In today’s article, respected author and instructor Mike Boyle reviews a number of CCW rigs from Ritchie Leather Co. These quality leather holsters are available in a range of styles and have a solid pedigree of performance. The rigs were provided by the company to the author for review.
I have long counseled that your defensive handgun is only as good as the holster you carry it in. In a fast-breaking, spontaneous encounter, ready access to your equipment is everything. Clearly, a delay in getting into action could have dire consequences, and the ability to make a quick, decisive hit on an adversary may very well determine your fate.
While over the years I have become a bit more particular about the holsters I use, it wasn’t always that way. Back when revolvers ruled, holsters were often designed to fit a range of gun sizes, often from different manufacturers. As a result, fit was hardly ideal, which sometimes led to issues with firearm security. At that time, my meager finances as a cop prevented me from getting a high-end holster from one of the better shops, and instead I was saddled with an off-the-rack, one-size-fits-all all concealment rig.
This all came to a head one night when my revolver jettisoned from my holster when engaged in some vigorous physical activity. Fortunately, I had a shotgun in hand and the story had a happy ending. However, it did motivate me to start saving my lunch money to get a better holster.
My quest to get a superior holster led me to Lou Alessi, who had a stellar reputation for designing quality concealment rigs. As time went on, I acquired several other Alessi holsters, all of which filled a useful niche, including off-duty carry as well as an ankle holster for my back-up gun.
Sadly, Lou passed away in 2009, and I thought we had hit the end of the road. But as luck would have it, Skip Ritchie, a former partner of Lou, rose to the challenge and formed the Ritchie Leather Company. Today, Skip along with his brother Bob are turning out some very high-quality holsters, including some classic Alessi designs, along with some originals.
Why Leather?
Beginning in the 1990s, we began to see a shift in the market to holsters crafted from Kydex instead of leather. Kydex is an acrylic-polyvinyl chloride composite material used to make all sorts of products, including holsters. Kydex is waterproof, resistant to scratching and most chemicals, and has a low friction co-efficient.
I will confess to owning a Kydex holster for just about every one of my serious handguns, but I do not use them for everyday carry. While Kydex holsters are very serviceable, they can be noisy and there is no getting around the fact that they aren’t especially sexy. Depending on the style, the hard shell of a Kydex holster can also compromise comfort for me.
With that thought in mind, I still prefer a leather holster for everyday carry. I recognize that may go against the grain of many contemporary users, but there is just something about the qualities of a well-executed leather holster that I don’t think you will find in one made of Kydex. And it’s not just about old guys who eschew the polymer blasters and favor blue steel and walnut. Many of my associates who prefer polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols also prefer the aesthetics, comfort and high degree of functionality a leather holster offers.
Some time ago, I picked up a Springfield Armory 1911 4.25” pistol. It is ideal for concealed carry, and its striking two-tone finish makes it a real looker. To my thinking, compact pistols strike the ideal compromise between shootability and discretion. Sure, they are a little tougher to hide than a micro-pistol, but they can be shot every bit as well as a service-size pistol. The key to making it all work is finding the right holster.
Vertical Speed Scabbard
One of the more popular holsters in the Ritchie Leather Company line is the Vertical Speed Scabbard (VSS). Having used one for several years, I was confident it would be just the ticket for my Ronin. I have long had a preference for concealment holsters with a neutral cant, and the VSS checks all the right boxes.
The VSS is crafted from premium 8-oz.vegetable tanned leather and is designed to ride tight to the body. Worn just forward of the strong side hip, I am able to draw my Ronin pistol in the blink of an eye. When worn under a light covering garment, the VSS makes my pistol very difficult to detect. The VSS is wet-molded to the exact shape of the pistol and retention qualities are very good, even when engaged in intense physical activity,
To say the least, I am very pleased with this holster. For some time, I have used a VSS with my Springfield Armory XD .45 ACP Compact, and using the same holster for the Ronin makes a great deal of sense. In my part of the world, I can stay under the radar three seasons of the year with my everyday pistol concealed in the VSS as it strikes the ideal balance between low-profile carry and fast access. If your preferences run to a high-quality outside-the-waistband holster, you can’t go wrong with the Ritchie Leather Company VSS.
Close Quarter-Quick Release
The Ritchie Close Quarter-Quick Release (CQ-QR) holster is an innovative design that fills a unique niche. This particular holster was a popular ticket in the Alessi line and I for one was happy to see a contemporary version from the Ritchie Leather Company.
So, what makes it so special? A pair of snap belt loops on the front and rear of the holster makes the CQ-QR very easy to put on and take off. Beside that unique quality, the CQ-QR is also a very well thought-out concealment rig.
The CQ-QR rides in a slightly lower position than the VSS, and the butt is angled slightly forward to aid concealment. An additional tab of leather is sewn high on the outboard side of the holster to facilitate a fumble-free, one-hand return. The back of the holster is flat, and the CQ-QR hugs the body to keep you low-profile. Like the VSS, the CQ-QR is made of 8-oz. vegetable-tanned leather and is available in black, brown or mahogany. Variants with a thumb break or a sweat shield are also available.
The Ronin pistol and the CQ-QR proved to be a very solid combination. Even though it rides a tad lower than the VSS, concealment was not an issue for me. If a high-quality rig with a quick on/quick off feature suits your needs, check out the CQ-QR.
Different Strokes
Should you require even greater discretion in your everyday carry rig, consider a Ritchie inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster. As savvy users have known all along, IWB holsters are a great choice for concealing a medium to large size handgun, as nothing below the belt line is visible to the casual observer.
The Rough Out (RO) is a classic IWB holster with a reinforced mouth and a heavy reinforced sweat shield. Unlike inferior designs, the RO allows for an easy one-handed return to the holster, a very important safety feature. The Hideaway is yet another IWB consideration and is designed to ride even lower in the waistband. Either of these holsters would be a top choice for those who prefer a 1911 or another serious fighting pistol.
In addition to their extensive line of concealment holsters, the Ritchie Leather Company also turns out some top-notch magazine pouches and belts.
Should your taste run to quality leather gear, check out the Ritchie Leather Company as they put out a product which is second to none.
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