Gang I was interested in an El Paso Saddlery holster for my Ruger Blackhawk but apparantly for some reason they are getting a huge amount of TERRIBLE reviews starting from about a year or two ago. The Google and Yelp scores are quite low.

Anyone dealt withe EPS in the past year or less? Hoping they haven't gone down the tubes.

El Paso is notorious for long waits and
a lack of feedback to its customers.

It's been that way for years.

I have a few of their holsters and like
them very much but if I was in the
market for new leather, I'd go elsewhere.

A great past reputation can only go so far.

For Western crafters, plenty of other makers
are in the business, some catering to SASS,
Single Action Shooting Society (Cowboy Action
Shooting).

I have bought two holsters from them in the last 12 months and have no complaints, other than their website needs some tuning. I usually try to call if I can when I order a holster from them, but don't always get someone on the first call.

Patience is a virtue when dealing with them and I have never been disappointed with the product. Instant gratification is not an option...milenials beware!!

Like the OP, I have also been considering a nice, leather holster purchase but have eliminated El Paso Saddlery as a choice due to reviews. I really like what I see in their work and folks seemed pleased with the quality but the customer service appears to be lacking. There are just too many other options to risk having a hassle.

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"In God We Trust"

Love EPS. I'm a patient type, tend to order and forget about it until the product arrives. No hand holding required.

You do need a good amount of patience if you order from El Paso, but the wait is well worth it. I wanted a belt and holster for my 6 1/2” 2nd Model HE in .44 Special to wear around the hunt lease. I decided to go with a 1917 holster made for a 6 1/2” barrel and a gun belt from El Paso. It took a few emails and about seven months to get, but it is very nice. This was back in 2016.

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Life NRA, Life TSRA, C&R FFL

All of my El Paso Saddlery holsters are flawless! I'm a lefty with some out of print handguns/pistols and I never wait over 6 weeks. I've been a customer for over 10 years now. I used to swear by Bianchi holsters but they are now Mexican made and the quality has dropped off IMHO!

Jay,

I have been to their shop in El Paso. It is a small family operation and they are producing some good quality rigs. They may take longer to answer the phone/emails, but they are making you a solid product with generations of knowledge at their disposal. They bought out S.D. Myres and all of his tooling, patterns, ect.

Good luck.

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On the Oak Savannah

I too have had great luck with El Paso and will continue to buy from them.

I haven't ordered anything from EPS in a good long while. Last couple of holsters I ordered took some time to receive but came in and the quality was what I expected. Just last night, I ordered a couple of single OWB mag carriers to wear on my belts. Just really needed one, but the shipping cost was only a couple dollars more for two, so I ordered two. These are leather products that have a slip tension fit for the mag. I have an older EPS mag carrier that is similar but made more in the style of a knife holder which I like a lot, but it hangs more below the belt and as such can peek out from underneath my shirt tail during summer months.

It appeared that these items were in stock. At least there was no backorder indicated when I placed the order. We will see how long it takes me to get them, and I will also report on the quality and utility of these mag carriers. I have been ordering and using EPS products for nearly 50 years and have always found them to work well and last well. I'm used to the longer delivery times so I'm expecting that possibilty. I'll report back when I get the package.

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So long ... Ken

Thanks, gang. Well I'm currently in Central America with the military so I've got time. Won't be back in the US for over a month. Went to order one of their gun belts and found out I need a tape measure to measure my waist to get the center hole measurement. DOH! Where the heck am I going to get a tape measure way out here in the jungle??

I'm wanting one of their Tom Threeperson's holsters for my Ruger Blackhawk and a Texas belt with 24 loops for them fat .45 Colt torpedoes. Now do I want the border stamping on their? Also on the belt? Guys if I'm anything, I'm indecisive!!

Been reading a lot from Keith and Skeeter, got that single action and good leather fever!!

Jay, that is an El Paso Texas belt in my post #7 with my 2nd Models, it is a great belt!

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Life NRA, Life TSRA, C&R FFL

Okay, I've read all of these and I'm sure there's some really nice guys making nice leather holsters. For my money and I've put my money here. I mean this guys an artist with leather and all hand
crafted__even the stitching! He's really not expensive considering this is a one person operation. Artists are funny that way. Just
investigate this guy. Check out his web site. check out all the images. And___if you're attractive to his Diamondback rattle snake skin holsters__he catches his own here in Arizona!
This will become your to to leather stuff.
thorshammercustomleather.com
I use his Yaqui holster. But I used the original Jeff Cooper Yaqui
when in plain clothes before most of you were born. Cooper copied it from one of the peon militia he was with. Actually, I think he (surely paid him) got it from that peon.
Stay safe
Poli Viejo

Most reviews posted online tend to be negative in some way. The OP mentioned that in this case a number commented on the wait time.

