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Want Better Belt and Holsters


John Kloehr

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Check out "J-M Leather" as well. My Missus got hers from Johnny and is very happy. Double lined holsters so no issue re-holstering. He and his wife are very helpful over the phone when ordering. His web site has a bunch of pix.

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6 minutes ago, WymoreWrangler SASS 46187 said:

I'll second JM Leather in Bulls Gap Tn, very good quality and very reasonably priced with a good turn around time...  And he doesn't charge your credit card until the rig is ready to ship....

Johnny is a great guy to work with and does excellent work.

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1 hour ago, Kid Rich said:

. . .  I like used stuff it has character, I really like used guns, my only regret with used guns is not knowing their stories so I have to use my imagination.

kR

Just sayin if you buy new it'll only be that way until you use it the first time.

 

 

As an old Texan once told me,

 

"Never let the truth get in the way of a great story."

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Lots of good advice here, but they missed the most important thing.  Make sure you get one long enough to go around your waste -- not just now, but later on down the road.  Gunbelt length hasn't been incentive enough for the rest of us to slow the process of moving those youthful, bulky leg muscles up above the belt line.   

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2 hours ago, John Kloehr said:

Found his web site:

 

http://www.jm-leather.com/index.htm

 

023%20600.jpg

 

The two bullet loops is a simple yet interesting detail.

 

When it comes to carrying spare ammo remember if you need to add a cartridge during a stage having them where you can get them is the key.  That's why I never understood why you'd want a gun belt where the ammo is at your back (other than for looks).   Your pictured rig has them where your hand would naturally fall.  Just dos pesos from Tequila

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Nick at Knights / Tombstone leather in San Diego is a great choice check out his website complete with pricing. You can get a good quality rig with a little personalization.

Chance

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32 minutes ago, Dusty Devil Dale said:

Lots of good advice here, but they missed the most important thing.  Make sure you get one long enough to go around your waste -- not just now, but later on down the road.  Gunbelt length hasn't been incentive enough for the rest of us to slow the process of moving those youthful, bulky leg muscles up above the belt line.   

Well, that would be "waist", but I'm nit-picking. I'm now 60 (I think... no, just 59). My waist was 32" in high school, down to 29" when I rode bicycle 20 miles a day. But about a decade ago I started moving up again and after moving to Tennessee, I'm now stable at 34" in Levis 501s. Don't think I'm going to grow much more, but a quick look at a the local Walmart parking lot suggests many locals are still ramping.

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24 minutes ago, Tequila Shooter said:

 

When it comes to carrying spare ammo remember if you need to add a cartridge during a stage having them where you can get them is the key.  That's why I never understood why you'd want a gun belt where the ammo is at your back (other than for looks).   Your pictured rig has them where your hand would naturally fall.  Just dos pesos from Tequila

And I was thinking of using dummy rounds and they would need to be lacquered to stop any reaction with the leather if I went with that detail. I'm leaning towards using a bandolier, easy for my off hand to find and looks bad-[um], but for that holster, swapping in a live round for a specific stage might work!

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26 minutes ago, Marshal Chance Taker said:

Nick at Knights / Tombstone leather in San Diego is a great choice check out his website complete with pricing. You can get a good quality rig with a little personalization.

Chance

http://www.knightsleatherproducts.com/products.html

 

21frame-600x339.jpg

 

Absolutely loving the holster porn!

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JK,

 

I know you keep looking for makers web sites but some of the absolute best leather smiths in the country have ZERO web presence. They get all the work they can handle just via word of mouth.

 

Go down to Wartrace and take a look at what other shooters have and ask specifically what they like and don't like and why.

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13 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

JK,

 

I know you keep looking for makers web sites but some of the absolute best leather smiths in the country have ZERO web presence. They get all the work they can handle just via word of mouth.

 

Go down to Wartrace and take a look at what other shooters have and ask specifically what they like and don't like and why.

I get that, and will seek out some local craftsmen. But the pictures help to remember differences, options, and ideas. And should I go with a local maker, the pictures I picked can provide a basis for discussion. Not to copy another person's work but to explain what I am looking for.

 

And they sure look nice.

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19 hours ago, John Kloehr said:

Found his web site:

 

http://www.jm-leather.com/index.htm

 

023%20600.jpg

 

The two bullet loops is a simple yet interesting detail.

 

I've got a Kirkpatrick rig with the bullet loops on the holsters. I like the looks and they are convenient enough for the rare times you need a relaod from the belt. Use nickel cases however to avoid the verdigris from brass.

