Alright,
Well tomorrow, I'm orderin' a rig. It's between
1. El Paso Saddlery "Spaghetti" rig
2. Black Hills "The Kid" rig.
I talked to Rudy at BH today and he was a really nice guy. He said the BH has a lifetime guarantee. He said that on the holster and belt he uses 7-8 oz. leather with a lining of each of 3-4 ounces (for a total of 10-12 ounces, which from what I understand, is just about perfect). He uses the running loop method for cartridge loops. When I asked why he chose this, he told me it was because it lasted longer as there was no stiching to potentially rot. Rudy assured me that the only disadvantage to the roughout is that it stains easier. Other than that, it's the same leather grade and just as sturdy and thick. I also asked him about the steel lining. He said normally if he does use it, it's only on the top of the holster. Basically, he told me that without the lining the rig should easily give 10 years of service. He said with the metal, it should give at least 20. He also said that the "Kid" holster sits higher on the belt than the "Tombstone", BUT the gun sits lower in the holster, so it's about equal. Delivery would be in the two to three week range.
I also talked to Don at El Paso. He was really nice, but didn't have as much info. He said that he didn't have the exact specs on the leather weight for the rig, but he did tell me it was "saddle grade" and fully lined. He also wasn't sure if the metal liner was for the full holster, or just the top. The cartridge loops are stiched on. Delivery would be in the 4-8 week range.
Sooooo,
Both guys were wonderful to talk to on the phone (I can tell I'ma gonna like this sport....great folks). So, if ANY of you out there have any products from either of these companies, PLEASE give me some feedback. If you haven't, feel free to contribute anyway, I need all the help I can git!
RS
PS, if possible, don't recommend any makers other than who I have listed. It'll only add to my confusion :rolleyes: :p