Without going into a lengthy history lesson, most all of us have likely heard of the war the former African nation of Rhodesia fought against Communist insurgents in the 1970s and 80s. Google or your search engine of choice will yield bountiful reading on this topic. Of note for this post are particularly the so-called “Rhodesian holsters.”
From what I’ve read, Rhodesians were tasked with crafting many goods like leather-gear in-country as a result of various international embargoes placed upon their nation. A craftsman of Norwegian descent in Rhodesia, Vidar Nakling, began making holsters for soldiers and other interested parties from kudu hide. His design may have in turn borrowed characteristics of an even earlier German design. Over time, Alabama holster-maker Thad Rybka began offering these holster designs along with accompanying magazine pouches and the like.
The distinctive “Rhodesian” design traditionally calls for a lower-riding, straight-drop presentation. Not necessarily an ideal design for concealed carry, they tend to make a fine rig for certain matches and for carry afield (and, frankly, they CAN be concealed depending on the covering garment chosen). To my mind, if Commie-hunting Rhodesian troopers packed such gear, I have a feeling these holsters will serve just fine for the kinder, gentler environment of the civilian pistolero, hm?
Thad Rybka continues to offer his products today - they are sometimes found online in small batches via the Milt Sparks Leather online store and of course will turn up on eBay from time to time. Mr. Rybka does not maintain a website; communication with him is done the old-fashioned way: via US Mail.
Holster-maker Erik Little of Rafter-L Combat Leather offers a Rhodesian design called the “Selous Scout,” which is the holster shown in the accompanying pictures. Mr. Little maintains a one-man shop and very high quality production standards - this often results in a longer production timeframe. He has sold his gear through various retailers in the past; thus the Wilson Combat branding on the Selous Scout here.
In addition to being a piece of high-quality leather gear, the holster feels, in its own way, like a little slice of history.
From what I’ve read, Rhodesians were tasked with crafting many goods like leather-gear in-country as a result of various international embargoes placed upon their nation. A craftsman of Norwegian descent in Rhodesia, Vidar Nakling, began making holsters for soldiers and other interested parties from kudu hide. His design may have in turn borrowed characteristics of an even earlier German design. Over time, Alabama holster-maker Thad Rybka began offering these holster designs along with accompanying magazine pouches and the like.
The distinctive “Rhodesian” design traditionally calls for a lower-riding, straight-drop presentation. Not necessarily an ideal design for concealed carry, they tend to make a fine rig for certain matches and for carry afield (and, frankly, they CAN be concealed depending on the covering garment chosen). To my mind, if Commie-hunting Rhodesian troopers packed such gear, I have a feeling these holsters will serve just fine for the kinder, gentler environment of the civilian pistolero, hm?
Thad Rybka continues to offer his products today - they are sometimes found online in small batches via the Milt Sparks Leather online store and of course will turn up on eBay from time to time. Mr. Rybka does not maintain a website; communication with him is done the old-fashioned way: via US Mail.
Holster-maker Erik Little of Rafter-L Combat Leather offers a Rhodesian design called the “Selous Scout,” which is the holster shown in the accompanying pictures. Mr. Little maintains a one-man shop and very high quality production standards - this often results in a longer production timeframe. He has sold his gear through various retailers in the past; thus the Wilson Combat branding on the Selous Scout here.
In addition to being a piece of high-quality leather gear, the holster feels, in its own way, like a little slice of history.