New Leather Suggestions

[Doctor Bill]

I need some advice.  I've been shooting with the same leather since I started CAS several years ago.  The rig was used when I got it and now everything is so soft with age that I nearly get the pistols to my armpits before they clear the holsters.  I guess I need something new.  I'm shooting FCD now so I think I would like a rig with a cross-draw.  I'm looking for suggestions and what has worked for other folks in the past.  Oh, I have 1875 Remmie clones with the 5 & 1/2 barrels.

Thanks very much

Doctor Bill

[Wolfgang]

I use inexpensive leather from Cablelas and am pretty happy with them.  There has been a article about adapting the same "Western Holster" that I use for '58s to fit other shorter and colt style pistols.  If'n / when I want fine custom leather I'll order it from a really top maker of hysterically coorect gear  http://www.wolfearsequipment.com/.  He does great work.  Often featured in and on the cover of  "Guns of the Old West".   His web site is very nice but worth while to get his catalog as well. I want to visit his shop. Gotta be like a museum in that place !  Good shootin', . . . .  

My "Western Style" holsters from Cabelas www.drburkholter.com/cf5.html.  There was a very good article in the SASS "Cowboy Chronicle" on modifying these holsters to fit other frames styles and shorter barrels.

[James Hunt]

I almost never post here and this is the second time I have done so in the last 24 hours, I feel positively blabby...., however I do own a New Model Army circa 1864 and actually poured 50 rounds thru it at the 2006 NCOWS nationals without a hitch, without any cleaning, using Goex. My bona fides established:

Cross draw holsters are interesting, not sure how many were seen by the time the cartridge firing Remingtons came out, but they were undoubtedly there if you look hard enough I guess. Not sure how far into authenticity you are, but if you are, note that there is no evidence discovered to date that I (and many others) are aware of that a "canted" civilian holster existed (the military is the exception). That is the loop at the back of the holster is angled to give the gun a cant forward when worn. All civilian holsters seem to have had that loop cut straight across. An even worse mistake is to have a Mexican loop holster that is made to be canted, that one is impossible to hide. Holster makers today do that because there is a demand for them. Clearly holsters are picture canted forward, that is subject to the loop being larger than the belt - and prior to 1880 belts were narrower than seen at the end of the 19th century. Also, buying a non-canted holster allows you to wear it strong side if you wish. So if your goal is authenticity you may wish to consider this particularly when the draw is considered.

A canted holster "cross draw" requires the 180 degree rule as I am sure you are aware, little extra work. In NCOWS (don't know about SASS) a reverse draw is legal if the pistol is elevated slightly in the holster, the weapon then "turned" before the draw is completed - which is how a reverse draw is supposed to be done. Using a non-canted holster where the rig  is straightened before the draw makes this job safer and easier.

Stan at Wolf Ears does a fine job. You may also wish to consider Dave Carrico at www.carricoleather.com (very reasonably priced) and of course the king of authenticity Rick Bachman at www.oldwestreproductions.com (not cheap but accurate right down to the thinness of the leather used - most today use to thick of leather). Or of course you can make your own, if you are not very good and it comes out raggedy - your authentic.

Anyway, its all about doing what you want and having a good time doing it.

[Yankee Will]

Get ya a MidwayUSA catalog and take a look at their leather.
Recently got a belt and strong side holster for about $80.
They have cross draws for sale too.
This is my first 'old' holster set up, so I don't have a lot of experience here, but they have the only ones I have seen in any catalog that say they will hold Remmies.

[Bryan Austin]

I use inexpensive leather from Cablelas and am pretty happy with them.  There has been a article about adapting the same "Western Holster" that I use for '58s to fit other shorter and colt style pistols.  If'n / when I want fine custom leather I'll order it from a really top maker of hysterically coorect gear  http://www.wolfearsequipment.com/.  He does great work.  Often featured in and on the cover of  "Guns of the Old West".   His web site is very nice but worth while to get his catalog as well. I want to visit his shop. Gotta be like a museum in that place !  Good shootin', . . . .  

My "Western Style" holsters from Cabelas www.drburkholter.com/cf5.html.  There was a very good article in the SASS "Cowboy Chronicle" on modifying these holsters to fit other frames styles and shorter barrels.

Wolfgang, I purchased a holster and belt from Cabelas. I just checked my account and it is still pending...whatever that means. Gonna call them in a few minutes. Can ya get me a closer photo of your gunbelt and holsters?

[Bryan Austin]

Cabelas said my order was in the "printing status" and I should get it by Tuesday next week.

[Curley Cole]

Howdy

Here is a pix of a rig made for me by the guy that does all my leather. Paul at RedDog Leather in Kentucky. It is a double crossdraw (but I got an extra left hand strongside when I don't want to shoot both cross..) It is a variation of the FairWeather Christian belt to go with my scout look. It is made for the 75 Remington in 7 1/2.

Check out my web page and you can see a bunch of other rigs by Paul, and some from El Paso Saddlery and from Will Ghormley (I posted that one above too...my web page is:

http://sdough.smugmug.com

If you are interested in Pauls work and some ideas of his prices, drop me a line

curley