A Simply Rugged—and Beautiful—Holster

by
posted on March 14, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

I met Rob Leahy a couple of years ago at the annual Shootist’s Holiday at the Whittington Center in Raton, N.M. His fledgling company—Simply Rugged Holsters—was aptly named. The holsters he had on display were simple in design and execution but clearly very rugged because of the thick, tough cowhide they were made from. His work was honest, yet plebian. The heavy and rugged linen stitching looked like it would never wear out, but close inspection revealed a stitch here and there that wasn’t perfectly straight. They were, in fact, simply rugged holsters.

There are a lot of holster makers out there—and by holster makers I am referring to those who make their products from real leather. Most of them are excellent, so it is a very competitive market. The larger companies have evolved into regular production makers, capable of turning out dozens of holsters each day. But their products, while excellent and very serviceable, lack the subtle refinements that can only hand-made holsters can provide.

Rob, however, is a gun guy, first and foremost. Like me, he is an aficionado of .44 Special revolvers. He is also a dedicated man with a passion toward improving his craft and his products. During these past two years he has concentrated on refining his work to become noted as one of the best hand-made holster makers, and he has succeeded.

I was on my way to visit with him at the SHOT Show when my little interruption occurred. We got together on the phone a few weeks ago, and I asked him to build me a Sourdough Pancake holster for my 3-inch barreled Smith & Wesson .44 Special. Because I really like good leatherwork I asked him to add some floral carving to the rig. It arrived yesterday, along with a matching Most Versatile Ammo Pouch and a set of Quick Strips.

Old guys—like me—are often difficult to impress. We’ve seen a lot, done a lot, and most of us figure there’s really nothing new under the sun. However, this old guy really gets a kick out of seeing younger folks improve and mature. Rob’s work may be simple and rugged as his company name implies, but it has also made great strides forward in terms of its quality and sophistication. For those of us who still truly appreciate leather holsters, Rob Leahy has earned himself a place as a master leatherworker and holster maker. Congrats to Rob, and welcome to the fold!

Latest

Pennsylvania Game Commissionlede
Pennsylvania Game Commissionlede

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Passes Rules for Nonresident Hunters, Public Hunting Lands

New emergency rules and resolutions for public hunting lands were approved last month by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

First Look: Premium and Premium Deluxe Die Sets From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has expanded its Premium Die Set and Premium Deluxe Die Set product lines, including over seventy of the most popular cartridges in the industry today.

Junior Hunter Gear: Get Your Kids Into the Field

Looking for ways to get your fields out from behind the screens and into the great outdoors this summer? Check out these great pieces of outdoor kit to help spur the process.

Stealth Cam Adds On-Demand Livestream

Shortly after teasing the launch of its new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is available via the Command Pro app.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.