Rafter S Gunleather

[cobretti]

Has anyone had any RECENT experience with this company? I've read a few nasty posts about deliveries and customer service, but they were from a couple of years ago. I really like the looks of their stuff, and it had good reviews, at least. I believe they supply Wilson Combat with their products.

 

[fat tom]

They make quality stuff. Oddly enough,my latest experience with them was just about two years ago. I told them I wanted a paddle holster with a leather paddle. The lady told me they were now using a hard plastic. I politely told her that I don't do plastic and that I would have to look elsewhere. She asked me to hold on for a minute,after which she said that they would be happy to make one for me at no additional charge. I told her that I wanted the holster in full-quill ostrich with a sport rust alligator trim and a matching alligator mag pouch. Less than a month later it arrived. If their service is no worse today,I'd say go for it. Kinda pricey,but I like it.

f.t.

 

[cobretti]

Nice rig! That's about the time frame all the complaints I read about are from, too.

 

[novalty]

I would recommend you try another vendor. Since you are in Florida, I would highly recommend Andrews Leather. Another quality maker, which I actually have one on order is R. Grizzle Leather out of Georgia, or Adams Leatherworks. These 3 manufacturers are quoting around a 2 month turn around, versus say Milt Sparks 4 months.


If you are looking for a belt, I'd recommend:RG Leather, Jerry Bissell, and AG Custom.

 

[bettis1]

I have multiple belts, holsters and magazine carriers from Rafter S and have always been very pleased. I wear either a brown or black sharkskin belt every day of my life...they are between 5-10 years old and still have good looks and no distortion. I have holsters in black sharkskin for both Glocks and Smiths that I use whenever I carry OWB.

Most of my items were purchased several years ago and I do understand that there was a period following that where there was a problem with their delivery. I believe that was a personal problem with one of the owners that has since been resolved.

The current owner is Della Schafer and she is quite accommodating to her customers. She has been responsive every time that I have contacted her. Della is always at the Dallas Mkt. Hall show with a large collection of items. I wouldn't be surprised if she is at other large shows if you have an opportunity to check it out.

Bob

 

[bettis1]

I just learned that Della Schafer was killed in a truck accident in February 2013. Very sad to learn; she was a sweet lady that I always enjoyed visiting and doing business with at the Dallas show.

It is my understanding that her ex-husband, Steve, intends to make every effort to satisfy any outstanding orders. The email address I have for him is: [email protected]

Bob

 

[fed_wif_a_sig]

Rafter S leather.

I have known and bought holsters from Della since the early 1990s back when she was married. After their divorce I know she purchased the company totally from her ex-husband and that she personally introduced me to a friend of hers named Rolan.

After learning of her death earlier this year, I kept in touch with Rolan and have learned that he purchased the equipment and has retained the employee Della hired to continue to manufacture the products under the name West Plains Gun Leather.

I have no knowledge about her ex-husbands involvement in the company since their divorce.

Just know that the quality of the products I saw today here in Dallas are as good as the gear that I have been using daily since 1994.

It's always confusing when we loose people.

Rolan can be contacted at [email protected]

 

[bettis1]

Steve,

I didn't see the Rafter S (or West Plains Gun Leather) at the Dallas show today. Thanks for the head's up. Are they in the same area where Della usually was? (I needed another belt but bought one from El Paso Saddlery…may have to get another of theirs, too).

If you (or anyone else) is at the Mkt. Hall show tomorrow, please stop by my table (F-21) and say hello.

Bob

 

[fed_wif_a_sig]

Bob,

Sorry didn't see your post till today. They were up against the far wall away from the annex. I just got an email back from Rolan Norsworthy who has taken over the equipment from Rafter S and hired the employee that Della had been using to make the belts and holsters. They also had a full line of gear and have made more exotics as well.

I do not know where Della's ex came into play but I know that Rolan was a friend of Della's and had traveled with her for at least two years when she made the different shows.

His contact info (not sure if I posted it earlier) is [email protected] and he said they don't have a website up yet but will soon.

Steve,

I didn't see the Rafter S (or West Plains Gun Leather) at the Dallas show today. Thanks for the head's up. Are they in the same area where Della usually was? (I needed another belt but bought one from El Paso Saddlery…may have to get another of theirs, too).

If you (or anyone else) is at the Mkt. Hall show tomorrow, please stop by my table (F-21) and say hello.

Bob

 

[bettis1]

Steve,

I did find Rolan and had a nice visit with him. I remember him from several of Della's last visits. He indicated that he had already made reservations for the next Dallas Show (Jan. 4-5) and will be there.

Sorry that I missed seeing you. I'll be at the same table, F20-21, so stop by and say Hi.

Bob