9 Dec 1996
The Hard Shell Talon is an all leather holster with a hard plastic clip which hooks over a belt or the edge of your pants. It is wet formed and hand boned to fit specific models of pistols and revolvers. The Hard Shell in the name refers to the fact that it has an extra reinforcement around the opening. This keeps it from closing when the gun is drawn so that you can reholster without the need to use a second hand to hold the holster open. The holster is well enough formed that you can hold the holster upside down and your gun won't fall out. At the same time, drawing the gun is easy. Of course, it takes a week or so of wearing the holster, and drawing the gun, to really break in the holster so these functions work well.
The plastic clip which hooks over the belt or the edge of the pants has a little bit of an extra hook to it. This hook not only enables the holster to hold on to cloth so that you don't need a belt, it also hooks securely over the edge of a belt (if worn) so that the holster stays where it is when you draw the gun. At the same time, the holster is easily removed and replaced if desired. All you need to do is pull out slightly on the bottom of the clip where it hooks over your belt to disengage the clip. Alessi claims a life time clip replacement warranty. After using 3 different Alessi Hard Shell Talon holsters, my experience is that the clip is going to last a long time. The clip fits belts up to 1.5" wide and 1/8" thick. Even on thick belts you can adjust the position of the holster by sliding it forward or backward. This helps to put the holster in a comfortable position while driving or sitting.
I've had this holster for a Colt Detective Special, a K frame size revolver (Rossi 720, used a model for a 3" S&W K frame) and a 1911 model. For the 1911 I bought the holster capable of carrying my full size Gold Cup. I use the same holster for my 1991A1 Compact Model (Officer's ACP). It holds both guns properly. I just have a little extra leather at the bottom when I carry the smaller gun. The model for the Detective Special is made for both the new and old model guns (with and without a barrel shroud). The holster made for the Detective Special with a barrel shroud will also work for the older model revolver without the shroud.
Alessi changed their Hard Shell Talon holster early in 1996. They all have extra leather at the top (on the side next to your body) which protects you from being jabbed by the hammer, sights, etc... I have this model for my 1911 type gun. I really appreciate this feature. Those of you that tend to overhang your belt somewhat really out to try this out. Especially if you have a gun that has larger adjustable sites or sharp edges on the slide. This extra leather has the added advantage of helping to protect the gun from contact with your body if you must wear it against your skin.
Alessi holsters are made in Buffalo, NY. by Alessi Custom Concealement. They use high quality leather and (in my opinion) are the equal of any other well made holster. I have also owned a Mitch Rosen ARG for my Gold Cup and plenty of Uncle Mike's IWB holsters, in addition to looking at holsters from Milt Sparks and others. Where the Alessi holsters win for me is on pricing. I paid $45 dollars for each of the three holsters. Your prices may vary, depending on where you purchase the holster.
Alessi holsters are available direct from the manufacturer and from various distributors. The distributor I am familiar with is R&F Hunting in Rochester, NY. R&F has a catalog which shows the other types of holsters that Alessi makes. R&F also is equipped to handle mail order and phone purchases. Contact Alessi for other distributors.
Alessi Custom Concealement can be reached at: 716-691-5615.
R&F Hunting can be reached at: 800-724-8923.