The story of Bruce Nelson is one that deserves to be told before it is forgotten. It’s the story of a family man, lawman, competitor and leather pioneer. Some of you who are students of combat leather may be familiar with Bruce’s work. Unfortunately, several generations have now grown up with polymer guns and Kydex with no experience of, say, blued steel and gunleather. Names like Bruce Nelson, John Bianchi, Chic Gaylord, Gordon Davis and Milt Sparks are totally foreign to many modern-day shooters. Bruce Nelson came along in a magic time, and his influence, along with the others who’ve been mentioned, must be passed on.
ONE OF THE GREATS
I was fortunate to meet Bruce Nelson in Orlando, Florida, at one of Robert Brown’s Soldier of Fortune conventions. We…
