TT Gunleather - Page 2

ranburr · July 3rd, 2008, 03:56 PM

It is very rare that I disagree with AZ Husker (in fact I think this is the first). I think most everyone in the holster industry copies the successful designs to one degree or another. If I were going to place a blame here, I would have to put it on the Sparks company for not legally protecting their design. The simple fact is Sparks cannot keep up with demand. Thus, other companies are going to fill that void. That is a much needed part of the free market. Until Sparks can step up and say that they can fill every order in a timely manner, I really don't think they can argue that TT Leather is costing them anything. And, if Sparks ever gets to the point that they can keep up with the demand, that just means that they were bought out by GALCO. I have holsters and mag pouches form both companies. Quality is pretty much the same except in one area. TTs mag pouches are superior to those from Sparks in my opinion.

ranburr

wagglebee · July 3rd, 2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eljuez

I'm with AZ Husker and Wagglebee. While most holsters are the makers version of a well established pattern, this guy just imitates the Sparks line w/out credit. He won't be getting my money.

As I said earlier, it's natural to "borrow" ideas, there's a limit to "new" holster ideas. However, a blatant knock of is too much when no credit is given.

John Ralston (I don't own any of his holsters, but everything I've seen indicates that they are top notch) at 5 Shot Leather (5 Shot Leather, LLC - Home 5shotleather) openly credits guys like Alessi, Del Fatti and Bulman -- that's CLASS and that also means that these guys will be willing to help him out and refer people to him. I have no doubt that there's more than enough business to go around, but it's still a bad idea to get on the wrong side of the most respected names in the business.

prawls · July 3rd, 2008, 04:19 PM

Just outta curiosity, since someone mentioned Tony's name in this thread, has MS or anyone else contacted TT about all this and received a response?

echo5tango · July 3rd, 2008, 04:32 PM

Say what you will, but if you look at the two holsters (Tim's and MS's) side by side, I think you WILL see there is at least a small difference.

Whether you think that's material or not is up to you, but I could honestly care less.

There are numerous copies of the VMII out there, some are blatant while others are not. I think Tim's work is top notch no matter which of those pigeon holes you put it in.

As of right now, Tim gets my money because he puts out an unbelievably awesome product at a good price in a timely manner.

DirtDawg · July 4th, 2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ Husker

Check out his version of the VM2...identical.

I'd say close, very close but not identical in "feel".

My TT was nicely made, relatively inexpensive and fast shipping to me.

The fit was not MS VMII level, its a lil loose from the get go. The leather at that time, was softer than the VMII. I understand that Tim uses H Oak leather, better than before.

Damn if there's not much difference in price, what $20? I'm not that impatient.

TT is a great holster, Tim is a stand up guy. Imitation is a form of flattery-I guess...

YMMV

adaman04 · July 4th, 2008, 09:08 PM

If we collected every holster that was more or less a copy of the VM2, we could fill a whole page with them easily. There is a niche out there. That niche is comfortable quality without having to wait 6 months + for a holster. Milt Sparks could hire more craftsman and cut down on their wait times and improve customer sevice. They choose not to. I bought a TT but sold it after about a week. Just wasn't for me and didn't fit the way I carry. VERY nice holsters and great quality.

Sportsterguy · July 4th, 2008, 10:01 PM

Welp here goes. I owned a MS VM II for my full size SA 1911 and bought a HBE COM III to replace it. Saw one of Tim's holsters on E-Bay when he first started out and bought it for my SA Champion at an outstanding price and 1 week delivery. The VM II's we're selling for ridiculous prices there IMO. I'm not rich and if I can save money and still receive a great holster in 2 months versus 6 at a substantial savings I'm going to buy it. My TT does the job as well as the VM II and is holding up great even in this NC heat wave we've been in for close to a month. Tim's holster are copies of MS's but so are alot of others out there. Also bought one of his Axiom styles that was a custom job for my 3" S&W model 29. Another great holster at a great price.
Starting to sound like if you are not a MS loyalist you're setting a little low on the totem pole round here. I'm for the little guy and in this case it's TT Gunleather!

eng208 · July 4th, 2008, 11:33 PM

I have contacted him and ordered an IWB for my 19, and a OWB snap for my 30. He has been very pleasant to deal with over the phone and even added a few little custom touches at no charge. I have had many nice holsters over the years, and the pictures I have seen of his are some of the best.
Anybody want to buy an Andrews McDaniel II in a few weeks for a 19?

