Excellent. I'll be using mine in a 6 inch too.

Arisin Wind,

I didn't see the holster listed on Ted Blocker's web site. How much was it, and how can I order one?

Thanks.

Try contacting them at: [email protected]

I've just been calling her using 800-650-9742. She usually answers the phone.

The cost was just shy of $300 which included shipping.

Thanks much for the info, Arisin Wind. Some of my tax rebate might be going for one to hold my 629 Classic DX.

I spoke with Hugh at Ted Blocker's a couple of days ago. He advised they have several more of the holsters "in production" with anticipated shipping next week. I've had my order in since late last June.

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Big bang, much smash'em.

Well I've had the holster for a week now and had a chance to try it out some. So I put it on, slipped my revolver in it and put my jacket on. With my jacket on I noticed the junction where the straps lace together wasn't sitting flat. I removed the rig and examined the straps. I undid the laces and adjusted the strap - rotating the end about 90 degrees. I took the opportunity to adjust the shoulder straps as well so the holster rode a little higher - more under my arm. With everything put together I put the rig on along with my jacket. Now the straps were laying flat.



I wore the rig for a day. The holster was comfortable riding close to the body. It carried the revolver snugly though I was a little uncomfortable not having the retention strap I was used to on my other shoulder rigs.

When you first get it don't be afraid to adjust it so it fits. I had to change the orientation of the way the back strap met the shoulder strap to make it lay flat.

It's a real good holster. The folks at Ted Blocker did a fine job.

Received my holster on Tuesday. It shows the usual Ted Blocker quality and attention to detail. I put the DVD's for "Dirty Harry" and "Magnum Force" on then paused and zoomed in when the shoulder rig was shown. It appears to be an exceptional duplication of the screen prop.

I did not encounter the strap problem that Arisin Wind reported but seem to have something similar on the other side.
The initial adjustments were easy and straight forward. I'm sure, as it is used, there will be additional adjustments to be made. Definitely worth the wait.

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Big bang, much smash'em.

If memory serves, he did not use HKS speed loaders - I just can't remember the brand, but I have one somewhere.

Harry Callahan preferred the now defunct "Rapid Revolver Reloader" made by:

Dade Screw Machine Products
2319 NW 7th Avenue
Miami FL
(305) 573-5050

Has anyone purchased one of these shoulder holsters from Ted Blocker Holsters recently? Just wondering if they are still in production or if it was just a small production run made for those here on this forum who were interested initially. If anyone else has purchased one I would love to hear your feelings on this holster. It looks marvelous and beautifully made.

Also, could a 4" 686 fit in this holster or is it just for 6-6.5" revolvers?

Thanks

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Federal 357B 125gr JHP

As far as I know they were/are built on a per-order basis. Give Ted Blocker a call and ask them. They are nice folks and I'm sure they can answer your questions.

Dep

I got mine about 3 weeks ago and at that time they were still working on filling orders they had already received. I would imagine they would accept another order but as was said above, give them a call or send an email. (I love mine.)

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Big bang, much smash'em.

A well guarded secret is to buy the old Safariland 101 shoulder holster. Out of production for a few years, they can still be had on ebay in new condition for a steal. The holsters are comfortable, pretty nice to conceal, easy on the gun, and not bad to draw from. One of the best ways to carry an N-frame concealed, if looking for a shoulder rig. Not bad for hunting, either.

From feedback of people who have and use the new version, they seem to be quite happy with it. Heck, if I could find copies of the original speedloaders I'd probably buy them too.

I sometimes carry my 4" 28-2 in a NIB vintage Brauer Bros. "NS 44" I picked up on line. Very similar to the "Dirty Harry" holster, it's both comfortable and concealable!
And I've also got 3 Dade Screw & Machine reloaders I use from time to time. Not as "secure" as HKS, but they're just the ticket for somthing "retro"

Thanks Deputy. I had a very nice e mail back from Shelley regarding my inquiry and she said that they hope to supply some more holsters soon. They are keeping a list of names and phone numbers and will contact people as soon as they can supply more. Sounds like they need a minimum amount of names before they can produce another run of these holsters. I'm on the list and hopefully more will put their names on soon.

Thanks for all your efforts and perseverance in getting this project done with Ted Blocker Holsters.

