Old holsters, new guns

[Nightcrawler]

I've been thinking of buying one or two reproduction holsters from Pacific Canvas and Leather. They don't have a website, but you can see their ads in most Gun Lists (page 138-139 in the 11 April issue). They make reproductions of classic military leather and canvas gear, including holsters, magazine pouches, and slings. They have good prices (less than $50 for most holsters), got a good review over at Cruffler.com, and make some of their holsters in LEFT HAND (woo-hoo!) configuration.

I like the idea of a classic military holster in my collection. Not especially useful, but there's something to be said about an M1912 or M1916 holster hanging from your pistol belt (and I have a pistol belt!).

The two holsters I want to buy are the Model 1912 Cavalry Holster (designed for the M1911) and the Model 1917 holster (designed for the S&W and Colt 1917 revolvers. My questions are these: I own neither a 1911 or a 1917. But will these holsters work with the guns I own?

Will the 1912 holster fit my CZ-97, which is slightly wider than a 1911, or is the holster so snug that a wider pistol won't fit?

The S&W M1917 was basically an N-Frame revolver with a 6.5" barrel, right? Will a holster designed for the 1917 fit my two modern N-Frames, my 25-5 and my 57? Anybody know?

Lastly, has anybody dealt with Pacific Canvas and Leather? From what I can tell they're a good company. If the holsters are nice, I'll probably buy an M1907 sling from them for when I get my Garand...

 

[blades67]

I've never dealt with them, but they have a good reputation.

 

[Old Fuff]

I can't say anything about the CZ fit because I don't have one, but be aware that the S&W 1917 has a 5 1/2" barrel, not 6 1/2 inch.

On the general question of fit, I'd ask the holster maker for an opinion. They should know.

 

[Frenchy]

El Paso Saddlery also makes these holsters.

EL PASO SADDLERY...MILITARY

 

[Nightcrawler]

Quite a selection at El Paso, but little info on their website. You can't click on anything.

Wonder if they offer them left handed?

Still. Has anybody tried to put a 6" modern N-Frame into a 1917 holster? I hope it'll fit.

 

[Preacherman]

I think you'd be taking a chance to assume that a modern gun would fit those holsters. Best approach would be to go to a manufacturer that can make the holsters to fit either your specific gun, or in a "generic" size that will fit various models of a similar size. El Paso does this, I know - not sure about the first company you mentioned. Give 'em a call and find out!

 

[Nightcrawler]

Wise advice, as usual, Padre. I emailed El Paso, and will call Pacific Canvas and Leather one of these days.

Failing either of these two, FMCO can make me cordura holsters with ALICE clips. I'm basically putting together a "gear rig". Nothing fancy, no assault vests or anything, just a pistol belt, suspenders, and pouches (the original modular system!). I want to have holsters for all of my "serious" guns for it, but outside-wear field holsters that can fit over the 2" wide pistol belts are rare. I could get the Bianchi UM84 GI Holster that the military uses, but it's expensive, and the revolver version is for 4" wheelguns only.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Since I have a 1917 Colt and a repro holster I'll pipe in.

Yes, an N frame smith with a std. contour barrel will likely fit, but the big Colt News Service is a tight squeeze, still it works but don't expect to quick draw.

On the 1912 Holster, the 1911, Commander and BHP all fit nicely, strangely so does the Luger, but I'd bet a dollar that the wider slide of the c-97 won't fit at all. To get the holster I wanted for my Vaquero I had to go to a custom maker. You might have to as well to get a 1912 style holster for your CZ.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Standard contour barrel...that means half-shroud, right? 'Cause that's what I have.

I may have to go custom...I'll go with FMCO's cordura before I spend a hundred or more on a custom leather holster.

The one thing I do like about the old GI holsters is that they hang low, using pistol belt hangers.

 

[huntsman]

for what it's worth, If you want a leather flap holster for a lefty try Tripple K. I had one made up to carry a 4" GP and will be ordering one for my SRHK with the 7-1/2" barrel.