New Appendix Holster

[JRCHolsters]

Here is an online review and some really nice pictures that Joe Watson of Watson Knives did on a new AIWB holster I made for him. It is quite different from my AIWB-CDA II. Joe requested the design, based on my IWB-SN with various elements taken from the SSA and a few tweaks. It has 0 rake, a tapered reinforcement to tuck the grip in and a velcro patch on the back for a yaw pad. It is not adjustable like the AIWB-CDA II, but it is also a very slim design. I will probably call it the Watson Special. It will run $150

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14224752_1128988113859063_501576906956932251_n.jpg ?oh=a1d3aee0116cb33c7e425b0b2da7de67&oe=5844B539
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14264886_1128988110525730_6631424186454732711_n.jp g?oh=0ec7cefaf76e12ae6f81db1468c2dcb5&oe=584BA4F3
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14264850_1128988117192396_6426076062151911721_n.jp g?oh=5081f15b7f2ba7d848fe68de03bc5f0d&oe=584BC9CA

Some new carry gear from leather maestro Jim Ryan. For some time I'd heard his name, saw his work in magazines and repeatedly had guys like Darryl Bolke come up and say "look, you gotta check this out" as he was thrilled about receiving his latest rig from Jim, often complete with something like alligator or frog trim. Eventually, I'd come to know the feeling as I got to know Jim and started harassing him with orders, seemingly every other week. The high quality horsehide he uses can be thinner than other leather gear, yet more rigid than cowhide. Along with his dying process, the hide takes on a great looking mottled appearance in person, making each piece even more unique.
A while back I approached Jim about making a new appendix carry design based off one of his existing models, but with several different features that I've come to prefer over the years. The reinforced mouth piece wraps around over the triggerguard to allow the belt to tuck the grip further into the body. Pictured here, two fixed belt loops are used. Leather spacers can also be inserted under them to increase concealment even further. Additionally, other loops are available in single wide loop or double narrow loops, in snap-on or fixed varieties. The backside of the holster has velcro sewn on it so the user can place different sizes of foam wedges near the muzzle. This can tuck the rear of the slide & beavertail closer to the body and also help to keep the muzzle more clear of the body. The holster is available with different length sweatguards, the short one pictured here. Retention is a tight friction fit- exactly as it should be. Color on this piece is a medium tan.
Also pictured is a new model horsehide IWB knife sheath in Jim's Burgundy color, which is a darker brown with subtle red hues. I approached Jim by explaining what I prefer in kydex sheaths and wanted to see if we could get some of that function in leather. The sheath is cut to allow a full grip, the loop can be user configured on either side. It retains shape to allow easy re-sheathing and conceals well. Like the holster, different loop configurations are available. Again, a tight friction fit was chosen so it does not accidentally come out whether running, scaling obstacles or fighting hands-on.
Lastly, the belt. I have always preferred leather belts over any other material, and this one instantly became my favorite. Shown here is a dark tan color. It is thinner than many leather gun belts, yet the horsehide has retained shape better and holds gear up as it should. On this particular piece, the inside is done with a smoother oil finished hide. There are no synthetics on the inside that can crack or bend. With some of the leather belts I've had it seemed like every month I was having to tighten it another notch, usually by the time it bottomed out it was time to trash the belt. This one is still working the same as when I received it. Like all of the goods I've got from him, it only gets better looking with time.
Jim's shop currently has two divisions and they probably cover more items than any other that I'm aware of. Holsters, belts, pouches, bags, wallets and more. They're also full custom shops, meaning you can get most items just about any way you want. Jim has been fantastic to deal with. He's repeatedly delivered beyond what's expected. Further, as an Army vet himself, has even stepped up to help myself and peers with important veteran's focused charity efforts.
Some of these items won't be on their sites yet, but you can contact to order. You will be proud to own his gear, it has an old world craftsmanship feel yet is made to be used every day.
Honored to have Jim in the crew and looking forward to future projects. My highest recommendation.

[EVP]

Awesome work, I may have to get one!

[blues]

Very nice looking workmanship. Anyone should be proud to strap them on.

[ssb]

First, it looks great and I'll probably end up putting one on order eventually along with a belt.

Can the loops be spec'd out for a given ride height? Like, could I do a mid-ride as pictured along with a lower riding set, or is the design not compatible with that? Also, how thick is the holster at the belt?

