Double Shoulder Holster

[vintage68]

I'm interested in having a double shoulder holster custom made as a novelty item, an exact replica of the one Bruce Willis wore in Last Man Standing. I had one made before, through a certain company in Idaho, but was less than impressed with the results.

I'm a stickler for quality and attention to detail, but most importantly, willing to fork over the dough for a legacy piece. It would need to be made by someone with custom leatherworking experience.

So, any suggestions from other members?

 

[Old Fuff]

It has been a long time since I watched that movie - but I believe the double-rig was made up using USGI holsters with the flap removed. If you really want that particular outfit duplicated you should get a DVD or tape of the movie and provide it to the perspective holster maker so that he can see the details.

If you simply want a set of vertical shoulder holsters for whatever handgun almost any maker can take his standard shoulder holster, make a pair, right & left hand, and slightly modify the harness. Are you looking for the 1920's/30's look or what?

If you want the highest possible quality I would suggest John Bianchi, who is semi-retired but still makes custom one-of-a-kind rigs. He has forgotten more about holster making them most people know, and is well connected in Hollywood and could undoubtedly find out the details of the Bruce Willis holsters. Be aware that his stuff is hand-crafted and expensive.

At the moment I am where my research material and address books aren't. But if you are seriously interested in John I'll try to find an address and phone number. I don't know if he has a web site or not.

 

[vintage68]

I'm seriously interested. I'd really appreaciate it if you could track down his info.

Thanks!

 

[OldBillThundercheif]

You will probably have to order a normal holster w/ mag holder on one side, buy an opposite-side holster from the same company, and swap it out.

This should be funny. Be sure to post pics

 

[Devonai]

You will probably have to order a normal holster w/ mag holder on one side, buy an opposite-side holster from the same company, and swap it out.

That wouldn't be necessary with a system like Galco's Jackass rig:

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterT3.asp?ProductID=659&CatalogID=2

But at that price you might just as well buy two holsters and swap out the components.

 

[ref441]

Shoulder Rig

I have one of the Galco Miami Classic shoulder systems for a 1911 and really like it, especially the way it spreads the weight smoothly across my back. You can buy an extra holster for the opposite side; but, as noted above, the cost escalates. If you want to go that route, contact me. I may be able to save you some money.

 

[vintage68]

I appreciate your taking the time to respond, but unfortunately the Miami Classic is a horizontal system and I am more comfortable with a vertical one.

Thanks again.

 

[ref441]

That is the beauty of their component system...you can get a vertical holster if that is what you prefer...or a holster on each side if that's what you want.

I never thought I would be comfortable with a horizontal system either, until I tried it awhile and found it to function quite well. I suspect it is also faster than a vertical system.

I'm not keen on snaps myself...on any holster...but it is essential for the horizontal shoulder system and not as bad as I expected.

 

[Old Fuff]

vintage68:

I see that Amazon (www.amazon,com) have a few copies of John Bianchi's book, Blue Steel & Gunleather, in their used book section (so far as I know it is now out of print).

It contains extensive information about the core subject, and there is a so-so illustration of Skeeter Skelton wearing a duel set of shoulder holsters that John made for him. He also explains how holsters are made. Copies run from around $5.00 to $25.00, and are well worth the price.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Looks like Galco might be the way to go

Check out their vertical carry shoulder system. The holsters may be purchased as spearate components. Looks easy enough to add a left-hand draw holster to a right-hand draw rig.

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterT3.asp?ProductID=2970&CatalogID=2

Best
Johnny

 

[Zonamo]

Here you go:

Idaho Leather Company Last Man Standing Rig

And for revolver fans:

Todd's Costumes Rick O'Connell Rig

 

[vintage68]

Thanks Zonamo, but read my first post again.

I might have found a quality holster maker willing to take on the project, I'll keep y'all posted....

 

[dragongoddess]

Those look like some mighty fine holsters. I think I have found my Christmas present. One of each.

 

[Zonamo]

Thanks Zonamo, but read my first post again.

Sorry, missed that part. At least I had a chance to practice my Googling skills.

Glad you found a quality maker willing to take on the project.

 

[vintage68]

Quality leatherworker yes, willing to take on the project we'll see....

Thanks though for Googling, I'll take all the help I can get!

 

[Old Fuff]

vintage68:

Check for another P.M.

 

[Old Fuff]

vintage68:

And now yet another one...

 

[RustyShackelford]

Go straight to the source...

You may want to contact the prop master or costume designer for Last Man Standing directly. Check out the end credits then go to www.imdb.com . You can find out who they are and ask them who made the holsters/gear for the film.


Rusty

 

[vintage68]

UPDATE:

Hello all. Just wanted to give youz guys a quick update on my epic quest to find a leather craftsman willing to tackle my project. Through another forum I was led to a real old-school gentleman named Sam Andrews at andrewsleather.com

Right off the bat I knew I had found the right man for the job. Courteous, professional, and just an all around nice guy, Mr. Andrews didn't even hesitate when I asked him if he'd be willing to make a reproduction of the double shoulder holster as seen in Last Man Standing.

You guys wouldn't believe the amount of "delicate geniuses" I encountered, some of them top guys in the holster making business. All of them basically told me the same thing, "I couldn't do THAT!! If I made that it would take time away from my other projects!" One particularly cantankerous fellow even suggested $1,500.00 to make the rig, apparently because his time is SOO valuable.

Mr. Andrews response? He said "Of course I'll do it, why would I want to keep making the same holsters over and over? I like a good challenge every once in a while, keeps things fresh." Indeed. What a concept!

Anyway, as a craftsman in high demand, it'll be a while before I see the results, like maybe six or seven months, but when I get the rig you can be sure I'll post pics. In the meantime, check out Mr. Andrews site. His professionalism is indeed refreshing.