Thumper · July 5th, 2008, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ Husker

Check out his version of the VM2...identical.

Identical looking but definately NOT the same quality!

adaman04 · July 5th, 2008, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumper

Identical looking but definately NOT the same quality!

Do you have both?

July 3rd, 2008, 04:19 PM	#13
prawls Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: VA Posts: 236	Just outta curiosity, since someone mentioned Tony's name in this thread, has MS or anyone else contacted TT about all this and received a response? __________________ CARRY GUNS: S&W 638, Ruger LCP, Kimber Ultra CDP

July 4th, 2008, 10:01 PM	#17
Sportsterguy Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: On the River Posts: 979	Welp here goes. I owned a MS VM II for my full size SA 1911 and bought a HBE COM III to replace it. Saw one of Tim's holsters on E-Bay when he first started out and bought it for my SA Champion at an outstanding price and 1 week delivery. The VM II's we're selling for ridiculous prices there IMO. I'm not rich and if I can save money and still receive a great holster in 2 months versus 6 at a substantial savings I'm going to buy it. My TT does the job as well as the VM II and is holding up great even in this NC heat wave we've been in for close to a month. Tim's holster are copies of MS's but so are alot of others out there. Also bought one of his Axiom styles that was a custom job for my 3" S&W model 29. Another great holster at a great price. Starting to sound like if you are not a MS loyalist you're setting a little low on the totem pole round here. I'm for the little guy and in this case it's TT Gunleather! __________________ Sportsterguy Molon Labe! Join the NRA today, or don't complain when your guns are taken away!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

July 3rd, 2008, 03:56 PM	#11
ranburr Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: TX Posts: 222	It is very rare that I disagree with AZ Husker (in fact I think this is the first). I think most everyone in the holster industry copies the successful designs to one degree or another. If I were going to place a blame here, I would have to put it on the Sparks company for not legally protecting their design. The simple fact is Sparks cannot keep up with demand. Thus, other companies are going to fill that void. That is a much needed part of the free market. Until Sparks can step up and say that they can fill every order in a timely manner, I really don't think they can argue that TT Leather is costing them anything. And, if Sparks ever gets to the point that they can keep up with the demand, that just means that they were bought out by GALCO. I have holsters and mag pouches form both companies. Quality is pretty much the same except in one area. TTs mag pouches are superior to those from Sparks in my opinion. ranburr

July 3rd, 2008, 04:32 PM	#14
echo5tango Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NOLA Posts: 275	Say what you will, but if you look at the two holsters (Tim's and MS's) side by side, I think you WILL see there is at least a small difference. Whether you think that's material or not is up to you, but I could honestly care less. There are numerous copies of the VMII out there, some are blatant while others are not. I think Tim's work is top notch no matter which of those pigeon holes you put it in. As of right now, Tim gets my money because he puts out an unbelievably awesome product at a good price in a timely manner.

July 4th, 2008, 09:08 PM	#16
adaman04 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Show Me State Posts: 570	If we collected every holster that was more or less a copy of the VM2, we could fill a whole page with them easily. There is a niche out there. That niche is comfortable quality without having to wait 6 months + for a holster. Milt Sparks could hire more craftsman and cut down on their wait times and improve customer sevice. They choose not to. I bought a TT but sold it after about a week. Just wasn't for me and didn't fit the way I carry. VERY nice holsters and great quality.

July 4th, 2008, 11:33 PM	#18
eng208 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ga Posts: 17	I have contacted him and ordered an IWB for my 19, and a OWB snap for my 30. He has been very pleasant to deal with over the phone and even added a few little custom touches at no charge. I have had many nice holsters over the years, and the pictures I have seen of his are some of the best. Anybody want to buy an Andrews McDaniel II in a few weeks for a 19?