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13 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

JK,

 

I know you keep looking for makers web sites but some of the absolute best leather smiths in the country have ZERO web presence. They get all the work they can handle just via word of mouth.

 

Go down to Wartrace and take a look at what other shooters have and ask specifically what they like and don't like and why.

Much truth in your words SD. 

 

Great names mentioned in fine leathercraft.  I've had many different rigs thru the years and would not complain a lot about any.  There's been Big Ed's, Jack Houston's, 2 sets of both ER's and Handlebar Doc's by Kirkpatrick...all good stuff but thru the years changes just might  "strike my fancy", perhaps desire for change in cant, drop, style, etc.  I still have a Kirkpatrick LH-9 with kydex insert and  two JM sets & a Ain't Dunnit rig without inserts (Sassy has very nice AD rig also). 

 

I highly recommend inserts but if not, as those of mine I mentioned, I have come up with a insert of my own to keep in the holster openings so they will keep their shape, especially when packed in carrying in totes of sorts.  Formed liners sure take the worry out of collapsed holster openings.

 

With the praise given to leather craftsman of my personal dealings, might I add that these days if you see me at match and I am not wearing the AD rig then I am more than likely wearing my other favorite, a Doc Noper with liner, not sure if kydex or metal.  Doc makes excellent holsters and although you might find his products on FaceBook, like Ain't Dunnit, you will not find a dedicated website.   

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On 6/11/2020 at 1:17 PM, John Kloehr said:

Something I am pretty sure of... I'm not planning on cross-draw.

 

I just write this post because when I started CAS I was pretty sure to not use a cross draw holster as well ;)

 

IMHO there are 3 reasons for two strong side holsters instead of a cross draw (but there might be more):

  1. Shooting style (double duelist or gunfighter)
  2. Avoid the "cross draw dance" (body twist to avoid breaking the 170° rule)
  3. The looks :)  Although cross draw holsters were common in the old west, for some people (including me) they somehow don't look very cowboy...

Shooting two-handed, I started with two strong side holsters because of reason 3 :blush:

Then, I switched to a cross draw to avoid changing a loaded gun from one hand to the other. I never had an issue like dropping the gun etc., just wanted to minimize the risk. Drawing the revolver with the hand you shoot with seems more reasonable to me, especially while I'm practicing shooting duelist style now.

But as I'm interested in shooting GF somewhen in the future, I ordered my custom rig with three holsters.

 

Just some thoughts, Equanimous

 

P.S.: Please let us know what you order when you come to a decision :)

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here's my 2 cents worth or "lessons I've Learned the Expensive Way":

Never buy gun leather, boots. or a hat online. These are items that, if done right will last you for years, but the only way to truly know is to try on the boots/hat and meet face to face with the leather maker.

Never go cheap on your boots, gun leather, or guns. Buy quality, cry about the money once. Go cheap cry often, and usually when your match had started out really good.

If your weight fluctuates, you think your weight may fluctuate, or you just aren't sure about where your belt will ride & the circumference of that equator, stay away from a buscadero  rig. The length is near impossible to adjust and if you can do it, it moves the holsters. A ranger belt is by far the most flexible & easiest to modify after the Thanksgiving/Christmas meal season.

If I had the money I spent learning these lessons, I'd buy another gun....your mileage may vary

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Something not talked about is gun retention.  Off the shelf rigs are made to fit a type of gun not just the one you use.  When I was shooting a lot I have seen guns come out and hit the ground between stage shooting positions.  Not a lot but some.  Remember what works for the top shooter may feel like boat anchors in the holsters to you.  I would tell you to shoot a season with what you have before buying a better rig if your setup is safe.  The ideas you have today may or may not work for you after you shoot several matches.  You look at the top shooters they don’t have lots of extra things on there bodies.  Just what is needed, not anything to slow movement of the gun arm or slow movement of the gun?

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  • 1 month later...

About to pull the trigger on the Mernickle "starter rig." Going to call and ask a couple questions, main question is if the holster mouths stay open for easy holstering; for  the price, doubt they are metal-reinforced. As long as I don't have to pinch the mouth open, it should work for me.

 

This is a piece of equipment I could easily spend a lot more money on and still want to change when I learn more...

 

Found several used options (thanks for the offers!) but all either did not fit what I shoot or fit me unless I gain a few inches in the waist. And used still cost about the same as the Mernickle option.

 

Will post pics and a review here when it arrives (4-6 weeks according to the web site).