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Federal 357B 125gr JHP

The original was made by J.M. Bucheimer, and all of the others are copies.

I have one (LEFT HANDED) somewhere in the house. I think it is sitting on a good wooden coat hanger, and has been for a long time. I found it comfortable once adjusted, and used it with my 6" M57 (which I have not had since 1982 or so when I sold it to pay for law school tuition, as I recall).
It is, to the best of my knowledge, in darned good barely used condition. I have only one revolver for which it could be used, a 5" 625. However, due to a lot of bench pressing, shoulder holsters are pretty much dead issue for me (I wear a 50 coat now, and they are a bitch to find and really expensive). I am not likely to ever use it again, and if they are actually going for that much, I'd love it if someone would steer me to a good place to sell it, or make me a reasonable offer.
I've bought 2 revolvers from members here and sold holsters on 10-8, so my bona fides can be checked easily.

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NHI, 10-8.

I have a bianchi leather spring clip shoulder holster just like that, for my 8 3/8 bbl mod 29-3 44 mag. If it's worth that kind of money i might be persuaded out of it.

I think you will find that the Bianchi, while vaguely resembling the Dirty Harry holster, is not "just like that"

So how many people got the Ted Blocker Dirty Harry holster? What do you think about it?

44Forever, did you have issues getting yours adjusted?

No, although it did take s few iterations. I have a horizontal shoulder holster with the same sort of leather lacing arrangement for adjustment so I've had some practice with them.

There is a definite trial-and-error element involved. And, being a little dense, initially I was passing both the off-side straps in front of the shoulder until I realized that if they both went in front, why have two in the first place. I went back and watched the shootout scene in the store in "Magnum Force" and confirmed one went in front and one behind the offside shoulder.

I'm still fiddling with the adjustments to see if I can get the strap across the back to position a little lower. I think it will conceal better there if doesn't make it less comfortable.

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Big bang, much smash'em.

Any one else get one of the Ted Blocker holsters?

FWIW, if you are left handed and looking, check the classifieds.

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NHI, 10-8.

Jerry, you have pics of your product?

How interesting. I searched all over the place prior to contacting Blocker Holsters and found NOTHING about any companies still making the Dirty Harry holster. No ads in gun magazines. No online mention. No rumors at gun stores. NOTHING!!
Now, out of the blue, and after Blocker starts supplying us with a product-improved version of the holster, we get this long-winded exhortation about how wrong the Blocker Holster is. 2 posts to this forum and both are advertising this supposedly "authentic" verrsion of the holster. Anyone ever see any current ads in gun magazines for this company or it's products? I searched again and Lawman Leather Goods has NO website. In this day and age I find that highly suspect. This smells just like the controversy of the Miami Vice shoulder holster. Only in that case Blocker WAS the original manufacturer of the holster. Blocker never claimed that their Dirty Harry holster was "authentic" or an "exact duplicate". They tested the original and found all kinds of problems with the design. So they IMPROVED it for actual daily wear, and that is what we are buying.
So I say no thanks Mr. Ardolino. All we have are unsupported claims from you and an attempt to "jump on the money bandwagon" after Blocker was nice enough to re-create this holster for us.

Dep

Well this certainly looks like a major "ADVERTISEMENT" to me, as well as a violation of forum policy. And also an attempt to discredit Blocker Holsters, who WERE invited to this thread. You have not posted in the new member area to introduce yourself. And this blatant advertisement belongs in the Classified area...not in this thread. The mods have been notified of this activity. Have a nice day

Dep

Jerry

I visited your site. The only pic of the holster is on the home page. I didn't see any other links. Maybe I'm blind. You have any better pics?

What is this "VEX" you mention? I didn't see a description of it.

Boy, there's one on E Bay now for over $160.00.

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jj

Interesting post going on here. I have two of these that I obtained about 15 years ago, give or take a couple of years. One is for a 6 1/2 in. 29 and I know I bought it from Cathey enterprise, I had to wait a good bit after I ordered it and it does look quite nice. The other holster is for a 4 in. N frame although I think a 5 would maybe fit as well, I do not know where this holster was made as I received it in a trade. Both holsters are not marked in any way that I can tell, so I would assume that these are unlicensed copies. I did get a speedloader holder that is marked Cattle Baron along with the shorter holster, so I don't know if they were both from the same manufacturer or not. Here are some photos...

