Rockrivr1
Member
If so what do you have and how do you like it? Have a nice blued Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt that screaming for a leather home. Though I'm either seeing rigs that are junk or that cost $400 plus. Has to be a middle somewhere.
Who owns a Western Rig?
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red rick
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Mine is from Frontier Gunleather . It looks like the rig that Matt Dillon wore . All of their stuff is expensive over $400 plus . I didn't like the price , but I like the rig a lot .
You might want to check out Mernickle holster , nice people and they are or were into cowboy action . Their website is not that good , but if you spend some time there you might find something you like for around $300 dollars .
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WrongHanded
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I was looking at El Paso Saddlery just last night. I'm thinking about an Outfitter rig. I think it's $237. They have a selection of western rigs for under (and over) $400.
RPRNY
Member
El Paso Saddlery makes very good stuff. I prefer a flapped holster and use the 1880 Cavalry pattern for my Schofields and a Full Flap holster for my Blackhawk and Rogers & Spencer conversions.
If you are in the mood for custom, I highly recommend Mike Johnston of Colorado. On a value for money basis, I don't know that he can be beat:
http://leathersmithmike.com/
If you are in the mood for custom, I highly recommend Mike Johnston of Colorado. On a value for money basis, I don't know that he can be beat:
http://leathersmithmike.com/
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Rockrivr1
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I know this goes past my original question but what's your opinion on drop vs non drop western holsters for CAS?
Corpral_Agarn
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I don't know if it qualifies as a "rig" but I use El Paso's canvas pistol belt and their John Wayne style holster:
Its an old pic but this is the holster:
Its an old pic but this is the holster:
Arkansas Paul
Member
There is indeed a much better option and it is from our very own CraigC. Top quality at around half the price you quoted.
http://www.sixgunleather.com/
Corpral_Agarn
Member
Is Craig taking new orders???
RetiredUSNChief
Member
Here's a thread about mine, from about 3 years ago. Pictures attached:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/my-new-belt-and-holster.766207/
It cost me $370, shipping included.
Here's the link to the site I purchased it from:
http://www.cowboyshootingstore.com
The picture in the first link shows the new alongside my old.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/my-new-belt-and-holster.766207/
It cost me $370, shipping included.
Here's the link to the site I purchased it from:
http://www.cowboyshootingstore.com
The picture in the first link shows the new alongside my old.
AlexanderA
Member
Oklahoma Leather rigs are modestly priced, but fairly authentic. At least get the belt, if not the holster.
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Rockrivr1
Member
According to his site he's only working on back orders now. No new orders, but thanks.
doubleh
Member
Good quality leather is expensive. I quit doing custom leather work years ago but still made myself something just to keep the skills current but I've even quit doing that. I can certainly understand the cost of a quality rig.
RetiredUSNChief
Member
Craig is straight up with you, too. If he doesn't think he can do you right based on what you want, he'll tell you.
He wouldn't do the rig I wanted because the leather and the tooling required for him to make it would have been waaaaaay beyond what I could have gotten commercially, even for some of the more expensive ones.
I would rather have given a THR member my business, but ya gotta appreciate that kind of frankness.
I highly recommend him (when he's taking orders) because of that.
I use a strong side/crossdraw rig from Reddog Leather. Been using it for a couple of matches per month for two years and am still very happy. http://stores.ebay.com/Reddog-Leather?_trksid=p2047675.l2563 I got the two gun rig and a custom shotgun belt for around $300.
Are you interested in historically correct, or interested in a particular film character? The drop type holsters/belts didn't become common until the 1920s or so. From what I recall, the very few known before that were made because of very large rifle cartridges and a rather wide belt, not as a style in and of itself. The older stuff actually used in the late 1800s were plain cartridge belts, some being a folded type leaving an open end, and termed money belt type. Papers or coins could be carried inside the belt. They were a somewhat thinner, softer leather than a plain belt with loops stitched on, and much softer than the later buscadero fast draw type made famous by western films.
Ive used a plain cheapo Hunter cartridge belt Ive has since the 80s, and a very good copy of a Miles City type holster. The belt has a lot of miles on it, many years of daily wear, the holster is catching up.
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Rockrivr1
Member
Overall I'd rather be historically correct. I have been looking at a cartridge belt with a strong side holster and a cross draw holster. Have a Ruger and an Uberti, both in 45 Colt that would be in that rig.
RPRNY
Member
That's what I use for CAS. El Paso #2 Texas Belt with crossdraw and butt back strong side 1880 Pattern cavalry holsters.
For reference, or even just to geek out on historical detail stuff, see if your local library has, or can get through inter-library loan, a copy of the book titled Packing Iron. The maker of my Miles City copy holster went to the point of getting period correct style border stamps and roll stamps (not sure of correct terminology of that last item). Many modern made western type holsters don't have period correct stamping, if that's part of your area of interest. Certainly not the end of the world if not, but interesting to see when done well. Sort of like not seeing stampings all over an imported copy of a Colt SAA and other old type guns after learning of the difference. I believe Uberti started putting many of the stampings on their percussion guns under the barrel where they were less obtrusive.
If the Ruger is the newer Vaquero, it may work well interchangeably with the Uberti in the holsters. If made to hold the gun well and not lose it, the full size early Vaquero is too big to fit a holster for a Colt/Uberti size gun, and the Uberti wouldn't be secure in the Vaquero holster. I like them to hold the gun well enough they wont fall out when turned upside down, but come out without undue drama when intentionally drawn.
If you want custom try http://levergunleather.com/
If you are looking for good quality at reasonable prices try https://www.simplyrugged.com/
If you are looking for good quality at reasonable prices try https://www.simplyrugged.com/
LoneGoose
Member
I like to recommend a look at Western Emporium if a person wants a decent rig for a decent price. Notice I didn't say "fine gun leather". Good looking and functional.
Cowhide Cliff
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Custom gun leather made in true 19th century fashion http://www.fendleyknives.com/
Armored farmer
Member
Here's my Kirkpatrick rig from back in the 80s.
Armored farmer
Member
From Graveyard Jack.
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bannockburn
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I picked up this DeSantis rig some time back, for my Ruger Vaquero and Beretta Stampede. Decent quality at an affordable price (at the time I bought it, it was going for considerably less than it's current price of around $225).
Armored farmer
Member
Nice rig bannockburn. That's how a rig should ride if you intend to spend time in a saddle.
At least that's how I like to wear one. High and tight.
My rigs match!
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