Vaquero Holster Review

[Tom in Ohio]

I just picked up a new holster for my .45 New Vaquero 4 5/8" barrel, and it's exactly what I was looking for.

It's a Triple K 440-18 belt slide with a thumb break. This is not the model Ruger sells on its website. The 440 is made of heavier leather and costs about twice as much. It has a real thumb break like police officers used with double action revolvers. It can be worn strong side or cross draw. My Vaquero fit perfectly, and unlike the model Ruger sells, the retention strap fits the Vaquero perfectly.

I highly recommend it for anyone who doesn't want a Western style holster and one with retention that can be easily and quickly released. I don't plan on carrying my Vaquero for self defense, but this holster would let me and I don't have to worry about it falling out in the woods.

I don't know how this holster works with a Blackhawk (mine has a longer barrel) due to the rear sight, but I may order another to fit a 5.5" Blackhawk. I don't think it would work with a Bisley though.

 

[contender]

A good looking holster for sure.

I've been a fan of Mike "Doc" Barranti's holsters (Barranti Leather) for several years now. While his backlog is long, the wait is worth it.

Oh, and I think the holster would work for a Bisley model. Most of the Bisley differences are the grip frame,, which doesn't go into the holster. The only part it would contact is the back of the hammer.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Nice holster.
I'm surprised that more guys don't use a cross draw. To me it is more comfortable when sitting and a faster draw when sitting. I have one that I use in SASS at times and they are just as fast as a strong side one, sometimes faster.
Here is a thumb break and on a swivel which makes it comfortable in a car.

 

[The Preacher]

I've used an El Paso Saddlery Three Persons cross draw holster forever for my 44 Mag Bisley Vaquero. I started with it because of slinging my rifle on my right shoulder and the rifle butt rubbing the grip frame of my Bisley when carried strong side. Got the EPS cross draw and never looked back. Really is my preferred way of carry now.

 

[Bob Wright]

I have tried cross draw, but since I carry a Single Action it is not for me. I cannot reach across my body and reach the hammer comfortably, nor is it as intuitive in getting my gun into action.

When my hand first contacts the gun butt, my fingers all "fall into place" with trigger finger at the trigger, thumb on the hammer spur, other fingers curled around the butt. All in place before the gun begns to move from the holster.

Bob Wright

 

[Bob Wright]

A good looking holster for sure.

I've been a fan of Mike "Doc" Barranti's holsters (Barranti Leather) for several years now. While his backlog is long, the wait is worth it.

Oh, and I think the holster would work for a Bisley model. Most of the Bisley differences are the grip frame,, which doesn't go into the holster. The only part it would contact is the back of the hammer.

The Bisley grip frame might, just might, interfere with part of that retention strap. On that Vaquero it covers the top two lugs of that grip frame. Likely could be wetted and fitted, though.

Bob Wright

 

[Wyandot Jim]

I have tried cross draw, but since I carry a Single Action it is not for me. I cannot reach across my body and reach the hammer comfortably, nor is it as intuitive in getting my gun into action.

When my hand first contacts the gun butt, my fingers all "fall into place" with trigger finger at the trigger, thumb on the hammer spur, other fingers curled around the butt. All in place before the gun begns to move from the holster.

Bob Wright

Bob,
You may not have had the cross draw close enough to the center of your body. My hands do the same as yours with either hand cross draw or two strong side holsters.

I don't know how a person can draw sitting with the gun up high and way back on their hip and a center console next to their right hand.





A bottom feeder but close to center of body.

A Single Action with a long barrel.

 

[tazbigdog]

I like cross draw. Easy to get out and on target.

 

[Tom in Ohio]

I'm recovering from a shoulder injury, and cross draw is a lot easier right now, especially compared to a high ride on my hip.

 

[contender]

I too like a cross draw myself,, personally. When I shot SASS,, it was my preferred method of getting my second handgun into action.
And when riding in a vehicle,, a cross draw is much easier on everything IN MY OPINION.

But I've seen a few guys,, who's "belly girth" would make a cross draw almost impossible.

Point being,, everybody has to find what's comfortable for them, and their styles.

 

[Hankus]

I'm a cross draw guy myself, whether it's my SP101, one of my compact automatics, or one of my single actions out in the woods.

 

[BearBiologist]

I've used an El Paso Saddlery Three Persons cross draw holster forever for my 44 Mag Bisley Vaquero. I started with it because of slinging my rifle on my right shoulder and the rifle butt rubbing the grip frame of my Bisley when carried strong side. Got the EPS cross draw and never looked back. Really is my preferred way of carry now.

I agree except I wear it strong side!

 

[WAYNO]

I too like a cross draw myself,, personally. When I shot SASS,, it was my preferred method of getting my second handgun into action.
And when riding in a vehicle,, a cross draw is much easier on everything IN MY OPINION.

But I've seen a few guys,, who's "belly girth" would make a cross draw almost impossible.

Point being,, everybody has to find what's comfortable for them, and their styles.

I am/was a fan of cross draw too, especially when I'm carrying or slinging a rifle.
But, my arms have effectively shortened thru the years, so cross draw requires both hands. I've adapted by using a chest holster, positioned towards my weak side. The reach is somewhat shorter.

 

[daveag.]

Nice holster.
I'm surprised that more guys don't use a cross draw. To me it is more comfortable when sitting and a faster draw when sitting. I have one that I use in SASS at times and they are just as fast as a strong side one, sometimes faster.
Here is a thumb break and on a swivel which makes it comfortable in a car.
View attachment 25370

Cross draw holsters work for me. Comfortable to drive with. I wear my Bianchi flap holsters on left side. Barsony makes holsters priced right. I believe they are in Oregon. Or Washington.