What kind of holsters do you use...

[Capt. JEB]

I was wondering if anyone used holsters like the Civil War Cavalry type.

Which direction you have them facing and does the flap cause you problems?

[Sagebrush Burns]

If you're talking about CAS/SASS type competition and you're interested in speed, the flap type holster is probably not the way to go.  Especially for re-holstering, the flap will cause trouble - you'll need both hands every time.  Authentic civil war type holsters also tend to be quite snug fitting which can cause hang-ups.  I save my flap holsters for dress-up and use open top holsters in matches.

[Capt. JEB]

I have been doing the same thing, not that I have to worry about speed!!

Was just wondering if anyone used the military holsters and how they handled them.

[US Scout]

I've used them a couple of times but they have not well received by our local ROs.  They won't allow the cavalry twist draw, which means I have to treat each one as a cross draw holster.  Its a major pain having to turn one way and then the next.  Eventually I intend to have a pair made with a straight hang so I can wear them "backwards".  As for the flap, since I'm not a speed-demon I don't worry about the extra second it takes to use the off-hand to hold the flap up to reholster.

I frequently use a pair of Miller-Fechet holsters made by Trailrider based on a late 1870s or early 1880s design by a Captain Fechet of the 8th Cavalry (Trailrider will correct me if I'm wrong).  It was quite common for soldiers to design alternate holsters for the army.   This is non-flap design that can be worn either with the pistol grips facing forward or to the rear.  There are also a few photographs showing soldiers wearing civilian holsters.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF

[Pitspitr]

Depends on what I'm doing and what I'm carrying,but to answer your question about the flaps some of the time I use a Dave Carrico copy of a modified 1875 1/2 flap holster. I fold the flap back and tuck it in under the belt. Even though speed is a relative thing, I'm still not very fast so I don't get overly concerned about how much it slows me down. Around here I've never had a RO complain about the twist draw needed with a cavalry holster.

After Christmas I'll be carrying an Uberti 1875 Schofield in it. YIPPEEEE!

[Bristow Kid]

I have been practicing my calvary twist draw on my Confederate Calvary Holsters Most the Ro's round here are pretty good about allowing it just gotta make sure you dont break the 170 rule.  For regular CAS matches I tuck the flap behind my belt.  Not that I am fast but like previously stated they are a tight fit.  But if I am gonna shoot a GAF Muster I will leave the flaps out just like they should be besides in GAF we only use 1 sidearm so you have a hand free to lift the flap and aint worrying about drawing another pistol.  Just my $.02

[US Scout]

I got to come shoot with you guys!  My ROs won't even let me demonstrate the capability.  The mere fact that my pistol grips face forward indicates that I using a "cross draw". 

[Capt. JEB]

I know what you mean Gen Scout. A few years ago I was at the NC State match and at the shooters safty meeting we were told NO butt forward carry allowed at all!

Tucking the flap behind the belt might be a good way to deal with it.

I have one that is a tight fit and cut straight across. The other is tight but is cut like a slim jim design with a clear area for the trigger guard, makes it easier to grip and draw.

I have never been a speed demon and the longer I do this the less of a factor that is to me.

[River City John]

There are several images of soldier's field modification of the flapped military holster by cutting off the flap and re-molding the holster carrying the revolver strong side with butt to the rear. The sidearm has a very definite forward cant in the holster.
One image that comes to mind immediately is of a non-com of the 10th Cav. in a group picture.

(I have used them all: flapped, modified w/flap removed and carried strong side, and a plain black civilian Slim Jim. Even a Navy pistol frog, which carries the sidearm with butt facing to the right and a narrow strap retainer. Speed is not an issue. Rather what would go with the persona I'm trying to recreate.)

[Pony Racer]

I use a pistol frog style holster since my character is Naval - ie Revenuer.

I am working on a french character and will hav to figure something out for that!!

PR

[Pitspitr]

I got to come shoot with you guys! 

Well... there is something of an oppertunity in the somewhat near future

[Trailrider]

Pony Racer,
(Sent you a reply PM)
Any pics of your French guns and/or some of French military?

Happy Holidays, Pards!

[Old Top]

Evening All,

I use, like col. Pitspiter, a set of Carrico 1875 holsters.  I normally tuck the flap into my belt and then turn the pistol in the holster to face butt back instead of butt forward, I find this works for me.

Old Top

[Capt. JEB]

Old Top,

That sounds interesting; may have to give that a try

[Old Top]

Capt. Forrest,

Works with my Schofields, still a little trouble holstering but if you look it can be done.


Old Top

[Curley Cole]

Here are a couple of photos of Old Top and his rigs. (I don't think he will mind, I am his "personal photographer")

As you can see he uses a harness copied from an original to keep everything from falling to his knees...

Curley

[Dusty Tagalon]

I have both civil war & 1884 flap holsters. In competition, I will tuck the flap behind the belt.

Dusty

[Captain Lee Bishop]

I use two 1885 flap holsters (made by Coon Creek) facing rearward as I'm used to, and bend the flaps back over the inside of the belt and tuck them between my person and the belt. It works great, even makes the tops flare out a little and makes fast drawing easier on a stage. Between stages or before I get the line, I often pull the flaps back over as the Army intended.

Around halfway through this painfully slow video, you can see this in use:

[Capt. JEB]

Thanks for all the great info and pictures!!!

[Mustang Gregg]

I use a pair of black US-marked holsters with no flaps. 
Gary Juilfs of Rock Creek Leather built them. 
They hang on each side of a blue-dyed Mills belt.

Mustang Gregg,Ltc (bvt)
Nebraska Territory