Is it just me or does that read like a Nigerian 419 e-mail ?

It's not just you. And note there is no street address...just a PO box. I suggest people be VERY careful. I also Googled Lawman Leather Goods and there is no location shown on the map. Just "22.20 miles from Boulder City, NV" and a phone number. Anyone see any warning signs yet? Any flashing lights going off?

Dep

I'm going to go out on a limb. I think this a reincarnation of Lawman Leather - back in business. Probably started this year. There aren't many hits when you Google them. They are mentioned as an attendee at the upcoming 2009 SHOT show but not previous shows. My guess is they just started making these holsters again.

You Google Jerry Ardolino and you get results about him being a Chicago cop and his exploits in a book he wrote. From what I've read online he seems like a colorful character right of of an old Mickey Spillane novel.

Their website leaves a lot to be desired. The sole picture of the holster is low resolution and doesn't show the whole set-up. You can not order online, only through phone, mail or fax. If you use a credit card they say they will charge you as soon as the order is placed. Most places charge you when the item ships.

Jerry comes across as the ultimate salesman. He brags some and has an "in your face" approach.

Anyway, that's my take on the situation.

I agree with Arisin. And I will go a bit further. Look up Ted Blocker holsters. They have a website. They have a standard phone number. They have a TOLL FREE phone number. They have a fax number. And they have a REAL ADDRESS. You can order online or call them up and talk to them. They have advertisements in gun magazines and an excellent reputation for building quality holsters. I INVITED them to this thread and asked them if they could build a replica of the holster used in the Dirty Harry movies. They agreed and they made some modification to it to increase wearability. Their version of the holster is NOT being "mass produced" on an assembly line. It is built when they get enough orders to justify building them. Let me quote from their website:
"Ted Blocker Holsters 4500 square foot manufacturing facility and showroom is located in Tigard, Oregon, approximately 12 miles south of Portland. Our showroom is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Skilled craftsmen use only the best top-grain vegetable tanned leather. All holsters are hand oiled or dip dyed in the Tigard facility. Refinished or “painted” split leather is not acceptable for Ted Blocker Holsters. Every holster is molded to fit the gun, and over 350 gun models are available. All edges are sanded, beveled, buffed and finished with an edge coat. Attention to detail and customer service is what makes Ted Blocker Holsters stand out above the rest."

For me, the choice is easy.

Dep

So, has anyone ordered one of these from 'Jerry' and the new-Lawman Leather Co.??
"Do 'ya feel lucky.............."

Regards,

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Ranger325

ROFLMAO!!! Holy smokes Ranger...I just sprayed Coke all over my keyboard reading that!!!!

I just wanted to apologize to Ted Blocker holsters and the forum for taking so long to get my order placed. I had some money problems and had to hold off for a while on big purchases. I'm all set now and will be placing my order immediately.

Dep

All is forgiven Dep............as long as you post pics when your new leather arrives!!

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Ranger325

Though I am classified as a forum lurker with minimal post count, I would like to chime in here. I ordered a Dirty Harry-style holster from Blocker earlier in the year, and was put on a "will call" waiting list. The woman I spoke with on the phone was extremely polite and helpful, and assured me that she would ring me when more units were in the production stage. Some months later I received a phone message from the same woman at Blocker inquiring if I still wanted a DH holster, as the new batch was almost ready. When I returned her call, I was treated with the same courtesy and professionalism as with my initial call. Soon after, I received my DH holster, and it was exactly as described. It is a high quality item, and is very close to the original from the films.

Based upon this experience, I would recommend Blocker to any prospective buyers, as the company's custom service is top notch just like its products. As for Mr. Ardolino, judging from the arrogant and adversarial tone of his posts, I would not ask him for the time of day, let alone commit hundreds of dollars for one of his "official" products.

Caveat emptor. Back to lurking.

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I'm with the banned ...

Ranger: Yep...I will post pics and a review just like Arisin Wind did. I already have a Miami Vice shoulder holster system from Blocker that is fantastic. I have to order a different holster for it because I sold my Bren 10. Have to get one for a 1911A1.

mc5aw: You need to come out of lurk mode more often. Your opinion and feedback are valuable to the forum and we enjoy hearing it. I suspect you talked to Shelley. She's a very nice lady and a a real treat to talk to as well as to do business with.

