Just ordered a Milt Sparks PMK for the 642, I'm starting to second guess it...

Try before you buy???

I have been converting to all VM 2's for leather and tomrkba brand for kydex. I have found these holsters last far longer than the production holsters I have owned.

My problem with Don Hume is the very limited selection around here. My rule is to handle a holster prior to purchase to make sure it has the attributes I look for. Clip attachments do not work for me. I would love to find a local source so I could test a few.

I make holsters but I can't speak for all those out there but I think most of us would be willing to send you a holster and if it doesn't work out for you if returned in new condition I know I would CHEERFULLY refund your purchase minus shipping. I would only require you to explain what it was that turned you off so I could learn from it. Or better yet fix it to suit your needs. Then both of us are happy!

For most of us holster makers the profit margin is so low we could not afford to cover the shipping unless we increased the prices.

Take the Milt Sparks holster this thread is about for example. I am assuming they use European leather, which is not cheap and does not last longer, and this holster looks to be about 1.5 to 2 square ft. of leather. Keep in mind that the cuts cause a certain amount of waste. Consider thread, dye, and if it has a spring steel stiffener I would estimate about $30 to $35 in materials and overhead. Don't forget we have to keep the lights on. That leaves about $65 - $70 to cover labor on a $100 holster and I would estimate it would take me at least 1.5 hours to 2 hours total in labor to make this holster if I was set up for these in a production holster. In all fairness to Milt's business I believe $35 / hr is a bargain for that quality. Try getting a plumber or and electrician for that, good luck!

But like I said in an earlier post if all you want is a good holster that draws well, wears well, and conceals well. You can get all that without the expensive leather, super dye job, and fake outside molding that has no real function other than looking pretty. The looking pretty as most of the LEO's here who carry all the time will attest does fade some over time. But heck that's just character added to your trusted holster.
 
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If I open carried and the holster was always exposed it would be a whole different story. I could justify the additional costs.

But for now, whatever works and is comfortable is just fine. Leaves more money for ammo and maybe another gun - like an SP101 :)
 
For most of us holster makers the profit margin is so low we could not afford to cover the shipping unless we increased the prices.

Take the Milt Sparks holster this thread is about for example. I am assuming they use European leather, which is not cheap and does not last longer, and this holster looks to be about 1.5 to 2 square ft. of leather. Keep in mind that the cuts cause a certain amount of waste. Consider thread, dye, and if it has a spring steel stiffener I would estimate about $30 to $35 in materials and overhead. Don't forget we have to keep the lights on. That leaves about $65 - $70 to cover labor on a $100 holster and I would estimate it would take me at least 1.5 hours to 2 hours total in labor to make this holster if I was set up for these in a production holster. In all fairness to Milt's business I believe $35 / hr is a bargain for that quality. Try getting a plumber or and electrician for that, good luck!

But like I said in an earlier post if all you want is a good holster that draws well, wears well, and conceals well. You can get all that without the expensive leather, super dye job, and fake outside molding that has no real function other than looking pretty. The looking pretty as most of the LEO's here who carry all the time will attest does fade some over time. But heck that's just character added to your trusted holster.

Great perspective here...
 
I can't count or name all of the different styles or brands of holsters I've used over the decades. But, I bought a PMK for my 3" 657 and couldn't be happier. It is a very good holster.
 
Found a photo of my PMK:
657-2_zps274c6d8e.jpg


I also like Tim Thurner's holsters. He is at: TT Gunleather. Here are two of his rigs I own:
Gunleather_1.jpg

Gunleather_3.jpg
 
I carry a 642 OWB only. It is a small firearm that disappears even in the summer with just a t-shirt. It is no GP100 that's for sure. I do have a couple 12 year old Milt sparks OWB but for 4" 1911 and the quality is top notch and last. Can't say enough about of them. They look better longer than any other holster I have. I do have a couple TT Gunleather holsters that absolutely rival Sparks in quality but I have not had them as long as my Sparks

With that said here is my OWB holster for my 642. Picked this up as I did not want to wait the 8-12 weeks at the time for Sparks or TT. With the shark trim it was about $65 a few years ago from Winthrop. Quality is NOT!!! Sparks or TT but again OWB it NEVER prints. The J Frame very small as you know. It all comes down to your body type and where you carry. I run mine at about 3:30-4:30 I do think the belt slide hugs the body better that the avenger style (JMO)
 

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I would wager that most of us here have a "box-o-holsters" somewhere in the house......holsters that should-a, could-a worked .... but didn't.

I've been using Spark's holsters for concealed carry since the mid 80's and I still use the first 2 I got ...... Summer Special's for a 3" K frame and a Walther PPK. Since then I've added maybe 8-10 more mostly Summer Specials or Executive Companions. Quality and service has been top notch.... the last one I ordered was about a year ago, a SSII for a 4 inch K-frame.... much more tightly boned than my almost 30 year old one for a 3" K-frame.

While the "wait" is a PITA; I don't find the price out of line with other custom makers.......it's still a small shop and I appreciate the workmanship. I give them two thumbs up !!!!!!!
 
I would wager that most of us here have a "box-o-holsters" somewhere in the house......holsters that should-a, could-a worked .... but didn't.

I've been using Spark's holsters for concealed carry since the mid 80's and I still use the first 2 I got ...... Summer Special's for a 3" K frame and a Walther PPK. Since then I've added maybe 8-10 more mostly Summer Specials or Executive Companions. Quality and service has been top notch.... the last one I ordered was about a year ago, a SSII for a 4 inch K-frame.... much more tightly boned than my almost 30 year old one for a 3" K-frame.

While the "wait" is a PITA; I don't find the price out of line with other custom makers.......it's still a small shop and I appreciate the workmanship. I give them two thumbs up !!!!!!!
Can you post a shot of the Summer Special for the 4 in K Frame?
 
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