[Shadyscott69]

The only nitpick about the CQC/S is that I would like to have my holsters cover up the magazine release, but I understand this can be sort of a pain with certain designs, especially with leather holsters. I still don't understand why most kydex holsters leave it exposed.

...

So I received my CQC/S on Monday and it's (of course) perfect in quality. As with all leather holsters (I've used) it has to go thru its initial break-in period. The included plastic bag is a bit on the thin side, so I'm using an old Milt Sparks plastic bag which is quite a bit thicker. After 2-3 days, it'll be perfect.

I'll post a couple of pictures in the next few days.

I see no reason to have the mag release covered. If I bump or lean against something, my mag won't drop loose. If the release were covered and the same thing happened, the backside of the holster my activate the release.

Nick,

I tend to agree with 1911fan regarding covering a mag release. That being said, it would be very easy to accommodate someone who wanted it covered.

 

[pens-66]

The only nitpick about the CQC/S is that I would like to have my holsters cover up the magazine release, but I understand this can be sort of a pain with certain designs, especially with leather holsters. I still don't understand why most kydex holsters leave it exposed.

...

So I received my CQC/S on Monday and it's (of course) perfect in quality. As with all leather holsters (I've used) it has to go thru its initial break-in period. The included plastic bag is a bit on the thin side, so I'm using an old Milt Sparks plastic bag which is quite a bit thicker. After 2-3 days, it'll be perfect.

I'll post a couple of pictures in the next few days.

SO how is it working for you so far? How rigid is yours? I love the CQC/S for OWB but my only beef with mine is,as said by a few,that the leather is kinda soft and it tends to close up on the draw. I'd like to hear from a few that have a definate " Made by Lou " older model and see how theirs compare.

 

[Rinspeed]

I'd like to hear from a few that have a definate " Made by Lou " older model and see how theirs compare.

Mine was made by Lou and not any hint of this. I always thought it had a metal band sewn in to prevent collapsing.

 

[Shadyscott69]

SO how is it working for you so far? How rigid is yours? I love the CQC/S for OWB but my only beef with mine is,as said by a few,that the leather is kinda soft and it tends to close up on the draw. I'd like to hear from a few that have a definate " Made by Lou " older model and see how theirs compare.

I have one made by Lou and it doesn't close. I would love to see a picture of yours. It shouldn't close at all. The ones I make don't.

 

[pens-66]

I have one made by Lou and it doesn't close. I would love to see a picture of yours. It shouldn't close at all. The ones I make don't.

Its the one I posted in this thread (post #9). If you PM me your email address I can take a small video on my phone and send it to you to show you what I mean.

 

[Rinspeed]

Have you contacted Alessi and told them of your concerns Dave. Lou built that business around the very best customer service and I'm certain their goal is to carry on with it.

 

[Shadyscott69]

Its the one I posted in this thread (post #9). If you PM me your email address I can take a small video on my phone and send it to you to show you what I mean.

PM Sent.

I just got home and pulled my Alessi out and compared it to one of mine. I actually is significantly softer. The Alessi does close somewhat when the gun is removed, but not completely. Mine (Seth's) doesn't close at all.

The only significant differences between mine and Lou's are.

1. I added a sweat guard

2. Trim band is a little different

3. I changed the sight channel placement to center on the slide as opposed to Lou's being more to the rear of the slide. This pulls the gun in closer and tighter to your side. (Shown in the last pic.)

4. I use a much higher grade of leather.

 

[Shadyscott69]

Have you contacted Alessi and told them of your concerns Dave. Lou built that business around the very best customer service and I'm certain their goal is to carry on with it.

You are correct. I am sure they will swap it out for you.

 

[pens-66]

You are correct. I am sure they will swap it out for you.

I guess I can email them and ask.

 

[mikegun]

No offense to SETH who obviously makes a fine holster, but i have always thought ALESSI had some of the best boning on his holsters, the new ALESSi holsters do not compare to the ones that LOU made, in any way...IMHO

 

[nickcarr]

SO how is it working for you so far? How rigid is yours? I love the CQC/S for OWB but my only beef with mine is,as said by a few,that the leather is kinda soft and it tends to close up on the draw. I'd like to hear from a few that have a definate " Made by Lou " older model and see how theirs compare.

I have no idea what you're talking about. My old CQC/S and the new CQC/S do no exhibit this symptom. I just wore mine today for the first time and it's not "soft" in any way.

Now if you're referring to the "stiffness" of the leather, it's not as stiff as say my Milt Sparks SS2. (That is one stiff holster!) The SS2 uses a metal band inside leather for its reinforced mouth -- the CQC/S just uses an extra piece of leather. In either case, my new CQC/S does not "close up" upon draw.

