When I entered the police academy in 1976, synthetic holsters were completely unknown. The first time I saw a molded Kydex holster was the mid-1980’s when former FBI Agent Bill Rodgers brought his line of Kydex front-break rigs to market. Admittedly, I liked what I saw but it didn’t make me want to forsake leather rigs. I have never left leather holsters, they offer a “take me home” look, smell and feel that Kydex and Bolatron just can’t match. I get a certain pride in ownership from leather that I just don’t feel from synthetic materials.

The Stakeout (left) and the Rough Out are two examples of IWB holsters from Ritchie Leather. Varied in design, both are comfortable and concealable.

Though I owned many leather rigs over the years, I used the precision molded holsters of Lou Alessi more than any other. While others laid claim to being the Master of Concealment, Lou’s rigs were filling the need all around the world. His holsters were on the belts and around the shoulders of intelligence, military and law enforcement professionals across the globe and for good reason: they work. They stood up to harsh conditions and they kept the holstered handgun always ready, the holster’s primary mission.

Unfortunately, Lou left us way too soon. Passing away in 2009, he left a large void in the holster industry. His designs and craftsmanship were instantly missed. His family sold the company, but the company went out of business. Lou’s presence is still felt in his former partner, Skip Ritchie. In 2010, Skip and his brother Bob opened Ritchie Leather Company in the same building Lou occupied for many years. In this space, Skip and Bob continue to offer the same designs as Lou, along with some designs of their own, with the same level of care and craftsmanship. The holster names are not the same, but the quality is better than ever.

The CQ-QR (left) is a quick on and off the belt pancake design that is both fast and concealable. The Nelson-Ritchie Avenger pays homage to the original Bruce Nelson Professional holster.

My favorite of the Ritchie line is the Close Quarter Quick Release (CQ-QR) holster. This is a recreation of the Alessi CQC-S or Close Quarter Combat-Snap model. I had a small hand in this rig, asking Lou to make a close fitting, pancake style belt rig that would be easy on and off the belt like a paddle holster. The CQ-QR has snap belt loops front and rear with a low positioning and a flat back allowing for a very comfortable ride that hugs the body very close. The flat back and molded holster pouch make replacement of the pistol easy. Made of 8oz. vegetable tanned leather, it is wet molded and hand boned to the specific weapon offering solid retention.

The Ritchie Ankle Rig is probably the best ankle holster currently available. The felt ankle pad is comfortable without getting “hot” underneath.

I have long been a fan of the Bruce Nelson designed #1 Professional rig that offers a combination rear belt slot to pull the grip tight to the body with a forward belt tunnel that provides a high level of stability. Ritchie Leather offers this same performance with their Nelson-Ritchie Avenger (NRA) rig. Made from 8-ounce cowhide, it offers a reinforced mouth band and a forward cant to pull the rig close to the torso. A variation of this same theme can be found in the Vertical Speed Scabbard (VSS) which offers a straight up draw that can be worn strong side or cross draw. It is designed to be worn just forward of the hip for quick access while still hugging the body very close, making it very concealable. It is made of 8oz. vegetable tanned leather and wet mold/hand boned to the specific weapon.

The Nighthawk IWB rig uses a nylon-glass reinforced clip that locks the gun and holster solidly to the trouser band.

For many years, I wore my carry pistol on my right hip inside the waistband. These days, I do not find the practice to be as comfortable as it once was, but it is a viable carry mode. As a matter of fact, the location is very concealable and fast with a bit of practice. The Ritchie Brothers offer several very good choices for hip IWB carry in their Nighthawk and Rough Out (RO) rigs. The Nighthawk is one of the most effective inside the pant holsters available utilizing a nylon-glass injected clip. This clip has a hook on the bottom to keep it from being pulled loose from the belt. Made from 7oz. premium vegetable tanned leather, the Nighthawk offers easy on/off application, with or without a belt. When wearing a belt, the belt should go over the clip to enhance concealment.

The Vertical Speed Scabbard uses a combination belt tunnel and rear slot to hold the gun tight to the torso. The vertical ride is intended to be worn just forward of the hip.

The CQ-QR holster is also cut for carry optics, resulting in a more vertical cant so the optic clears the forward belt loop. Like all Ritchie holsters, it comes in a variety of colors.

As good as these holsters are, the one rig that likely made Lou Alessi famous was his ankle rig. Skip continues to make this holster and I can honestly say I think it is the best ankle holster currently available. It is made from 8-ounce black chrome tanned leather with a 1/2 inch thick felt pad that does not get “hot” like sheep wool lining. The Velcro strap is fully adjustable, with 2" leather reinforced band. Like all Ritchie holsters, it is wet molded/hand boned to the specific weapon. I wore this rig daily while working patrol years ago. Winter or summer, hot or cold, this rig carried my 2-inch J frame S & W so comfortably that I forgot it was there.

These days, leather holsters are not given the “respect” they deserve. Leather holsters are still quite viable in the 21stCentury and if you haven’t given them a chance, you don’t know what you are missing.

For more information, contact -

Ritchie Leather Company
2465 Niagara Falls Blvd
Amherst, NY 14228
716.691.6300

— Dave Spaulding