Looking for a bandolier

[Phantom Captain]

Anyone know where I can get a decent canvas or even leather, for that matter, bandolier that holds .45-70 cartridges?

I would like a little something to go along with my trapdoor. I completely love shooting the trapdoor and REALLY have been loving all my black powder cartridge guns lately. I've found a nice load for the trapdoor that it's shooting extremely well right now. Mine is an original model 1873 but made and dated in 1884.

I've also been playing around with .45 colt loadings and just bumped my charge up on the last batch to see if I can tighten it up a bit. Also wanted to be closer to the old time full power loads.

I really think my next purchase is going to be some type of lever gun. I'm completely enamored of the Winchester and covet one in .45.

Then again, I would really like a Navy conversion in .38 for the wife. I do think she would totally love it.

Anyway, suggestions on the bandolier are welcome! I can't seem to find anything decent.

 

[tpelle]

Somewhere I just saw for sale a "Mills belt", which is a canvas pistol belt that was used during the period right after the Civil War by the U.S. cavalry patrolling the western territories. It had loops for .45-70, IIRC. While it is a belt, and sized to go around the waist, I can't imagine that it would be too difficult to either add a sewn-on leather extension, or simply fine a leather belt long enough to buckle in like a splice.

I'm going to be googling around for a holster for my new 1860 Army, and if I see it I'll post the link.

 

[fineredmist]

www.buffaloarms.com

 

[kBob]

Dixie used to sell a canvas looped belt.

-kBob

 

[Phantom Captain]

Hmmm, the Buffalo Arms one is nice and right along the lines of what I'm looking for but still a bit pricey.

I never even thought of Dixie! I'll have to go have a gander.

 

[TomADC]

There is a real nice canvas Tommy Maker one on ebag, I'm almost tempted to bid on it.

 

[Phantom Captain]

There is a real nice canvas Tommy Maker one on ebag, I'm almost tempted to bid on it.

Thanks!!! Super nice. I just placed a bid.

 

[jeepnik]

This fellow makes some pretty nice stuff. It isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny. But think about how many cartridges you want to carry. 45-70's are heavy!

http://levergunleather.com/index.htm

 

[mic214]

I picked up one from Tommy Maker a couple of years ago and I am very happy with it. He does quality work. I was a bit surprised how heavy it was when fully loaded with 80 rounds of .45-70....

 

[Phantom Captain]

That's awesome. I'm bidding on the one now that was mentioned above, it only holds 35 rounds which is plenty. I don't think I've ever touched off more than 30 when shooting the trapdoor.

Does it work fine over the shoulder? I know it's a belt but I'm completely wanting to wear it as a bandolier. Seems it should work just fine though.

Love the pic of your rifle and cartridge belt! Very nice!

 

[Pancho]

Judging from the flare a the bottom, it sure looks like a bandolier.

 

[mic214]

That's awesome. I'm bidding on the one now that was mentioned above, it only holds 35 rounds which is plenty. I don't think I've ever touched off more than 30 when shooting the trapdoor.

Does it work fine over the shoulder? I know it's a belt but I'm completely wanting to wear it as a bandolier. Seems it should work just fine though.

Love the pic of your rifle and cartridge belt! Very nice!

Thanks! Mine is not a belt, it is a bandolier that goes over the shoulder. It works great, but I would probably only load it with a max of 40 rounds (20 in front and 20 in back to balance it out).

Tommy Maker does great work. I wouldn't mind having a cartridge belt made by him too.......