Western Rig

[LoneGoose]

I'm looking for a fairly inexpensive western holster rig for my new Taylor's Smoke Wagon single action. I looked at Western Emporium, and also this one at GUNS4US. It seems $115 is a good price for a holster/belt rig, if decently made. Does anyone have experience with these vendors? Can anyone recommend a decent, inexpensive alternative?

Thanks.

 

[MCgunner]

That looks like a decent rig for 115 bucks. I might get one for my .45 Blackhawk BBQ gun.

 

[Shovelhead]

I've used these guys a few times:
http://www.cowboyshootingstore.com/

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I don't know if you are looking for buscadero or just a good usable holster but, I like El Paso Saddlery's Outfit holster (I own one and use it alot):
http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-16-10-44-outfit-holster-only.aspx

And when I get some extra cash I am going to pick up a canvas belt for it:
http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-48-31-9-web-belts-pistol-belt.aspx

A little more than 115 but I would save the extra and go for it anyway

 

[fouled bore]

Look up "Country Western USA holsters". I just ordered one on amazon for $70 with tax and shipping. Should have it in a few days. I can then let you know how it is.

 

[Crunchy Frog]

As with many products, you get what you pay for in gunleather. Of course, some of the bigger names charge bigger prices.

I have purchased three rigs from this semi-custom leather maker in Kentucky: http://stores.ebay.com/Reddog-Leather?_rdc=1

I have gotten very good quality at a fair price. He has lots of different styles, too, not just the Hollywood fantasy rigs that were probably unknown in the Old West.

 

[owlhoot]

Goose, if you want to stand in front of a mirror and try to out draw yourself a buscadero rig is probably the way to go. For any other activity the buscadero is a very poor choice. Decide what you want to do with the holster ie., hunting, woods walking, range use, etc. and choose accordingly.

Cabellas carries a fair selection of inexpensive SAA rigs.

 

[bannockburn]

I found a nice Western style rig for my Beretta Stampede from DeSantis.

 

[LoneGoose]

owlhoot, I guess I'd better come clean. Truth is, I want something to hang on my hat rack, as a sort of decoration. I might take it to the gun range.

I know a guy who was practicing his quickdraw and shot his TV. It is a flat screen, and it still works - except it has a hole in it.

 

[fouled bore]

I received my holster from Country Western USA and it was just like it was pictured. I got it for a Ruger single six .22. It fit it real well and looks good. I got the ammo belt and it holds the .22 perfectly. It was a good deal for $70 including tax and shipping. If I remember I'll post a picture when I get home.

 

[yugorpk]

Its better to practice quick draw with the gun unloaded.

Ive got several holsters. Sometimes I think I have more money in holsters than in guns. One is an Alfonsos of hollyweird double rig from my dad he bought back in the early 60's with a ragged hole in the side of the right side holster. Oops dad. More of a conversation piece since I cant really wear it although its really the Cadillac of the bunch. In any case I'm having a new belt to fit my fat ass made for that one by a maker in Poland . I'd have Alfonsos redo it but that guy wants $350 for a belt alone .





For about $200 you can get a really nice custom rig made. Not world class but pretty good. You really need a good double lined formed holster body for it to be useful as a working holster if you want to draw the gun and holster quickly.Heres a holster set the Polish guy made. Needs a sterling buckle. Got to have silver.

http://vaquero.pl/?pas-kowbojski-17-,136



Cochise makes a half decent holster as do a dozen or so other makers. I think this one was $350 ish which isnt a lot for a holster set. It has the cosmetic touches but it doesnt have a hard shell internal liner. Still thick leather but not a hard internal form. Of all the holsters I have its the most comfortable for everyday use.



This is a double set from Kirkpatrick. The holsters are great with a hard kydex internal lining. I may have the belt remade as a buscadero drop holster though as its not quite low enough for my tastes despite the holster drop.



