Gunbelt

[Ruff]

Howdy pards,

Been working on a shooting persona I am thinking Wyoming, Montana or the Dakotas in the late 1870's to about 1895. and am thinking of a new gun belt. The character will be carrying a big bore rifle either a Winchester 1876 or Winchester 1886 rifle. Now I don't know the caliber yet, I have been looking at several on the auction sites and there is a variety out there. For a pistol I am thinking a Uberti Russian in 44 Russian.

My question is what kind of gun belt would a lawman, Deputy US Marshal wear on the high plains? What should the width be? I have seen rifle/Sharps belts from 3 to 5 inches wide. What about a holster?

Thanks,

[Camano Ridge]

A town Marshall or Sherif would likely have worn a gun belt around town and would have dawned an additional cartridge belt when leaving town or for special circumstances. A Deputy U.S. Marshall would have been more of a traveler and would carry extra cartridges in saddle bags or on an additional cartridge belt. Certainly some had belts that were made for rifle and pistol cartridges. Any of the sizes you mentioned would have been appropriate and can be found in old pictures. A holster of the style made Popular by the Moran Brotheres in 1870's Montan or Cheyenne style would definately be apropriate. Look in Packing Iron for some ideas (check your library if you don't have the book). Below is a picture of a Moran style holster. Also below is a picture of Edward Bronson 1876 Wyoming Territory.

[Ruff]

Howdy Camano Ridge,

I have a copy of Packing Iron and love the book. The ideas I get looking at the pictures. I know I have seen pictures of Arizona Rangers wearing combo belts, but am not sure what was appropriate for the Northern Plains. I will have to dig out the Time Life Old West series.

I like that Moran Brothers holster that you posted the picture of.

Thanks for the feedback,

[Cliff Fendley]

Most originals I have the pleasure of studying from that time period and region have a cartridge/money belt. It seems they got wider later in the period.

Here is one I made that would be typical of the late 1880's into the 1890's Wyoming made rig.


I would consider this one in more of a Montana styling.