Bill Jordan holsters?

[Panzerschwein]

Hey guys!

Well I've suffered long enough with my... economical... BLACKHAWK! brand Wal-Mart special nylon holster that I bought for my Ruger GP100 with a 6" barrel. Concerning the revolver, I adore it but will be trading it in towards the same gun but with a 4" bbl when I can find one again. The 6" tube is too muzzle heavy and bulky for my needs. But back to the holster-

The BLACKHAWK! holster is not that great, and I've been looking into some quality leather for when I get my GP100 with a 4" barrel. But you see, I'm not so well versed in the world of holsters...

What I'm looking for specifically is more of a "duty" or "police" style holster for my gun. The holster will be used for carrying around the home and my yard as well as maybe while hunting and for taking into the creek for target shooting fun and hiking. Basically concealability is of 0 concern, and I've been examining my options for a good duty style holster for my GP100 and I've come across an interesting design called the "Border Patrol" holster that was originally developed by Bill Jordan.

The leather firm Tex Shoemaker makes a version of this holster that looks very nice and it gets good reviews. I really like the design of the holster and it looks very cool and useful. But, before I fork over the $100+ for the thing I have some questions that hopefully you guys can answer:

1. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the Border Patrol style holster?
2. Is Tex Shoemaker a good company to deal with? Is it worth the $?
3. Are there any other "duty" style holsters that I should look at? Or is the Border Patrol holster a winner?

I hope to learn something from this thread,

Thanks!

 

[rcmodel]

Personally, I find the drop-loop on the Jordan style police holster leaves the gun in the way, and hanging too far out away from the body.

Take a look at El Paso 'Classic Carry' styles before you decide.

My all time favorite for the uses you describe would be the 1920 Tom Threepersons.

http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-12-classic-carry.aspx

It carries high, tight, and out of the way with no flopping around, and no extra weight.
Until you need the gun fast.

Then, its in your hand.

rc
Rc

 

[Panzerschwein]

Personally, I find the drop-loop on the Jordan style police holster leaves the gun in the way, and hanging too far out away from the body.

Take a look at El Paso 'Classic Carry' styles before you decide.

My all time favorite for the uses you describe would be the 1920 Tom Threepersons.

http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-12-classic-carry.aspx

It carries high, tight, and out of the way with no flopping around, and no extra weight.
Until you need the gun fast.

Then, its in your hand.

rc
Rc

I like those alot but I am very partial to a thumb break. I will still have to read on those though, they look PURDY!

 

[Archie]

Similar...

The Jordan holster is a solid design, if a bit dated. It it great for standing, walking running or riding a horse. It is less comfortable in an automobile all day. They are fast to use, once one gets the hand motions down correctly - which doesn't take a lot of training.

The down side is the holster hangs lower and gets in the way more. Bumping on door frames or catching on brush and such things.

I would suggest you look into the same basic 'shape' of holster, but one with the belt holder lower on the holster so the holster rides higher. This keeps the holster/revolver out of the way more when not in use and doesn't 'slap' on your thigh.

Most makers these days can make the retainer strap a thumb break type if asked.

 

[rcmodel]

I like those alot but I am very partial to a thumb break

There is nothing 'Thumb Break' about a Jordan holster you ask about.

They have a retainer strap and a snap on the holster body.

rc

 

[Old Fuff]

Bill wrote a book, No Second Place Winner, that I now believe is out of print. However Amazon or one of the other online book sellers might have a used copy.

In it he fully explained the "how" and "why" about his holster design. It was primarly aimed at uniformed law enforcement officers, and provided them with a way to literally draw and fire at someone who was holding a cocked revolver before they could react and pull the trigger.

This I suspect has little appeal to you, but it it still makes a good general purpose holster. The lower part of the belt loop/drop shank has a metal plate, and worn properally the rig doesn't flop.

That said, I agree with rcmodel that the El Paso "Threepersons" rides higher on the belt, and the pouch design is almost the same as the Jordan holster. I believe both can be ordered with a thumb-break, conventional or no safety strap.

Be advised that now most of the lawman (and women) have switched to pistols, many sellers at gun shows or retailers have boxes filled with high-quality/name brand, surplus revolver holsters at very attractive prices. One made for an L-frame S&W should fit your Ruger. While it hurts, I have paid as much as $20.00 cash money.

 

[Panzerschwein]

There is nothing 'Thumb Break' about a Jordan holster you ask about.

They have a retainer strap and a snap on the holster body.

rc

Yes. There was.

The version I was refering to made by Tex Shoemaker does come with a thumb break.

 

[Old Fuff]

Bill personally prefered a conventional safety strap that could be wrapped around the pouch or turned down at the back when not in use. Most of the time he went about his day without using the strap.

However some police departments and individuals wanted a thumb-break, and holster makers responded.

At one time just about every company in the police leather business made what they called "Jordan holsters and belts," but only 4 made products authorized by Bill himself. There is a wide difference between the many "almost copies" and genuine ones that were marketed.

 

[rcmodel]

The version I was refering to made by Tex Shoemaker does come with a thumb break

Then it isn't a Jordan holster.

It is something else, no matter what they are calling it.

rc

 

[Panzerschwein]

Oh, I understand now!

I still dig this holster though!

 

[JTQ]

Other options…

Davis Leather http://davisleathercompany.com/duty/

Black Hills Leather https://blackhillsleather.com

Tauris Holsters http://www.taurisholsters.com/index.cfm

Lobo Gun Leather http://www.lobogunleather.com/1_home

 

[CraigC]

I agree that it's too low for general purpose use and also prefer a high and tight Threepersons with a hammer thong.

 

[X-Rap]

The Bianchi #5B is an excellent choice for a revolver and they are readily found in used holster bins.
They ride high (trigger at the top of the belt line) and secure well with a thumb break snap and have a good natural cant that I feel promotes a good draw.
Most of the holster makers have a copy in their catalogs.
I like the classic Three Persons but it sufferers from the same short comming as the Jordan in that the safety thong as with the strap on the Jordan must be manipulated depending upon what threat level or activity one "perceives" prior to it happening.
The thumb break retains the gun well and clears naturally with the draw with little or no deliberation.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Tex Shoemaker is a high quality brand, though I have had no dealings with the company, I have used their products.
Many makers made Jordan style holsters, and variations, such as the thumb break. I will join those who say check out the used holster boxes at gun shows and gun shops. I bet you can find exactly what you want, a lot cheaper than buying new. I've paid as little as $2 for high quality leather from some of those boxes. I regularly use some of it.

 

[zerobarrier]

Mernickle has some very nice holsters. http://www.mernickleholsters.com/er/bm_erwb.html Look around their site and you may find something

 

[FM12]

Shoemaker is top notch and good people to boot!