The Rohrbaugh Forum
Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh Accessories => Topic started by: jarcher on March 19, 2005, 02:01:51 AM
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Hi All...
Since RJ is not taking orders, I have been poking around. I see that Rohrbaugh sells Graham "Kentucky" holsters on their site. Does anyone know the dimensions of these? Also, they only show one side of it. Is there a thumb push off on the other side? I don't care for the index finger push off, but otherwise it looks quite nice.
I see Graham also makes the "Night Owl" which has no reinforcing band and also does have a thumb push off. These are both attributes I like! But no information is provided on the width of this holster either. Does anyone know? Without the band, does it stay open for reholstering?
Finally, I am wondering if I should spring for something unusual like shark or osterage. Rohrbaugh lists osterage and shark for the Kentucky. I read that osterage is thinner and less durable than shark. Thin appeals to me, even if less durable does not. How much less durable?
I never knew there was so much to chosing a leather holster before. I own a High Noon Slide Guard holster I am very happy with in horse hide (for my Sig P239), but otherwise I have kydex holsters.
My new baby will probably spend a lot of time in this holster, so I want something that won't scratch it up. Also, I need to be able to draw and reholster one handed. So if anyone could offer some information to consider on the material, and hopefuly the dimensions, I would appreciate it.
Thanks!
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jarcher -
Don't know that I have the answer to all of your questions, but I got out my Kentucky ordered from Rohrbaugh Store and measured it for you -
From edge to edge (front wing to rear wing) is about 4 3/4"
Top to bottom is about 3 1/2"
Thickness at the top is about 1 1/8" across the opening from outer edge to outer edge
Front leather is about 1/8" and back piece is about 3/32". I believe that the ostrich on the front is laminated to leather used to make the holster which accounts for the difference in thichness of the leather.
It does have a thumb push off disc at the point on the outside where the trigger sits inside the holster. There is no reinforcing band, but the leather is sufficiently stiff that it doesn't collapse. Haven't carried it a great deal yet, but it is a quality piece.
Hope this helps.
Randy
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I might suggest too you contact kevin of K&D Holsters ... he posts here from time to time. He made me two rigs for mine.
One is a small belt slide - I almost prefer this placement when I don't need to pocket carry. Then there is his pocket rig - this one with mag slot. Pics below to give you some idea - sorry, belt one is a poor quality pic.
I also use some of the time an Uncle Mikes #2 Sidekick ... this is for when my pocket dimensions are on the small side and I am ''pushing my luck'' with fit!!
Having this choice of effectively three carry rig options is great - always one of these will ''make my day''!
(http://www.acbsystems.com/boards/thr/shoot5/kd-r9-belt.jpg)
(http://www.acbsystems.com/boards/thr/shoot5/kd-r9-pocket.jpg)
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Thanks, R9SCarry, for posting those pics.
Jarcher,
Mr. Graham does make a high quality holster - no doubt about it. There's Matt Del Fatti (who's listed on the links page here on the forum), Lightning Sports who has JCS holsters, Milt Sparks, and I think Lou Alessi is now making them also. All of the above mentioned are top quality holster makers for your R9S.
I also make a variety of holsters for the R9S. The most popular choice is our 2n1 convertible, which has the anti-print panel that snaps on and off. It essentially allows you to carry either in the front pocket (most generally with the panel off) or in the rear or coat pocket (most generally with the panel on). There is a reinforcement band around the throat of the holster, and allows for pushing off with your thumb. It is available in either right or left hand version. I also offer exotic skins such as shark, alligator, etc. Pictured below is the holster itself shown with a Kel-Tec P3AT (laying on shark skin).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Leathercrafter/PDNew1.jpg)
Good luck in your search. There are a number of excellent holster makers available for your choosing. 8)
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Jarcher,
I own the Night Owl for an NAA Guardian. It's a nice holster, but I found it to print a bit too much for my tastes. I ended up switching to carrying the Guardian in my front right pocket using his back pocket holster, which worked just fine.
Bob
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Thanks everyone for the replies, very helpful. Bob, it did occur to me that the Night Owl might print quite a bit. Thank you for mentioning that. Randy, those dimensions look great, but I just don't like that index finger pusher.
I wish it was available with a thumb pushoff and no index finger pusher. If the holster is in a tight pocket, there may not be room to bend my index finger, but the using the thumb pusher does not require any extra space.
