Perfect holster search......

[Bob Wright]

Y'all likely know by now that I have been on a search for the ideal carry holster for my Ruger Blackhawk .45. I want something easily accessable for quick access on the spur of the moment, and at the same time appealing to my eye. That being said, I've bought several holsters in my search, each pretty close to my ideal. The latest is this one from American Classic Gunleather, made entirely to my specifications, here with my constant companion:



And here without the revolver:



I had used the Brill holster design as a starting point with some modifications. Here from the backside, are the two compared, the Brill on the left:




The skirt left the gun carrying more closely to the 3:00 o'clock position and not as close to the 4:00 o'clock position as I preferred. Otherwise near as close to myideal as possible.

The width at the top of the skirt fouled a belt loop which kept the holster from setting back as far as I wanted. So, with a little judicious use of a cutting tool in my Dremel, I relieved that part.



Since makin that modification, I've worn the holster for about a week now and I'm about as close to my ideal as possible.

So far.


Bob Wright

P.S. When giving Alex my specifications, I ordered the skirt end just below the cuff, but Alex overlooked this point. When I got the holster he offered to let me return the holster and he'd trim and edge the skirt. But I decided to leave it as is and I'm glad I did. I can't explain why, but the gun does seem to carry much better and actually seem a mite lighter, maybe because it stiffens up the holster. But anyone contemplating ordering this I'd suggest leave it as it is. Alex has told me that he will keep the skirt clser to the Brill design so as to fit where I normally my holster.

 

[Jeepnik]

Here’s a perfect holster. Custom from Levergun Leatherworks.
belt seems to have shrunk though.

 

[44Squatch]

Gotta admit that I don’t know what part of a holster is the ‘skirt’.
Please assist if you would, Mr Wright.
ThanQ.

 

[Bob Wright]

Gotta admit that I don’t know what part of a holster is the ‘skirt’.
Please assist if you would, Mr Wright.
ThanQ.

Gladly. What I'm refering to as the "skirt" is the part of leather that is folded back to form the belt loop. When I use the word "skirt" that part is usually near full length of the holster.

Here, on this holster, it is that part that goes behind the belt and is behind the pouch. This holster has the cuff, or band, attached to it, but many old time holsters it is slotted for the pouch to pass through the slots.



Did I make this clear? Or did I tell you more than you wanted to know?

Bob Wright

 

[Bob Wright]

Here’s a perfect holster. Custom from Levergun Leatherworks.
belt seems to have shrunk though.

If that is perfect for you, fine. But my holster is for personal defense daily carry. The holster shown has a snaped strap which would delay my getting my Ruger into action. And both the hammer and trigger are covered by leather. When I grasp my gun butt, I want my thumb and trigger finger to fall naturally on the hammer spur and on the trigger. I want no leather to be a potential interferrence.

Bob Wright

 

[Dave P.]

So how many holsters have you tried on the road to "perfect"?
I think I've seen several over the years.

 

[Jeepnik]

Ah, but you didn’t say perfect for what. This is used for outdoor activities carry not self defense. So I’m looking for reasonable speed while providing protection from damage or loss.

On the loss side, I once dropped a pistol and had to backtrack and find it. Never again. Now handguns, including the one shown have lanyards.

 

[Hvymax]

Ah, but you didn’t say perfect for what. This is used for outdoor activities carry not self defense. So I’m looking for reasonable speed while providing protection from damage or loss.

On the loss side, I once dropped a pistol and had to backtrack and find it. Never again. Now handguns, including the one shown have lanyards.

I'm also a fan of retention and protection. I never know when life will have me crawling under a car or falling in a river and I would hate to have my gun getting away from me. Bob's still waiting for High Noon or something.

 

[Hvymax]

If that is perfect for you, fine. But my holster is for personal defense daily carry. The holster shown has a snaped strap which would delay my getting my Ruger into action. And both the hammer and trigger are covered by leather. When I grasp my gun butt, I want my thumb and trigger finger to fall naturally on the hammer spur and on the trigger. I want no leather to be a potential interferrence.

Bob Wright

A thumb break won't really slow things down and allows for secure carry. I only have to draw this past the cylinder to clear the holster even with a 10" barrel.

 

[Bob Wright]

So how many holsters have you tried on the road to "perfect"?
I think I've seen several over the years.

How many? Let me see, for Single Actions only:



From left to right: PS-6SA from Bob Mernickle, two from Graveyard Jack Gunleather, and No.1 Shuck from Doc Barranti.




No. 1 Shuck and No.1 Shuck with Ethan Edwards cuff, from Doc Barranti



Made to order, from Bayou Custom Holsters.



Brill design, by Doc Barranti.





Tom Threepersons from El Paso Saddlry.




Banded No.1 Shuck with matching belt, basket weave stamped, by Doc Barranti.




Made to order by Ameerican Classic Gunleather.


That about the sum of them for my Single Actions. Not much of interest for the DA revolver.

Bob Wright

 

[Bob Wright]

Hvymax said: "Bob's still waiting for High Noon or something."

Not really. But I am preparing for that time a thug approaches me intent on carjacking me at the gas pump. Or in a "bump and grab" situation.

I'd rather go down in gunfire than to have my body found in my burned out vehicle days later. And just maybe my surprise will give me the edge in such situations.

And, Hymax said further: "A thumb break won't really slow things down ................."

I will beg to differ. In about the time I have unsnapped that thumb break, my gun is clear of the leather and the hammer is somewhere near to being fully cocked.

Bob Wright

 

[Dave P.]

So I count eleven so far. I'm thinking you might be more of a holster "collector" and "perfect" might just be a
moving target. The fun is in the search!

 

[Bob Wright]

So I count eleven so far. I'm thinking you might be more of a holster "collector" and "perfect" might just be a
moving target. The fun is in the search!

As you say.

And, in the foregoing, I plumb neglected to mention this one:



It is the Hipshots Model from Doc Barranti. Pretty close runner up as it is.

Bob Wright