Suggestions for a Ruger Birdshead holster for CCW

aryfrosty · March 02, 2009, 04:26:27 PM

I have noted that I have been gravitating toward carrying my 3.75" Stainless Vaquero Birdshead in .45 C. I'd like to find a cross-draw but the only one I've seen is the Mernickle holster. It carries too high for me and the holster is far too long for my short barrel. Has anyone seen anything likely in their travels? Thanks in advance, Al

Utah Bob · March 25, 2009, 10:24:57 PM

I don't advocate Vaqueros for ccw but you might check with Mike Evans at www.timelyaccessories.com. He does shoulder holsters.

St. George · March 25, 2009, 11:04:48 PM

I'll second that - using a Vaquero for CCW is a poor idea, indeed...

If a shoulder rig doesn't suit - there are pancakes that might.

Scouts Out!

litl rooster · April 18, 2009, 05:41:30 PM

I use to carry my vaquero when I rode in the hills here gathering cattle, shoulder rig, with a hammer loop. Like the others I don't think the vaquero is the right ccw . Not that it won't get the job done, there is better choices available for carry.

If you insist try this link, look at mh17...John makes a good holster but so do many over in the leather shop.

http://www.rankinsaddlery.com/modern_holsters.htm

Texas Lawdog · April 18, 2009, 05:55:34 PM

LR, Mr. Rankin makes some good looking leather gear.

aryfrosty · May 18, 2009, 10:38:05 PM

Boy howdy, I took a mess of spankin's on that subject. I respect you guys opinions and don't want anyone to think I'm challenging anyone personally, but I have carried single-action revolvers off duty for the past 38 years. Not exclusively, but a good part of the time. One I enjoyed carrying in the late 1970s was a Colt .44 Spl. Like it, I still do, but the Vaquero short barrel is safer and easier on my hands. Thanks to all for the viewpoints. And yes, I have 2 Sigs and an HK P-2000 I carry from time to time. Seein's how this a Cowboy forum I thought this was an appropriate place to seek advice.

Coal Creek Griff · May 19, 2009, 10:48:34 AM

I've not carried a single action for defense before, but I would not feel underprotected. My only real hesitation has to do with slow reloads. Many people carry a five-shot revolver with no extra ammo and feel fine. The only other issue is the rate of fire. A skilled shooter can fire a single action plenty fast enough; many people shoot too fast to be really effective, especially if they are carrying a low-capacity weapon.

After 15 years or so of being a firearms instructor and taking cops through transitions with a number of different weapons, I believe that there is a lot to be said for people carrying weapons that they are comfortable with. I wouldn't want to go into a hazardous situation with any handgun--they are always a comprimise because it is hard to conceal a long gun under most shirts

. Carry the gun you feel confident in. It will serve you well.

CC Griff

Utah Bob · May 28, 2009, 07:16:19 AM

Quote from: aryfrosty on May 18, 2009, 10:38:05 PM
Boy howdy, I took a mess of spankin's on that subject. I respect you guys opinions and don't want anyone to think I'm challenging anyone personally, but I have carried single-action revolvers off duty for the past 38 years. Not exclusively, but a good part of the time. One I enjoyed carrying in the late 1970s was a Colt .44 Spl. Like it, I still do, but the Vaquero short barrel is safer and easier on my hands. Thanks to all for the viewpoints. And yes, I have 2 Sigs and an HK P-2000 I carry from time to time. Seein's how this a Cowboy forum I thought this was an appropriate place to seek advice.

Nope you weren't spanked here at all. Try going into that subject on the SASS wire and see how ballistic some people get. ;)Just said I don't advocate it. I see a lot of people who are new shooters wanting to use a single action as a cw. Their lack of experience causes me to advise them to use something else. A well trained and experienced individual carrying a SA probably would be sufficiently armed for most encounters.That's your business if you want to carry one and feel you're proficient with it.

aryfrosty · January 18, 2011, 09:36:39 PM

Just thought to update you guys from this 2009 post I made. I found a good holster and have carried a Birdshead Vaquero for a year and 8 months. I appreciate the suggestions concerning where to look for a holster. For the gentleman who said I didn't take a spankin'... Since my post asked about finding a holster and not what your opinion of my choice was I suspect your purpose was more inline with an effort to make me appear foolish. That's a spankin' in my book. I would also tell you that I am 62 years old and have carried guns since my dad gave me a 1911 when I was 12 years old. I carried and shot many different guns in the Navy, including being a BAR operator on a ship's landing party in 1967. I came out of the Navy in 1971 and went into Law Enforcement. In humility I will offer that I consider my knowlege of firearms equal to anyone here.
You did teach me one thing: Never post an honest question on the CAS forums and expect an honest or considerate answer. Thanks.
Also a sincere thanks to Coal Creek Griff who gave a good answer and a reasonable one. That kind of advice I take to heart.