Kevin, your pocket defended did catch my eye before I made this post. I like the rounded rear part. The 2in1 is an interesting idea. Do you have any pictures of the side of the holster part that the panel snaps on to, without the panel attached? I'm wondering what the snaps look like. I would mostly use this for front packet carry, so if the snaps are intrusive I would probably get the holster without the panel.
Regarding material, I am less concerned about cosmetics then I am about how thin the leather is and how durable. I don't care for the reinforcement band, as it adds thickness, but I understand it is needed to prevent the collapse when I draw.
So if my priorities are thinness of material and not scratching up my pistol, what material would you recomend for a pocket defender?
Finally, is the pocket defender designed such that the sights won't hang up when the pistol is drawn?
Thank you!
Jim
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Here are pics of the back of the 2n1 holster and the back of the anti-print panel:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Leathercrafter/PD2n1backholster.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Leathercrafter/PD2n1backpanel.jpg)
With respect to the reinforcement band, you can use a slightly thinner piece of leather. At the thickest part, where the two sides are placed together, you're talking approximately 3/16 of an inch thick. It would be slightly thinner at the point where the reinforcement band is at the throat of the holster.
I would recommend using the Hermann Oak veg-tanned leather that I currently use for the holster itself. It is considered the best leather in the industry for making holsters.
A properly molded holster will allow the gun to be extracted without hinderance.
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Thanks Kevin! Great reply. Two more questions...
First, how would the Hermann Oak veg-tanned leather treat my firearm? Is it smooth or is it abrasive?
Next, how do I order one? I still need to decide if I want the panel or not.
Best,
Jim
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Jim:
One of the ways to tell true quality leather is by looking at the rough (flesh) side of the leather. If it's very smooth and slick, or has a tight knap as we say in the business, like Hermann Oak, then that's what you're looking for. Too often folks are led to believe that a soft-backed/fuzzy leather is the way to go. That soft leather then transforms into a very hard and abrasive one once the dye is applied.
You can place an order through the website, via email (leathercraft-at-hotmail.com), or over the phone. Our phone number is listed on the "contact" page of our website.
I've carried a P3AT in the 2n1 model of holster in my front pocket, oftentimes with the panel attached. I wear jeans 99.99% of the time. I've never had difficulty in drawing the gun.
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Hi Kevin and thanks again. I'll give you a call Monday.
Best,
Jim
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Hi Jarcher, this may be a little late however I have a Kentucky and was also concerned about the index finger "push off" of the holster when I ordered it.. It works very well and is very easy to use.. I think it may be even better than a thumb release.. Jim
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Hey K-man, super looking holsters. Got any pictures with the flap on?? Thanks, Jim
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I ordered a 2 in 1 from Kevin. I'll let everyone know when it comes in.
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Jim:
Here's a picture of a front view.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Leathercrafter/NewPD2n1burg.jpg)
The picture above, which shows the back of the panel, does have a holster attached with a gun in place. So you can see that there is no outline of the gun visible.
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I have the Kentucky holster and like it.....BUT...I've noticed that the slide of the R9 is wearing holes in my pants pockets rather quickly so I'm now looking for another design where the leather comes up to completely cover the slide. Lou Alessi's does I believe so I will probably get one ordered from him to try. I'll let you know how the Alessi works.
Jeff
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Just so you know, Kevin at K&D does various cuts on the holster depending upon what you want. Here is what my holster looks like -- this is a unfinished undyed photo to show the leather more clearly.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/DDGator/R9_DD_1.jpg)
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Thanks Duane, that looks like it would work too.
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jarcher - I really like Ron Graham holsters; I have ta couple of "Kentucky's", and a couple of versions of the "Twin Peaks". Contact or a least look at Ron Graham's leathergoods @
www.palehorseholsters.com
I find their stuff to be very, very good..!
Tell Ross @ Palehorse Eric in Savannah, GA. sent'cha..!
I forgot to answer the rest of the question..! No, there is no "Thumb Push Off on the back side..!
Eric
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I have one made by lou and it is exactly as you described;
very nice holster.
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Just an FYI - I got my 2 in 1 from K&D for my R9 a couple of weeks ago, and I couldn't be happier with it. It's a nice little package, keeps the pistol just where you want it when you reach for it. K-Man does great work. :D
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we are so lucky, we have so many choices.
Tom
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I own more than 50 products made by Ron Graham. As to front pocket holsters, I tend to prefer the Twin Peaks.
