Neat sixgun/leather rig

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CraigC

Sixgun Nut
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I wanted a Tanker rig for years before I got one. Last year I got one of those sales flyers from El Paso Saddlery and decided it was time. I ordered two, one floral carved for a 4" N-frame and one black for my Springfield XD's but we won't talk about that. I've had it for months but just now got around to snapping a quick pic. It's pictured with my 4" Highway Patrolman, wearing Keith Brown French walnut.

IMG_1649_1_1.jpg
 
I wanted a Tanker rig for years before I got one. Last year I got one of those sales flyers from El Paso Saddlery and decided it was time. I ordered two, one floral carved for a 4" N-frame and one black for my Springfield XD's but we won't talk about that. I've had it for months but just now got around to snapping a quick pic. It's pictured with my 4" Highway Patrolman, wearing Keith Brown French walnut.

View attachment 971271
What a gorgeous rig!
 
Those "Tanker" rigs are ideal for motorcycle riding,,,
At least that's my not-so-humble opinion.

Here's one I made for a 4" Ruger.

22-45_M7-01.jpg

Now that I see how it's put together, it'd be real easy to duplicate.

You are correct Craig,,,
I borrowed one that was sold by Pacific Canvas and Leather,,,
Once I saw how the straps were configured it was very easy to duplicate.

Aarond

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Craig, those high class stocks and carved holster seemed out of place for a plane ol' Model 28. But then I noticed that upper side plate screw. I believe that qualifies it as a Five-screw pre-model 28. The original Highway Patrolman. It all makes sense now. (smiley face goes here)

Dave
 
Would anyone be willing to explain what a tanker rig is ?

thanks
Shoulder holster set up with extra strapping to completely secure a side-arm to the torso to limit snagging form it possibly swinging around while moving around an armored vehicle's interior and hatches. Much like an aircrew sidearm holster.

One over the opposite shoulder, another around the torso and also a small strap to engage the belt. I never used the torso straps but then too, I never spent time in tanks.;)
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Todd.
 
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Shoulder holster set up with extra strapping to completely secure a side-arm to the torso to limit snagging form it possibly swinging around while moving around an armored vehicle's interior and hatches. Much like an aircrew sidearm holster.

One over the opposite shoulder, another around the torso and also a small strap to engage the belt. I never used the torso straps but then too, I never spent time in tanks.;)
View attachment 971379

Todd.


Thanks for taking the time to educate me.
 
Those "Tanker" rigs are ideal for motorcycle riding,,,
Probably 15yrs ago, we bought Dad one of their Spyder shoulder rigs for exactly that. It was almost shocking how well it worked and how comfortable it was.


Craig, those high class stocks and carved holster seemed out of place for a plane ol' Model 28. But then I noticed that upper side plate screw. I believe that qualifies it as a Five-screw pre-model 28. The original Highway Patrolman. It all makes sense now. (smiley face goes here)

Dave
Good eye! I have to catch myself and fight the urge to call it a 28. Remember the days when they were considered "cheap"? I do. In the not so distant past, I could've bought two HWP's for the cost of the Keith Brown grips. ;)
 
Craig,

I bought my first M28-2 in 1973 to go to the police academy. It cost $97.50. Years later (long after retiring) I bought a Pre-M28, a true Highway Patrolman, for about 4 times as much. That may still be less than what those KB stocks go for these days.

Dave
 
What I remember is the `80's and `90's when they were $200-$300. I turned my nose up at them because they were too utilitarian. I paid $600 for mine four years ago and then another $600 for the grips. Wasn't necessarily looking for an N-frame .357 as it isn't exactly my favorite cartridge but the gun was just too nice to pass up. Time changes everything.

Keith%20Brown%2001.jpg
 
Acquiring a 5-screw N-frame is never a bad decision, or an opportunity to pass up if you can manage it. Even the plan jane Highway Patrolman from that era is head and shoulders above the current offerings with all the corner cutting and the IL (idiot lock).

As you can probably tell, I like your Highway Patrolman.

Dave
 
Outstanding guns and fantastic leather work, Craig. I noted the cut-out/slot at the front of the cylinder face, presumably to prevent the gun nosing deeper into the holster as the rig ages. I'd guess that it allows a tighter, easier to control, fitting of the bbl./front of frame contact points.

