What Price Glory Cartridge Belts - Quality?

[Niederlander]

Hello!
    Does anyone have any experience with the Cartridge Belts from What Price Glory?  I'm specifically interested in the 1910 USMC version Mills Belt.  Thanks!

[S. Quentin Quale, Esq.]

I don't own one; I've seen them.  WPG is a regular vendor at the National Cavalry Competitions.  They seem to be of good quality.

Over the years I've made many purchases from WPG and have been satisfied with each (quality, delivery, customer service, etc.).

The major negative I've ever heard was that a few years back they offered a rather low priced reproduction of the M1940 cavalry boot (the three-strap field boot sometimes called the "Patton Boot").  They were not just low cost, they were cheap.  They were also quickly withdrawn.  Since this was before I started buying from them I don't know any more.

Review their return policy; I've not had to use it except for a couple of exchanges and it was smooth.  If it meets your approval then give them a try.  Jerry makes good products and stands behind them, in my experience.

Good luck in your search!

SQQ

[Drydock]

I recently bought one of the 1904 holsters, and found that my M1901 Colt would not fit.  I called them, discussed it, returned it, and they promptly put my money back on my card, less the shipping.  I'm pretty sure their holster was designed around a 5" barrel,  the maker assuming like the .45s, that the .38s also had that barrel.  Not the 6" they actualy had.   

[Niederlander]

Hello!
     I've been pleased with their leather products.  I just purchased a USMC .38 revolver holster, a .38 cartridge box, and a 1904 garrison belt, and all were nice.  They are not up to Old West Reproductions or El Paso Saddlery quality, but then I doubt if the originals were either.  I think they'll be completely serviceable.  Hopefully, their web gear, specifically the Mills belts, will be as good.

[Charles Isaac]

I just sold my original '04 holster. Figured out that I really don't like the 1/2 flap left hand draw holsters because when doing a  one handed reverse draw with the right hand, the part of the flap that the back of your hand would be against holding the flap open during the draw doesn't exist on a 1/2 flap.

That WPG USMC M1889 holster is great. Wish I had a USMC marked original, but I'm not spending $1000 for a holster!

That's my left draw Navy/Marines pattern M1889 shown below. Unmarked flap and left draw so it isn't worth the big bucks like the USMC and USN marked right draw examples. Many thanks to Ned for providing valuable info on these.

[Niederlander]

Wow!  Nice grouping, Charles!  I'll bet finding the "Quick Loaders" for that Navy cartridge box is going to be tough.  It would be pretty cool to see some real ones, though.

Incidently, I saw a right hand, USMC-marked holster on e-bay a couple of years ago.  It was with the original blue Mills cartridge belt they wore it on.  The holster was in pretty rough shape, but it was still going pretty high.  I'm not sure it ever met the reserve.  The belt was in great shape.  I've always wished someone would make a good repro of the belt and buckle, but I haven't ever seen one.

[Hangtown Frye]

I own a pair of the above mentioned M1940 Cavalry Boots, and I love them.  Not perfect, as the leather is a bit different from the originals which I own, but not much.  The biggest difference, and problem as I see it, is that the buckles used are not roller buckles, and therefore tend to scrape the edges of the billets over time.  Hopefully the newer versions have this fixed.  But they fit me wonderfully, and I often use them when riding on the trail, as they are MUCH more comfortable to walk in when I dismount than my 19th Century cavalry boots are, with a higher, narrower heel.  When these wear out, I fully intend to get another pair.

BTW, Jerry Lee, owner of What Price Glory, is a great guy, and has always been ready, willing and able to make sure that his customers are satisfied.  I've never, ever had any issues with him, his products, or his return policy (the one time I did have a minor problem). 

BTW, GREAT USMC set, Charles!

Cheers!

Gordon