Did you pre-fit the holster to your pistol? e.g. using a plastic bag

I think if you pre-fit the holster then (after some time) it will get use to the extended shape and won't exhibit this close symptom. If the CQC/S had a metal band then it probably would be a lot stiffer and easier to shape. In some cases, you may need to use two plastic bags to get the extra shape you need. (It just depends on how tight of a fit you prefer.)

 

[BuckyP]

Now if you're referring to the "stiffness" of the leather, it's not as stiff as say my Milt Sparks SS2. (That is one stiff holster!) The SS2 uses a metal band inside leather for its reinforced mouth -- the CQC/S just uses an extra piece of leather. In either case, my new CQC/S does not "close up" upon draw.

Yes, but comparing and IWB to an OWB is apples to oranges. The IWB has the belt and your body trying to close the holster mouth and warrants a steel band. I can't see a need for a steel reinforced opening on an OWB. :dunno:

 

[Shadyscott69]

No offense to SETH who obviously makes a fine holster, but i have always thought ALESSI had some of the best boning on his holsters, the new ALESSi holsters do not compare to the ones that LOU made, in any way...IMHO

No offense at all taken. I agree Lou's holsters were probably a bit better than what they are producing today but not by much. Boning is pretty much a toss up between most of today's makers. That is unless you look at at Matt Delfatti's stuff. Matt is incredible. He has that luxury though. When you are running YEARS behind and get his prices, you can afford to go slow. They guy is a true artist in leather.

Delfatti...

His work makes me drool.

 

[pens-66]

Well I talked to Tom at Alessi today. He said that what I'm describing does not sound normal. He said they did get a bad batch of leather awhile back and they seem to get soft. So he said send it in and he would check it out. If it's bad he will send me a brand new one. Really nice guy he was! So we'll see what happens.

 

[Shadyscott69]

Well I talked to Tom at Alessi today. He said that what I'm describing does not sound normal. He said they did get a bad batch of leather awhile back and they seem to get soft. So he said send it in and he would check it out. If it's bad he will send me a brand new one. Really nice guy he was! So we'll see what happens.

I thought they would help you out. They are good folks.

 

[AGAF]

Seth,

In a previous post, were you saying that your design actually holds the pistol a little closer to the body than the Alessi CQC-S? The reason I ask is because I too have heard that the Alessi model uses a little softer leather which seems like it would make it a little more pliable than some other holster leathers. To me, that would be a good thing. I have a small waist and need a leather to "bend" around the curviture of my waist at 3:00 carry. I've tried some other OWB leather holsters that were so stiff, there was no bend in them at all and completely defeated the pupose of the design in my opinion. How would you rate your product to accomplish what I just described? If I'm going to spend that much on a holster, I want to get it right!

Thanks

 

[Shadyscott69]

Seth,

In a previous post, were you saying that your design actually holds the pistol a little closer to the body than the Alessi CQC-S? The reason I ask is because I too have heard that the Alessi model uses a little softer leather which seems like it would make it a little more pliable than some other holster leathers. To me, that would be a good thing. I have a small waist and need a leather to "bend" around the curviture of my waist at 3:00 carry. I've tried some other OWB leather holsters that were so stiff, there was no bend in them at all and completely defeated the pupose of the design in my opinion. How would you rate your product to accomplish what I just described? If I'm going to spend that much on a holster, I want to get it right!

Thanks

The difference in mine and the Alessi is that I moved the centerline of the holster to the center of the slide. The Alessi has more of the outer section of the holster protruding away from the body. It is hard to explain. That is why mine has a body guard and the Alessi doesn't really need one.

As far as conforming to the body, they are exactly the same. The belt loop "ears" are what wraps your hip. Hope that helps.

 

[AGAF]

The difference in mine and the Alessi is that I moved the centerline of the holster to the center of the slide. The Alessi has more of the outer section of the holster protruding away from the body. It is hard to explain. That is why mine has a body guard and the Alessi doesn't really need one.

As far as conforming to the body, they are exactly the same. The belt loop "ears" are what wraps your hip. Hope that helps.

I guess I'm just not visualizing it. Which one is going to pull the grip & butt of the gun in closer to the body by way of design? I know it may be hard to be objective in your response in seeing that I am considering one of your competitor's products!!!!! Looking forward to you convincing me otherwise!

 

[Shadyscott69]

I guess I'm just not visualizing it. Which one is going to pull the grip & butt of the gun in closer to the body by way of design? I know it may be hard to be objective in your response in seeing that I am considering one of your competitor's products!!!!! Looking forward to you convincing me otherwise!

Mine will. That is why I modified the basic concept of the CQC/S.

In belly button terms, the CQC/S is an outtie. My Paladin in an innie. :supergrin:

 

[AGAF]

Mine will. That is why I modified the basic concept of the CQC/S.

In belly button terms, the CQC/S is an outtie. My Paladin in an innie. :supergrin:

PM sent.....