If you just want a wall hanger anything will work and the hard shell holsters may not display as well as a floppy soft single lined holster that isnt as good for gun play. Ive seen the $100 ish mexican made holsters even in Mexico and I suppose they'd work OK as a wall hanger

 

[fouled bore]

Here is a picture of the holster and belt I got. The belt is not tooled but it is a nice heavy belt and all appears to be real leather. The holster is cut down for the rear sight and has a hammer loop.

 

[LoneGoose]

I decided to get the one I have pictured in my original post, but black (from GUNS4US). It is a nice outfit. The belt is double thickness, as is the holster (both with smooth side showing). The workmanship is very good, and the stitching is good. The bullet loops are even and tight. I like that the holster's belt loop is stitched up close. The holster pocket is not tight but not sloppy loose either. The hammer loop adjusts with a firm tug. I think it is well worth the money spent. With white grips on my blued revolver, it will look very good.

 

[JoePfeiffer]

Hijacking the thread a bit... I got curious about the gun, and a site selling it referred to it as a "stagecoach style" pistol. What does that mean in the context of a pistol? I know what a " coach gun" shotgun is...

 

[bannockburn]

LoneGoose

Sounds like it should be a fine looking rig. Post some photos when you get a chance. This my rig that I got from DeSantis a couple of years back. Didn't cost an arm and a leg and is pretty decent rig for the money.

 

[LoneGoose]

Here it is:

 

[Red Cent]

 

[bannockburn]

LoneGoose

Looks great! Reminds me a lot of a similar rig a friend of mine bought at a gun show some time back for his Ruger Super Blackhawk. Wasn't looking for anything really fancy (or super expensive either); just wanted something that he could use while out on his property or shooting at his backyard range.

 

[PJSprog]

Also a good-looking rig posted by Red Cent.

 

[Coyote3855]

Nice rig. Just to keep the thread going, let me say I am a huge fan of El Paso Saddlery. They are a bit quirky on orders and delays, but the end result is worth the hassle. They earned my loyalty when one of the holsters in my two gun SASS rig started separating the liner. I was at a SASS match where EPS had a booth. I showed them the one holster with the issue and asked if they could fix it. The guy said, "No, can't fix it." Then gave me TWO new holsters (left and right) and let me keep the old ones. That's customer service in spades and I will always took to EPS when I need gun leather.

 

[doubleh]

Another good looking rig, Red Cent. What brand of leather do you prefer? I'm a fan of Herman's Oak, not that I do much leather work anymore.

 

[Red Cent]

I use various leathers over the last two years. As a small business, I do not hold sway when ordering from the wholesalers. The large production guys (Galco, DeSantis, Kirkpatrick, Mernickle.....) get the good stuff.
Herman Oak is very (relatively) expensive and they require:
Minimum Order:
9/10 oz. and under: 10 sides or backs, one thickness, or
20 sides or backs of any 4 thicknesses.

I normally buy two sides. 8-9 ounce for the outer and 5-6 ounce for the liner. At close to $200.00 a side, I cannot afford to stock 20 sides or 10 sides.

One can find HO at other stores including Tandy. And they are marked up. I buy veg tanned sides at 21-25 sq ft. I have purchased from NY, California, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
A friend and cowboy shooter put me onto a certain Tandy store. The manager's head is screwed on right and hand picks my order and the product shows it. For some time, they have sent me unblemished and even thickness sides. And that is the key for us. Find a wholesaler that will consistently send you decent stuff rather than trying to farm out junk. Junk is scratches, brands, holes, and cracks. Leather is somewhat leather.

The bottom line: I sell the rig in the picture for $150.00. If I used HO, the price would go to $200.00 or more.

 

[doubleh]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't made anything for sale in so long I can't remember how long it's been. I just make a belt once in a great while for a gift and a holster for my self now and then. Frankly the price of leather has been a big reason for that.

I quit the old Tandy because of the junky leather when I would get when I ordered long ago. Haven't been back since they returned as another company. When I do make something I get my leather from SD Trading and go pick what I want.