Desperately Seeking Leather

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HarryB

HarryB

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Sorry dudes, not a provocative personal ad, rather a call for help. I recently picked up a nice Ruger Vaquero birdshead in 44 magnum but I don't have a way to carry her. I am going to place an order from El Paso Saddlery for a nice Threepersons rig but I want something for the months I'll be waiting on delivery.

Any ideas of a good leather rig that isn't generic that should be ready for delivery. That 3.75-inch barrel is the wild card. I just want a strong side hip rig, not a western-style needing a separate belt. And no, I will not just use an Uncle Mikes in the meantime.

Oh, and even though she is marked New Vaquero, am I correct in thinking a 44 mag is the same size as the original? Would this mean a holster for a 3.75 inch Super Blackhawk would work? Finally, I also saw a site that had the Montado in 3.75, but that's the smaller new Vaquero, right?
 
DocRock said:
A Tripple K made for the the 3.5-3.75" Bisley Vaquero should tide you over nicely.
Click to expand...
Trippke K makes good stuff, I have an odd, rare mag for a 110 year old gun from a No-name (literally, an unmarked pistol they match by pic) that works, and a holster that is VERY good. Their holsters are heavy, about 3/16 thick, and hard. I use an 1858 holster that cost about 20$. 9 year later, it looks new. If you can get a Tripple K for what you want, they make quality products, but they are so inexpensive people call them cheap.
 
New Vaq is a little smaller, though a SBH probably would fit. Good news however, New Vaq is the same size as SAA, far more common than Ruger size. My NM Vaq has been in a SAA holster for 15 years. holster need fitting, and while its not hard, it is unexpected some times, so don't be mad if you buy a holster for a specific model and its too tight. Theres a procedure. , and you can easily get it here. Basically, put an unloaded pistol in a heavy bag, soap it up, stuff it in until it goes. May take a day or more.
 
El Paso Saddlery makes good stuff, but that doesn't mean I'm satisfied with them. The last holster I ordered from them came with the wrong sized belt loops even though there was a selection option (that I chose) on the website for the size I wanted. I called them and they basically didn't care. That model had beltloops that could be removed with a screwdriver, but they wouldn't even send me a new set of loops in the right size. Fortunately they were too large, so I was able to modify them myself. It's a good holster and I have used it a lot, but the whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth.

The other thing was the previous holster I ordered from them had one way snaps on the belt loops which is a very good idea. I thought the new one would too, but it came with regular snaps. They're good snaps, and they haven't popped open on their own, but again, I was disappointed that they had apparently changed their product without making it clear. To be fair, neither the first holster nor the second was advertised as having one way snaps, I was pleasantly surprised that the first one had them, and then disappointed that the second one didn't. I never complained about that to them, but again, it was a disappointment.

But both holster are good quality, perform well, are comfortable, and seem very durable so far.

Anyway, to answer your question, Ruger sells holsters for their single action revolvers.

https://shopruger.com/Single-Action-Revolvers/products/5252/

They're all for slightly longer barrels than yours, but they should work ok. Prices seem decent.
 
Take a look at Azula holsters made in South Africa. I bought one(before pandemic) for my Ruger Speed Six 2.75" 357 and I was impressed with the fit, quality, quick delivery and cheap price tag. I went to their website and they do list your Vaquero 3.75" under the two slot pancake as pictured here with my Speed Six. It was only $44.95. The cheap price made me skeptical about it but was pleasantly surprised.
 

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Check locally, too, for saddle/tack/leather shops. You might be able to get something locally, and right away.

Went over to DM Bullock's in Fort Worth to see about a custom rig I wanted, and while I was there, walked out with a sweet 1911 rig that was much like a Yaqui, only better. Custom rig is still under discussion.
 
HarryB...couple of options for you to consider...

The .45 Colt New Model Vaquero's shown are pretty much the same size as your .44 Mag (based on old frame). For close to the hip/waist carry to minimize printing the Galco is hard to beat for a gun the size of your Old Model frame. In cooler months, I'll occasionally carry this holster with the .45 Colt concealed. The gun rides high on the belt requiring a thick belt to keep it manageable. I'm guessing that over time the holster would have a tendency to weaken and the gun begins to cant away from the belt. Not sure what that time period would be. I've had this holster for a number of years and it still carries well.

Galco:

STU6iTh.jpg

BnOLbAD.jpg

Galco viewed from backside:

zy02RtM.jpg

I also REALLY like the Simply Rugged Pancake holster (shown in Oxblood). Can't say enough good about it. Securely holds the gun. Couple of cant options. Minimal printing with a flannel shirt etc. Quality American made product.

y8qU729.jpg

M6qM70i.jpg
 
I ordered an Azula Pancake, which they shipped today! Then the guy I traded for the Vaquero emailed me an said he found the Galco Wheelgunner as shown by Frulk above and he'll give it to me this weekend. I like the Simply Rugged catalog, and never heard of Cochise before. I think I'll order something nice from Cochise to support the local business.
 
Chief's are nice holsters too, made to fit your gun and relatively quick too. Took about two weeks to get one for a 3" 686. Top shelf work too.

686 holster.jpg

The 686 is still at the smith's.

Chief's logo.jpg
 
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My Azula Packcake arrived today after being ordered from NC Friday. Great fit, leather, and craftsmanship. Reminds me of the Galco Combat Master. And I got the Galco Wheelgunner from the seller yesterday. Really surprised how well it carries as I assumed it would be top heavy and cant outward. Next step is range time and get a reloading station set up. Lots of good advice. Can't wait to get a rig to take to Prom. 20200615_145231.jpg 20200615_145302.jpg
 
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Two very nice options. It’s good to have choices. Let us know how you like shooting that BHead.44mag. My BHead .45’s are some of my favorites. Just a hoot to pull the triggers on with 255 gr LSWC’s and 7.5- 8 grains of Unique pushing them.
 
This week I'll have the chance. I did pick up some 44 special brass, a pound of Unique, and 240gr SWCs. Have a mix of Dads handloads, factory loads, magnums, and Specials to test out.
 
stonebuster said:
Take a look at Azula holsters made in South Africa. I bought one(before pandemic) for my Ruger Speed Six 2.75" 357 and I was impressed with the fit, quality, quick delivery and cheap price tag. I went to their website and they do list your Vaquero 3.75" under the two slot pancake as pictured here with my Speed Six. It was only $44.95. The cheap price made me skeptical about it but was pleasantly surprised.
Click to expand...

I liked my Azula gunbelt well enough to try their holster for my python.
20180425_213455.jpg I like it. Very good holster.
 
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