help with a rig.

Boothill Bob · November 27, 2012, 11:01:37 AM

Howdy pards..
Just got an mail from a guy that wants a Mounted shooting rig. I have never made one and I need some help here. He wants it wider at the back, two crossdraw and the buckle at the side.. Have any of you made one?

GunClick Rick · November 27, 2012, 03:35:52 PM

I have something similar ,all i know is that you don't put bullet loops as they are not necessary,both cross draw of course would be the same direction,mine is crossdraw with strong side.

look at a website callec http://www.cochiseleather.com it where i got mine see if he has a double crossdraw,i think he may have and he would surely know.

Camano Ridge · November 27, 2012, 04:36:04 PM

I have not made one yet, however I have looked at some to try and develop a pattern. This site should give you some ideas.

http://bianchicowboy.com/mounted_shooterrigs.html

GunClick Rick · November 27, 2012, 10:37:42 PM

Uh yea what Camano said

Nice sight and rigs`

Freedom · November 27, 2012, 10:49:35 PM

I have made a few...the rig (with the wide belt in back) that you describe is usually worn by women.

The "sight-lock" is a word that you will hear often...Don't worry it is just a sales pitch...you will get a pretty good sight lock when you wet mould as long as you keep in mind to allow some moulding around the front sight, instead of a full length sight channel.

This site will be a good place for you to look around and find some pictures and links.

http://westernshootinghorse.ning.com/forum

WaddWatsonEllis · November 28, 2012, 08:56:19 AM

Hi,

Will Ghoromely's Fllames of Hell rig is double crossdraw ... but I am not sure that that is what you want ... and it is illegal in some cubs in SASS ...

Camano Ridge · November 28, 2012, 09:53:48 AM

In my research for mounted shooting rigs it appears that both men and women wear the wider belts in back. I was able to attend a mounted shooting event as a spectator a couple of months ago with the exception of a few pretty much everyone male and female were wearing the wider belts in back buckle to the side. Here is another site with mounted shooting rigs. It also has pic's and a video of male mounted shooters all wearing the wider belts. Hope this gives you some more ideas. http://www.mantaleather.com/ Here is an article on mounted shooting holsters and belts, it is a discussion with different makers and gives some information as to cant etc.

Hope this gives you some more ideas and some help.

Marshal Will Wingam · November 28, 2012, 03:30:43 PM

Interesting about the wider belt in the back. I don't see why, but perhaps it offers more support, much like a lifting belt.

Camano Ridge · November 28, 2012, 04:59:19 PM

It appears that it does provide better back support. Here is a discussion of the wide belt by mounted shooters http://westernshootinghorse.ning.com/forum/topics/gun-belts-wide-or-narrow it also appears like anything else to be a matter of personal preference.

WaddWatsonEllis · November 28, 2012, 06:19:53 PM

HI,

Wider belt in the back?

Sounds like an old kidney belt for when motorcycles were all hardtails .... or like a belt for Power Lifting ....

TTFN,

Marshal Will Wingam · November 28, 2012, 11:42:51 PM

Thanks for the link, Camino. That's what I expected to hear.

Massive · November 29, 2012, 03:53:10 AM

http://www.westernshootinghorse.com/jcontent/guns02202011/guns-news13977345/gear1332329111/1008-packin-iron

lots of links, many of which are above. Seems like a great area. First the holsters are complex as all get-out. Then the same guy sometimes sews a set of chaps, a rifle scabbard, and a saddle!

In addition to the wide belts, there are standard belts, and harness rigs.

http://www.dixieroseleather.com/

The two holsters are normally cross-draw, the angles are different each one more or less in line with the arm. The holsters need retention devices so pistols do not bounce out. And for some reason the second holster is lower cut.

Massive · November 29, 2012, 04:01:52 AM

Here is a nice one:

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=44607.0;attach=42025;image

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=44607.0;attach=42033;image

Kid Cavalier made it.

Slowhand Bob · November 29, 2012, 08:08:16 AM

I have not been on a horse since the seventies so would have no experience to relate to but perhaps this photo could help with some ideas. I am sure there are reasons for what yousee here, we just got to figure out what we are looking at?

Massive · November 29, 2012, 04:21:27 PM

The wide back that many rigs seem to have is said to be more popular with women, though the pics I have seen do not really support that, and some of the reports here. It provides back support, and it may help the guns to ride higher.

As you can see the guns ride really high to get access in the saddled position.

Many use a double cross draw, also for access when seated. What is good for one cavalry gun is apparently good for two.

The angles are different due to how the arm falls.

The openings are different, and the strong side one seems to be more closed. Not sure why, seems like retention on the right and access on the left. If they are allowed to draw the right one before they make a pass, or the second one needs to be accessed in more of a hurry... How do these shoots work.

The harness was also designed by a women for a women, if the WWW is to be trusted. But many men seem to like it also. Female anatomy being what it is, I can see the Y shape. As a dude, I would consider a more suspenders look myself, but it is quite possible it would restrict movement.

http://www.dixieroseleather.com/

Most users have some retention scheme. The Bianchi, and Menickles use steel and tension screws; Some folks use lining and fit; some makers use a bump aft the sight.

Some use something to keep the holsters really open. Rawhide bands at the mouth; steel; 11oz leather; rolled linings; etc...

http://www.rodkiblersaddlery.com/SpecialtyProducts.html

A lot of the holsters, possibly all of them. have a distinctive shape. Wider, less definition around the trigger guard. Look a little Mexican to me, but I am no judge, have not even got my copy of "The Book" yet. Presumably this has to do with the short sub 4 inch barrels.

The grips used are often Bird's Head style. I am guessing this has to do with the cramped rising form of draw, and not getting hooked up on the back of the grip. I don't know, but understanding the guns and the course of fire would sure help me know what this is about. Or is it a small hand thing?

Boothill Bob · November 30, 2012, 07:25:16 AM

Thanx for all the help pards.. I think I can make the rig now, the only differens is the belt. Have to talk to the customer how he wants the holsters angled.

GunClick Rick · November 30, 2012, 11:54:30 PM

Quote from: Slowhand Bob on November 29, 2012, 08:08:16 AM
I have not been on a horse since the seventies so would have no experience to relate to but perhaps this photo could help with some ideas. I am sure there are reasons for what yousee here, we just got to figure out what we are looking at?

Red Cent · December 02, 2012, 08:04:25 AM

The gamer aspect of mounted shooting is apparent. The shooters are giving up form for function. Those holsters, at first glance, looks like they are made for capguns. Then you notice the workmanship with most of them.

They are looking for a big hole to put their revolver into when they are done with it and at a full run. Since it is almost buried retention should be good.

That suspender is same sex. It pulls the pistol up and away from the pommel, riggging, and their clothes. That big thing in the back facillitates the tension on the harness and holds the harness snug so when a pistol is drawn under tension(holster) the big piece of leather serves its purpose.. A belt would tend to ride up the back under the stress of a horse running. Neat. Built or created by a mounted shooter no doubt.