The holster that Mr. Blake made for me was custom molded for my RIA 2011 with a Streamlight TLR-1. This isn’t the easiest combination to find holsters for, so I was pleased that he was willing to make one for me. He used standard black .080 Kydex, and heavy duty injection molded belt loops. There are six rivets on either side of the holster. The belt loops are held on by Chicago type screws, allowing the wearer to adjust the loops up and down to the ride height of their choice. The attention to detail and the quality of the holster is incredible. Everything fits snugly and cleanly as it should. There’s a very positive click as the pistol locks into the holster. Once the gun is in, it stays put. Retention is excellent. The holster covers the trigger very well, a must for any holster, but it’s still cut low enough to allow a proper grip on the pistol when drawing. This is a feature many holsters miss out on. The holster also features a full sweat guard. The bottom of the holster is left open, allowing for the use of an extended or threaded barrel. The holster is curved and molded to match the curve of the human hip, making it much more comfortable to wear. Even with the weight of a fully loaded 1911 and a light, the holster is easy to wear, and comfortable when paired with my Uncle Mike’s reinforced instructor style belt. Attention to detail is fantastic with beautifully installed hardware and finely blended seams. The two pieces of Kydex that make up the front and rear halves of the holster nearly look like one piece.
When I first got home with the holster it was a very tight fit. So tight, in fact, that attempting to draw the pistol nearly embedded my jeans into the skin on that most sensitive part of the human anatomy. I removed the holster from my belt, and worked on drawing and holstering the pistol for an hour while I watched a couple episodes of Community. Despite my wife’s annoyance (this is not a quiet process) I was able to loosen the holster enough to draw and reholster without giving myself a mega wedgy. In the time since, the holster has not noticeably loosened any further. The holster now provides an excellent smooth draw stroke, and an equally smooth reholster stroke.
Overall I’m incredibly impressed by this holster. The pistol fits tightly. Retention is excellent. I couldn’t be happier with it the product. I love that he was able to make a holster for a fairly unique setup. Pricing is fair; $65 for a holster, $95 for a light bearing holster. Talon Retention stands by their product and offer a lifetime warranty, as well as a seven to ten day turnaround time. That’s right. Between 7 and 10 days.
- My RIA 2011 as it sits fresh from the mold. Note way it is built up behind the TLR-1, and the dowel taped to the top of the slide to provide clearance for the sights.
- One side of the kydex mold is checked for squareness.
- One side of the kydex mold is squared.
- Lines are drawn on the holster to mark cuts.
- Excess material is removed.
- Excess material is removed.
- The first half of the mold ready for marking.
- Rivet locations are marked with a jig.
- The first half of the mold, ready for drilling.
- The first half of the mold is traced onto the second half.
- Excess material is removed from the second half of the mold.
- Edges of the kydex molds are cleaned up and smoothed.
- The two halves are clamped and holes are drilled for rivets.
- The first rivet is installed.
- More holes are drilled and more rivets are installed.
- The final rivets are installed.
- The edges of the holster are blended.
- The larger edges of the holster are blended.
- Kydex “hairs” are trimmed off of the holster.
- The sharp corners are rounded off of the holster.
- The edges of the holster are polished.
- The sides of the holster are heated.
- The holster is clamped into a bending jig.
- The wings of the holster are bent to fit the curve of the human hip.
- A sampling of Talon’s available products.
- A 5.56 Pmag carrier.
- An IWB holster set up for a Glock 26. Note the J-style belt loops.
- A light bearing holster for a full sized Glock.
- A personal favorite of mine; a flashlight and magazine carrier.
- An IWB holster for a 1911. Note the soft belt loop.
- A magazine carrier for two Glock magazines.
- The completed holster with a few props.
- The completed holster with my RIA 2011 Tac inserted.
Source Article from http://welikeshooting.com/reviews/gear-reviews/talon-retention-systems-holsters/