[chinook]

congrats on a great purchase. Lou's character and craftsmanship are second to none.

 

[White Spider]

"....finally trying out Lou's work, I know it'll be top notch."

Bet it won't be your last Alessi either!

 

[P7]

Just remember, the talons go under the belt and hook on the seam of your pants...when I first got mine I though somethingwas wrong with it because the clip was bending way out and I thought it was going to snap...you may already know this but just thought I'd give you a heads up just in case...

somebody say shoulder rig?

 

[Maclean3]

Just walked in the door with the package. I bought this used but I swear it's in "like new" condition. The cordovan finish is spotless and perfect and while the gun fits and draws easily, it's still a bit snug like it's not even broken in yet. I like the idea that the talon clip is covered by the belt, it makes the rig even more concealable, doesn't scratch up the finish on my Sparks belt ... and if I should (God forbid) ever decide to wear another leisure suit, I don't even NEED a belt! :biglaugh: . Overall it's an amazing piece of craftsmanship but it makes future holster purchases tougher ... now I'll have to choose between Tony K's work and Lou's! Both are damn fine craftsmen and it's impossible to go wrong with either of them.

While the Talon is comfortable for an iwb (positioned about 4:00 or 4:30), with two previous back surgeries I think I still need to get an owb for everyday wear and keep this for those times when it's iwb or nothing - no reflection on the holster, back pain just sucks and anything pressing on that general area makes it worse. Looks like I'm still in the market for a Sparks PMK or a CQC/s ... and a Bodyguard ... and an ankle rig - and that's just for THIS gun!

Anyway, thank you Lou for a great holster. My carry permit should arrive within the next two weeks or so, when it does I know I'll be carrying in absolute confidence.
Mac

 

[Maclean3]

WOOO-HOOO!!!! I figured it out!
Spent a little more time playing with different carry positions this morning: Strong side iwb is a no go, uncomfortable and it requires too much extra belt length (like the very last hole. Yep, I'm a fat %^$#^&@). Appendix carry blocks access to the front pocket (keys, knife, cellphone, etc.) AND a loaded .38 pointed at "Gilligan" makes me somewhat nervous . Then I tried iwb crossdraw ... PERFECT! It's totally comfortable whether I'm standing, sitting, kneeling, etc., sits in a natural hollow so it doesn't require any belt adjustment and absolutely DOES NOT PRINT under a buttoned, untucked dress shirt. The draw is quick and smooth, reholstering is MUCH easier and the Talon clip allows for just enough variation in the cant to find the most comfortable carry angle. This holster ROCKS!!!

I'm Barney Fife-ing it today to get use to carrying a safety-less gun iwb (gun in the holster, bullets in the pocket) and to convince myself there's no way this carry mode will cause an AD. Until my permit comes in I can't carry when I leave home anyway but I think now I'm ready when it gets here.
Mac

 

[P7]

A double action revolver is extremely safe in the pants....just as safe or even more so than any auto with a safety....no way that cylinder is going to revolver by itself in that holster....

 

[Maclean3]

A double action revolver is extremely safe in the pants....just as safe or even more so than any auto with a safety....no way that cylinder is going to revolver by itself in that holster....

Yeah, I know it's safe but I still have to get my head around the idea of it. One thing I did back when I first decided to get my permit was to go ahead and start dressing for concealed carry: Loose clothing, untucked shirts, etc.. I figure that way people I see regularly won't notice an abrupt change in my wardrobe (and possibly a bulge under my shirt) when I do start carrying. If nothing else maybe that'll keep me from being overly paranoid about my gun printing. In the words of Jeff Goldblume, "Ever gone a week without a rationalization?"

Overall, I'd be happier if I could figure out how to carry strong side comfortably and without the printing problem. Until I do it looks like crossdraw will have to do.

Debating a trip to the range today ... a quick run to Wallyworld for a couple WW value packs, try out the magnum loads in my M66 and get more range time with my 642 - maybe, we'll see how this morning goes.
Mac

 

[P7]

Most people have limited or no situational awareness and would not notice a model 29 on your hip....I have never been made except if I'm hugged....which shouldn't matter unless it is the kiss of death from a Corleone....but you could always say its your cell phone....never been questioned on that one either....and I bet no one would notice if you stopped untucking your shirts too...but if anyone does ask about your sudden sartorial change, tell them untucked shirts give your torso more length...not only will it solve your problem, but they will feel like they learned something


I usually IWB for maximum concealment, but I have worn this alessi CQC/S with nothing more that a t-shirt over it and on one has been the wiser. And this is a lot more gun than the airweight smith....

 

[Robert Hairless]

I'm able to use the Talon Plus as a sort-of shirt tucker by blousing the shirt over it. Might be worth a try for you.

You've discovered one of the little-discussed benefits of the Talon (and Talon Plus): its versatility. It does well what it's not supposed to do, such as crossdraw carry. The characteristics that allow it to do those things also make it one of the better holsters for carrying while driving.

I second the nomination of Alessi's CQC/S. That's one of the best belt holsters I've found.

 

[Maclean3]

I was considering the CQC/S but I'd like to try a pancake style owb, I've heard those are really comfortable. I know Lou makes one as his "Belt Slide" model and it seems to be less expensive - is the CQC/S similar in construction or should I just go with the Belt Slide? Sorry for all the questions but daily carry is new to me and there's quite a difference between strapping on a holster at the range or in the woods and walking around in public all day long with a concealed weapon.
Thanks,
Mac

 

[P7]

Depends on your needs...the CQC/S is great for easy on/off...if that's not a priority, a belt slide should work nicely with the 642...

 

[hammer45]

These Alessis look like they are better then galco. I might just have to order one.

 

[JMag]

Lou's work is simply amazing. I love my CQC-S.

 

[P7]

These Alessis look like they are better then galco. I might just have to order one.

Good idea....and the owner of Galco is not at your disposal like the custom leathersmiths here on the board...so why not patronize the men who not only make the best, but treat us the best....

 

[6285108]

I'm about to pull the trigger on dual PCH's and a Bodyguard for my Kahr PM9 (winter BUG carry).

 

[Maclean3]

Good idea....and the owner of Galco is not at your disposal like the custom leathersmiths here on the board...so why not patronize the men who not only make the best, but treat us the best....

Exactly. I wouldn't say the big commercial outfits like Galco or Bianchi make BAD products but when the leather benders here put their stamp on a product you know you're getting the best there is - and if you have a question you can ask them directly.

I doubt the owners of the big outfits would spend 20 minutes on the phone with a customer helping them decide which holster would best suit their needs - but that's exactly what Tony Kanaley did when I ordered my Watch Six a few years ago.

Between Sparks and Alessi I know I'm getting the very best quality and service on the market. Now consider that both product lines can be ordered quickly through Craig and Audrey at Lightning Arms and there's just no reason for me to spend my money on the mass production stuff.
Mac

 

[P7]

Between Sparks and Alessi I know I'm getting the very best quality and service on the market. Mac

Good things come in threes...don't forget Delfatti....

 

[Maclean3]

...don't forget Delfatti....

Oh, I haven't forgotten him, I just can't decide which holster I want him to build for me ... yet! And then there's Josh Bulman too.

The really cool thing is, we have so many incredible leathersmiths around here that no matter what you're looking for, there's a craftsman who can build it - and build it very well. Baskin Robbins has got nothing on this place!
Mac