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Anyone have a 1AT-RT & a SSII?

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1.5K views 14 replies 7 participants last post by  James3612  
#1 ·
I'm trying to decide on a leather OWB and I'm having trouble again with ride height. Do any of you have a 1AT-RT and a SSII that you might slide onto a belt and snap a pic for comparison? Or short of that- just a 1AT-RT?

I'm trying to stay pretty close to my current carry position (Summer Special II or a JW custom kydex IWB #3) but with an OWB for range use.

Open to other suggestions that might mimic the SSII ride height.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I have several 1AT-RT's for training classes at the range, but I have moved to the Rybka Rhodesian for those, and sometimes for carry. It seems to me that the Rhodesian rides a little bit lower than the 1AT-RT, but that is subjective on my part. Occasionally, Milt Sparks has some Rhodesians that come in, but Thad Rybka is snail mail only for individual orders. I can dig up his address if you like. I even have a SS II, but is not comfortable to wear, at least for me.
 
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#5 · (Edited)
I have the AT-RT and Summer Special. I do not have the SS2. The SS2's ride height places the belt loops directly overlapping the reinforced band at the mouth of the holster, it makes a really thick package and I don't like that. The original SS places the holster a little higher so the belt wraps around the part of the holster that doesn't have the reinforced band. So the profile is thinner, which I prefer.

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Left to right: Alessi PCH, Sparks Summer Special, Sparks 1AT-RT, DT Guy's Rhodesian Tribute, all on Bulman Gunleather belt. The SS is slightly higher than the 1AT-RT, I believe the SS has 15 degree cant, while the RT has 10 degree cant.

To me the SS is the most comfortable IWB. My old buddy Jason Burton seems to agree as most of his IWB are the SS variety. He even collaborated with John Ralston to make a fixed loop homage to the SS.
 
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#6 ·
I have no issue with the added 3/16" or so of width- I'm focused on ride height as this is to be a range holster. I can't seem to find a pic of the 1AT-RT or 1AT with FBI cant with a gun in it, on a belt. (saw a couple at odd angles that I can't make out the real height/cant) Before I commit to a 40+week wait I want to be sure it's right for my needs.

I have the AT-RT
would you be willing to grab a quick pic of the 1AT-RT with a gun in it and a belt through the loop so I can see a good representation of the height/cant?

Thanks!
 
#9 · (Edited)
I too have 1A-RT and a SS, but no SSII, and though I have a slim waist (34") I prefer the RT over the SS. In fact I carry the RT concealed sometimes thru "vest Season" here in the Alleghenies. Filson wool vests are sufficient to adequately cover the RT with a CCO in it. I find the OWB WAY more comfortable that any IWB; but that's just me. I also carry Rhodesians a lot BTW. We are also fortunate that here in the hills deep concealment is not necessary.

RT with CCO
Image
 
#10 ·
I'll echo the thoughts of Ricky T on the preference for the original Summer Special vs the Summer Special 2. I find the higher ride to be much more comfortable as well as allowing for more generous access to the pistol. Conversely, since I really only wear an OWB for range work (and even then seldom so) I find that I prefer a holster that is a bit lower riding and closer to straight drop (no muzzle rear rake); for this the 1AT-RT has become my go-to range holster.

That said, if you're trying to mimic the position of the SS2 you may also want to consider an original 1AT which will have more muzzle rear rake than the 1AT-RT.

1AT-RT
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1AT
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#12 ·
Nice collection James 3612.

I failed to mention the original 1AT, it has something like 17 degree cant. The leather construction is quite thick and bulky. It served me well during my younger days playing the IPSC game. There is no way to try to conceal that thing.
 
#13 ·
Image


The tan one in the lower right is the original 1AT (bought in the 80s). The lower left holster is an old Gold Label rig, no longer made. The adjustment screw was an experimental attempt by Ken Hackathorn to add some friction to the worn out rig. The two black ones at the top are the modern AT-RT version.