[JRCHolsters]

First, it looks great and I'll probably end up putting one on order eventually along with a belt.

Can the loops be spec'd out for a given ride height? Like, could I do a mid-ride as pictured along with a lower riding set, or is the design not compatible with that? Also, how thick is the holster at the belt?Right now I am playing with making the posts adjustable for about 1/2" of play. That said, I can spec out the loop height. There is a wedge of leather that starts at the mid point between both screw posts. It gets thicker towards the trigger guard and can be 3-4 layers thick total. The holster is also molded to the rear mostly, creating an offset. This holster will not replace the CDA II, it will just be another option.

[Imaposer2]

NICE!

Kydex is functional, but there's just something about a quality leather holster...

What firearms is it available for, and what's the current lead time?

[Greg]

Very nice!

[JRCHolsters]

NICE!

Kydex is functional, but there's just something about a quality leather holster...

What firearms is it available for, and what's the current lead time?I am running 8-12 weeks. All orders placed before Oct. 1st are guaranteed to ship by Christmas. After that, it will be dicey for the holidays. I have a large variety of pistol models, so most anything.

[GJM]

Can you tell us more about the knife sheath -- I have a Watson that is crying out for that.

[JRCHolsters]

Can you tell us more about the knife sheath -- I have a Watson that is crying out for that.It is fully gusseted with a floating tab that aids in retention. The gusset is cut to the shape of the blade and sewn all the way to the tab. It is then molded for extra retention. The loop is attached via chicago stud and can be fixed or snap. In this configuration, it runs $60 + $7 Priority Shipping. Depending on the blade, I would probably need it on hand. I think I have pictured of it on my gallery as part of the Mission 22 set.

[GJM]

It is fully gusseted with a floating tab that aids in retention. The gusset is cut to the shape of the blade and sewn all the way to the tab. It is then molded for extra retention. The loop is attached via chicago stud and can be fixed or snap. In this configuration, it runs $60 + $7 Priority Shipping. Depending on the blade, I would probably need it on hand. I think I have pictured of it on my gallery as part of the Mission 22 set.

Thank you, it is a Joe Watson, Gamboa.

[JRCHolsters]

Thank you, it is a Joe Watson, Gamboa.I don't have the Gamboa, so I would need you to send it when I am ready(Unless I can borrow one from Joe)

[OnionsAndDragons]

I'm also pretty stoked about this new sheath.


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[Maple Syrup Actual]

Same here. The 5 shot was close for me but not quite and I've been looking for a replacement.

Available in 1911?

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[JRCHolsters]

Same here. The 5 shot was close for me but not quite and I've been looking for a replacement.

Available in 1911?

Sent from my SM-N900W8 using TapatalkSure is. It would work very well with a slim pistol like the 1911.

[Maple Syrup Actual]

Thanks - my thoughts exactly on the slim factor.

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[Maple Syrup Actual]

aaaaand...ordered.

[owrstrich]

greetings...

i gotts two aiwb-cda 2 units in my possession... the 1st is for the colt concealed carry government chambered in 45 auto... it was such a good fit i scored another one for the sig c3 chambered in 45 auto... they are beauty and tremendous units...

when i saw the watson i figger im sticking with big daddy jim ryan and will give it a go...

here are some photos of the watson for the colt concealed carry government chambered in 45 auto... it came in the mail today... so i will post up a functional follow up after it loosens up a bit...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_170743_zpsoqxwcvzp.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_170843_zpsn0x82d7r.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_170809_zps4vygq1eg.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_170755_zpscqpohyhe.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171310_zpstzjrkqkr.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171236_zpsee9f9c33.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171220_zpsycksxguv.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171155_zpsxy2i8o30.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171142_zpspxivoy0u.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171131_zpsfplmoxh7.jpg

more later...

j o

[jwperry]

That looks a lot thinner than I thought it would be.

Hmmm....

[JRCHolsters]

That looks a lot thinner than I thought it would be.

Hmmm....It's a very thin holster. All the magic is in the welted reinforcement. You end up with a total of 4 layers at the thickest(where it creates tuck) and then it tapers down to 2 layers. The design of the reinforcement's tongue, that runs down the top of the slide, keeps it pretty crush proof.

[Maple Syrup Actual]

Funny, I was just coming to look for this thread and here it was, already bumped.

I have one on right now; it arrived Thursday IIRC.