In my experience these reviews are written by those who:

- Are after some sort of discount if not an actual freebie, and don't get it,

- Will complain about the smallest thing and be obsessive in documenting the complaint when a few seconds action on their part will fix it,

- Are put up by business competitors or simply online trolls who think it's funny to ruin someones business.

Thankfully the OP decided ot ask those who actually use EPS products for their experiences to help him make a decision.

Quality that'll last longer than my dog's attention span when there is someone new outside to meet takes time. Given EPS's long production history and the fact they are still a family concern the wait may not be a negative aspect at all.

Looks great! I'm torn between having the belt border stamped or not. Yours appears to be plain and looks fantastic. I think I'll have the holster border stamped but am not sure if it'll look wrong with the belt not so stamped?

I have a couple of El Paso carved holsters.A belt and mag pouch and full moon clip pouch and they were worth the wait.But the best carved carved belt and holster I have owned or seen comes from our own Keith44spl.!!!

Yes, the belt is plain, and is very nice and very well made. I had them make the holster lined and it is just superb. If I could do it over again I would get the holster embossed with the Texas Star, I did not see that option when I ordered it, I noticed that they had that along with the US and USN, USMC later. I like the plain look, but that is just me. I thought that it would look good with the 1917 holster.

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Life NRA, Life TSRA, C&R FFL

Contact " Cochise Leather Works " in SE Az . They have an easy website and quality products . He's a one man shop so don't expect him to spend 1/2 hr talking about what you want . Time is money to him . He usually has about a 2month backlog of orders . Regards, Paul

A Kiwi cop could be my neighbour (I'm in Oz).

So long as no one thinks EPS has actually been operating since 1889, but instead since 1978, they'll be right :-). One of the sons of the '78 founder is still involved but from the company documents for R.E.M. Industries (El Paso Saddlery is a 'dba'), it appears to be a junior role.

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The Holstorian

Hey, Jay... I only have a couple of EPS holsters, but I really like this one. A "Threepersons" for a 3" J frame, shown here with my 3" .32 Regulation Police. But I didn't get it from EPS, bought it from a fellow forum member.



Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Well heck... I did it.

Against my better judgement, I just couldn't resist. Ordered a Tom Threepersons strong side for my 5 1/2" Blackhawk along with a Texas gunfighter belt with 24 cartridge loops from EPS today. Went with a border stamped holster and plain belt, hoping it doesn't look stupid with an unstamped belt.

Dumb idea? Maybe so. But if time's the main problems that's okay. I'm out of country right now for some time anyway so I can wait. Just have been wanting some of their leather for so long... hope it doesn't come back to bit me in the nads. If so, you guys'll hear about it, though. I'm all for giving credit where credit is due, as well as criticism. Time will tell and we shall see.

Now for the wait...!

REALLY nice, Les. All the way around! I have a plain EPS Threepersons for my 3" M-36. It's the second one I've owned just like this. Let a good friend talk me out of my first 3" 36 AND the EPS holster it was in as a gift to his wife. Regretted the sale of both but boy, was that gurl thrilled to death! Bought both of my holsters directly from EPS and was very pleased with them. That carving on yours is bonus! And BTW, I've got an NIB Shrade Walden stockman just like the one pictured in your photo. I've also got a second one that has about 250,000 miles on it! I found the new one in the box for sale just after I learned that Shrade-Walden would be no more after it became just Shrade. Came to be fond of the Shrade Walden brand because that was the only brand my dad would carry and use, and he used them every single day of his life. My first pocket knife was a bone handled one of his well used ones in this same pattern. NICE!
But dad was never really fond of the "new" stainless steel blades. He liked his old carbon steel models much better.

An update on my order discussed above in post #11. Ordered the mag carriers on the 16th about 1700 hours and received an order confirmation shortly there after. Next day, received a receipt and "thank you" via email. Today, I received notice of shipment of my order via FedEx Express
Saver shipping. Expected delivery date is May 23! Not a problem for me at all and I'm sure this is the cheapest way they can ship. But that package is going to have to layover somewhere for a while even if it's coming by slow boat from El Paso to me. Shoot, it's only 347 miles from there to here. Of course you gotta cross the SE corner of NM along that route. But last time I made that route, there were no border crossings or customs stops at the border between Texas and NM on either side! Maybe the cost is less if they route it somewhere along a route that never leaves the State of Texas? But it could go from EP clean to Brownsville and back to here in much less time than 5 days!

