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Mad Magyar
December 23, 2006, 03:46 PM
Viewing this pic from the latest Guns & Ammo tribute issue, reminds me that it’s not too widely known about Jeff Cooper’s influence on holster design concerning a secure and quick-draw carry. This particular photo probably goes back some 40 years. You’ll notice in this western rig the open holster in the famous “cocked-n-locked” for the advantageous full-grab draw…The pistol isn’t fully holstered displaying the “CnL” trigger, a little posturing by Jeff no doubt….
One of my personal favorites, the Yaqui slide came about from the Colonel’s visit to Central America in the 1960’s, in particularly, El Salvador. A gift of this unusual belt-slide for his Colt 1911 brought this idea to Milt Sparks, and the classic,Yaqui slide was born. Notice on any Yaqui belt-slide the open feature w/o any hindrance of a thumb-break or over-lapping strap that LEO’s demands. Simplistic, but so effective.
His collaboration with Bruce Nelson with a forward cant holster capable of being worn inside the pants for increased stability and concealability resulted in Sparks creating another all-time favorite: the Summer Special. Again, another open style for a quick accessibility. Other than seeing the Colonel with the old Army flap-style holster or shoulder rig, I don’t recall him using anything that would encumber the quick draw and presentation.
Jeff Cooper: the legacy lives on….Thank you….:)
http://i16.tinypic.com/35bta50.jpg

DMK
December 23, 2006, 06:58 PM
The Yaqui slide and Summer Special are my two favorite holsters. In fact, other than a pocket holster for my J-frame, they are the only holsters I use regularly and for more than just my 1911s.

Thanks colonel. :)

FotoTomas
December 23, 2006, 11:09 PM
My Beretta off duty pistol with the yaqui slide above and behind it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/FotoTomas/Centurionwithcarrygearw.jpg

My Summer Special by Milt Sparks with the other Beretta now sold down the river:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/FotoTomas/92D_Centurion_type_Mw.jpg

Those two holsters have served me well for many years. I will miss Col. Cooper's musings but will continue to reread his writings. :)