New holster preview with pics

[T. Kanaley]

The first time I'd seen an OWB holster that snapped on the belt was a holster that Bruce Nelson called his Patriot. It was an old design that according to Bruce via his last printed catalog, he designed way back in 1969. I don't think it ever caught on as there were some attributes to the design that pretty much relegated it as a special purpose, not for everyday use carry rig. Long billets extending outwards from the gun that were intended to run through pant loops before snapping onto the belt were intended as a means of securing the holster from moving both fore and aft. This arrangement almost pretty much assured that as the leather aged and loosened up, the gun would tend to gravitate outwards away from the body, thus affecting it's ability to conceal.

Early in the 90's Jim Murnak had a design he called his inside out which was his version of a quick on and off and could be worn inside the pants as well as out. I believe it is still available in his Fist lineup. Rumor has it that a certain gunwriter who was reviewing this particular holster contacted Lou Alessi and asked him if he could come up with a better solution. Lou didn't disappoint and his solution became the model CQC/s.

Shortly after Lou came out with his CQC/s he was kind enough to send me a copy and to be frank I was floored with the genius of the design. He solved all the shortfalls of the Patriot and I had no doubt that he would sell a million of them. I was so impressed that I sent the CQC/s that Lou had sent me, to my friend Roy Huntington who at the time wrote the gunleather column for American Handgunner and Roy did a piece on it.

Alessi's CQC/s is definitely the benchmark of that genre of OWB holster and is evidenced by the fact that literally every maker out there, both commercial and custom, makes some sort of copy of it!

When I first decided to come up with a quick on and off OWB that we could market under our Milt Sparks logo, I decided that it would have to be different, or in other words, not just another copy of the CQC/s. The first attempt was our NP series (Nelson Patriot) which was based on Bruces original design along with a few add ons of our own. Most notably, we shortend the billets to bring the loops closer to the gun and added a paddle on the back for additional security in the event of snap failure. It's downfall was that it was a PITA to build and I just wasn't 100% happy the design and thought we could do better. My 2nd attempt is our current IQM which is a fine holster, but is limited by it's construction to just standard dustcover 1911's and only if the bbl is no shorter than 3.5".

Anyway, the following photos dipict my latest version of the quick on and off OWB and will be my final attempt at this style holster, I promise! The holster pictured was only my 2nd prototype and the production model may have a little more cant. Or I may even offer it with a 2nd cant option, but I'm still working out the details on that one. The one pictured (my prefered cant) has 15 degrees, but some of the guys at the shop prefer 18 to 20. It depends on the location where you like to wear the gun and I like to wear it close to 3-3:30 as that way it doesn't get in the way when sitting down. As you can see, the profile from the front is very flat to the side and I'm a fairly thin guy. Jim on the other hand, likes to wear his gun further back, so 15 degrees just doesn't work well for him.

I haven't thought of a name for it yet, but if anyone is interested, just refer to it as IQM-2 for now and I'll know what we are talking about. It will be available for a greater variety of guns than either the NP, or IQM ever was.

[T. Kanaley]

[Matt Del Fatti]

Hey Tony:
That is pretty damn cool! Oooh, a name the holster contest.........how about calling it a SnapCake (Snap on pancake)

Naw, I think SOP instead.

[torrejon224]

Well, I just received my IQM and I'm very happy with it but seeing as how you only make it for the 1911s, what other weapons will this new design be made for? In particular, I am looking for one for the Springfield XD-40sc and the S&W/Walther 99 series? Also, railed 1911 which I was told you could not do the IQM for. If this new model will fit any of these let me know and I'll call this week? Thanks

[Huevos]

I saw one of the prototypes yesterday when I picked up my new Commander size IQM. I like both actually and I don't have any guns with less than a 3-1/2" barrel. I ordered another IQM for my GM guns and will choose between the two styles when my names in the que. I also went a little nuts and ordered two VM-II's since I was already there... Here's a pic of the IQM I picked up yesterday.

[Ricky T]

So this is why you've been so quiet I believe you have a winner Tony.

[Louis F. Alessi]

Another beautiful job from the fertile mind of Tony Kanaley!
That holster should be a huge hit Tony,. and well deserved..
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't think Tony ever sleeps


Lou

[Rosco Benson]

Is the holster pouch centered up on the front seam (like the CQC/S) or offset? While offsetting the pouch can improve comfort a bit, it tends to cause the upper rear of the slide to protrude more than it needs to. From the photos it looks to be centered up.

Also, it wouldn't take much tweaking to come up with a version that is worn between the belt and the trousers...a la Mirage.

As to naming it, its triangular shape leads me suggest "arrowhead".

Rosco

[T. Kanaley]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the comments, especially coming from Lou and Matt whose work I admire.


Torrejon,
First up will be the 1911 family, followed by the Glocks and Sigs. Walther P99, XD series, Beretta, etc will all come later, but need to get the other patterns finalized first. Seeing as I'm tied up most of the time in production, pattern development will come as time permits and time has been pretty scarce as of late.

Huevos,
Sorry I missed you the other day, but I was having a bad one. A bad day that is and I was stuck in the back feeling sorry for myself. (I know, where's that smiley with the little violin when you need it... )

[T. Kanaley]

Originally Posted by Rosco Benson

Is the holster pouch centered up on the front seam (like the CQC/S) or offset? While offsetting the pouch can improve comfort a bit, it tends to cause the upper rear of the slide to protrude more than it needs to. From the photos it looks to be centered up.

