than a stock front sight..... is causing the hang up. Tried a "standard" Centurion ( 17+1 at 40oz) with a drilled fiber optic front sight.... it fits fine.

Another winner from Gordon!!!!!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Man-oh-man, this thread keeps going and now I know what a SIS is, a Rhodesian (it's not just a dog donchano!), what Bang Bang Leather is, and lots of interesting things along those lines.

Enablers, yes, thank you all so much! So I'll get in line for one soon!

 

[BAM-BAM]

Been wearing the "Rhodesian" everyday for a week now. While I was at the lake on a 3 day weekend I carried the Wilson Combat with the rail and 18+1 (41.5 oz.)

About 10 hrs each day; comfortable first hour and last, secure, concealed well under a "Fishing" style shirt or a"Shoot me first" vest (I need pockets) for a trip into town. Butt is snug to the body even with the 18 rd mag.; but still easy to get a fast grip.

Here in the Burgh I opted for a 92 Compact 15+1 (38oz)

What is old is new again..... the old classic holster designers/makers came up with some great designs that still work very well today. And, they are a whole lot better looking and classier than today's plastic fantastic holsters.

 

[Ethang]

You guys keep posting reports like this... don't you understand I am trying to reduce my holster numbers, not purchase more. I need another holster like I need another wife...but the Rhodesian is making me think maybe a innocent afternoon trist...

 

[Ethang]

I buckled under the pressure. Will post up when it's done.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Got another Rhodesian on the way........ For a 92 Compact/Centurion without a rail. I wanted a bit more retention for EDC than the holster for my Wilson Combat Centurion Tactical with a rail offered.

I generally carry ( since the late 80s) IWB in a Sparks Summer Special or Executive Companion. This is a great holster for OWB EDC concealed carry....which I'm doing more of when in the Laurel Highlands of Pa.

While I don't generally carry cocked and locked.... thinking about getting one for a Browning Hi-Power for range use..........................

 

[kbm6893]

Those holsters look great. The 3rd gen holsters I have are all either Desantis or Galco. All bought within the last few years. I prefer a thumb break. One of them, I think the Galco Cop, will fit my 4566 and the M&P 45, although the M&P is a bit snug. The Desantis Shield holster will also fit my 3953, but the 3953 is a hair loose, but with the thumb break it doesn’t worry me.

When I was on the job, thumb breaks were mandatory. It’s what I learned on and don’t see a reason to change. Truth is, I rarely carry OWB anymore, although it is more comfortable to. I never really warmed up to IWB, but it is the most concealable way for me to carry. I use a Hidden Hybrid holster at 3 o’clock with either my Shield Plus or Ruger LC9S.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Open carry or out in Penn's Woods it's a thumb break for me .. concealed carry, in an urban/suburban environment , I'm good with the retention of a Sparks Summer Special or a well boned Bang Bang Leather Rhodesian.

 

[Ethang]

Gordon sent me pics of the finished product. I asked him to step out of normal for this one to accommodate a current work project. It likely would not be something most other shooters would want, but I am strange in that way.

I will wait to post pics until it gets here, and can include the pistol, but it looks fantastic. Hobby holster smith my butt...from the pics it looks as good as some top hide stretchers have produced.

Now I am going to need one for my 3913 too...

 

[Ethang]

I did not want to start a new thread even though this holster is for a MP platform..

When 18DAI first posted this I had no idea what a Rhodesian style holster was, but was intrigued by the pictures. I contacted Gordon and asked him about fitment for a work project, MP 2.0 Core I am working on. He had never done one for a pistol with suppressor height sights, and did not have a mold for one. Ingenuity is the mother of invention and he made it happen.

I have been wearing it now for about a week, did some live fire drills and passed it around to a few of my fellow instructors. This leather holster clicks in and out like kydex, is extremely secure and just as fast to draw from. It conceals very well under a loose fitting shirt, much more so than the plastic holster I had been using.

Excuse the pictures and the belly, I am a cop not a photographer.

Thank you Gordon. For somebody doing this as a hobby you do excellent work.

 

[squidsix]

This is one Gordon made for my Super Commander.

 

[18DAI]

Several weeks back, Gordon sent me a prototype "Flatback" holster, for a 457, to try. A little snug on the 457. I "steamed" it and left the 457 (wrapped in a plastic bag) in it for 48 hours, but it was still a little tight, for me.

This AM, I was looking for a concealment holster as I am working at the range from Noon till 6PM and will be attending a dinner party afterwards. I am carrying my favorite handgun today, 4513TSW 6-round mag, rail free.

I put the 4513TSW in the Flatback and Viola! It works great! Releases easily, while holding the 4513TSW securely and making it invisible under an untucked shirt.

Thank you Gordon for your fine holsters! Your work is much appreciated! Best regards, 18DAI

 

[HYPURR]

+1

+ 1 For Gordon.

Absolutely Love my SIS - 457 and Rhodie - 6906.

Best, Dave

 

[jimbo728]

Take a look at Bianch 19L. still being made an sold
OWB lined thumb break
Holds my 1st 2nd and 3rdgens beautifully.
Jim

 

[jsbethel]

I recently found on Ebay a NOS Don Hume Double Nine for my CS9. At $20 shipped, I'm very pleased.

 

[S&W Fan]

Put my order in with Gordon for the SIS model for my 4567. Looking forward to it. The one I have for the M&P 2.0 Compact is spectacular though unfortunately the guy that bought the gun didn't want a leather holster for it. The only other 2.0 I have is the full size .45, don't believe that will fit but that's ok-plastic guns should go in plastic holsters LOL!

Metal guns belong in leather holsters

 

[18DAI]

Need a belt for that fine holster?

I am remiss in not having updated my thread here. My apologies! Life has been busy lately!

I ordered a gun belt from Gordon at Bang Bang gun leather. My old one was not up to carrying all steel pistols due to use amd advanced age. Once again, Gordon came through for me in spectacular fashion! Thank you again Gordon!

I have been using the belt for around six weeks now. Mostly with my 4506-1 and various 4566s. It makes carrying a 4506-1 for a ten hour shift at the range, effortless. NO back or hip pain. Perfect fit, durable belt. And a more than fair price for an outstanding product. Real craftsmanship! I expect this gun belt to outlast me. Buy with confidence from Gordon!

Pics below with my 4506-1 and with a holster mounted. Changing the buckles is EASY due to Gordons ingenious snap system. Much easier and more secure than the old screws. I put an old favorite buckle on mine. Although there was not one thing wrong with the buckle Gordon installed. Thanks again Gordon! Regards 18DAI

 

[Ethang]

I am remiss in not having updated my thread here. My apologies! Life has been busy lately!


..... Thanks again Gordon! Regards 18DAI

You and me both. Me being the unusual person I am I asked Gordon to make me a OWB magazine carrier for my 3913 using a clip attachment. He tried to talk me out of it, being concerned it would not stay attached to the belt during use. I insisted and he experimented until he came up with something he thought would work...it does and does exactly what I wanted it to. He also sent me a belt with the carriers, and I will echo 18DAI's glowing endorsement. The belt Gordon made me is nearly perfect. I did not realize how floppy my old gun belt had become over the years.

I will try and get some pictures of both and post them, but time just gets away from us sometimes. The Rhodesian he made me for my Core mates perfectly with the belt and makes for a supremely comfortable and surprisingly concealable combination for such a big pistol.

Ethan

 

[demkofour]

Anyone that is looking for quality, old school leather would be remiss to not contact Gordon for a try. His work is old time craftsmanship and affordable!

 

[Doc1500]

Lock leather holsters