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GeorgeH,
Why do you prefer the "Twin Peaks" holster? Is it that it draws faster?? Prints less??
Frank
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Hi Arizona:
Historically, I had bad luck with front pocket holsters. What would happen is that overtime the gun would twist in my pocket stretching out the holster. I would go through a holster once ever 6 months.
Ron's Twin Peaks design was the first that really worked for me. It kept the gun in the correct position, and the twin hooks, left the gun in the pocket when it was drawn.
I have never had a print-thru problem with front pocket holsters, when standing or walking.
Everyone is different. Holsters, like guns, tools. You need to pick the right one for the job.
I doubt you will be able to find a better quality holster than those made by Ron Graham.
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This is the LE .....for wide pockets
This is the body side, other side is near flat, Top band [Thumb push off] does not go around to other side. [to minimize thickness]
(http://www.fototime.com/41C1488866CDE20/standard.jpg)
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RJ Headly,
Is this your prefered front holster?
The LE?
What about for smaller pockets?
Frank
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This is my "Kentucky" w/ "Filler!" Not so much a fan of the "Night Owl", but thats just me; I really like Ron Graham Leather..!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/1erh/DSCN1477.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/1erh/DSCN1473.jpg)
I like 'em both alot..!
Eric
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Just an FYI - I got my 2 in 1 from K&D for my R9 a couple of weeks ago, and I couldn't be happier with it. It's a nice little package, keeps the pistol just where you want it when you reach for it. K-Man does great work. :D
Here's a more recent picture of our infamous 2n1 holster (shown with a Kel-Tec P3AT):
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Leathercrafter/P3ATPD2n1.jpg)
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Arizona
Here is the High Cut *MERLIN*, My favorite..
It is hard to beat for comfort and concealment. [Shown here with a Seecamp]
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/rhedley/NewTypeLESC005.jpg)
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I posted this a few months ago. I love this holster RJ made for my Seecamp. There is absolutely nothing I would change. The higher cut works out great. If I need cheered up I sometimes take it out of the pocket and look at it.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b216/melissa1948/P1000783.jpg)
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That's about the best endorsement a guy could ever hope for.
;D ;D ;D
Thanks MountainMan !!
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RJ Hedley,
Thanks for your response. I will take your opinion and order the Merlin. It looks like in extracting the pistol out, the high aspect "horn" will engage the pocket material and removal will be in one motion. Do you still use your fingers to stablize the holster when drawing?
Thanks
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I went to the link to order but currently not being made.
:( :( :(
Frank
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Use my Email
rhedley@tampabay.rr.com
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Thanks, I am sending you an email
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Arizona
Here is the High Cut *MERLIN*, My favorite..
It is hard to beat for comfort and concealment. [Shown here with a Seecamp]
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/rhedley/NewTypeLESC005.jpg)
D_mn fine item's RJ; You are "Of the Greats..!"
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RJ Hedley,
Thanks for your response. I will take your opinion and order the Merlin. It looks like in extracting the pistol out, the high aspect "horn" will engage the pocket material and removal will be in one motion. Do you still use your fingers to stablize the holster when drawing?
Thanks
Since I have RJ's Merlin as my pictured post on the previous page I'll comment. When pulling the gun the holster stays in the pocket with the horn tip catching the pocket.
That said I am glad the "push off" is sewn on top. Many times I like to put my hand in the pocket and use the push off to pull the gun about an inch out and put in back in - like a habit - or whatever. Also the push off is the way I take the gun out of the holster when the holster it out of the pocket. Not needed but I like having it.
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Sorry for the Thread Drift, I am just following the flow..
The "MERLIN" and the small pistols go together very well. I am receiving so many orders for this holster I am thinking of cutting back even further on my offering, to include just the SEECAMP, ROHRBAUGH, and KEL-TEC. I have maintained my pricing thru many increases in leather stock, being what I consider to be the best available. *PRIORITY* Mailing costs have risen too. Expect an increase soon.
The process of Ordering a holster has gotten a bit aggravating since the Web Site was closed, so I ask that those interested in my holsters just E mail me with your needs, and be patience. Don't forget, I'm just one old guy, not a big operation at all ! I have one work bench in my home, just my corner of the Holster World. :D
E-mail: http://rhedley@tampabay.rr.com
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MountainMan,
Thanks for the follow up. Much obliged.