"Concealment" Holster for SAA 5.5"

[Corpral_Agarn]

Alright so the more I delve into the world of the Single Action Army, the more I am intrigued by it!
Thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=781494

And: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=781153

I am thinking of moving away from the complete 'rig' style of carrying and trying to put the revolver on my pants belt (Beltman Horsehide, 1.5 inch).
Reasons: easier draw, stays in the same place, concealable if need be, etc.

The holster will be used primarily for Horseback riding, FUN matches and testing reload/unload speeds, general carry around the shop.

I was looking at the Bob Mernickle Line of holster and found this one:
http://www.mernickleholsters.com/ps/ps6sar1.html

I thought I could pair it with this cartridge slide (or two):
http://www.mernickleholsters.com/ps/PS30/ps30.html

The holster seems to be set up for comfortable carry but an easy access draw.

Does anyone out there have one? What is the retention like (biggest concern)? I need it to hang on at a canter/jump.

Do you have other suggestions (I will take them all, please).

Thanks!

 

[Barry the Bear]

Mernickle makes an excellent holster, you can also try the ep saddlery or if you prefer I use to use a catamount holster from cme holsters the turnaround time is great had mine within 10 days, I can also recommend the three persons holster from lobogunleather not a concealment holster design per se but it will get the job done.

 

[CraigC]

The PS6 is a good one. Although care has to be taken to draw from it perfectly so it doesn't bind. It's very closely fitted around the ejector housing and has a molded in sight channel.

Member Bob Wright likes one of my Threepersons for carrying his mid-frame Blackhawks.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

The PS6 is a good one. Although care has to be taken to draw from it perfectly so it doesn't bind. It's very closely fitted around the ejector housing and has a molded in sight channel.

Member Bob Wright likes one of my Threepersons for carrying his mid-frame Blackhawks.

I am actually diggin the photos on you site of the Threepersons! Would you recommend open toe or closed?

Let me think on it a bit. I am torn between what I know I like with a pancake style (with semi's anyway) and something classic like a Threepersons.

Thanks for the info on the PS6 I need something that is not overly complicated to use... I mean, if you saw the video, you know what I am talking about

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I have a Mernickle holster for a Ruger 4 3/4" vaquero. It carries and conceals great. Well worth the money!

 

[Eaglestroker]

Like Craig (who does great work), I do a lot of single action gear. I've even done a few IWB holsters for folks that really like their six guns. Hard to go wrong with the classic designs, but you'll need something with a high ride and forward cant to get away with that much barrel & a square butt. Something like these could be catered to suit:

 

[the Black Spot]

I carry a ruger blackhawk 44 special with 5.5" barrel all the time in a pancake style similar to what eaglestroker makes. Just make sure the cylinder doesnt go too much above the bottom of the belt line. Gets too wabbly if too high(for me anyway)

 

[CraigC]

I would go with Rob's pancake above before the PS6. Which gives me an idea.......

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Thanks, CraigC!

I was leaning toward the pancake and Rob's looks good.

I would go with Rob's pancake above before the PS6. Which gives me an idea.......

Do tell!

 

[Black Knight]

I have the PS6A for my 5 1/2" Ruger Vaquero in 44 Magnum. It is a great holster and well worth the wait. It holds my Vaquero high and tight. It seemed too tight so I wrapped the Vaquero in plastic bags and then the holster seemed a bit loose. I hadn't used the holster for a year then tried the Vaquero again with a perfect fit. You can't go wrong with a Mernickle holster.

 

[BobWright]

Here is my Mernickle PS-6SA with my Ruger .44 Special:



It carries well, and is secure. However, it dictates a straight-up draw alongside the rib cage, and I had a little trouble with that. And, if the draw is not really straight up, there is binding.

Here is the holster CraigC made for me, a modified Tom Threepersons:



Gun carries slightly lower, eliminating the "cramping" of my gun arm. Retention is very good, and draw is exceptionally fast and natural. However, if mounted on a spooky horse, some retention is needed, also if riding into thick brush. I prefer a thumb strap long enough to tuck back undder my belt if desired.

Here is a holster I made about a hundred years ago when I was more active in hunting:



As to open toe vs. closed toe holsters: The open toe holster can be made shorter, just slightly longer that the gun muzzle, and does not show a "pinched-in" look that says "Holster!" should it be exposed slightly. But it also allows snow or dirt to enter the muzzle should you take a spill in the woods. So, depends on your situation.

Bob Wright


Bob Wright

 

[Eaglestroker]

Nice lookin' rigs and shooter, Bob.