Warning on Alessi Holsters

[Dock49]

Perfectly fair reply, and gentlemanly, too.

And yes, my handle references Salinger's last.

Hapworth:

Thank you for the nice reply. BTW, Salinger has always been one of my favorite authors--truly a tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy.

Dock 49

 

[RJakeSr]

I too have several Alessi holsters and live nearby. I bought my first holster about two years ago, went over last March to by one for my new Glock and just asked about a shoulder rig for my Kimber Grand Raptor II, he showed me a holster, set it up and said take it home and try it. One week later I told him I want to order the holster for my Glock and wasn’t sure about the holster for my Kimber. Said just bring it back when my Glock holster is ready. He called me two week later said it was done. Said I didn’t like the way shoulder holster carried. He brought out a 1911 set the holster up properly for me. And I said I’ll take it, but only had the cash for the Glock holster and a bit more. He didn’t know me from Adam, but said take it and swing by when you get a chance and pay the rest, so I did. My Glock holster is one of my most used holsters out of nine holsters. And now that NY is limiting the rounds carried in a clip I will be buying more shoulder rigs with double clip carriers for some of my other guns. And every time I have been there, Tom has taken great care of me and my guns!!

 

[george minze]

Lou would be turning over in his grave.........He was a great craftsman and a all around good guy....He is missed !!!!!!!

 

[Ferdi]

I just received an Alessi Bodyguard shoulder holster for my S&W 1911 Sc E .45. I ordered this in March 2013 and received it four months later.

I own shoulder holsters from Kirkpatrick, Galco and others. In truth, I own way too many holsters of all types. Wthout a douby, this Alessi is the nicest holster I have ever seen both in design, fit, finish and especially the quality of the leather. They have a pull through button that latches inside the trigger guard. This works perfectly and means you don't need a strap of any type to secure your gun. The cut of he straps and the design make this very easy to wear all day long without any shifting of any sort. The holster is smaller than any others I own, doing away with any superfluous leather.

I don't know abut their products when the former owner was alive but I do know what I bought. The absolute best shoulder holster I have found.

I will be ordering others from Alessi. The wait sucked but it is no worse than many other leather craftsmen. Oh, their email goes unanswered so you do need o call them to ask about shipping dates. Although when it shipped, I did receive an email informing me.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I just received an Alessi Bodyguard shoulder holster for my S&W 1911 Sc E .45. I ordered this in March 2013 and received it four months later.

I own shoulder holsters from Kirkpatrick, Galco and others. In truth, I own way too many holsters of all types. Wthout a douby, this Alessi is the nicest holster I have ever seen both in design, fit, finish and especially the quality of the leather. They have a pull through button that latches inside the trigger guard. This works perfectly and means you don't need a strap of any type to secure your gun. The cut of he straps and the design make this very easy to wear all day long without any shifting of any sort. The holster is smaller than any others I own, doing away with any superfluous leather.

I don't know abut their products when the former owner was alive but I do know what I bought. The absolute best shoulder holster I have found.

I will be ordering others from Alessi. The wait sucked but it is no worse than many other leather craftsmen. Oh, their email goes unanswered so you do need o call them to ask about shipping dates. Although when it shipped, I did receive an email informing me.

Without a picture of both gun and holster, it never happened.

 

[Navygunner]

Well I guess I will chime in on my recent experience with Alessi holsters.

