Privateer "Bilge Rat" Holsters

[revchuck38]

They're here. Several of us have his made-to-order holsters; I'm really happy with mine. These are simplified versions that he makes in his "spare time". You can't order them, what's available is what's on the web page. $75 for a quality leather OWB with no wait is pretty damned good. He currently has a few for 1911s and BHPs plus some others including lefties. I've already sent an "I'll take it" email for #6.

[revchuck38]

I've already sent an "I'll take it" email for #6.

...and he's already replied, confirming that the holster is mine and asking about method of payment. Now I'm waiting for him to send me an invoice so I can pay him.

[revchuck38]

The holster came yesterday while I was in Dallas, I didn’t get home until late this afternoon. Here’s what it looks like with my M49, on top of my old Lyman Cast Bullet Manual, turned to the .38 Special data of course.



The leather is standard thickness and it is tight. It took a concerted shove to insert the gun, and will take some break-in. It almost clicks in like in a kydex holster. Carrying a J frame in an OWB holster might raise some eyebrows around here, but I’ve got pants that have shrunk excessively around the waist so it makes sense to me.

I’m going to risk getting killt in da streetz tomorrow and carry the M49 for a trip to the range. I need to try the AE .38 Special 158-grain RNLs in it anyway.

[RoyGBiv]

The leather is standard thickness and it is tight. It took a concerted shove to insert the gun, and will take some break-in. It almost clicks in like in a kydex holster.

Everybody knows the trick about wrapping the gun in a plastic freezer bag and shoving it in the holster overnight, yes?

Stay safe out there!

[revchuck38]

I know that trick, but I’m going to try to break it in by practicing with it.

[revchuck38]

I threaded the Bilge Rat onto an old Looper Leather belt and followed it with an old Ted Blocker wire speedloader holder, feeling like a character in a '70s detective flick. Five rounds of R-P 148-grain wadcutters were in the M49, five rounds of AE 158-grain RNLs were in the HKS speedloader, and another five rounds of the AE load were in the speed strip in my pocket. All I lacked were the wide lapels and big hair and I would've really been on point.

The first thing I did was a Snubby Super Test since I had 15 rounds on board. There wasn't a timed draw and I passed with a few extra points. Then I did a few Five-Yard Roundups which did require a draw and found that the holster, though tight, released the gun with no drama, and reholstering was easy. The holster almost acts like kydex that smells nice, there was a "click" on reholstering. The gun's butt was held in firmly but achieving a firing grip was no problem.

I really like this holster. I'm going to keep an eye on his website and see what else he comes up with that I want need. Highly recommended!

[BillSWPA]

I just placed an order. Communication was prompt, and it appears that the holster will ship quickly.

[revchuck38]

I was perusing his current offerings, and he had a black one for a G19. It's on its way to me now.

[Coyotesfan97]

If you peruse the list all the way to the end you’ll see he has some green died holsters with the MHI stamp instead of the bilge rat if you’re a Larry Corriea fan.

[Coyotesfan97]