Very nice. I will have more thoughts on it once it's had more use, but so far I find it comfortable within reason of course; the workmanship is also beautiful. For me personally it's most comfortable without the pad. So far, anyway.

I have cut back on my drinking and as such I feel it will tuck more efficiently in a couple of months but I'm wearing it under a t-shirt now and it's pretty invisible so I can't really complain anyway. It also solves the problem I had with the 5-shot SME which rode so low that, while it hid well, it also made me skin my knuckles on my belt after 20 draws. This is slightly less tuck than the SME but for me personally it's a more workable ride height. Belt clearance is exactly what I needed.

I have XXL hands so other people might have a different experience or different priorities.


Oh also: full-size 1911, no magwell, ETM with a standard base pad. Erin did not realize I was carrying and we've been cleaning the place all day (which I hate, incidentally).



This is also actually my first horsehide holster. Man...I really like horsehide as a material.

[BaiHu]

greetings...

i gotts two aiwb-cda 2 units in my possession... the 1st is for the colt concealed carry government chambered in 45 auto... it was such a good fit i scored another one for the sig c3 chambered in 45 auto... they are beauty and tremendous units...

when i saw the watson i figger im sticking with big daddy jim ryan and will give it a go...

here are some photos of the watson for the colt concealed carry government chambered in 45 auto... it came in the mail today... so i will post up a functional follow up after it loosens up a bit...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_170743_zpsoqxwcvzp.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_170843_zpsn0x82d7r.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_170809_zps4vygq1eg.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_170755_zpscqpohyhe.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171310_zpstzjrkqkr.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171236_zpsee9f9c33.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171220_zpsycksxguv.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171155_zpsxy2i8o30.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171142_zpspxivoy0u.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161203_171131_zpsfplmoxh7.jpg

more later...

j o
I dig the leather beneath the leather too.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[lyodbraun]

I just talked with Jim today and I now have one of his Watson AIWB holsters on order... it'll be a long time before I need to explain to the wife why another holster has shown up LOL ...

[ubervic]

Anything and everything from JRC / Jim Ryan is absolutely top notch. Own and use one of his holsters and one of his bespoke wallets. Fantastic quality.

[owrstrich]

greetings...

my colt 45 overnighted in the watson in the safe... was on the belt for 15 hours today... found the sweet spot straightaway... sitting walking driving blowing snow shoveling snow bending over... practiced the snatch and double tap and reholster... so far so good...

my size 16 ring finger has always been the issue... the cda2 has to be all the way up with 4 leather spacers to get full combat grip... its a tremendous unit... the watson sits high with approx 1/2 inch between top the the belt and ring finger on the snatch... plenty of room to get a full combat grip without the ring finger touching the belt... the trade off for sitting higher is that i can see the grip under my shirt... i go velcroless and foamless so its all holster craftmanship... my gf and her mom didnt notice the grip all day long so all is well at this point... i believe the watson is gonna be a tremendous unit too...

i will post a follow up after i getts a few weeks with the watson... i can say the photos do not do the leather justice... the leather is over exposed in the photos... face to face its natural with deep wavy gaining...

more later...

j o

[BaiHu]

greetings...

my colt 45 overnighted in the watson in the safe... was on the belt for 15 hours today... found the sweet spot straightaway... sitting walking driving blowing snow shoveling snow bending over... practiced the snatch and double tap and reholster... so far so good...

my size 16 ring finger has always been the issue... the cda2 has to be all the way up with 4 leather spacers to get full combat grip... its a tremendous unit... the watson sits high with approx 1/2 inch between top the the belt and ring finger on the snatch... plenty of room to get a full combat grip without the ring finger touching the belt... the trade off for sitting higher is that i can see the grip under my shirt... i go velcroless and foamless so its all holster craftmanship... my gf and her mom didnt notice the grip all day long so all is well at this point... i believe the watson is gonna be a tremendous unit too...

i will post a follow up after i getts a few weeks with the watson... i can say the photos do not do the leather justice... the leather is over exposed in the photos... face to face its natural with deep wavy gaining...

more later...

j o
And the car it sat in? Details, details.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[ssb]

I've got a Watson for a G17 that came in this weekend. As expected with Jim's work, build quality is outstanding. Initial impressions are that it's very comfortable. It was much quicker to find a sweet spot than my CDA-II -- the trimness below the belt line helps tremendously there. Belt bulge seems minimal but it's been a while since I've worn a JMCK/Keeper/Shaggy style wedge holster so I don't have the greatest basis for comparison. Out of the box it has a high ride and while access is great, it's right on the edge of my comfort zone for concealment in lighter clothing; Jim is sending me some lower-riding loops to use, and a slight drop should alleviate any concealment concerns I have. I'll try to get some pics up tomorrow when I have decent lighting available.