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2 hours ago, John Kloehr said:

About to pull the trigger on the Mernickle "starter rig." Going to call and ask a couple questions, main question is if the holster mouths stay open for easy holstering; for  the price, doubt they are metal-reinforced. As long as I don't have to pinch the mouth open, it should work for me.

 

This is a piece of equipment I could easily spend a lot more money on and still want to change when I learn more...

 

Found several used options (thanks for the offers!) but all either did not fit what I shoot or fit me unless I gain a few inches in the waist. And used still cost about the same as the Mernickle option.

 

Will post pics and a review here when it arrives (4-6 weeks according to the web site).

They are great folk to deal with. You won't be unhappy.

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Called Mernickle. While not metal reinforced, the holsters are stiff and designed to stay open for holstering.

 

Ordered it, now need to wait 4-6 weeks. Probably will have them for the October shoot.

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3 minutes ago, John Kloehr said:

Called Mernickle. While not metal reinforced, the holsters are stiff and designed to stay open for holstering.

 

Ordered it, now need to wait 4-6 weeks. Probably will have them for the October shoot.

 

 

Cool, I hope it's the 4 weeks instead of later. IF they are late, as in you get them the week of TN State, don't wear them at that match(unless that's all you have); give yourself a couple of weeks to break them in and get used to them.

 

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39 minutes ago, Tyrel Cody said:

 

 

Cool, I hope it's the 4 weeks instead of later. IF they are late, as in you get them the week of TN State, don't wear them at that match(unless that's all you have); give yourself a couple of weeks to break them in and get used to them.

 

I got my dual strong side rig from them during the lockdown. I didn't have anything to do but fidget with where I wanted the holsters set and do practice draws/reholstering with my eyes closed.

Very, very rarely do I have to look when I put my hoglegs to bed.

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5 hours ago, Tyrel Cody said:

 

 

Cool, I hope it's the 4 weeks instead of later. IF they are late, as in you get them the week of TN State, don't wear them at that match(unless that's all you have); give yourself a couple of weeks to break them in and get used to them.

 

I do have another rig, but it takes several seconds to holster.

 

I have to carefully bring the revolver to the holster and reach around with my other hand to squeeze the holster mouth open while not sweeping myself. Then insert the revolver.

 

Three seconds, twice per stage.

 

I'm switching as soon as the new rig arrives!

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4 minutes ago, John Kloehr said:

I do have another rig, but it takes several seconds to holster.

 

I have to carefully bring the revolver to the holster and reach around with my other hand to squeeze the holster mouth open while not sweeping myself. Then insert the revolver.

 

Three seconds, twice per stage.

 

I'm switching as soon as the new rig arrives!

 

Try storing them with a tennis ball in the mouth. 

 

 

P.S. No penalty for sweeping yourself.

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6 minutes ago, Tyrel Cody said:

 

Try storing them with a tennis ball in the mouth. 

 

 

P.S. No penalty for sweeping yourself.

The leather is too soft. Maybe if I dipped the holsters in water to harden them up? :D

It is a really inexpensive rig. It got me into the game. I'm OK moving up, even knowing I will want to do so again in the future.

 

As to no penalty for sweeping myself... I just don't.

 

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2 minutes ago, John Kloehr said:

As to no penalty for sweeping myself... I just don't.

 

 

I try not to. Just didn't want you to think there was a penalty, some do.

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  • 1 month later...
On 8/10/2020 at 12:59 PM, John Kloehr said:

Called Mernickle. While not metal reinforced, the holsters are stiff and designed to stay open for holstering.

 

Ordered it, now need to wait 4-6 weeks. Probably will have them for the October shoot.

Shipped today! Yippee!

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I used my Rig built by my hubby for 10 years or so....still love them.

But I finally treated myself to a Mernikle Rig...and so happy.

Simple strong side and sg belt.

 

Really love Aspen Filly's specialty rigs...will fit like a glove, and worth the price.

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On 10/1/2020 at 1:58 PM, John Kloehr said:

Shipped today! Yippee!

 

I bought my Mernickle rig used at a gunshow 20 years ago.  Still in great shape!  I do store all my holsters with tennis balls, but these do stay open well.

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On 6/10/2020 at 4:06 PM, Jackalope said:

 

 

The ladies' man on the right is none other than the infamous El Suave!

 

Yep, El Suave and The Other Guy at the Hangtown Vigilance Committee took me in as family the first day I showed up to shoot cowboy. Still two of my favorite people, and I always try to get to Hangtown and shoot with them when I'm in the area.

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