I ain't fussin' mind you. Really I ain't! I just can't figure out how the trip can take that long unless the delivery guy is riding a Vespa motorscooter. Maybe the package will surprise me and be here earlier than promised! Betcha it is, even if the USPS makes the final delivery. Ya'll stand by and I'll provide an update when the package arrives.

And I'll say this again, EPS products have always been worth the wait for me!

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So long ... Ken

I must have at least a dozen or so from them. I have always been satisfied. But I will say that the most recent purchase from them. A Tanker rig for my 4506. The retaining strap is a little too long. Not enough for me to send it back or complain. It will still keep the gun from falling out of the holster. But there is about a half inch of daylight between the backstrap of the gun and the retaining strap when the strap is snapped in place.

I order from "Lobo Gun Leathers". 6-7 week wait. Very satified

You will be very pleased with your purchase. I do not know for sure, but you may also get it sooner since you did not get the floral carved option. I think getting that option adds a lot of time to it's delivery. I look forward to seeing your pictures and review!
Larry

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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom

I bought my first belt and holster from EPS nearly 40 years ago and my most recent belt from them about 6 months ago, if that tells you anything. If you're in a big hurry, look elsewhere. If you don't mind waiting a bit for quality in time-proven classic designs, they're your folks.

My dream rig is a fully carved and background dyed belt, holster, and knife sheath for a favorite sixgun. Haven't had the funds to commit to that and have a hard time deciding which sixgun I would get it for...

I and a lot of others ordered a holster from El Paso during the 2015 NRA convention and I got a beautifully carved Tom Threepersons holster in a couple of months for my 4" N frames. My poor picture does not show this as beautiful as it is in person.

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Gun Safety is no accident.

Do you remember how long it took to to get your most recent order?

Here's to hoping the plain belt looks okay with the border stamped holster...

As promised! I placed an online order for two plain black leather slip fit magazine holsters for my Shield45. Confirmation was very prompt, same day, with a "thank you" and order receipt was close on the heels of the confirmation, again same day. On May 18, I received notice that the package was tendered to FedEx Express Saver with promised delivery on May 23.

The package was delivered today as promised. I made previous comment that this seemed a long time for a delivery from El Paso to Lubbock. Not a fuss, mind you, just a curiosity. Following the delivery of the package with the tracking number indicated that it first went almost clean across the country to Memphis, TN and turned around and came back here on the exact day promised up front. Not a problem, just a curiosity for me.

I can also report that the products are both of excellent construction, just what I wanted, and I am very pleased with them. These mag carriers were stated to be slip fit. I will say that it's gonna take a few days of stretching the leather a bit by the means of wrapping a few layers of kitchen waxed paper around them and placing the mags inside the carriers, which took considerable effort. Not to worry, (unless some of you report me filching some of my wife's waxed paper from the kitchen for this purpose!)

The slip fit is very snug, which bodes well for mag retention after I get them relaxed just a bit. These carriers should retain their shape very well, and they fit tight on my belt against the waist band of my britches, meaning that they should not move around much out of position on my belt. They also are constructed with a pull the dot snap that holds the leather that makes the belt loop to the rear body of the carrier which should allow the carrier to be removed from the belt if necessary without removing your belt and sliding it through a solid loop. I've had good luck with pull the dot snaps, and even if one should eventually relax it's grip, they are easily replaced. I don't expect to be unsnapping the carriers very often so I'm not concerned.

I remain a very satisfied EPS customer. Good gear is worth the wait, especially if the order is custom in any way. Likely if I'd ordered carved leather, the wait would have been longer, and the cost would have been more. EPS has always come through with me with good quality and construction as well as good communication during the process. That's my experience, which began with the company in the 1960's. I believe there has been some change in ownership during that period, but no change in customer service or product quality in my personal experience!

Forgot to mention that I got a nice color current catalog in the package with the mag carriers. Glad to have it. It's a beauty worthy of spending some time finding out if there is anything else they have that i need! There ya go!

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So long ... Ken

I've bought a couple of holsters from EPS in the last 3 years or so. In each case delivery was as promised, about 5 weeks. The holsters were well made and still in use. Questions I asked by email are answered in a reasonable time frame. All in all, I'll buy holsters from them again.

Sounds good!

Wait, what? You ordered a holster 103 years ago???!!!

Yeah I had issues with their web site on my most recent order. When I called and got VM, they called me back next day. Very courteous and took my order for a Summer Cruiser over the phone.

It arrived 5-weeks later as promised and is awesome, as are the other four EPS holsters plus belts I’ve bought over the years.

