tabsr

I miss the good guys like Alessi. Any others out there with the same great holsters?

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"Politicians and Bureaucrats, depend very much on the complicity of their victims, and like criminals, are flummoxed when we don't play the victim role."

kpw

There's a lot of good guys out there but only one Lou Alessi. Nate at UBG has a great rep and his regulator gets great reviews. I'd buy from him again, no hesitation. I don't think I've ever heard a negative comment about John Ralston at 5-Shot. He credits Lou Alessi and others for design influences and he even has a holster called the Uncle Lou.
I've been waiting for some of Eric's work for a while. Old story and I'm not going into it but I think we'll be putting him in that category soon. Right now, I'd say he needs a secretary. The cat might be cute but it ain't much of a worker.

jarhead79

This goes back to the "sit and wait" thread. While I agree, somewhat with the "don't bother the maker" idea, it only goes so far. If your product is overdue, bug 'em. If not, wait.

I can name one order in 3 years that went past the estimate, and that was less than a week late, and notification was made.

Wait times should not be 4 times what is stated. If it is, someone needs to update their posted estimate.

Nate

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Sig P239 9mm
Bersa Thunder.45
Ruger SP101 .38 SPL
Glock 36 (night sites)

UBG Holsters current wait time as of 7-16-2009: 3-5 weeks.

banana

I called erik today. He picked up on the second ring. I was interested in a holster he had listed in his "for sale" section. He took time to explain some things to me, and before we got off the phone, he had requested payment, I sent it, and he received it-- all through paypal.

Nice guy to talk to. I should have my holster sometime next week.

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When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.

tdwood

Just call Eric. It took me like 2 days to get him. It was worth it though. I ordered a holster and a mag pouch for my boyfriend. It is very nice stuff. The holster was delivered to me in about 2 weeks, and the mag pouch took about 7 days.

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"Gun control has not worked in D.C. The only people who have guns are criminals. We have the strictest gun laws in the nation and one of the highest murder rates. It's quicker to pull your Smith & Wesson than to dial 911 if you're being robbed." -Lowell Duckett

cracker

I have gotten a holster and mag carrier from Eric just before he had all his financial problems. I was surprised to see him back in business. His work is top quality but the wait was dreadful with no feedback. I have also gotten a holster and belt from Nate at UBG. It easily compares with the best I have and will order from him 1st due to his feedback and excellent customer service.

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Colt Delta Elite Gold Cup Enhanced 10mm
S&W 1006
S&W 1076
EAA Witness 10mm
EAA Witness Elite "Stock" 10mm
DW Patriot CBOB 10mm
AMT Javelina 10mm
Kimber Tactical Pro II 45ACP
EAA Witness 45acp
EAA Witness Elite "Stock" 45acp
Auto Ordinance Enhanced 45acp

Texan29

He's been back for more than a year or more since the financial problems. He made good on all his promises and his wait is the same or less than UBG's now. Eric is first rate to me, although I own UBG leather too. I don't think service should sway a person to one or the other, I think they need to select the product that best suits their needs.

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Wreck'em Tech! Go Red Raiders!

Sig Sauer P238 / Sig Sauer P226 9mm CPO / S&W M&P9c

Guns and more

Huh? Service is what we pay for. Ordering something and never getting it is unacceptable. No matter what the reason.
I'm not bashing HBE. He does nice work and I have two of his.

Texan29

First, You're paying for a product and skilled labor. I don't pay Eric to make me feel good; I pay him to make me a holster. Aside from that, my point was that given Eric and Nate's service times are nearly identical now, there's really not much difference in service IMO.

Second, No one ever mentioned someone not receiving their holster in this thread.

Just wanted to make my stance clear. Both holster makers are great IMO and you can't go wrong with either.

__________________
Wreck'em Tech! Go Red Raiders!

Sig Sauer P238 / Sig Sauer P226 9mm CPO / S&W M&P9c

JerryM

How would you like to take your car to the dealer, and he gives you a time of tomorrow at 4 PM, but it is not ready until next week? In the meantime he either doesn't give you an accurate time of delivery, or does not even answer your calls?

What if you had ordered a catering service to provide food for a party next Wed. They told you they could do it, but did not deliver?

I expect anyone I do business with to make me feel good by doing what they say they will do. If not I am irritated, and would not deal with that person again.

If someone wants to feel like the maker is doing him a favor by making him a holster, and won't communicate with the customer, then go ahead and deal with that maker. Not me.

I am paying for more than a product and skilled labor. It is a total package for me which includes product, skilled labor, and customer service. If I don't get all three I do not buy from those who don't provide them.

This is not aimed at Eric unless he does such things. My impression is that he is not doing such. I wish I had one of his holsters, but don't need any leather at this time. He is evidently an excellent craftsman.

Regards,
Jerry