3rd Model Dragoon holsters

[Barrelhouse Bob]

Need a pair of period correct Dragoon holsters. What option other than the Slim Jim could I use, and where might I find them? Appreciate any answers.

[Deadeye Don]

Well if you are looking for period correct you should get a pommel holster.  The Dragoons were made for horse mounted troops and most carried 2,  one on either side of the pommel.   Other than that,  I would think a slim jim or "california" type holster would be most period correct.  I guess you could be a guy who has an old dragoon and a newer style holster, but it woulndt make much sense to me.   Regards.  Deadeye.

[Major 2]

Pg. 20 of Packing Iron shows a Military belt holster for the Dragoon...
I can lead you to several makers and suppliers.
Fall Creek Sutler
David Carrico
C&D  Jarnagin
Winchester Sutler
Lumas Brothers

David Carrico also makes a Civilian half flap. There is fine example of an tooled original on Pg. 77 PI
A version of an open style is used in "Lomesome Dove" by Gus McCree for his Walker (that would serve well for a Dragoon)
My good Friend RL Hanchett makes these.

Pommal Holsters were issued to troopers in the 1850's for Dragoons in both double & single holster (the latter with a pouch on the off side)
Doubles & single holster for single shot percussion and Flintlocks pre-date the revolvers and examples exist from the Revolution.

A rather interesting holster crafted & patterned from the shape of a single pommal holster less the cover, but with a silvered or brass toe cup would be period correct.
I have seen a example in a tin type.
RL Hanchett made one of these as well....

[Barrelhouse Bob]

I should have been a little clearer in my 1st post. The holsters do not have to be strictly period correct, I just don't want to buy a holster that is of a completely different era. I'm thinking like maybe some kind of 1860's type, that someone might have used who could not afford to buy newer guns, and used his Dragoons. These will mostly be used in CAS Plainsman events.

[Pomona Pete]

Barrelhouse:

       If there is any doubt in our minds about the weapons that were used in the 40 years after the civil war all we have to do is look at some of the photographs.  The weapons that were carried were basically anything that they could get their hands on!  Pistols were very expensive so most folks had "War" weapons.  $12 for a new Colt was way more than a cowboy could afford. They cut the barrels off of Dragoons and other heavy pistols so they could be carried.  I guess that no matter what C&B you carry, or do to a pistol it is "period".  Carry your Dragoon proudly, it certainly was done during the time.

[Grapeshot]

We have a leather smith that comes out to our shoots to sell his merchandice.  I had him make a pair of slim jim holsters for my 1st Model Whitneyville Dagoons.  They are great.  A bit heavy on the hips, but they sure make style points.  Managed to shoot a clean match with them, a steel framed .44/40 Henry, and my Rossi SxS 12 gauge.

Dragoons Rule!

[Barrelhouse Bob]

That is why I bought the Dragoons, for style points. I take to heart the expression"If you can't shoot good, you should at least look good".

[US Scout]

Personally, I think the Dragoon (and the Walker) look best when used with a slim jim or California style holster.  I had a pair made by Rick Backman of Old West Reproductions. 

Of couse, you could always claim you lost the original holster and had the local leather worker make up a new Mexican loop holster to replace it.  Might look a bit odd to some folks, but its your shooters and your rig, so do what you will.

[Tommy tornado]

Here is one that I had made.

[Barrelhouse Bob]

Got a pair of Slim Jims.

[Smokin Gun]

I carry mine in a Bucket holster...works well and protects more..seems to hang easier on the hip too. They also make flap holsters as in the War against Northern Aggression...or Civil War.
<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/209iybq.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

[Stophel]

I just ordered a Whitneyville Dragoon for myself.  I intend on making a flap holster for it, left side crossdraw, just like everything else I have.

[James Hunt]

From Pacing Iron purportedly 1855 - 1865, unusual in that it is a strong side reverse grip with the curve for the trigger guard on the inside of the holster, works well with a reverse grip. Made years ago by Rick Bachman - he may still have the pattern, I had to pay an extra $10 for him to make it as he had never made this before. It carries a 2nd gen Colt 2nd model dragoon, pull your belt tight if you want to keep your pants up but with 50 grains of 2f you can see why some would want to carry it particularly in the wilderness as a backup to your Hawkin or single shot cartridge rifle.

[Montana Slim]

Thanks for those pics, James.

Wonder if I can twist-draw that big pig like my 1860s ?

I'll have to remember the features in those photos when I get around to making a holster for my 3rd Model.
It will be interesting to see if I can stand, sit and walk while line carrying that much iron on one side of my body......two may be easier for balance (but tiring). Back when I was a bit more "robust", I was seeking a pair of Walkers as my primary shooters.

Regards,
SLIM

[James Hunt]

Your welcome Montana Slim: great pictures of the original in Packing Iron for reference. The holster affords good protection of the pistol yet the cut out for the trigger guard seems to facilitate a good start on the twist draw. I used this gun and holster for one day at the NCOWS nationals and it worked well. I think you would like it. Also good to have if you decided to do a pre-CW persona for any reason. I put mine on a plain 1 3/4 inch belt with an original US puppy paw belt plate and it seemed authentic with a reasonable "cool" factor to boot. Regards, Jim