"Mr. Nelson, I’ve been using IWB kydex for the past 8 yrs since I got my concealed permit, but was ready for a switch to a highly concealable OWB leather holster. Kydex IWB holsters may be thin, but I’ve found with the 3 top name brands that I have, that their hardness and slickness require me to tighten my belt excessively to keep the holster from slipping down, causing a growing discomfort. When I began my search for an OWB holster, the online comments and reviews on DefensiveCarry and multiple other forums kept citing Nelson Holsters as a top contender. When I took a look at your website, I found that the Eagle Defender holster’s specs completely met my requirements. And then I saw the price! I was shocked that an American made custom leather holster could be had such a reasonable price. By contrast, I paid $185 for an American made name brand, though mass produced, leather holster for a Ruger Redhawk back in the late 1980s. So based on the highly positive reviews and the very reasonable price, it was a “no brainer” for me to place an order. I entered the order, and today received by Express Mail Delivery my HK P2000 Eagle Defender holster & Double mag pouch. This was only a 12 day wait for your American made custom leather holster!! Phenomenal!!! On opening the package, I couldn’t believe how light weight, compact, precision structured, and high quality leather the holster and mag pouch are. Tonight, I have followed your leather break-in instructions. I can’t wait to use this gear. Thank you for providing me with such a great holster and mag pouch. This is my 1st Nelson holster, but like so many others have said on forums, it won’t be my last. I can see why LEOs and pros like Thunder Ranch are using your gear. Cal in SE USA" 7/1/2019
---
I have been searching for a low ride leather IWB with leather loops for my j-frame. Most of of the holsters available now in leather either ride high if they have loops (e.g., Galco Royal Guard) or those that can ride low use clips (e.g., Desantis Summer Heat). So I inquired about a low-ride, leather IWB w/leather loops in this thread: https://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/...-revolver.html
James Nelson chimed in and offered to work with me to modify the ride height on one of his designs. We started swapping e-mails that included a number of pictures of revolvers in holsters and where I wanted the cylinder to ride in relation to the top of the belt line. Well after many e-mails and a few phone calls I eventually decided to try his Stealth IWB with a ride height such that the cylinder is about 0.5" - 0.75" below the belt line. James had to modify the sides of his Stealth IWB so the loops could attach at a higher position in relation to the cylinder, and also ended up adding some metal reinforcement to for reholstering. Another slight mod was the change in the channel height to allow the ramped rear sight on the 640 pro to insert deeply into the holster.
The result was very successful. James got the ride height exactly where I wanted it: Now, how does the holster feel?
It is by far the most comfortable IWB holster I have ever worn. It is even more comfortable than the N82 holters. The holster has a neoprene backing and the wide base distributes the weight evenly. The backing is a bit more sturdy than the N82 backing, which I think is why the Stealth IWB has the edge in comfort - it is less likely to develop pressure points over the day as it is worn.
---
Several years ago, I was looking for a new holster. A good friend raved about his Nelson Holster, so I ordered one. About 18 months ago I made the mistake of selling the holster along with the revolver (I miss the holster, not the revolver). Top quality workmanship and comfortable. That Nelson holster was by far the best holster of the 10+ that I have owned! I plan to have another one on order as soon as I can decide which one. Roger ---
James,
We fitted the holsters tonight and I have to say, they are fantastic! I am really impressed with the overall quality and craftsmanship. You have a really good thing going, and I hope your business continues to do well. Thanks!
Ryan Teaford Pilot/Sergeant #267 Philadelphia Police Aviation Unit
---
Mr. Nelson, The holster arrived today and it’s a beauty! It’s definitely a tight fit, but it fits my 1911 like a glove. It is a tight fit, no doubt about it, but I followed the instructions and put the gun in the plastic bag the holster came in, to set it back in the holster. Per the instructions, it’ll sit like that overnight, in the safe. Then I’ll practice drawing it tomorrow, lots of times. I’ll also post a pic of it on the Defensive Carry forum tomorrow, to show it off.
Thank you again, sir! I’ll be in touch in the near future, regarding a Dan Wesson revolver that needs a nice holster.
Reid D.
---
Hi James,
Just wanted to give you some feedback from a holster I bought a couple months back. This is the most comfortable holster I ever owned, I have them all, Alien Gear, Crossbreed, DeSantis, you name them, got a whole drawer full. This is the one I use everyday. Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship. Hope all is well on the home front
Eric
---
Mr. Nelson, I recently received my holster, that you custom-made for me. The design, workmanship, and overall quality of this holster is phenomenal. Your concern for my customer satisfaction was refreshing. Your attention to detail was spot on. My future holster purchases most definitely will come from you. Use me for a reference anytime! Thank you once again for a great product!
Tim Nobles Illinois firearms training group.
---
Walter Goodwin Mr. Nelson I just wanted to send you this email to express how amazed I am at the quality of your holsters. I have owned holsters from some of the oldest and the best (so I thought) high end holster makers including Alessi, Milt Sparks, TT Gunleather and Nossar. While their holsters are top notch I have never had a holster to fit my guns as perfect as your holster does, and the quality is outstanding. My friend you are on your way to being the top dog in the holster making world with the product you put out and your customer service. My first purchase from you was the Wrangler owb holster then the Phoenix. The Phoenix is, simply put, an amazing holster. I have carried concealed for 40+ years and this is the first iwb holster I have ever truly forgotten I had on, and the comfort is unbeliveable with my 1911. Keep up the good work you have earned me as a customer. As long as you keep making holsters like the 2 I have from you already YOU are now my one and only holster man. You are setting a new standard for comfort with your inside the waistband holsters...
---
Tommy T. Wow, your customer service blew me away! I wish everone did business like you, and your work is the best i've ever seen. You have a new customer. Thank you for all your help.
---
Tim honeycutt I have been carrying full size combat handguns (1911's, S&W K and L frames, Glocks) since the 80's. I have used IWB and OTW holsters from half a dozen manufacturers. I am now proud to be using the Phoenix model by Nelson Holsters. This is one of the most adaptable designs I've ever used. We have used this model for a Glock 21 and a Taurus 608. Both of these guns are easily concealed due to the design features of of this versatile holster. The holster provides great support and snug fit to the body with no discomfort. The Phoenix presents a very small footprint and amazing comfort. There are days when I may carry a pistol up to 16 hours s day. The natural molding of the Phonix allows me to carry these full size pistols for these long hours with ease. Mr. Nelson's craftsmanship is without par. I have recommened these fine products to anyone who will listen. I can recommend them highly to anyone concerned about carrying real guns in the real world.
Tim H. NRA Certified Instructor, NRA RO, IDPA SO, Civillan Instructor RRTC.
---
James, This is Scott Holman. Without a doubt this is the most comfortable holster I have ever owned. I would wear this over a pancake design any day. I haven't had any trouble breaking it in. I started wearing it the same evening I got it from you. I gave it the sitting test and then the laying on the sofa for a nap test...it performed flawlessly. I forget it's there. The workmanship is better than some of the major holster makers out there but I wont name any names because we all know who they are. Your holsters are so reasonably priced that people that dont yet own one yet are really missing out and before long your your holsters are going to be way beyond your competitors. I wouldn't hesitate to carry concealed under a t-shirt or shoot in IDPA matches. It is also very easy to put on and take off. My 1911 fit perfectly in it and came within 1/4" of the end. Please put this in your testimonial. Scott Holman P.S. Tim Honeycutt wanted me to ask you how the class was yesterday?