I’m not sure what more the OP expects.

What do you consider a reasonable wait for a custom holster?

Their site says four to eight weeks. I received my most recent order in five. My VM was returned the next day.

Thanks to the web, just about any artisan shop with a reputation for high quality work is going to be seriously backed up.

You can’t hire nine women and produce a baby in one month.

As to customer communications, I prefer they focus on building quality leather goods than blowing sunshine up my butt.

I guess I got lucky. But I just bought a brand new unused holster from El Paso Saddlery from a friend for 15 bucks made specifically for a 6" 617.

[QUOTE=JayFramer;140042232]Do you remember how long it took to to get your most recent order?

Can't recall exactly but it was less than the time they said to allow. I'm thinking it was here in less than 3 weeks.

All FedEx packages go through Memphis. That is their hub. Doesn't matter if the origin and destination are feet apart.

Didn’t know that, hoc. Thanks for the info.

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So long ... Ken

Little Rock AR was the original hub for FedEx. They couldn't / wouldn't make the kind of deals for the airport that FedEx thought it would need (who ever would have thought FedEx would become anything?).

So FedEx made a deal with Memphis, and moved.

A decision I'm sure a lot of the city / airport management of the time really regret now.

ebay in Mar. 2018.
An open top high ride El Paso Saddlery. It fits my 2 in J frame just right. I bought it from this outfit hoping to avoid delays in delivery.
It ended up being delivered right from the factory and not some other vendor.
Delivery time was about 4 days.
The best part is that I now have a very nice holster, it's just what a carry holster for me needs to be. Functional, good quality and a nice looking product as well.
I'm thinking of getting one for my 686 +, 3 in bbl.
Great product, IMO

From what I understand , it's a small family owned and run business that believes in quality , not quantity . Be patient ! Regards, Paul

Regarding El Paso Saddelry:

In the recent years i've ordered holsters of several types & for several different weapons, a rifle scabbard, several sets of saddlebags with holsters built in, single & double magazine carriers and most recently a set of pommel bags with a built in holster. Some holsters were stamped, a few were plain, and one was carved.

I did not expect nor request any kind of expedited ship date. I never called to check on order status. All arrived in due time, i.e. 6-9 weeks. All excellent quality and fit. Most importantly, Nothing has failed to perform in the field to date.

Over the years I've purchased some used products. Again, no failures in the field to date.

If you need something on short notice for a certain job or task, or otherwise need it now, recommend the Uncle Mike selection of holsters and accessories. They are well made, reasonably priced and there is usually a wide variety of sizes available.

Others may have had different experiences. Those have been mine.

rayb

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"cumplo pero no obedezco"

I ordered and received three holsters from El Paso last year.

Two were carved and took 6 weeks to arrive.

One was plain and I came in 4 weeks.

All are wonderful holsters. I’ll be ordering more.

I heard all the negative talk too before I ordered.

Don’t worry. Order in confidence and wait. Same as with any custom holster.

rayb and Gpsman both had my same kind of experience every time I have ordered from El Paso Saddlery. I have always received a superb quality piece of Gunleather. I also realize to get this kind of quality takes time. Be patient and you will be pleased. If you, like many folks are these days, want something RIGHT NOW, you should order from somewhere else or maybe find something already made on eBay.

BTW, their floral carving is terrific. If you get on their mailing list, they usually have a couple of sales (15-20% off) per year. Remember though, the plus is saving money, the minus is it may take a little longer to get your order filled because they get swamped with orders.

To summarize, EPS is not going down the tubes, be patient, and get a quality piece leather!
Larry

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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom

EPS's quality is still top notch. It's just a situation of the necessity of often having to wait. Hopefully they won't fall into the trap of just cranking out stuff quickly at the sake of shoddy construction or workmanship.

I ordered an EPS Tom Threepersons last week==got it yesterday. 5.5" Blackhawk. I modified it to fit the softer moneybelt (Most comfortable gun belt ever==use one for CAS). This new one is for my hunting rig==45 OM Blackhawk with a Randall Yukon Skinner.

I cheated=I ordered from Midway USA. It was in stock.

I’ll buy em used if I can find them but also have no problems waiting. Love their holsters!

Bought this one from CrazyPhil ....




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Pass it on.
Mark

Not that it matters all that much, but I'm really surprised El Paso Saddlery didn't have a Father's Day Sale this year.

Now I'm wondering if they'll have a 4th of July Holiday Sale. For 15% off, I might be interested in some new leather. At only 10%, my interest would diminish somewhat.

I've bought 3 Tom Threepersons holsters from them in the last six months.
Great product, great company.