[ssb]

The holster itself:

http://i.imgur.com/t8c5DA1.jpg

Showing ride height:

http://i.imgur.com/o8dN6iZ.jpg

On the belt vs. the CDA-II:

http://i.imgur.com/laZ7Ic7.jpg

Thickness as compared to CDA-II (left) (no leather spacers on CDA-II)

http://i.imgur.com/EvHyp3g.jpg

[MGW]

That is a good looking holster.

I have a friend that has been looking for a similar set up for his Government model. Any chance you can build this for a lefty?

[Savage Hands]

Damn that is some good looking holsters...

[Crews]

Is anyone able to make a fair comparison on how much this holster "wedges" in the grip in comparison to an original JM holster?

I understand that there are varying degrees of need across body types. I just happen to need holsters with fairly aggressive grip tucking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ssb]

Is anyone able to make a fair comparison on how much this holster "wedges" in the grip in comparison to an original JM holster?

I understand that there are varying degrees of need across body types. I just happen to need holsters with fairly aggressive grip tucking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My unfair and based upon memory comparison says that you'll probably want to talk to Jim about the tuck, as it is not as aggressive as my old JMCK AIWB. There is mention of leather spacers in the original ad copy, so perhaps he'll have something in mind to increase the amount of tuck if desired. Personally I think it's fine, but as I've slimmed down I find that I no longer need an aggressive wedge for this style of holster.

[JRCHolsters]

Is anyone able to make a fair comparison on how much this holster "wedges" in the grip in comparison to an original JM holster?

I understand that there are varying degrees of need across body types. I just happen to need holsters with fairly aggressive grip tucking.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkBecause the loops screw into place over the wedge, there are many options we can go with to fit the individual customer. Extra spacers and varying heights can all be done. One thing to remember is, I run a custom shop. None of this is cookie cutter. If you need something special, I will work with you. If you get the holster and need some adjustments, I will work with you. Think of me as your leather tailor.

[owrstrich]

greetings...

three week update...

the original equipment watson was riding a little too high forcing my full size 1911 grip to print...

knowing that there are many options to fit the individual... i deployed extra spacers and varying loop heights to achieve the exact ride height for my purpose... 12:30 aiwb with dawn to dusk and into the night comfort with good instincts mechanics...

used kydex to raise the loops forcing the whole unit lower inside the waistband ... settled on 3/4"... used an extra black rubber spacer on the strong side loop... thats all it needed... a little lower and a little spacer... adding only the thickness of kydex...

transformed it into a low ride concealer with the proper combat grip from the snatch to the double tap to the reholster... the trigger finger naturally goes between the straps on the snatch with one-hand no-look reholstering...

about sitting... easy chair folding chair desk chair restaurant booth jeep seat super duty seat... the comfort is there as well as some printing... seated printing is simply the nature of the beast with me... tight shirt = seated printing... lose shirt = some seated printing butts not really that noticeable except in the jeep...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161222_132009_zpsuxxxajkr.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161222_131832_zpsmx1g6y23.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161222_131741_zpsppluk3yj.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161222_131918_zpsxcqapyal.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161222_131652_zpsq5vockkv.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/1Cell16/20161222_131551_zpstbjtfz4g.jpg

hoe hoe hoe...

j o

[owrstrich]

greetings...

3 month update... 100% yeeeeehaaaaaa... moves around just enough to stay in or near the sweet spot nearly all the time... although the full combat snatch maybe rejected by some highly skilled craftsmen here... in order for my middle finger to clear top pants hem and belt i am rewarded with the full combat snatch and grip without printing as long as im wearing a fishing shirt or similar...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/HEAT/watson05_zpsdv3liafb.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/HEAT/watson04_zpsiszsfpro.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/HEAT/watson03_zps6kgjrbpu.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/HEAT/watson02_zps8txjux4w.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/HEAT/watson01_zpsigfhrx0s.jpg

j o