Bunkhouse special

[Davem]

My great grandfather's gun rig was a "bunkhouse special" These were locally made by harness makers who have scrap leather.  The cartridge belt is about 1 1/2" wide with a square. clipped corner center bar buckle- typical of the time.  The loops are the "in and out" type- one long leather strap snaked in and out of holes and the entire length of the belt- 28 loops.  The holster is a typical double loop of the day.

I have always seen these rigs were the buckle was slide under the holster such that cartridges, in loops were right in the front.  I always wondered about that but I made a replica and I instantly realized that the belt with cartridges doesn't fit very well under the holster- that's why the buckle was slid over to that area.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That sounds like a cool rig. Do you have a photo of it?

[Cliff Fendley]

It depends on how generous the loop area is cut but many mexican loop style holsters have plenty of room to slide over cartridges. That said, the woven style loops stick out a good bit from the belt whereas sewn belt loops hug the belt and make it easier for the holster to slide over.

[Rube Burrows]

Interesting. Would love to see any photos of it.

[Davem]

Unfortunately I'm sort of "photo challenged" but as soon as I figure out how I'll post.  What I was trying to point out is occasionally you'll see an old photo and the cartridge belt has been rotated so that there are loops right in front- where the belt buckle ought to be located. I never could figure out why, just thought a "thing" done at the time.  When I recreated the rig, using the original as a patterns- yes- I could wear it with loops inside the holster bend but it was more comfortable to rotate the belt so that the buckle ended up in the holster bend (between pouch and skirt).  I learned why such was done years ago.

[Oldgold]

Some western movies you'll see them worn with cartridges to the front. Actually, it makes more sense and easier to get to. 

[Davem]

This month's magazine- "Guns of the old West" has several photos of the belts worn that way.

[Cliff Fendley]

Many authentic old photos you don't see the buckle. It's somewhere in the back or on the side. I seldom wear mine with the buckle in front, I actually usually put the buckle beside or under the holster so I have access to all the cartridge loops.

[Davem]

That's what I figured. A 45 Colt cartridge sticks out quite a ways, I figure they slid the buckle under the holster.