SA holster - exposed trigger guard or covered?

[roscoe]

I am looking to get a leather holster for my 5.5" .45 Blackhawk. This would be a holster for tramping in the field/deer hunting, but I do want reasonably quick access. Some of the holsters I have looked at are too snug - the cylinder binds and the holster gets dragged up. Of the ones that seem like they are quicker to draw leave, the trigger guard is exposed. Is there any underlying reason I should look for one over the other? Since it is SA I can't see how having the trigger guard exposed would be a safety issue, but maybe retention?

Thanks!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

My personal favorite field holster is an Alaskan Hunter with a drop loop from a Diamond D Custom Leather.

 

[BSA1]

It is a trade-off decision only you can make.

All a holster is is a pouch.

A holster such as a Tom Threeperson is a speed rig. It has the minimum amount of leather needed to retain the gun. It commonly has a leather thong to slip over the hammer to keep it from falling out unexpectedly.

A holster such as Mexican Loop lets the gun sit deeper with leather protecting the trigger guard. It offers much more protection of the gun and holds the gun more securely.

A half or full flap holster give you the most protection and security at the expense of a quicker draw.

For woods loafing and hunting I like either the Mexican Loop or Half Flap Holster designs,

 

[the Black Spot]

The old cavalry style holsters work well for me when i trap and hunt

 

[bannockburn]

roscoe

BSA1 pretty much covered the different belt holsters you might want to look at. Also depending on how much gear you're carrying while out in the field or hunting, you might also want to consider a shoulder or chest rig to carry your Blackhawk.

 

[Armored farmer]

As far as the trigger gaurd being covered, I don't think it matters.

This three slot pancake by Roy's Original works for me. I like to carry crossdraw.

 

[huntsman]

I went with a Galco S/A outdoorsman, it will go strong side or crossdraw.
I use the Strap when walking but on stand I unsnap and tuck it behind holster, trigger is covered

 

[Varminterror]

For hunting, without the context of a rapid draw for bear defense, I prefer my holsters to cover/protect as much of the firearm as possible. I don't go full-on cavalry flap holster or anything so extreme, but I want a lot of coverage and secure retention.

For CAS/SASS gaming, I prefer a buscadero drop holster, which offers the same coverage as a Threepersons holster, but rides lower on the body. I'm pretty short in the torso, longer proportionately in the arms, so I like my grips a little below where a traditional high belt Threepersons rig carries them.

I can say, despite having made many of them over the years, I really don't care for the look of Slim Jim type holsters which partially cover the trigger guard. Especially not when they include a trigger finger cut out. It's a terribly inelegant look for a leather holster, in my opinion, and naturally, leather gun rigs should be as beautiful as they are functional.

 

[BobWright]

For my everyday carry holster, I want no retention device, thong or snap strap. And yes, I want that trigger guard exposed. I have had my holsters made up by Graveyard Jack to my specifications and they work well. Well secured but plenty fast getting into action.

.45 Colt on left,.44 Special on the right:



For general outdoors use, I do want a snap strap, old home made rig:



Bob Wright

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Beautiful Holsters, Bob.

When I am up in the woods riding my horse, I like as much of the gun covered from dust and crud as possible, if I can. Keeping the gun clean when cows start making dust is a difficult task enough as it is. That usually means the trigger guard is covered.

That being said, having the trigger guard exposed is probably faster.

ETA my rig:

 

[Varminterror]

I have had my holsters made up by Graveyard Jack to my specifications and they work well.

What specifications are you giving Graveyard Jack for those holsters? Curious what exactly you're calling out in the designs compared to what he makes for anyone else?

 

[Sistema1927]

A goodly number of Double Action revolver holsters also have the trigger guard uncovered. Not sure, but I think that the rationale is that the cylinder is not going to turn easily while holstered, thus is it safe to have the trigger exposed.

 

[RPRNY]

I always use a flap holster for my revolvers (1880 Cavalry pattern) because I ride and like the added assurance of retention, I like that it helps keep moisture off the revolver, and keeps sticks and branches from getting at the revolver. Lifting the flap to draw doesn't strike me as a major impediment vs the added protections but it could well be slower.