That's a feature I've never seen before and may try on my next revolver holster...Any chance of a pic of the back side of the holster? How's the it ride in daily use? I'd agree it looks like an ideal motorcycle rig.

Thanks for posting...Rod
 
Not a fan of Tanker rigs as I don’t do tanks or other confined spaces. I am a fan of the N frame with a 4” tapered barrel but not the 357 chambering. That did not stop me from buying a Model 28-2 back in the 70s. At that time I may have given $125 for it, so long ago I do not remember. I do recall in the early 80s, I converted it to a 4”, 45 ACP with a rounded grip frame. The photo shows it in my favorite style of holster, a Sunday holster. My copy of the Brill is by a member of another forum.

Craig, when you decide to this style of holster, let me know, I will be happy to be your first customer!

BE08C5AF-E16E-4401-B5A1-0192C214FA9F.jpeg

Kevin
 
Outstanding guns and fantastic leather work, Craig. I noted the cut-out/slot at the front of the cylinder face, presumably to prevent the gun nosing deeper into the holster as the rig ages. I'd guess that it allows a tighter, easier to control, fitting of the bbl./front of frame contact points.

That's a feature I've never seen before and may try on my next revolver holster...Any chance of a pic of the back side of the holster? How's the it ride in daily use? I'd agree it looks like an ideal motorcycle rig.

Thanks for posting...Rod
I wasn't sure about the reasoning behind the slot but that makes sense. Might be something they had to do because of the way it is folded, keeping the back panel flat. Something to think about. I'll try to get a pic of the back side this afternoon. It rides nice and I don't use the belt loop. Not unlike the other chest rigs I've used.


Not a fan of Tanker rigs as I don’t do tanks or other confined spaces. I am a fan of the N frame with a 4” tapered barrel but not the 357 chambering. That did not stop me from buying a Model 28-2 back in the 70s. At that time I may have given $125 for it, so long ago I do not remember. I do recall in the early 80s, I converted it to a 4”, 45 ACP with a rounded grip frame. The photo shows it in my favorite style of holster, a Sunday holster. My copy of the Brill is by a member of another forum.

Craig, when you decide to this style of holster, let me know, I will be happy to be your first customer!
Truth be told, the idea of a conversion is always in mind when I buy a .357. Plain few of them are safe and this isn't one of them. I always wanted a nice 4" 1950 Target and it would be cheaper to convert this one than to buy one. Though I may be lynched for even suggesting it. Probably better to use my freckled 27-2. ;)

I've been contemplating taking orders again. Maybe later this year, we'll see.
 
StrawHat,

Really like your combination of antler Magnas with a grip adapter. I have the same sort of thing on a 5" Heavy Duty. It wears Grashorn sheep horn Magnas with an old Tyler-T. I'd post a picture but I don't seem to have the computer skills to do so on this forum.

Dave
 
Thats so nice. It makes me want to get out my unfired model 28 and run a few rounds through it. My dad bought it new, brought it home, threw away the box (dammit) loaded the gun and stuck it in his nightstand. And thats where it stayed until he passed away in 2003. Then I received it and put it in the safe. Thats where its been since then.

I tried to get Hamilton Bowen to convert it to 44 Special but he wasn't interested in doing the job. Tried to get him to add an adjustable rear sight and taller front on a model 30-1 in 32 long but he wasn't interested in that job either. So I'll just leave it a 357. Maybe someday one of my sons will go shoot with me and I will let them fire the first shots from Granpa's gun.
 
Thats so nice. It makes me want to get out my unfired model 28 and run a few rounds through it. My dad bought it new, brought it home, threw away the box (dammit) loaded the gun and stuck it in his nightstand. And thats where it stayed until he passed away in 2003. Then I received it and put it in the safe. Thats where its been since then.

I tried to get Hamilton Bowen to convert it to 44 Special but he wasn't interested in doing the job. Tried to get him to add an adjustable rear sight and taller front on a model 30-1 in 32 long but he wasn't interested in that job either. So I'll just leave it a 357. Maybe someday one of my sons will go shoot with me and I will let them fire the first shots from Granpa's gun.


If you intend to shoot the revolver, boxes are unnecessary and a pain to store.
If you want a real gunsmith to work on those revolvers, contact Andy Horvath in Ohio. No website, he prefers snail mail but will return phone calls. He has done excellent work for many decades.

Kevin
 
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