Ian Report post Posted April 3, 2008 This post is somewhat of a rant I ordered a buckle set and some conchos for a project I'm doing. The Montana stuff looked good in the catalog, but I was very disapointed in what I got. OK, I know an $18 buckle set is not on the high end as far as things go, but this set is just plain flimsy. The tounge is very thin and the keeper and tip are so thin, I can bend them with almost no pressure at all. On top of that, the buckle, instead of having a regular heel bar has a loop which (along with the tip) indicates that is was intended for at least 11oz leather. Is it normal to use 11oz billets on a ranger belt? So, I thought, maybe this set was intended for tack, but as lightweight as it is, I can't imagine it holding up on a bridle. I am used to heavy weight harness hardware, so I couldn't believe it when I opened the package. The conchos are Ok, but when you spend over 30 bucks plus shipping for conchos and a buckle, you need to charge a decent amount for the belt, so you'd expect there would be some kind of quality to the hardware. Frankly, I have seen better hardware at the Western store on belts made in China (and the whole belt only costs 45 bucks) Sorry to let off steam, but right now, I'm a little P.O. d. I will never purchase from Montana again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryan Report post Posted April 3, 2008 Thats too bad about MS, but good to know. I have been waiting for a response from them for several weeks now and haven't heard anything back. Apparently, if you're a leatherworker, you get wholesale prices but I do agree that their stuff is pretty flimsy. I just checked out the websites mentioned on a previous thread regarding silver buckles and such. Pollard was one and I don't recall the other but maybe PM J Wright on this forum as he was a link on each site. Obviously their stuff is going to be more expensive than MS but way better quality. And best of all; judging by their sites, they have not sacrificed quality for quantity. Ryan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Report post Posted April 3, 2008 Apparently, if you're a leatherworker, you get wholesale prices but I do agree that their stuff is pretty flimsy. Ryan Yes, 18.00 is the wholesale price retail is $28.50 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dink Report post Posted April 3, 2008 I agree and quit using montana a while back. Take a look at www.cowpersontack.com it is very nice and high quality Dink Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andystevens Report post Posted May 20, 2008 If you are looking some nice moderate priced silver plate or overlay pieces check Hansen Western Gear from Oakdale CA, don't there website address but just google them Tim and Marie Hansen are great people and are fair priced even with the rapid increase in the ferrous and non- ferrous metal market. As far as Montana Silversmiths I do not do business with them you should voice your concerns with them, the people to talk to are Steve Miller, Clark Fletcher, or Judy Wagner I know these people personally and they are all in the upper management and I would think they would like to hear your problems with their products. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
