Has anyone used an Alessi Bodyguard shoulder holster?

[GatorFarmer]

I remembered seeing a J frame shoulder rig in the holster miscellany box at a local shop a couple of weeks ago. For some reason I thought of it again today. It was still there, buried under assorted nylon. It was definitely for a J frame and my 442 seemed at home in it. Rather than a speedloader pouch, the off side had an old style ammunition pouch that holds six rounds split three by three. It was barely worn, if if all, no stains, scuffs, etc. At a tagged $59 it was the most expensive item in the box. $50 cash took it home.

What I found interesting about it was the lack of thumbbreak. Instead the retention mechanism is a snap arrangement in the area of the trigger guard. At first I thought it was activated by the trigger finger, but it is not. Rather the snap releases via a hard tug on the gun. It does seem to require two hands to resecure, but does seem fast for an initial draw.

I had not seen a holster like it before. Looking it up, I see that such a rig sells for $225 new. Thus making it likely uncommon amidst the nylon.

Has anyone used one? How is Alessi in terms of reputation? My concern is that the snap retention that allows such a fast draw may be subject to wear and tear causing failure. I was wondering if anyone had any direct experience with this model?

 

[JayCeeNC]

I haven't used that particular shoulder rig, but I have had some of his other holsters.
Lou Alessi was a fine craftsman and made some superb holsters until his death a few years ago.
If it was me I'd draw as little as possible to reduce wear on that snap.

 

[bronco45]

Have one for a Colt DS and it is a wonderful design. Grasp the butt/grip of the revolver and tug. You have a gun in your hand.

Like mine.Alessi, DeSantis, Gaylord and others used the "pull through snaps"on several different designs, both shoulder rigs and OWB and IWB rigs. I liked them for you grabbed the weapon in the manner that you would present the weapon and draw. It works and mine still works.

 

[10mmauto]

I have one for a Walther PPK and have used it for years. Never had a problem.

 

[shamelessinct]

I have a number of holsters crafted by Lou Alessi, some which go back almost to the beginning of my 39 year law enforcement career. I have a pull through shoulder holster for a J frame and one for a 1911. Both still work the way they were designed years ago.

 

[Iggy]

Alessi holsters were the Cadillacs of all brands for years.
If you like it, it will serve you well for years. I just wish I had seen it before you did.

Like others, I have had various holsters from Lou and never had a snap fail on any of them.