In March, I placed an order through them for an IWB holster (Model PCH). I placed the order through their websight with no problems. Money was paid in advance and the Alessi websight reflected that the item was awaiting fulfillment. I then began to wait, two months, three months almost four months. I contacted them by phone prior to the four month anniversary to check the status. A young lady answered the phone. I explained my circumstances and I gave her my information. Within 10 minutes, I received a phone call back from a different, older sounding woman (I'm guessing the owner). She apologized for the mix up and assured me that the holster would be out for delivery in the next two weeks. At this point I was satisfied with the response and the promise of a quality holster soon to arrive. Fast forward to the present...... I received my holster this past weekend. Was I excited to finally have it. I ripped open the box to see THE WRONG MODEL HOLSTER!!!!!! I wasn't totally discouraged, what I saw in the box was nice, real nice. I thought I can live with this. It is a less expensive model but it was well crafted. I then go to put my pistol in the holster only to find that the holster isn't even for the model I ordered. (3" barrel instead of 4"). Totally useless to me.
I call them on Monday when they open and go over the details of the order. The young lady that answered the phone was very understanding of my situation. She again took down my information and assured me that it wouldn't take four months again to fulfill the order. When I asked about how long I should expect the remade holster, she informed me that it could get done in about A WEEK!!!!!. REALLY!!!!
I would hazard a guess that if I had not made the call three weeks ago, the original wrong holster that was mailed was not even in production. It wasn't until the heard from me that they noticed how far back some of their orders were backlogged (Thus the apology from the older lady the first time I called). I am currently mailing the wrong holster back (On my dime). I was told they will refund me the cost of shipping when they receive the product.
My closing opinion on Alessi holsters is it is a fine product. The finish for what I received was top notch, just wrong. Do not plan on receiving their product in a reasonable time unless you stay on top of them. In hindsight, I probably should have called and checked its production much sooner, like after two months. The next few weeks will tell how this is ultimately resolved. I hope my experience can help someone in the future.

Patrick

 

[Navygunner]

Update on my last post:

Today I was pleasantly surprised by a call from Tom, the current owner of Alessi Holsters. Tom and I talked at length about my order and after the discussion I have all the confidence my order will be filled in a timely manner. He explained that the mix up on the holster model was due largely to the type of pistol I ordered for. Apparently, the holster style I ordered will not work with the revolver it was intended. (Regardless of the order form allowing a customer to order one). He is refunding the difference and cutting a check for the shipping cost of the returned item. He also informed me that the production of my holster was going to begin today.

All in all, I feel a lot better about my purchase after hearing from Tom personally. I believe their products to be superior to many customs I have seen and I will most likely continue purchasing from them in the future. My advise to those that are looking to purchase a holster from Alessi, plan on a lengthy wait (approximately 4 months). I hope to post pictures of the completed rig in the coming weeks.

Patrick

 

[Cold Shooter]

Still beating a dead horse?

Unfortunately, I did not do due diligence before ordering a shoulder holster from Alessi Holsters. My BAD. Another holster maker had recommended Alessi as he did not make shoulder holsters.
I placed my order with Tom on 12/28/12 and received it 39 weeks later. No joke. The pistol holding part of the rig looked fine. The entire rest looked as though it was punched out of naugahyde. Tom swore that it was chrome treated leather.
The single magazine holder did not fit! Tom said that he would ship the proper magazine holder ASAP. He did and it is of the wrong color but it fits and at this point I will keep it.
If you want a shoulder holster, may I recommend Black Hills leather? Rudy and Rudy, jr. go all the way for the customer. I have several of Rudy's holsters and love them. One more is on its' way.
So folks, why continue to be frustrated and disappointed with Alessi when we have several viable alternatives?

 

[flintsghost]

When one company has this much trouble delivering a product in anything like their original estimate of time and also can't deliver holsters for the weapons that fit properly, it's time to quit using them. People who like them and continue to order from them then have no one to complain to other than themselves. Alessi is not the only company making quality leather. Far from it.

 

[roo_ster]

Whatever the current state of Alessi Holsters, reading through this thread I learned of 4-5 holster makers new to me. I count that as a "Win." I have now added them to the 50+ holster makers I already have bookmarked. Thank you all.

FTR, I love good quality gunleather and never bought an Alessi when he was alive.

