JerryM

Hi Prvt. Toter,

I read your review, and thanks. One think I noticed is the problem of the sight track. I have had that problem with a couple of holsters. The last one filled the front night sight with leather "dust" and rubbed the red paint off my other 1911.

For me that is the type of lack of attention to detail that separates the best from the less than best.

I am not sure that heavier leather is better. I thought so until I saw a Sparks ExC. At first I did not think it would hold up, but since then I have purchased at least three of Spark's holsters, and I like the thinner leather as long as it holds up. It does that.

I do like the looks of Brigade, but the lack of sight clearance would let it out for me. It is an excellent design otherwise from the photos.

Regards,
Jerry

QuickDrawMcGraw

I prefer the closed muzzle end because the leather extension provides the muzzle w/ a little "lift", what I mean by that is that instead of the muzzle digging against my thigh, it's that slim lip of that extension that contacts my body. Very big difference in comfort and prevents that feeling the the weight of the holster is tugging your belt and pants down.

BTW, another major difference maker is the front loop assembly being only half attached to the holster, just like a finger. This is the same as a VM2. What I think this does is allows the rear loop more tension and doesn't fight the rear loop from tugging the butt of the gun closer to your body. Quite honestly, I think that is most significant design advantage that the M-11 and the VM-2 (and the TT Gunleather IWB) have over other split loop holsters. At first, I thought all split loop holsters were the same but now, I see that some are just designed superior to other. Of course, this is just my novice opinion, no offense to fans of other manufacturers, just my .02. YMMV.

Prvt. Toter

T-BONE,

Sorry to break it to you, but if you want sparks quality, your going to have to wait... they still hold the line for me... I carry alessi and sparks where I can, again this was an oddball gun with no blank at the big guys... In the comfort area the VMII still holds the top choice for me... I can not say how the brigade will hold up yet as I have only carried it briefly, the gun is now back to the factory to get the feed problems worked out of it...

JerryM,
You are entirely right... at first I got enough leather deposites to fill the night sight and make it non workable... I was very upset that a custom holster maker would overlook this detail, but on this BRIGADE M11 I was able to do 20-30 insertions and removals and the problem cleared itself... Basically my front sight worked as a v-gouge and cleared the leather... I have since recoated the inside with acrylic and it appears it will work... , BUT to your point, you should not have to do this on a custom holster.. I still like the holster and was fortunate that it worked out for me.. others results may vary...

From conversation with one of the holster makers I understand that they actualy tape a dowell rod between the front and rear sights on their blanks to form the channel.. It seems pretty simple and not something that would add cost or time to the operation, yet it gives the room the front sight needs while maintaining a tight fit... As mentioned... just one of the things that separates the good from the great...

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JerryM

Thanks for the comments.
Regards,
Jerry

T Bone

Thanks for the info. In my case, no waiting required (or should I say it's in the past?). I already have 4 VM2's, the one for a railed 1911 is full sized (Desert Warrior) so they had the blank. Two others for 5" 1911 (one cordovan, one black horshide w/ shark trim). The one for my SA Micro Compact is also black horshide w/ shark trim, they are awesome!

I do have a a bit more waiting though, an elephant trimmed Axiom for 5 inch 1911 should come in Sept., and a Summer Special II in October. Wonder if I should get another order in at the beginning of Sept?

Side Note:
Great customer service at Springfield too, sent my Micro Compact in for work also. Came back running great!

__________________
Regards, T Bone.


"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety". Benjamin Franklin

JimmyC4

I too love that two-tone look that the contrasting stitching brings!

Nice rig.

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"It's a big gun when I carry it, it is also a big gun when I take it out” – Clint Smith

ccw9mm

Here is a link to the Brigade M-11 holster: click.

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Thoughts: Justifiable self defense.
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billfromtx

I ordered my Brigade C-11 on Feb. 27th 2008...I still do not have it. They told me 18 to 21 weeks when I ordered it.
Its been over 6 months (25+ weeks). Since they do not reply to emails or update their web site, its hard to tell when I might get it... I guess since they haven't charged me yet, I can't gripe too much.

__________________
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To err is human.
To forgive is divine.
Neither of which is Marine Corps policy.

"It's all about shot placement."- David (Slayer of Goliath)

QuickDrawMcGraw

I remember Troy saying in a different board that he doesn't pay much attention to emails so try calling him. He answers for the most part and is very helpful on the phone. Not an excuse for not replying to emails but this should work.

billfromtx

Tried that, all i get is voice messages refering me to the website...
We'll see. Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep trying.

__________________
USMC 1984-1992
To err is human.
To forgive is divine.
Neither of which is Marine Corps policy.

"It's all about shot placement."- David (Slayer of Goliath)