Dep

I received the following e-mail from Mr Jerry Ardolino. He asked I post it.

Hello:

Since, the "forum" seems to be, in essence, a closed-minded chat room. And in light of the fact that, members therein seem not too interested in facts; I thought I would send you the following link:

http://www.downrange.tv/artman2/publish/ahern/8.shtml

It leads to the column of noted gunwriter, Jerry Ahern (GUN WORLD, COMBAT HANDUNDS) on the Outdoor Channel's web site. In it, he lays out the facts; real history regarding "Jerry Ardolino" and the "Dirty Harry."

As far as a "reincarnation" is concerned, I've really tried to explain to all in a simple manner. But, let's try it again: Lawman Leather Goods was and has been a sole-proprietorship since 1975. Lawman Leather Goods CORPORATION funded in 2007 and was incorporated in 2008. The web site was launched last week so, Search Engines for Google will not have picked it up. As far as "no street address", we are in Las Vegas--high crime. And even though we are in a prime one-minute-from-the-strip location; security in Las Vegas is a huge issue. Since we are in the firearms industry, NO we don't like to advertise our high-security building location. Many firms in the industry use a P.O. box for the same reason.

Yes, I have produced the THE ORIGINAL DIRTY HARRY(R) holster in my shop all through the nineties and into 2008. And No, I did not wish to put advertising out or web publicity from 1990 to mid-2008 due to the volume I would have to produce in the shop. I was making holsters for old clients, cop friends and doing small contracts; plenty of money was taken in. I had other business interests as well and my book publishing firm to contend with. I was constantly getting bothered by my daughter, ( a pre-med student and raised around firearms) and my son (ex-Navy and a gun enthusiast) to once again, beef-up the company. It was at that time, 2005, I started to work on the program enabling production for a huge range of models. The two kids finally urged me enough in 2007 to expand the company; some business associates also wanted on-board really badly; and we incorporated the EXISTING Lawman Leather Goods in mid-2008.

As far as phones, we have them. They're listed in the site: www.LawmanLeatherGoods.com

The low-res photo? As I said to you in a previous e-mail: it's selling so, no need to change it at this point.

And, the Ted Blocker Holster Company has been sent a Warning to cease using, even casually, the name and to not produce the counterfeit harness and holster copy.

Yes, we charge a person's card 1. to know the card is valid; 2. because we have such a huge range of availability, we technically, have make each holster for the person as we do get some unusual requests for models. We do not yet offer a web-based order system as we are having SSL issue worked out.

You posted your take on the issue. Maybe, for the sake of truth and in the spirit of a true "forum" atmosphere; you'd like to post this e-mail. You have my permission to do so in it's entirety.

As for the members who've made derogatory comments and seem afraid to use their real names; you have mine: Jerry Ardolino, Original Manufacturer and Original Trademark owner of The Original Dirty Harry(R) Shoulder Holster.

Sincerely,

JERRY ARDOLINO
Vice-President of Operations / Director of Operations-Manufacturing
LAWMAN LEATHER GOODS CORPORATION

Arisin: You already know my feelings about this situation. I think others on this forum are smart enough to read through the lines and sort out the BS from the truth. And the FACT is Ted Blocker NEVER used the Dirty Harry name to advertise their version of the holster. As a matter of fact, Shelley asked the guys on the forum to come up with a new name for the holster. And none of us used that specific name either. As for the silliness about not listing an address for fear of criminals in Las Vegas...according to Google they are 22.2 miles from Boulder City, NOT Las Vegas. I took my honeymoon in Las Vegas. There are a TON of gun stores in Vegas that list their addresses and directions on how to get to them. Those stores have all kinds of nifty stuff for sale and rent. I rented a Thompson Full auto submachinegun while there. I'm sure anyone who is a gun dealer has adequate security measures in place, or they are just stoopid and asking to be robbed. There are so many holes and weak excuses in the Lawman Leather Goods story it's not even funny. If his Dirty Harry holster is selling so well (according to him, so no need to show anyone a good picture of it), then why is he so worried about Ted Blocker making a version of the CLINT EASTWOOD holster for sale?
I wonder if Warner Brothers has licensed Lawman Leather Goods to use the Dirty Harry name? I don't see anything in his long-winded descriptions saying they have that license. At any rate, Lawman Leather Goods has accomplished one thing. They have pretty much soured anyone from buying anything they produce. Let Mr. Ardolino put that in his resume and brag about it at the Shot Show to the gun-buying community. Way to go Mr. Ardolino.

