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I really didn't want to say no, but I turned down a holster order the other day.
He was a nice guy and I probably made him mad. Would you have given him what he wanted even if you thought it wasn't safe?

Here are the details. I'd like to hear your opinions.

http://www.tuckergunleatherblog.com/2006/10/16/136/

Rob,

I think you did the right thing. In this litigious society we live in if the fellow managed to shoot or kill himself with that rig all the legal paper he may have signed would end up as some rather harsh T.P. Some folks just don't have a clue.

I would sell him the holster.

He seems to know what he wants. I can see how someone in a wheelchair with a twisted back might need the gun in a particular cant to be comfortable. It appears that thought has been put into his desire.

My Dad usually carried his gun in a cross-draw position...we have argued until we are blue in the face because I think it is slow and dangerous...it is comfortable to him and he continues to carry that way....safely so far.

Jason

Rob Longenecker wrote:I really didn't want to say no, but I turned down a holster order the other day.
He was a nice guy and I probably made him mad. Would you have given him what he wanted even if you thought it wasn't safe?

Here are the details. I'd like to hear your opinions.

http://www.tuckergunleatherblog.com/2006/10/16/136/

If you can afford to turn down legitimate business due to your beliefs, then you are doing fine.

I think there is a difference between something inherently dangerous (like a holster that doesn't cover the trigger) and something that is used in a dangerous way. Since that is a product you normally sell, I have to agree with jbirds1210. I think that you did your duty by explaining the potential hazards that he may not have thought of. After that, he is responsible.

That said, I know nothing of product safety law.

It's pretty easy to sweep yourself with nearly any holster type.

Also, there are plenty of people out there who just can't manage the hand position of a "normal" SOB draw. The cavalry hand position puts a lot less strain on the elbow and wrist in a draw from SOB.

Personally, I wouldn't have turned him down. I would have told him WHY I believe he shouldn't, make him sign a statement that he understood the risks, but then would have made him one. Once he understands the risks, it is on him.
OTH, I see your point. You have a reputation as a top-tiered, ethical holster-maker. You also have the right to turn away business for any reason. At least you have a good reason, and I respect that.

I think it will get you on Sarah Brady's christmas card list.
There are lots of folks out there that are positive they "know better".

and making a public deal out of this will likely lose you business, in the long run.

What kind of background checks are you going to institute to be sure anyone ordering a left handed holster is truly left handed, and not ambidextrous?

Drop it, and do damage control.

lrb111 wrote:I think it will get you on Sarah Brady's christmas card list.
There are lots of folks out there that are positive they "know better".

and making a public deal out of this will likely lose you business, in the long run.

What kind of background checks are you going to institute to be sure anyone ordering a left handed holster is truly left handed, and not ambidextrous?

Drop it, and do damage control.

I'd be very surprised if I lost business for including my customers in a discussion. If I'd simply wanted to "be right about it" I'd have kept it to myself.


"

What matters is that you can sleep at night. If you feel it's unwise to make that holster design then don't make it.
I'm a big fan of "going with your gut". Being a small business owner myself, decisions that seem small at first glance, can have big consequences later. Any potential "negative" press that you may get from one or one dozen people on the internet because they couldn't get what they wanted is small potatoes compared to a product liability lawsuit.

Its a tough call, there are valid points on both sides of the table. If you can sleep at night, thats what is important.

I'd sell it to him. He's not going to be able to do anything with it, that he doesn't already do without it. I do not hold myself responsible for the stupidity of others - and I'd like to see the court hold me as such(especially when ample warning and explanation was provided beforehand).

Rob,

Some peoples body mechanics differ from others. I find it much easier to calvary draw, others don't. I would have sold him what he wanted.

Dan

I admit being a bit confused about the conflict.

I don't see how "cavalry draw, SOB" puts the carrier in danger. I've tried various SOB carry methods, and opted for 3:00 instead. But never once when drawing from SOB, no matter which way the gun was oriented, did I point the gun at myself.

If anything, "cavalry-SOB" points the gun further away from me than any other method.

Kevin

I personally would have sold him the holster. I do respect your choice. I like people with a high degree of ethics. You have to do what you feel is appropriate.

See guys, this is what makes American great! Clearly there is no right answer. The guys has every right to carry anyway he wants but Rob also has the right to sell to whom he chooses. This guys will find a holster that will work and Rob will sleep at night knowing he did put someone in harms way.