For a 1911 or my S&W M&P 40, I like a full cover holster with an over the top strap that's a hammer block for the 1911 - a belt version of the tanker holster. For me, the holster is more than just a pouch; it's there to protect the firearm from the environment and constitutes and additional safety.

 

[BobWright]

What specifications are you giving Graveyard Jack for those holsters? Curious what exactly you're calling out in the designs compared to what he makes for anyone else?

On the first holster I specified a modified Tom Threepersons holster, no retention straps or thong, open toe, radiused at bottom of seam line, slight forward cant.

Second holster I had a photo of an old holster which had the "S" shaped seam side, but cut down more to expose the trigger guard area, no retention devices. Color and basket weave are always options with him. I paid $20 extra for the new design, but he refunded that when he got an order for a holster of the same pattern as mine.

Bob Wright

 

[.455_Hunter]

Almost all of my wheelgun carry holsters, both SA and DA, have coverage of the trigger. Full flaps are very good for carry in rugged areas.

 

[Armored farmer]

Especially not when they include a trigger finger cut out. It's a terribly inelegant look for a leather holster, in my opinion, and naturally, leather gun rigs should be as beautiful as they are functional.

Everyone has a preference.

this slimjim is another Graveyard Jack creation.

 

[ECVMatt]

For many years I have carried my Ruger Bisley's in a El Paso Saddlery rig that consists of a 1920 Tom Threeperson's holster and a #2 Texas belt. I have used this combo and never felt my Bisley was overly abused. Recently I have also thrown a Galco SAO in the mix and have found that to be great holster as well. It provides good coverage, but is quick to draw. In reality, unless you are in a really wet climate, I would concentrate more on comfort than anything else.

 

[JeffG]

I like Mexican loop. The trigger guard on my single actions is usually open.

 

[roscoe]

Beautiful Holsters, Bob.

When I am up in the woods riding my horse, I like as much of the gun covered from dust and crud as possible, if I can. Keeping the gun clean when cows start making dust is a difficult task enough as it is. That usually means the trigger guard is covered.

That being said, having the trigger guard exposed is probably faster.

ETA my rig:

If you don't mind my asking, what is that holster in the photo?

Also, I am not clear on the purpose of the 'loop' holsters. It seems like it adds unnecessary material.

 

[Armored farmer]

For my everyday carry holster, I want no retention device, thong or snap strap. And yes, I want that trigger guard exposed. I have had my holsters made up by Graveyard Jack to my specifications and they work well. Well secured but plenty fast getting into action.

.45 Colt on left,.44 Special on the right:



For general outdoors use, I do want a snap strap, old home made rig:



Bob Wright

Good looking leather and I like the grips too.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

The holster is an El Paso Saddlery "Outfit" styled after John Wayne's rigs:

My understanding of the purpose of the "loop" (Mexican or Cheyenne or whatever) in the old days was to provide a stronger belt attachment than sewing a loop to the inside of the holster and threading the belt through it.

By having one piece of leather that goes up and around the belt then attaches to the holster you are no longer relying on good stitching to keep the holster attached to the belt.

Also I believe it would be easier for people (vaqueros/cowboys) to make these style of holsters as they minimize the amount of stitching required.

These days, I think that styling is the biggest factor.

 

[CraigC]

The Threepersons is a classic and I have never seen an issue with an exposed triggerguard. I prefer them with a thong, that is usually left off. A holster should fit well enough that the sixgun does not fall out when inverted.

For a little more coverage, including the triggerguard, there is always the Hank Sloan pattern. It's the most coverage you will get without losing any speed.

Or you can go whole hog with a flap holster.

 

[CraigC]

Also, I am not clear on the purpose of the 'loop' holsters. It seems like it adds unnecessary material.

The so-called "Mexican loop" is made from one continuous piece of leather. Not only does this simplify construction but it is also more durablea s there is no stitched on belt loop to tear off. It is also more easily compatible with larger belts, easily up to and over 3". You can see below how much room there is under a 2½" belt. The large skirt also makes them carry very comfortably.

 

[bannockburn]

CraigC

They're all beautiful holsters but that Mexican loop rig is just over the top! Thanks for the photos Craig!