FerFAL
Member
Yes, I know you do.
Here’s the story.
I found this shop a block away from my workplace.
I was just passing by heading to the subway when I saw this shop with some camping gear, a few flashlights, etc.
What caught my attention was the “Pig” holster (explanation later) hanging on one corner of the display.
There wasn’t any other gun related item other than this, so I thought it was just a piece for display, but I went in and asked if it was for sale anyway.
When I got inside and asked, the old guy inside just said “ Down stairs” and points to the stairs against the wall.
Man was I surprised when I went down there.
It looked like a museum down there.
Some tents were on display but the walls were lined with furniture, looked like a restored old restroom from the 50’s , with marble basins and sculptures mirrors.
Some of the drawers opened, the basins full of frogs, clip carriers for Mausers, and on display a variety of surplus gear, from water tight metal containers, canteens, rifle cloth covers, holsters, mag carriers, bayonet frogs, even the highly sought after machete frog.
In one drawer, I couldn’t believe my eyes, it was almost half way full of FAL mags. Esthetic condition varied but was nothing to brag about, but at 3,30 USD a piece I wasn’t going to complain.
They cost 30 to 40 USD in gun stores, IF you even find them, so I bought some and brought them home.
They cleaned up nicely, got rid of the few rusty spots, and when disassembled and cleaned, I was very pleased to see that they had no rust inside, just some dust, spider webs or sand, and the springs were in good working condition.
.45 holsters such as the black ones are affectionately called “pig”. They have pouch for two 1911 .45 mags on the outside. They are rather bulky, mostly kept well greased back when 1911 Sistemas and Ballester Molinas 45s were the standard issue weapons, so that’s why they are called pigs: fat piece of greasy leather.
So far I bought two of the black ones, which aren’t greased as they usually are, but lightly polished and in good condition.
I don’t know how much you’d pay for them but at 7 dollars each for the black ones with the shoulder strap I bought two right away. They have one or two more left and I’m buying them this week.
There were other ones in white leather, these ones in new, never used condition, that cost 4 dollars a piece without the strap. I’ll pick the ones they have left too, at least two more.
I didn’t care at all for the white color so I cleaned them well ( not much needed) and dyed them brown with leather dye.
The double mag one is for .45 ( Ballester or 1911) and the single mag one is for the Hi Power and the corresponding 13 round magazine.
I know that in today’s plastic, kidex and cordura world there not much place for these romantic pieces of nostalgia, but I sort of have a soft spot for them.
I think they are down right cool.
I kind of like the idea of having extra mags in the same piece as well. Its not for high speed reloading but at least you know you always have extra ammo as long as you are carrying your gun in its holster.
Back in the day, the 1940’s, a “Chancha” (Pig) carrying a Ballester or Sistema , plus two extra mags was some serious firepower.
If I lived in the sticks and didn’t have to bother with IWB holsters, I’d love to carry one of these. The flap protects the gun well, and it keeps it secure even if jumping or running.
I’ll buy more holsters, and some more FAL mags. There’s not much left and I’m afraid someone will discover my little treasure cave and buy it all away. The prices are ridiculously low, compared to gun shops and other surplus stores.
Cordura may last longer ( though well greased leather lasts forever, the black ones are from the 60’s and are still going strong) but these flapped leather holsters have an Indiana Jones thing about them, and the mag pouch adds even more charm.
So, what do your think?
Are these kind of holsters common in U.S.?
FerFAL
