Brommeland "Service Grade" Max-ConV.

[maclean3]

I scored a prototype of Gary Brommeland's new "Service Grade" Max-ConV recently for my 1911 (the XD platform is also supported ) and it's probably the best deal I've come across in gunleather: A fair price, fast shipping, a great quality holster that's actually comfortable to wear for long hours on end and the Brommeland's stand behind their products. The concept behind it is: A bit less detailed boning (mostly cosmetic anyway), a nice price break for the customer (sells for about $20 less than the std. model) and faster shipping than the standard "Presentation Grade" holsters - currently about 10 days to 2 weeks. I don't think they're listed on his website yet but a call or email will get an order started.
Jack

http://brommelandgunleather.com/index.htm

[Valkman]

Gary just got the XD 45 dummy gun but doesn't have a mag yet. I've been wearing a 1911 in his holster with belt and mag/flash pouch for 3 years and it's great stuff. As soon as he gets a mag he's making me a MaxCon V and a dual mag pouch!

[happygunner]

My question based on Garys past delivery preformances how can he ever deliver this new lower grade holster line when he can't deliver his top quality grade holsters in a timely fashion?

I don't question Garys quality it's great. But telling people he will deliver their orders in two weeks is just plain marketing B.S.

[RobKong]

Is the barrel end of that holster closed? I didn't think anybody did that anymore...

[maclean3]

The delivery times reflect the amount of hand finishing involved. That super detailed moulding/boning is what seems to take the most time - plus Gary's wife Remy is now handling phone calls and it sounds like that ate up a good deal of his production time in the past. I've called him before to place an order and we always end up talking for at LEAST 45 minutes, that's got to slow down production.

Reports coming in from customers on other Forums (CombatCarry.com, 1911Forum, etc.) are that he is indeed holding delivery times on the Service Grade orders. I have another order in with him now for a new CDB belt (a non-service grade item) and I expect delivery sometime in late June. As I understand things, it seems to be belts are very particular because the strength of the leather required only allows for one or two belts per hide. To date I've had two Presentation Grade orders (his std. line) and the Service Grade Prototype all arrive within or very close to the estimated delivery date.

Not doubting he has a late order from time to time, I think every holster maker does, but he's added a value line for folks who are interested in function over "spit and polish" at a discounted price while still keeping delivery times reasonable. It seems between reducing the amount of detailed hand finishing just a bit on the Service Grade and being able to spend more time actually producing holsters without having to answer every phone call, we can all get our orders faster - I'm ALL for that!

I understand being frustrated by late orders - I'm currently waiting on a full rig from another well known custom maker that just passed the 27 week point ... it was promised in 12 to 14. I'm as frustrated as anyone else would be but I'm trying to be patient and I stay in contact with the maker, that's pretty much all I can do at this point. When my order arrives, whenever that may be, I'll give it an honest review and balance the fit and finish quality with the rig's stability in use AND the delivery time involved. If it comes up a winner then all's well and good and folks will hear about it. If it turns out to be an expensive dog of a product as well as being late well, people will know that too.
Jack

[maclean3]

Valkman:
I'd asked Gary if the XD platform would be supported (including the 45ACP) and he said yes. I wasn't aware he was still waiting on the 45 mags, thanks for the update on that.

Rob:
The muzzle end of the holster is open, you can see just a bit of light in the last pic about where the recoil assembly would be (the muzzle area is also open). There's about an 1/8" to 1/4" of leather beyond the muzzle end of the slide so the front sight, barrel crown and everything else is well protected but debris shouldn't be trapped like in a closed design.
Jack

[RobKong]

ahhh, I see. Very nice. A friend of mine ordered a couple holsters from there; I'm curious to see them.

[Valkman]

You won't fing better, RobKong. I've been wearing a 4" Kimber in a MaxCon V for 3 years (along with Gary's gunbelt and mag/flash pouch) and I have left the house with an empty holster and not known it - most of the time now I just don't know the gun is there. It's easy to re-holster even though it's not reinforced, and it's also thinner because of that.