5 Shot Leather
Check out the detail on the backside of the shark rig and hand made belt.
Are those Carbon Creation grips? Yup.
One of the best rifle advertisements I’ve ever seen is from Dakota Arms. The caption reads, “Life is too short to hunt with an ugly gun!” I’ve adopted that credo to encompass several aspects of my life, and that’s why my duty pistol is a Les Baer Ultimate Recon with a set of custom Desert Ironwood burl grips from Wicked Grips. Life is too short to carry an ugly gun — and life’s too short to wear an ugly holster.
Another CBS with matching mag pouch in black cowhide with elephant trim. Life’s too short!
A Tuxedo And Tube Socks?
I know times are tough for many of us, and the idea of a custom leather rig may seem out of reach, but I’m amazed how many professional cops buy outrageously expensive guns and pack them around in a butt-ugly plastic holster they got for $20 or free “from that guy who retired.” And then they strap it to a floppy 1″ leather belt that only takes up about half of the holster’s slot space and the whole thing just sort of sags there like a soup-sandwich in a baggie. If you think I’m exaggerating, just go for a stroll through your detective offices or hang out at court for a while and you’ll see this painful display of plastic floppiness. Don’t go on an empty stomach though.
So what can be done about this? I suggest getting on the Web and finding yourself some quality leather gear that looks professional and actually fits your gun. Once you’ve worn a high quality holster you’ll never go back. Things like well made kydex or Blade-Tech plastic and a good Wilderness 5-Stitch Instructor’s Belt when you’re training or really casual makes perfect sense. But when it’s time to look sharp, you’ll definitely wear your good stuff. Can you say “barbecue gun?”
Appropriate Courtroom Attire
Relative newcomer John Ralston of Vancouver, Washington makes some of the best leather I’ve seen. John started 5 Shot Leather a while ago and it’s transitioned from a part time hobby to a full time endeavor. His leather is great. Actually, it’s better than great — it’s downright spectacular. The first time I eased my Les Baer into the elephant hide-trimmed black cowhide rig he made for me, I was blown away when it actually snapped into position. The fit was was perfect. You kind of expect that snap with kydex or injection-molded holsters, but when your gun snaps into a leather holster it’s impressive.
Once you’re hooked on the thrill of wearing professional-grade leather you’ll always have your eye on some kind of custom exotic rig. It’s just like a true gun enthusiast having his eye on a custom gun or grips, or maybe a special finish and checkering. There are some great ways to dress up a holster without breaking the bank. A little elephant or shark trim adds a whole new dimension to an otherwise plain design. Using all sharkskin is just spectacular as you can see from the rig I have for my stainless 1911 Commander.
John specializes in custom rigs that don’t cost your entire paycheck and will last a lifetime. He can also get it done in a reasonable time. Like any handcrafted product, it won’t be ready the next day, but this kind of quality is absolutely worth the wait. Whether you choose the concealment belt scabbard design I prefer, or a pancake, snap-attachment pancake, or one of the inside the waistband styles, you won’t be sorry you stepped up to a rig made by an artist of John’s caliber. Do yourself a favor, because life really is too short to wear an ugly holster.
For More Info:
www.5shotleather.com
www.lesbaer.com
www.blade-tech.com
www.thewilderness.com