 

[Retired G Man]

My Experience with Alessi Holsters

Having been in law enforcement for over 30 years I was looking to purchase a new holster for my Sig 229 and I was given the name Alessi holsters by a co worker and in researching this company I came across this forum. I know there are always 2 sides to any story so I called this company to see for myself. After a couple of rings I was speaking to a very nice lady named Laura who was very helpful and then transferred to Tom the owner. Tom took the time to explain all my options and gave me his expert oppinion as well. When I had a few questions on the design of this particular holster Tom said no problem I have one right here and I will send it to you to see for yourself. Well I had that holster in my hands in a matter of a few days and I absolutely love it except it is not the color I want but Tom is making mine right now and I can't wait to get it! My dealings with Tom and Alessi holsters has been nothing but enjoyable not to mention the product quality is second to none! Thanks again Tom!!!!!

 

[Glass232499]

Alessi Unboxing Video

Here is an unboxing video of an Alessi Holster that talks about how long it takes to order one. I hope this sheds some light on some of the comments here.

Unboxing an Alessi Holster - YouTube

 

[Hapworth]

Here is an unboxing video of an Alessi Holster that talks about how long it takes to order one. I hope this sheds some light on some of the comments here.

Unboxing an Alessi Holster - YouTube

Welcome to the forum.

You note in your video they quoted four months -- at least they're now extending the expected wait time up front. But they still took another four weeks beyond that to deliver; once past deadline, did they initiate any contact with you to acknowledge or explain the delay, and offer a revised delivery date?

 

[66Park]

I don't have any personal experience with Alessi holsters, so no comment on that, but if you like the Alessi style, Skip Ritchie, who was in the business with Lou and designed some of the old Alessi line, is making a really fine line of holsters under the name Ritchie Leather. I have several from them, and they are all fantastic. I bought a couple through Top Gun Supply, but I also called and ordered another directly. I talked to Bob Ritchie on the phone, placed my order, and had it in a couple weeks. GREAT product, no hassle service, and highly recommended if you like the Alessi style. In fact, I think they are working out of the old Alessi shop.

 

[jrodrg]

I figured I'd join this forum and get in on this action. I'm local here in Buffalo to both Ritchie Leather Co. and Alessi Holsters. I had my heart set on the Nighthawk for my newly acquired S&W .40 Shield made by Ritchie Leather Co but I didn't want to spend $75 on a holster. I first saw that holster at Buffalo Gun Center and tried it out.... loved the fitment and quality but like I said before I didn't want to drop that much cash on a holster at this time.

After a quick search for "Buffalo gun holsters" on goggle I was led to this site. I started reading this thread and was even more sold on the Ritchie's Nighthawk. I kept reading and it seemed maybe a few people had a bad experience at Alessi. So I found their number and called them up. A sexy voice answered "this is Jenny" I asked if they had anything for my Shield and I was looking for inside the waistband. She gave the phone to her father Tom (current owner). We talked about the Talon and Talon plus. Tom said he was finishing up on one and he also had another one in stock. He said he could have either one shipped today. I told him I was local and wanted to come out to see the fitment and try it on. He said to come on down.

Once I got there he let me try on the Talon + and it was a great fit. We didn't discuss price and talked for about 10 mins. I finally asked if he took credit and he said no. I asked how much it was and he said he was going to give me a deal because the one he let me try on wasn't stamped correctly and I was local and took the time to stop in. $50 which I thought was really great deal. I told him to hang on to the holster because I needed to get to an ATM. He said don't worry about it, I trust you. I took the holster with me and came back with the $50 an hour later. That's really all I have to add to this... and that his daughter is very attractive..... sorry Tom if your reading this.... consider it a complement.

-Jrod

 

[Hapworth]

I figured I'd join this forum and get in on this action. I'm local here in Buffalo to both Ritchie Leather Co. and Alessi Holsters. I had my heart set on the Nighthawk for my newly acquired S&W .40 Shield made by Ritchie Leather Co but I didn't want to spend $75 on a holster. I first saw that holster at Buffalo Gun Center and tried it out.... loved the fitment and quality but like I said before I didn't want to drop that much cash on a holster at this time.

