Different Holster types

[cowboyjared]

Going through all these websites that sell holsters and belts and they have so many to choose from its hard to tell what the difference between them all. It would be great to get input on the advantages and disadvantages of the different styles.  Is there any style that suits one model better than an other.  In the future I would like to get some different guns, are there holsters that fit a wide range of models or is it more on a model by model basis.

[Johnny McCrae]

Attached are pictures of a Slim Jim Holster and a Mexican Loop Holster. The difference between the these two styles is this. The Slim Jim Holster has a separate belt loop sewn on the back of the pouch. The Mexican Loop Holster has a skirt folded over to form the belt loop.

Perhaps some of the Pards will tell you why they prefer one style over the other.

The book called "Packing Iron" by Richard Rattenbury is the bible for Old West Holsters.

Please check out the "Leather Shop" on this forum. There are lots of talented Leather Workers who can make a fine Custom Rig for you.

[Cliff Fendley]

As Johnny has shown there are two basic styles that fit in the mid to late 19th century.

Holster styles did evolve as well as there were some general territorial differences in styling.

I have the different styles categorized on my website.

There are also several good books but as Johnny said, Packing Iron does the best job at describing and illustrating the evolution and territorial differences from early on up into the hollywood cowboy.

[cowboyjared]

Cliff, you make some wonderful holsters at a decent price, when I get some money saved up Ill be placing an order. By the way would the Cheyenne be what would be carried in Nebraska.

[Trailrider]

The differences between various types of Old West style holsters is largely cosmetic, and up to the individual. However, so far as "one size fits all" or at least many, is concerned, that can be another story. In general, holsters for Colt's Single Actions will probably be a bit small for, say, Ruger Blackhawks and Old Model Ruger Vaqueros. Open-top sixguns may also be a bit loose in holsters that will take a Colt's SAA. Obviously, a holster for a Colt's SAA will be way undersized for, say, a Walker Colt's or a Dragoon.

Style-wise, the slim jim holster (sometimes called the "California-style") dates from the advent of the "belt" revolver (1836 or so), as opposed to the saddle holster which were generally used to carry heavy Walker Colt's and Dragoon revolvers.  This style carried over into the 1870's when the "loop" style began to appear in the Southwest, apparently coming up from south of the border, and spreading north even beyond the Canadian border. Shoulder holsters came in sometime in the 1880's, mainly for gamblers or businessmen, etc. The drop-loop style, with an extended belt loop formed by the skirt of the loop, which passed over the top of the belt was seen from the 1880's, especially on military holsters worn with the wide canvas "prairie belts", and were sometimes seen into the early 20th Century. The Buscadero rig, where the holster's skirt passes through a slot in the belt, and sometimes with the slot in a lower extension of the belt body, is pretty much a Hollywood invention, commonly seen in older Westerns.
As was stated above, the book Packing Iron gives a lot of detail on the various types of rigs. What you choose will be up to what sort of character you want to portray.

[Cliff Fendley]

Cliff, you make some wonderful holsters at a decent price, when I get some money saved up Ill be placing an order. By the way would the Cheyenne be what would be carried in Nebraska.

I suppose the style wound up being worn everywhere. That style called a Cheyenne today is generally based on the work of FA Meanea 1880's and 90's. JS Collins also made holsters in Cheyenne Wyoming in the same style during the time but my Cheyenne holsters are traced from original Meanea holsters.

JS Collins was in Omaha Nebraska from 1864 until around 1880 but the holsters from there were different. I've seen them with the two integral loops and they did have sewn it toe plugs. Never seen a Collins Nebraska holster with a bulge between the loops. I think that trait can be attributed to Frank Meanea or his uncle EL Gallatin.

[cowboyjared]

Just curious any idea why Packing Iron is 114 bucks on Amazon but only 36 on books-a-million?

[Johnny McCrae]

It's been quite a while ago but I had Barnes & Noble special order Packing Iron for me. I seem to remember it costing around $35 to $40

[cowboyjared]

Glad I didnt spend the 100 bucks on it

[Major 2]

Just curious any idea why Packing Iron is 114 bucks on Amazon but only 36 on books-a-million?

...a sucker born every minute sales approach by Amazon or at lease it's supplier,  I'd think.

I have gotten some very good prices with Amazon.com, but it pays to search...

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

$75 on abebooks;

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?kn=Packing+Iron+rattenbury&sts=t&x=50&y=5

PEE-ESS: HOLY MOLY. It is $91.55 today Jan 28, 2014

[Major 2]

It's been quite a while ago but I had Barnes & Noble special order Packing Iron for me. I seem to remember it costing around $35 to $40

I paid about that myself, but at a Gun Shop 16 or so years ago.

Barnes & Noble now lists at $114.92 Too...

Supply & Demand is the cornerstone of upward spiraling retail sales.

[Johnny McCrae]

I just talked with a sales person at my closest Barnes & Noble. She said the current retail price is $45.00 however they are out of stock in their warehouse so you have to order it on-line. As Major 2 said, the price is $114.92. It's a long shot but maybe a local Barnes & Noble might have it in stock for $45.00. Glad I bought it when I did also.

[Cliff Fendley]

I bought a new one in the last couple years to have a nice copy in the man cave since mine old one is all worn from being in the shop. I got it online new for around 36 dollars if I remember correctly.

I do remember the prices being all over the place so you need to shop around.

[1961MJS]

Hi

It occurs to me that NCOWS might want to get a few thousand copies made up and start giving them out when you sign up (probably for more money).

Just my $45.00   

[Cliff Fendley]

My old copy of Packing Iron is all broken down from dragging it to guns shows and around the shop so I just bought a new copy so I would have a nice one for the coffee table of the man cave.

I think I only paid around 35 bucks for it in the last year or so from Amazon, it was a brand new copy.

[Angel_Eyes]

I got mine from Boot at a great s/h price,,,,any offers?

(That should set the cat among the sky-rats!)

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Demand exceeding supply?

[Angel_Eyes]

'Ere Canuck,,,you stalking me???

I've got the solution,,,,make your own to your own pattern 'cause that way,,,,wait for it,,,,,,,wait for it,,,,,,,they are all original!!!

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Heh Heh Heh, on both points!

I don't have the stalking authorization, and all my holsters, or at least most of them , are original.