Kirkpatrick Leather Company?

[Slowhand Bob]

Rick, that is shore nuff a beautiful rig, thanks for the image.  Dispatch, I have not looked at Kirkpatricks site in a long time now but can say that at one time he offered a lot of his items in up to around three levels of standard tooling options which allowed one to have some latitude in how fancy they wanted to go.  This is just my opinion BUT I would never start out buying something as high end as Kirkpatrick tends to be, quality and finish, with the idea of upgrading it.  In general it is a major project to back into a finished holster design and retro much in the way of cosmetic upgrades.  Most bling would need to penetrate into the pouch of the finished holster, serious stuff, while extensive tooling on a completely finished holster would be just as unrealistic.  Perhaps I am a bit off base with what you have in mind??

Since we are getting into an in depth critique of Kirkpatrick products I will mention the only two complaints I ever remember hearing on his products.  A few have complained about his use of non-period products in his holster line BUT my goodness, these are competition rigs that are no where near period correct anyhows.  About the only other complaint I have ever heard was the rare individual who would complain that his new holster was to tight.  This is a no winner, what would make one happy is to loose for the next, so what do you do with an off the shelf product?? 

The rig hat shows up in the bottom three photos was done without any plastic or metal inserts and has held its open belt loop and pouch shape for around two years now, so it can be done just using a few basic leather techniques.  http://home.comcast.net/~gakracker/site/?/page/MY_PERSONAL_LEATHER_/&PHPSESSID=a53ce240788e08dbf701bf0fd31d59ae

[JD Alan]

I don't want to hijack this thread, so Slowhand Bob, I sent you a PM about the rig you are talking to Rick about. JD

[Dispatch]

Rick, that is shore nuff a beautiful rig, thanks for the image.  Dispatch, I have not looked at Kirkpatricks site in a long time now but can say that at one time he offered a lot of his items in up to around three levels of standard tooling options which allowed one to have some latitude in how fancy they wanted to go.  This is just my opinion BUT I would never start out buying something as high end as Kirkpatrick tends to be, quality and finish, with the idea of upgrading it.  In general it is a major project to back into a finished holster design and retro much in the way of cosmetic upgrades.  Most bling would need to penetrate into the pouch of the finished holster, serious stuff, while extensive tooling on a completely finished holster would be just as unrealistic.  Perhaps I am a bit off base with what you have in mind??

Since we are getting into an in depth critique of Kirkpatrick products I will mention the only two complaints I ever remember hearing on his products.  A few have complained about his use of non-period products in his holster line BUT my goodness, these are competition rigs that are no where near period correct anyhows.  About the only other complaint I have ever heard was the rare individual who would complain that his new holster was to tight.  This is a no winner, what would make one happy is to loose for the next, so what do you do with an off the shelf product?? 

The rig hat shows up in the bottom three photos was done without any plastic or metal inserts and has held its open belt loop and pouch shape for around two years now, so it can be done just using a few basic leather techniques.  http://home.comcast.net/~gakracker/site/?/page/MY_PERSONAL_LEATHER_/&PHPSESSID=a53ce240788e08dbf701bf0fd31d59ae

Don't get me wrong. When I say customize, I really mean 'personalized'. I was wondering if anyone added things like conchos, custom molding and etc., on there own. Except for hand tooling, the holsters look a bit plain. Would it not have been period correct to "custom mold" your holster in the old west? 

[August]

I added single loops, with conchos, to my Longhunter holsters.  I've seen a number of other pards who've done similar addition of loops.  Pretty easy job except for the color matching, which is kind of a PITA.



Thanks for the help with the image!

[JD Alan]

Go to the "How to" threads for pictures. If I can figure it out, anyone can  JD

[Marshal Will Wingam]

August, here's the thread on posting photos JD mentioned.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,15416.0.html

[JD Alan]

Wow, a two knife rig! Unless that smaller one is a toothpick! I think you did a good job of adding to the holsters. They really look like they're from the old west, and that's cool! Thanks for sharing, JD

[Gun Butcher]

 Now thats what I call an upgrade. Great job and the color looks perfect.

[Dispatch]

August, nice rig! It looks like it's got many years of wear. As JD states, I assume the 2 knives are in case of an Apache attack! 

[Russ T Chambers]

This is the Kirkpatrick rig I picked up at EOT about 10 years ago.  I have used it at least monthly ever since,  The only problem I've with it is that over the years the belt seems to be shrinking, at least in length!

[Major E A Sterner]

I have a customized Kirkpatrick "Idaho John" Rig. When I ordered it I asked if they would build the gun belt with 12 shotgun loops centered and have 5 .38 loops on either side of the shotgun loops. I ordered it at Mule Camp 2000 and I received in in the 2nd week of June, 1 week before our state championship. They were very helpful in getting it to me in time for the big shoot. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone who is looking for a rig to use in our sport. I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow if the weather co-operates .

[JD Alan]

"The only problem I've with it is that over the years the belt seems to be shrinking, at least in length"

I hate it when that happens! 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

There's a lot of that shrinking going on, Russ. That's a nice rig.

[Rube Burrows]

I have had two. The Tequila Rig which mine was unlined and it did cause one of my Rugers to rust a little. I am not sure if it was the oil in the holster or what. I have heard stories of how some of the Ruger Color Case Hardened guns rust up a little on the CCH.

The rig was excellent though. Belt was a little stiff but still very nice.

The rig I have now for my Rugers now.....the name slips me but its the one with the silver stars on the holsters. Its a great rig. Comfortable to wear and the lining is nice also. I did have to super glue the liner back at the top where the guns go in the holster. It was coming undone due to re-holstering.

Their products are very nice. I have seen some much more expensive rigs that are prob. just as good.....but I found the Kirkpactrick to be a nice rig for a fair price.

[Kid Terico]

I have a few of the Kirkpatrick rigs. Like them  very well. I have lot of G@j Leather rigs. I really like his work. I collect rigs . He must have about 18- 20 of my rigs shown on his site. I design them and he makes them. If u care to see them go to G@J Leathers.com  Any thing with Kid Terico is one of mine. Collecting rigs is my hobby. I also have nice collection of wrtc knives and sheaths. Chuck do great work .

[Dispatch]

I suppose Kirkpatrick has the corner on the market on 'off the shelf' rigs. I mean, who else out there that makes them ready made? No one I know of. 

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Here's one you might try, he's the son of Alfonso Penada http://www.alfonsosgunleather.com/ they do beautiful work, you can get most any style or period, there quality is top notch all the way, and they have been in business since the sixty's, I have five of there rigs, and  three that were made in the sixty's. They have a whole show room full of rigs ready to be sold.

                                                    Regards

                                                tEN wOLVES 

[outrider]

Geez...are we still on this subject?

[JD Alan]

It's been a slow week Outrider