After a quick search for "Buffalo gun holsters" on goggle I was led to this site. I started reading this thread and was even more sold on the Ritchie's Nighthawk. I kept reading and it seemed maybe a few people had a bad experience at Alessi. So I found their number and called them up. A sexy voice answered "this is Jenny" I asked if they had anything for my Shield and I was looking for inside the waistband. She gave the phone to her father Tom (current owner). We talked about the Talon and Talon plus. Tom said he was finishing up on one and he also had another one in stock. He said he could have either one shipped today. I told him I was local and wanted to come out to see the fitment and try it on. He said to come on down.

Once I got there he let me try on the Talon + and it was a great fit. We didn't discuss price and talked for about 10 mins. I finally asked if he took credit and he said no. I asked how much it was and he said he was going to give me a deal because the one he let me try on wasn't stamped correctly and I was local and took the time to stop in. $50 which I thought was really great deal. I told him to hang on to the holster because I needed to get to an ATM. He said don't worry about it, I trust you. I took the holster with me and came back with the $50 an hour later. That's really all I have to add to this... and that his daughter is very attractive..... sorry Tom if your reading this.... consider it a complement.

-Jrod

Greetings jrodrg and welcome to the forum. You're one of several now who were inspired to join and post based only on this thread.

Good to hear of your pleasant purchasing experience with Alessi; indeed they make an excellent holster.

I'm surprised to learn that they don't accept credit cards. Odd, but might be an in-store thing, I guess, because they've been accepting credit cards for online purchases for years.

Based on your post, I too Google searched "buffalo gun holsters" and got only five hits, none for S&W Forum or anything leading to it. Glad you nonetheless found your way here to provide a positive report.

The take away from your contribution, it seems, is that to have an overall good buying experience from Alessi -- particularly inasmuch as timeliness and communication are involved -- you have to physically go to the shop.

 

[66Park]

I figured I'd join this forum and get in on this action. I'm local here in Buffalo to both Ritchie Leather Co. and Alessi Holsters. I had my heart set on the Nighthawk for my newly acquired S&W .40 Shield made by Ritchie Leather Co but I didn't want to spend $75 on a holster. I first saw that holster at Buffalo Gun Center and tried it out.... loved the fitment and quality but like I said before I didn't want to drop that much cash on a holster at this time.

After a quick search for "Buffalo gun holsters" on goggle I was led to this site. I started reading this thread and was even more sold on the Ritchie's Nighthawk. I kept reading and it seemed maybe a few people had a bad experience at Alessi. So I found their number and called them up. A sexy voice answered "this is Jenny" I asked if they had anything for my Shield and I was looking for inside the waistband. She gave the phone to her father Tom (current owner). We talked about the Talon and Talon plus. Tom said he was finishing up on one and he also had another one in stock. He said he could have either one shipped today. I told him I was local and wanted to come out to see the fitment and try it on. He said to come on down.

Once I got there he let me try on the Talon + and it was a great fit. We didn't discuss price and talked for about 10 mins. I finally asked if he took credit and he said no. I asked how much it was and he said he was going to give me a deal because the one he let me try on wasn't stamped correctly and I was local and took the time to stop in. $50 which I thought was really great deal. I told him to hang on to the holster because I needed to get to an ATM. He said don't worry about it, I trust you. I took the holster with me and came back with the $50 an hour later. That's really all I have to add to this... and that his daughter is very attractive..... sorry Tom if your reading this.... consider it a complement.

-Jrod

I wonder what made you want to take the time to drive over to the Alessi shop to check out a Talon plus, which is a $90 holster when the Ritchie Nighthawk is $75, and you said it was too much for you. Personally, I think $75 is a very fair price for the Nighthawk. I have two of them.

 

[Hapworth]

All right, I waited a polite week to say it: since the last time I noted the same thing, we've had a few more "new members" who appear to have signed up exclusively to post a one-time-only positive comment about Alessi, then disappear, usually with questions unanswered.

Once again, just sayin'...

 

[FTG-05]

I noticed the same thing.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

This thread should just languish and die away. Lou Alessi was a good guy, a superior craftsman and designer, and now he's gone. How many years are we going to beat this drum....it has all been said. Lou's gone, that's that, end of story.

Cheers;
Lefty