CARRYOPTIONS FRom clASSicS To cUTTing EdgE in cARRy mEThodS SAmmy REESE Nelson Holsters I have no idea how it happened, but it did — I got “old-ish.” There I was sitting in my shop admiring some new holsters just delivered by the big brown truck when the words came out of my mouth — “They sure don’t make stuff like they use to.” The holsters laid out on my bench were built like Peterbilt Trucks — rugged and handsome at the same time. I looked around the shop to see if someone else was in there with me — nope, I was alone. I thought it had to be a ghost of my dad or grandfather because I don’t say things like that. Um … er … make that used to not say things like that. The holsters I was admiring in my shop were made by Mr. James Ervin Nelson of Nelson Holsters. James, like many holster makers, came about making holsters out of not being able to find the perfect holster, so he created his own. James comes from a family of leather workers so the transition to holster making made sense. Left: Quality components andattention todetailsets theNelson XCaliburapart. Below:The Avengerdesign isatimelessone. jamespaystribute toitbybuildinga handsomeyetvery ruggedversionofhisown. Hybrid Design L ife throws rocky roads and big bags of avocados at us some times. We have a choice to negotiate the rough terrain and make a bunch of guacamole or throw our sucker in the dirt and do nothing but complain. When James’ wife Jana was diagnosed with severe epilepsy he quit his job as a firefighter/EMT and got schooled up as a CNA so he could take care of his bride full-time. James filled his downtime with perfecting his holster creations and started selling them to friends and family. James still wasn’t satisfied with the comfort level of the IWB holsters and started to experiment with combining a neoprene backing to an IWB holster. He quickly found out he was onto something. The XCalibur is the result of combining an overbuilt, aka “built to last” leather holster with the modern twist of sewing on a neoprene backing. The holster looked thicker than a normal IWB rig, but I soon got used to it and after some break-in, I found myself uttering the familiar phrases: “Why didn’t I think of that?” and “He’s really on to something.” hold the holster open. By they way, if The medical-grade you have a holster requiring two hands neoprene serves two funche Avenger-inspired holster needs no to re-holster, give it to your dog as a tions. The most noticeable introduction. The design is timeless chew toy. is providing cushioning and and a huge favorite for belt carry. The It’s easy to see from spending some blocking moisture from the Nelson version is simple, and like the time using Nelson holsters and gear, holster and gun. For those Xcalibur, built to last for a few generaJames takes pride in his creations and who are dedicated to cartions. It’s hot out here in San Diego for makes sure attention to detail is put into rying IWB everyday, these most of the year, so CCW is mostly IWB every product crossing his bench. It’s exceptionally built holsters but when it cools off some, outside the kind of like how stuff was made in the combined with the neoprene waistband is my favorite way to carry. old days. See, I can’t stop saying old make hauling around a big The Avenger design keeps the gun guy stuff now. Best I get gun more comfortable. And close and makes for fast, or in my used to it, eh? comfort translates into actucase, almost-fast draws. The reinforced ally carrying the gun rather opening makes for smooth re-holstering For more info: www.americanhandgunner. than leaving it at home. without having to use your fingers to com/index, (828) 729-3415 Usingmedical-grade neopreneasabackerfor theholsterkeepsmoisture offtheholsterandgun.It makescarryingafull-size pistol,dareIsay— morecomfortable? Avenger Style T * 32 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL2015
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