Prototype Paddle

Prototype Paddle Holster. Horsehide. For M&P .40. 2 loops for secure carry

Latest from the shop

Top: Sig 299 extreme high ride, XD9/40
Bottom: SP01, Twin mag. XD 9/40
All horsehide

OWB for a Large Gun

This is one I made for a .357 Ruger GP100.  This is a big gun! I gave it some 15/20 degree cant to help with concealability, and draw. This one is made in horsehide.

A new columnist

I'm in an online group of RKBA supporters. Well, there are quite a few talented individuals in the group, but I just want to shine a light on one, for this brief Topic. He has just started writing for this site, and these are his first two articles. He provides information in an easy fashion.

Home defense


Self Defense Ammo

Another Review...Cool

Just wanted to say thanks for an awesome IWB holster for my Glock 23. It fits perfect. This holster was more comfortable on day 1 than my Comp-Tac MTAC and it is broke in. I love this holster. I also love the bridle leather gun belt that I got. It fits the holster like a glove. Keep up the good work. I will be ordering more.

-Dan

New Item: IWB

Well, I've added a new holster to my product line, an IWB. It's been through three prototypers, so it's been well tested. The testers all said first off, that this was very comfortable to wear.
 This is probably the best concealed carry holster we've developed, even for lighter clothing. I've taken up using it myself. I've got the original first one, so it's not as good as this, but, hey, the good stuff is for the customers...lol.
 The picture is actually one I made for a good customer, he'll be getting it this week in the mail.
 I'm only making this one in bullhide, with horsehide belt loops. It has a reinforced throat for an easier reholster. Maybe later I'll add a horsehide and bridle leather one. Tell me what you think....

A review from a customer

Rocky River Leather Mini Avenger

I recently received a Mini Avenger horsehide holster for a Glock 17 from Rocky River Leather and thought I would stop in to share my thoughts on it. First of all I am by no means an expert on leather or holsters but I do know what works for me, that being said I will try to do this product justice as best I can.
Some friends and I get together from time to time and head to a spot out in the middle of no where to shoot and just have a good time. Usually we set up a little course of fire where we can use our rifles and pistols in one run. I always carry a Glock in a Fobus retention holster. This time though I took it out in the Mini Avenger. At first I was worried that amidst all the running, crouching, starts and stops that the horsehide wouldn't be able to hold the gun... I was wrong, it did just fine, which impressed the heck outta me. In comparison to my usual rig this holster holds the gun closer to the body which puts less stress on the belt to help keep it from bouncing around so much. The overall feel of it is just robust. The stitching is heavier than anything I have ever seen, but not only that, it is also doubled up in high stress areas like around the front of the trigger guard. There is also a throat around the mouth to keep it from closing up while the gun is out, and it makes re-holstering a easy one handed process. Did I mention the thing is just downright ? It actually makes my Glock a little less ugly while it's ridin around, thats a feat within itself. I am pleased with the holster and Dave at Rocky River is very pleasant to work with and I hope to go back to him for all my leather needs. Bear with me on the pics; my camera pooped out on me so it may be a while before I get any up. 

 -darceyosmos

Holster and Gun Belt Leather

I though I'ld write a little about the different leathers I use in holsters.
  All Leather varies in quality, thickness, temper and tannage. There are a few domestic tanners still left in the US, but much of our leather is tanned outside the US, using US hides. So, at least we still make a few cows here.
  Ordinary vegetable tanned cowhide predominates the Manufactured holster makers. It is a decent leather if it is the correct weight and tannage. Some are extraordinarily thin, hardened in the manufacturing process, others are of heavier weights. Either way, daily use will break the fibers down, and result in a somewhat floppy holster. Makers can extend the life of the holster by adding extra leather at the throat, with or without metal or kydex liners.
  Bullhide is considered a harder temper leather. Whether that is from the testosterone, or the tanning process itself, that's an argument for another day. It will, however stay harder, and keep retention longer than ordinary cowhide.
  Horsehide is a dense and scratch resistant leather, and considered by many to be THE holster leather. It is a bit harder to work with. To get great definition in the molding and boning steps takes more effort. It resists dying somewhat. A skilled maker will work with it and create a good looking piece. The problem with horsehide, is variety of thickness in the small pieces available to us. It can easily vary from a 7oz weight to 5oz in no time.So half the 2-3 sq ft piece we purchase cannot be used for more than a few holsters.
  Not many makers use Bridle leather. I do. Bridle leather is considered the premier strap leather, but it makes a great looking, and a well performing holster. The tanning process for bridle "stuffs" the leather with oils and fats, making it a long performing leather. After break in, bridle leather straps are very supple. But with good handling it can also be a long lasting, and retentive holster. Not too mention, it makes for a Premium Gunbelt, as shown in the picture
Well, that's all for now.