Q vs. C

[armoredman]

One letter stands for Quality...the other....OK, I'll be polite, and say Caveat Emptor...:banghead:

I wanted a few differant holsters for the Taurus 850 CIA snub, one I will be waiting on for a while, my Mika pocket rig. But, from everything I have been told, the Mika rig is WELL worth the wait, and the man himself has been very pleasant in e-mails.

OK, so I decided to get an inexpensive IWB rig for the meantime, maybe for crossdraw or something, for use as a BBUG. So, I ordered a Bianchi #6 for $19.20 from a major police supply house on the West coast. Old name, good rep, how can you go wrong? While surfing the next day, I was caught by the great looks of the Don Hume H715 IWB rig, for $34.60, a $15.40 differance. (I did not add shipping here, as one came with stuff, and the other did not.) Having a bit of extra cash for a change, I decided to get that one, and cancel the other - too late, already shipped. The Bianchi arrived first. Gah. The Don Hume arrived today. Wow. Let me show you...



Bianchi soft suede leather, no moulding, no mouth tensioning, no edging, won't stop sweat from leaking through rig on the left, the Don Hume moulded with all the afore mentioned advantages on the right. What a differance $15.40 makes. Now look at the BACKS.



Aha, lookit that, cheap plastic and spring steel clip, or dual snapped belt loops - BTW, the loops are the same size, the pic makes one look longer. The Bianchi is also Hecho en Mehico. Don Hume will be getting more of my business in the future for generic holsters. Lastly, whose fault is it I got a cheap rig? Nobody but me...

Wanna bet which one goes in the future donation box???

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I make my own holsters -- that way I know what I'm getting and it's made in the USA,

 

[verdun59]

armoredman,
That's the strangest looking CZ I've ever seen.......one nice holster though.

 

[armoredman]

I have several VERY high quality custom made rigs from HBE and Hazel Leather, but I wanted to save a buck... ARGH! Also, those two makers are very busy, and I wanted something right now...


Verdun, CZ made a revolver back in the 70s/80s, a Smith 4 inch copy, and I think a few were actually imported way back when as curios...but I ain't got one!

 

[verdun59]

armoredman,
I didn't know that but I knew you have the CZ's that count. I can't decide whether my next one is going to be a PCR or Rami, any suggestions ?

 

[avan47]

You don't get much of holster for $15 These days. My IWB is a Galco which cost about $60. It is horse hide which holds up to sweat better, and has a steel insert to hold the mouth open. I have had it for several years now, and it has held up well. I have several Bianchi holsters that are in the $60 - $75 price range and they are of excellent quality and serve me well.

 

[armoredman]

No, you don't - the Bianchi is $20, the Don Hume $36, roughly, worth it by far.

 

[minutemen1776]

I love the Done Hume 715 IWB holsters. I've owned a few of them over the years, and the thumbsnap version of the 715 has become my favorite concealment holster. Although I had to wait a couple of months to get one for my new Kahr K9, it was well worth it. If anyone needs a good source for these holsters, or anything else made by Don Hume, I heartily recommend Red Diamond Uniform & Police Supply.

http://www.reddiamondonline.com

 

[Racinbob]

I bought a Mika. Looooooong wait but I figured it would be worth it based on what I've read. Ebay'ed it the same day it finally arrived. I hated it. Lousy fit, my 442 woudn't stay in place, nothing was right. Sorry. My experience only.

 

[bflobill_69]

Made in Mexico... nuff said

 

[Racinbob]

Eating crow

I want to apologize for my comment on the Mika holster I bought. My experience? Yes. But it wasn't tactful and with the 'disclaimer' that I mention to all I talk to face to face. The holster would not stay in place ane would actually roll in my pocket. I've always said that I believe a mistake was made and it was built for a different gun. I'd never fault anyone or a product for an honest mistake. Did I give Mr. Mika a chance to correct it? No. My mistake. Of the dozens of comments about Mika holsters on various forums, etc. I've only seen one negative. Mine. Shame on me for not handling it properly. I don't think bflobill's comment on made in Mexico was intended for Mikas. I assure you, they are not. He even personalizes every holster.

 

[armoredman]

No, the Bianchi is clearly marked "Made in Mexico", nobdy would assume from you comment you were talking of Mr Mika's holsters. I would ask you e-mail him to try to resolve that. I do have one on order from him, looking forward to trying it out myself soon. It takes a big man to apologise like that, my hat is off to you, sir.

 

[glassman]

I carry my compact CZ in a Don Hume H715M #36/4". I picked it up at a gun show for $35. Well made and finished with reenforced banding for easy reholstering. I still use a Bianchi 19L belt holster at times. It is also well made, high riding and the forward cant helps with draw and concealment.

 

[danbrew]

I make my own holsters -- that way I know what I'm getting and it's made in the USA,

You know, I'd really like to try that. Happen to have any handy online primers for those that might want to try it? Or a self-help guide for dummy holster makers?

 

[Racinbob]

Armoredman, I intentionally did not mention it but I was contacted by Mr. Mika after someone made him privy to my post. Doesn't matter who, but that's when it hit me how wrong I was. Too bad it took that. Mr. Mika was very kind and just wanted to know what was wrong. I replied with an apology and explanation. The fact that he contacted me speaks for itself. He could have, and had the right to, slam me but he didn't. He truly cares about his product and customers. Truly a case where an old fart (me)learned something he already knew but somehow forgot for a moment.