Mernickle Holsters has solved the form and retention challenges that have traditionally plagued leather holsters. By combining modern features with premium leather craftsmanship, the new Mernickle AlphaMag holsters deliver the style, feel, and the practical function we all crave.
by Rob Reaser
Being a practicing firearms enthusiast with more traditional inclinations than most, I have always found high favor with leather accoutrements — especially in matters of holsters. Yes, the current crop of EDC and tactical holsters have flawless performers among their members, and they are certainly the go-to holsters for professional and competitive use. Nevertheless, there is something about hand-tooled leather that calls the firearm romantic.
The challenge of most leather holsters is two-fold: weapon retention and, over time and use, form retention. Premium leather holsters start out with a flawless fit and a grip like a boa constrictor. But with regular use and prolonged environmental exposure, even the best of the best leather holsters will develop a hint of sloppiness that eventually demands replacement.
To bring classical leather holster styling to the contemporary personal defense, the folks at Mernickle Holsters of Pampa, Texas, have just introduced a solution. Called the AlphaMag, this holster incorporates three distinct features that effectively solve the systemic problems with full leather pocket holsters.
Mernickle Holsters began in the mid-1970s when fast-draw shooter Bob Mernickle sought to create the ultimate design for his competition shooting endeavors. Now owned by retired U.S. Army veteran Cliff Powers, Mernickle Holsters continues the tradition started by its founder, providing hand-crafted leather holsters and accessories for a broad swath of applications, including reenactment, Cowboy Action, hunting, law enforcement, everyday carry, and much more. The new Mernickle AlphaMag holster takes lessons learned from a half-century of custom holster manufacturing and — defined by modern everyday carry needs — came up with a design that delivers practical daily use combined with longevity of function. Plus, they look so darn good.
Upon hearing of the Mernickle AlphaMag holsters, I immediately ordered two for testing — one for my Springfield MILSPEC 1911 and the other for my Taurus Defender 605 revolver in .357 Magnum. I figured that these two handguns would satisfy the extremes in terms of evaluating size, weight, and draw performance.
The “Mag” in AlphaMag
Before going any further, I must point out the real star of the show. The AlphaMag derives its name from its retention assist system. I say “retention assist” because the AlphaMag does not come with a thumb break retention strap, hammer thong, or any other positive retention device. Yes, there is some of the expected friction retention between the expertly molded leather and the firearm, but instead of relying on a mechanical retention system, the AlphaMag employs an integrated rare earth magnet for its retention assist duties.
Looking into the mouths of these holsters (1911 left and 605 right), you can see the magnets through the oval cuts in the holster backers. These are strong magnets, and they suck onto the gun as soon as the barrel or frame is about a half inch away. Once the magnetic force grabs gun metal, it doesn’t let go as you seat the firearm into the holster pocket.
The draw proved crisp on both models — especially so for the 1911 — and there were no issues when reholstering.
Here you can see how the magnet and stay assembly (more on the latter in a moment) is sandwiched between the two leather backer panels and glued together prior to forming and stitching. That magnet isn’t going anywhere, and the thickness of the leather combined with the precision leather molding protects the gun’s the finish by ensuring the gun metal will not directly contact the magnet.
How well does this magnetic retention assist system work? See for yourself. Both guns are unloaded (no, I wasn’t going to take the risk of an uncontrolled drop with a loaded gun) and supported at their minimum depth in the holster exclusively with magnetic force. The 1911 in this condition weighs 2 lbs., 7.7 oz.; the 605 revolver, 1 lb., 7.8 oz.
Impressive.
So, you can see that the Mernickle AlphaMag solves one of the problems with open-mouth leather holsters by providing a strong and reliable retention assist even if the holster pocket should wear-in and expand over time — like all leather holsters will do. Score one for longevity of function.
Sturdy and Adjustable
Another component of the backer assembly is a thick, metal stay. As with the magnet, the stay is placed between the two leather backer layers. Two threaded rivets secure it in place.
This stay assembly serves two purposes.
First, the stay provides an anchor with which to attach the paddle. The paddle eliminates the need for belt loops or clips and allows for the holster pocket’s clean and minimalist profile. The paddle also makes for easy on, easy off manipulation. Personally, I find this system to offer better support and stability than most belt loop or clip designs. It’s also more comfortable because I don’t have to cinch my belt super-tight to keep my gun from sagging.
Two screws secure the paddle to the backer assembly. There are four holes in the paddle that allow you to adjust the holster for your desired cant.
One of the several things I like about this paddle design is that it doesn’t rely on deep hooks for the inside waistband retention. Instead, the retention comes from flat, perpendicular retention hooks. These do a perfect job of maintaining the holster position when drawing the gun and still allows you to remove the holster at day’s end without a struggle. I’ve used several holsters with aggressive paddle hooks, and it sometimes becomes a full-on wrestling match to get them off without having to unbuckle and “drop trou.”
Going back to the backer stay for a moment, this addresses the second issue with all-leather holsters. As mentioned earlier, leather holsters will wear and expand over time, losing that snug, like-new fit. For most, there’s nothing to be done about it. The Mernickle AlphaMag, on the other hand, lets you put a slight inward bend in the stay (remove the paddle first) to tighten up the interference fit between the gun and the holster interior. Essentially, you can restore the original friction retention.
Pretty cool.
Carry Considerations
One thing you do need to keep in mind is that the AlphaMag holster is not suited for deep concealment — at least not when wearing light clothing. As an OWB paddle holster, the handgun necessarily sits farther out from the body than an IWB holster, of course, but also farther out than a conventional OWB belt loop holster. For warm weather duties, consider this holster for open carry during outdoor recreation, around the homestead, hiking, or when working in the fields. It will, though, work fine for colder weather concealed carry so long as you wear a heavy outer garment.
Moving to aesthetics, the picture says it all. The AlphaMag, like any premium, custom-crafted holster, is a gem in leather. All edging is hand-trimmed and contour-sanded then stained, and I could see no flaws in the functional or the decorative stitching.
Mernickle offers the AlphaMag in several colors. Seen here are mahogany brown and black. You can opt for natural leather, saddle tan, or gunfighter brown. If you really want to get really trick, the holster is available with stingray and snake inlays, as well as custom carving.
Fancy leather holsters have often been relegated more to the barbeque gun set than to the experienced EDC crowd. It’s simply a matter of style versus practical tactical. But that certainly need not be the case. As the Mernickle AlphaMag proves, high-styling leather and real-world function are not always mutually exclusive concepts. And with a plain finish AlphaMag (no carving or inlays) starting at $146.95, this is a classy and quite capable carry option that won’t blow up the checkbook.
