I ran across P3 Group's ( http://www.p3-group.us/ ) Amish Holsters and decided to give them a try. When I purchased it, the FTF cost was $55. I've been carrying every day at about the 4 to 4:30 position almost all waking hours for the about a month. My daily activities included walking, running, bending, lifting, squatting, splitting wood with an ax, trotting on horseback using a bareback pad (trying to be bouncy), sitting, and even laying on the couch to watch some Firefly on DVD. Overall, it felt fine and seems to do it's job nicely.
This is a top view of the holster. It is made of cowhide that is reported to be vegetable tanned and the sweatshield is reported as "latico" tanned. I haven't a clue what "latico" tanned means, but it sounds cool. The "T" is an extra layer of cowhide to make the mouth stiffer. This certainly adds thickness compared to the Tucker, but it seems alright. The clips seem to be spring steel. I have not noticed any unusual wear on my leather belt.
This view shows the thickness of the holster as well as the total thickness of the "T" addition. I can understand and appreciate the desire to stiffen the holster for easy reholstering, however I feel it is a secondary feature that should not compromise overall thickness. At some point I may remove the "T" reinforcement.
I found retention to be good while it was worn. Part of the retention mechanism is for the holster to curve against the body and clamped with belt pressure. At no point did I feel my firearm slip.
The clips can be adjusted in just about any way imaginable via 4 holes on either side of the holster. The sweatshield was thick enough where it did not depress the magazine release. It's height and width was sufficient to protect my sensitive middleregion.
Here is how a handgun rests in the pocket. No, that is not surface rust near the front sight.
Improvement opportunities include:
- horsehide options for greater moisture resistance
- "T" reinforcement becoming an option tp reduce the profile
- a lock washer to help prevent the clips from loosening
- combat cut option to help improve initial grip
I hope someone finds this useful.