Alessi Holsters - Don't do it!

[sshawl]

I hope this post might help someone from making the same mistake I did. I purchased two holsters online from Alessi's web site, and paid in full for both. One on Dec 26, 2017, and another in April 2018. To date, (Jan 14, 2019), I have not received either holster. Doing the math tells me that is has been over a one year wait to date. Certainly not the 14 weeks they quote. I have contacted Alessi a number of times via their internal messaging system with no response. I filed a complaint with the BBB in Nov 2018 and was just told by them today, that Alessi refused to respond. There is no other conclusion I can reach other than this company has become a complete scam. I just want my money back. There are numerous custom holster makers/companies that make quality products within a 2-4 week lead time. Alessi is definitely not one of them. Stay away!

Steve Shawl

 

[George P]

Did you actually call and talk to someone at Alessi?
Did you use a credit card?
If yes, you have recourse to get your money back

 

[JTQ]

I purchased two holsters online from Alessi's web site, and paid in full for both. One on Dec 26, 2017, and another in April 2018. To date, (Jan 14, 2019), I have not received either holster.
Steve Shawl

For what it's worth, Tom Kulwicki, who stepped in to help the Alessi children keep the Alessi holster business running after Lou Alessi passed away in 2009, passed away himself last February 21 (apparently right between your two orders). Perhaps his passing caused some issues with your holster processing.

If you haven't already tried, you may want to try calling (716) 693-4000 to see if you can get through.

 

[JTQ]

If there is a particular model of Alessi's that you like, many of those designs are available from Ritchie Leather Company. Skip Ritchie was a former partner with Alessi years ago and now has his own business with many similar designs.

Ritchie http://www.ritchieholsters.com

Both Top Gun Supply and Lightning Arms Sports carry Ritchie products. I ordered a Ritchie Vertical Speed Scabbard from Top Gun Supply on 4 Jan. It arrived on 8 Jan.

Top Gun Supply https://www.topgunsupply.com/holsters/ritchie-gun-leather.html

Lightning Arms Sports https://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm

 

[Charlie98]

I ordered a holster from Alessi last year... it took almost 9 months to receive it, which was a little long, but they updated me when I emailed them and it was OK. The final product was certainly worth it.

 

[Gordon]

I cherish my original Alessia holsters. The passing of the new maker this spring really puts the survival of the company in doubt. If you used a credit card file for a refund.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Sad to hear. My original has been amazing for me for decades now.

Hope they make it right for you and if not your credit card backs you.

 

[jar]

Some of my most used holster were made by Lou but I will admit I have not bought one since he died.

 

[Safety First]

Lou was a gentleman and one of the finest holster/Belt makers of our time.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

This is a bummer. I’ve considered buying from them a few times.

 

[jrmiddleton425]

I realize this is an old thread, but I found it, and I think an update might be in order.

Alessi Holsters, Inc. and its' subsidiary, Buffalo-Niagara Gun Range, closed October 25th, 2019.

I own a single Alessi holster, made for my CZ-75B by Tom Kulwicki before his death. And I can tell you his work was worth the wait. To this day, Tom still is the only person I've ever met who did business with a handshake. He was a good guy and I miss seeing him at gun shows.

Heck, at this point I miss GOING to gun shows.

As posted above, Skip Ritchie is making holsters that are very close to Lou Alessi's.

 

[Charlie98]

Looks like I got my holster from them just before they closed. Very sad, indeed.

My 2 Alessi's... the 1911 holster is from the early '80's, the Kahr holster my new one...

 

[Flight Medic]

FYI, for anyone that loved Alessi holsters, John Ralston (5 Shot Leather) is carrying on the tradition of certain Alessi designs (albeit, with different model nomenclature) made to order.

https://www.5shotleather.com/


I purchased his "LFA" (based on the Alessi ACP/S) for my 5" 1911, and its my favorite OWB holster, bar none. His workmanship is top notch.