Dep


P.S. One hint to folks who aren't in law enforcement....REAL LEOs hate lawyers and never use legalese talk. REAL LEOs don't brag about being rogue cops who resist or subvert the system and do everything they can to cause problems for their fellow officers. Even Dirty Harry admitted that the system, as flawed as it is, must be worked from within (watch Magnum Force to see it).

After clicking the link and reading Mr. Ahern's brief narrative of Mr. Ardolino, I'd be interested in hearing opinions/thoughts from current/former LEOs on this forum. Having not read the Ardolino book, I cannot give a full review on the man's career, but I can say that the phrase "rogue cop" comes to mind immediately from the Ahern piece (as Deputy previously mentioned). I'm not left with a picture of a responsible peace officer, but rather some self-important badge wearing bully, dreaming of living in the wild west. When I think of past/present LEOs who are role models and individuals to be respected, I think of Clint Smith and Mas Ayoob, among others, including several prominent contributors on this aite. I could be wrong on my impression of Mr. Ardolino, but it's quite obvious that public opinion is not something he's particularly interested in. I wish him luck in his top secret Las Vegas location, manufacturing the holsters that sell themselves.

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I'm with the banned ...

Mr. Ardolino ... With all due respect, what exactly is your point? Your posts are becoming more confrontaional, and any good will and credibility you might be trying to develop is quickly wasting away. If you consider this forum to be closed minded and unreachable as you alluded to earlier, then it is illogical for you to continue posting here. If you are looking to establish yourself within a sizable on-line community for commerce purposes, a bit more tact might be warranted. The mindset you needed to kick in doors as a police officer is quite unecessary in a cyber forum. And understand this, unlike out on the streets where a strong physical presence can be used to one's benefit and advantage, you're a faceless name on a computer screen here, no more or less than anyone else.

To command respect, one must first give respect.

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I'm with the banned ...

Well said sir!!! I couldn't have put it any better than that. After reading the last post from Mr Ardolino, I will no longer bother responding to or about him. He's obviously a "legend in his own mind", to quote Harry Callahan referring to another cop who thought he was God's gift to the world. I will have to invest in some hip boots, though. The amount of poop being shovelled around is really getting deep. I do find it highly amusing that Mr. Ardolino is trying his best to pry out information about me and my qualifications and background. Sorry Charlie, but that ain't gonna happen. If you would have asked me nicely, I would have gladly told you. But as mc5aw has so accurately alluded to, you can say or be anyone you want on the internet. I won't insult anyone's intelligence by listing my qualificatiuons and not be able to prove them. And I got over that my **** is bigger than yours mentality in grade school anyway.

Dep

Getting back to holsters, Jerry, regarding your Lawman holster, I can't see the backside of your holster on your site. Is the belt retaining strap the wide or narrow version? Does it have a cross strap that helps secure the belt strap? I've seen it both ways in pictures people have posted. Do you make any other types of holsters? How about accessories?

The guy has been removed from the forum for essentially spamming the forum, and becoming demanding and overbearing in the wake of his posts being removed.
I don't care what the man makes or who makes the original whatever. We're not going to tolerate people like that.

I am glad to hear that he is gone...

When I ran a domain registration lookup it lists
lawmanleathergoods.com
Avenida do Infante 50
Funchal, Madeira 9004-521
PT
Phone: 1-902-749-5331


(This is an address in Portugal & the Phone number is the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia)

My thanks to Parabellum for keeping an eye on things. It's what keeps this forum so great.


I hadn't noticed, but this is one of the largest and longest-lasting threads on the forum. I'm proud of the guys that have posted to it, and also grateful to all who have contributed their time and effort to it. Something we all need to remember and practice is a motto called "caveat emptor"...buyer beware. I don't know if the person who was removed was a legitimate businessman or not. But just from what was posted by him, I went into full worry mode. I hope people think before sending money to anyone. Especially someone who treats potential customers so disdainfully. Let's chalk this up as a learning experience and move on.

Dep