Help choosing leather.

[Hogleg66]

First post, so here goes.
I looking for suggestions on duty gear makers. This will be my first REAL leather purchase, and I'm looking for quality and craftsmanship. I've been looking at some stuff that Tex Shoemaker offers, but I'm not sold on anything yet.
This rig will be for my 4" model 66 no dash. I'm not well versed in leather gear, so anything you guys can point out would be great. Thanks.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I've used Tex Shoemaker leather duty gear before. It's been several years but they would probably be my first choice for leather. You could also check out Strong. I've never used their products, but I've heard good things about them.

Leather Products, Leather Goods | Gloucester, MA

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Welcome to the forum! I hate to be a naysayer but stay away from the new Bianchi products. They are made in Mexico these days and I made the mistake of buying a new Ranger belt. I figured how could they screw up a simple belt, not even close to their old glory.

 

[Watchdog]

Welcome to the forum! I hate to be a naysayer but stay away from the new Bianchi products. They are made in Mexico these days and I made the mistake of buying a new Ranger belt. I figured how could they screw up a simple belt, not even close to their old glory.

I made the same mistake with one of their new holsters for one of my old Ruger single actions a few years ago. It simply didn't have that old seventies feel to it. I sold it two days after I got it. And yeah, their belts are even worse.

 

[snubbyfan]

Did somebody say 4" Model 66?

 

[JMC502]

I've carried Nelson leather out of Scio, Oregon for 20 years now. I have a full set of duty gear for a 28 I love and carry holsters in the model 85 and 77 for belt holsters for my Glock, 38 bodyguard and 325pd. they have great service and the prices have always been reasonable.

 

[2hawk]

I can't believe nobody's recommended snubbyfan, Lobo, or Srigs... all members here, all makers of excellent gunleather.

 

[686fan]

Check out Lobo Gunleather. Great quality, great prices, & great customer service.

 

[Neumann]

I found a nice 66-1 at Cabelas, and bought a Grizzle "Georgia Snap II" holster for it. Ryan Grizzle does excellent work at a reasonable price and lead time (about 8 weeks). This holster fit just right from the get-go. The leather reinforcing band keeps the mouth open for one-hand re-holstering.

This photo was the first one with a light tent. The background needs ironing, but it makes product photography easy. The light is from a nearby window - didn't need to break out the strobes and stands for this one.

[link?? - maybe next time]