Also, it wouldn't take much tweaking to come up with a version that is worn between the belt and the trousers...a la Mirage.

As to naming it, its triangular shape leads me suggest "arrowhead".

Rosco

Hi Rosco, It's centered for the reason you mention, plus it's easier to make that way.

I dont know about adapting it to between the belt and pants carry, but because of the changeable loop set up, it could be easily adapted to IWB carry. Because of the extra leather thickness in this model, I'm not sure that IWB would be a good optional application even though it would be doable.

Arrowhead, SnapCake/SOP?? Coming up with catchy names has never been my forte, so I appreciate the suggestions. I thought about maybe calling it "Tonys Folly" after all the time and effort I've spent playing around with these designs. I'm not much for naming stuff after myself though.

[Huevos]

Originally Posted by T. Kanaley

Huevos,
Sorry I missed you the other day, but I was having a bad one. A bad day that is and I was stuck in the back feeling sorry for myself. (I know, where's that smiley with the little violin when you need it... )

No sweat, I know you're busy. If you and Lou and Matt (as well as a few others) weren't the dedicated leatheraholics that you are the rest of us wouldn't have anything to ooh and ahh over....

[LHB1]

Hi Tony,
Nice looking new holster. How about calling it the TKX with TK standing for Tony Kanaley and X standing for who knows how many versions it took to produce this model. Now that this new holster is designed you can probably expect your backlog to increase. Glad my order for an NLG holster and D4C mag carrier is already on the books.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

ps: And I'm waiting on a couple of orders from you too, Lou! The only problem with products from you and Tony is that I have to make a tough decision every morning as to whose belt and whose holster I will wear that day. Life can be so nice!!

[Jim V]

Tony, I wager that Milt is looking down on the shop and wearing a smile that rivals the sun. He would be proud of the products you guys produce under his name. I'm not a real big fan of snap off holsters but I'd be hard pressed in deciding between the TKRNSOH and Lou's CQC/S.

TKRNSOH = Tony Kanaley's Real Neat Snap Off Holster.

[Mark Garrity]

Tony,
That is really cool! It looks very stable. And simple; one of those "why didn't I think of that" things. Wish you much sucess with it.
You use elephant on proto-types often???

[T. Kanaley]

Originally Posted by Mark Garrity

Tony,
That is really cool! It looks very stable. And simple; one of those "why didn't I think of that" things. Wish you much sucess with it.
You use elephant on proto-types often???

Hey Mark,
The first proto I built was for my LW Commander and It was made of straight cowhide so I pretty much knew what changes I needed to make when I built the second. I added the elephant trim feeling pretty confident it wouldn't be a wasted effort otherwise I wouldn't have used it. The stuffs very expensive as you well know, but I love the look and toughness of the hide! Very practical for any holster application in my opinion!

TK

[Mark Garrity]

Yes, elephant is simply awesome stuff!
Didn't think you'd be using it on a very first attempt.

[Greg_Dunn]

That's nice work, really nice.

[1911.45]

The straps resemble rams' horns. There seem to be several references to rams on Idaho's website, and I think a name that references a ram would be fitting, such as Mountain Ram detachable belt holster, reflecting the ruggedness of both Idaho and the holster. Or just call it No. 3 or No. 3 Quick Mount, since it is the third Spark's version of a detachable belt holster. Anyway, it looks as rugged as a tank and has the beauty of meticulous design and craftsmanship.

[RKBA 1911]

Originally Posted by Louis F. Alessi

Another beautiful job from the fertile mind of Tony Kanaley!
That holster should be a huge hit Tony,. and well deserved..
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't think Tony ever sleeps


Lou

OK, so based on the time I have noted that Uncle Lou sends Emails, seems like he has a touch of insomnia also.....
p.s. That is one nice looking holster Tony !!!!!

[NineseveN]

Originally Posted by 1911.45

The straps resemble rams' horns. There seem to be several references to rams on Idaho's website, and I think a name that references a ram would be fitting, such as Mountain Ram detachable belt holster, reflecting the ruggedness of both Idaho and the holster. Or just call it No. 3 or No. 3 Quick Mount, since it is the third Spark's version of a detachable belt holster. Anyway, it looks as rugged as a tank and has the beauty of meticulous design and craftsmanship.

I was gonna post that you should call it the "Aries" (means 'ram' in Latin) QM (Quick Mount) after the constellation because the shape of the straps do indeed resemble the profile of a Ram, but I forgot about it today while at work.

[TXPO710]

I'd like to call it "Mine". How about a sample sent to me to check it out??? Seriously, I'd be interested in getting one, any estamates on price and when it will be available?

[T. Kanaley]

Originally Posted by NineseveN

I was gonna post that you should call it the "Aries" (means 'ram' in Latin) QM (Quick Mount) after the constellation because the shape of the straps do indeed resemble the profile of a Ram, but I forgot about it today while at work.

The curved loops fit the profile of the 1911 TG, but won't necessarily be the same with the Glock, Sig, etc. I'll probably go with a performance related name as opposed to appearance since the appearance will more than likely change with the model of gun it is made for. Thanks Though!

Originally Posted by TXPO710

I'd like to call it "Mine". How about a sample sent to me to check it out??? Seriously, I'd be interested in getting one, any estamates on price and when it will be available?

PM sent. Thanks!