The Mills system: What Price Glory

[Drydock]

While not on their website yet, WPG now has blue Cavalry Krag Mills belts on E-bay, as well as a 100 round single row bandoleer.

[1961MJS]

Hi Drydock

So, I've been through the books and don't remember seeing the Bandolier.  Who used it?  I was considering making one for the 1886 in 45-70, but that would a bandit look in in leather.

Thanks

[Drydock]

According to Dorsey's "American Military Belts and Related equipments"  (Dixie gun works Pioneer press)  This bandolier was developed during the SA war, in response to a way to carry more ammunition without the restriction of the double row waist belt.  (Easily carried, and easily discarded in an emergency)  I believe, but cannot prove, that it was used in the later Puerto Rican campaign, and saw most of its use in the Phillipines, until replaced by the 1912 pocket bandolier.  It could certianly be used for .45-70, but saw most of its use with .30-40.

[1961MJS]

According to Dorsey's "American Military Belts and Related equipments"  (Dixie gun works Pioneer press)  This bandolier was developed ...

Thanks

That would splain it, I don't have THAT book, and thanks to you I don't need to get it.   

Got enough. 

Later

[1961MJS]

Hi Drydock

I put this here for two reasons, it goes ON the Mills System, and it was the first place I found searching on Mills.  I need to get a holster for the Blue Mills belt for the Krag ammo.  I have an S&S Infantry belt now for the Cavalry Carbine.  I need to get a holster for this setup.  I'm right handed and the 1885 holster are usually right side butt forward.  I don't really love the idea of pointing a .45 LC at my hip drawing.  I noted the Trailrider sells a Miller-Fechet holster that looks like it would fit a 4-5 inch wide belt and I could get it in right handed butt to the rear.  It doesn't have he half flap on it and it IS setting the wrong way.  I found a description of the Fechet holster in the book, but no mention of Miller or a picture.  From reading on here, Trailrider has made some 1881 style holsters.  I can't find anyone wearing a butt to the rear 1881 on the right side either. 

Later

[Major 2]

"....Trailrider sells a Miller-Fechet holster.

I have one and its top quality.

[Tascosa Joe]

Thanks

That would splain it, I don't have THAT book, and thanks to you I don't need to get it.   

Got enough. 

Later

Books are like guns  you never have too many or enough! 

[1961MJS]

"....Trailrider sells a Miller-Fechet holster.

I have one and its top quality.

Thanks Major, I'm not so much worried about the quality as I am being period correct AND safe.  I DID see a picture of a guy wearing what appears to be an 1881 holster but to the rear on the LEFT hip.  This is in McPherson's book Volume 2.  I'm pretty sure it was on the left side because the trapdoor in his other hand appears to have the lock on the correct side.

Later

[Trailrider]

NOT trying to gainsay the official issue equipment. But, there was a LOT of field modifications, or custom equipment created by company saddlers or harness makers near posts.  If you can get ahold of "U.S. Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes" by Edward Scott Meadows, there are a bunch of holsters shown both regulation and non, as well as designs submitted for consideration by various officers.  Some were manufactured in limited quantities for field trials; some were rejected outright by the Ordnance Dept. Some, like the Miller-Fechet were adopted by the company commander (Capt. Fechet, 8th Cav.), and his superiors looked the other way! The so-called "Ropes" pattern holster was a butt-rear, full flap holster intended to be used on wider belts, although the fact that Ropes himself didn't like the idea of a flap at all makes the naming suspect. The holster shown appears to be a Forsythe style. Regardless, it is one practical style that could be utilized.  I do NOT add the cartridge loops around the top of the holster body, as I am concerned one could accidentally hit the primer while holstering the gun. That is also the reason I don't put the loops on the Miller-Fechet holsters.
BTW, I presume you are looking for a holster to fit a Colt's SAA?  Would that be with the 7-1/2" barrel or the 5-1/2"? 

[1961MJS]

Hi Trailrider

That would be an 1873 SAA Cavalry Model from Pietta 7.5 inch barrel Old Model Bullseye ejector.  I'm game for either a right handed Miller-Fechet or an 1881 right side butt to the rear, or anything mostly period correct.  This is going on a 30-40 Krag Blue double looped Mills Belt from What Price Glory.  I can measure the width when I get home tonight.  I'm pretty sure I only need to get the holster around the belt since I'm fat enough that the cartridge loops leave room for a holster or so on each side.

Mike

[Trailrider]

Sent you a PM.

[1961MJS]

Thanks

I'll get back soon, need to measure the Krag belt.  Not at apartment much, but will definitely be in touch.I

Mike Schroeder

[Drydock]

"Packing Iron" page 30 has a large picture of a Ropes pattern holster, butt to the rear and full flapped, with a "Mexican Loop: style belt attachment.  On the facing page is a picture of a late 1880s trooper with a civilian "Mexican Loop" open top holster on his regulation web belt.

[1961MJS]

Hi

For those of you who are interested, the tape showed a circumference of 9 inches around the double loop Krag Mills Belt with the cartridges in it.  The circumference around the part of the belt with no loops is 6.75 inches.  The width of the Mills belt is 3 inches top to bottom.

I'm leaning towards the Miller-Fechet holster.  From what I can see in 5 books including packing iron, and 3 of John Langlier's books, the 1881's weren't made in right handed butt to the rear configurations.  I'm still considering the idea of the full flap / Mexican loop attachment.

Later

[Drydock]

The first Issue Butt to the rear US holster was the M1912, for the 1911.

[1961MJS]

Hi

Ordered the Miller-Fechet.  Pictures when I get it in hand.

Later

[1961MJS]

Hi

Got the Holster, Thanks Trailrider.  Fits the SAA very well and is going to be a good holster for retention and running round pastures etc.

Later

[Trailrider]

1961MJS-
Glad you like it, Pard.  Safe shooting!
Your obedient servant,