Ruger vaquero. Holster

J

jplacquay

New member
I jut bought a ruger vaquero and love it. What I need help with is a holster. I got one and a gun let but the shell loops on the belt don't let me have a knife stealth on it. I want to have the gun on one side and a buck knife on the other but don't know where to start looking. I want o keep the western look to it all.





JP
 
That's the first place I would look. Great holsters and belts that will last forever. My next choice would be Kirkpatricks in Laredo.
 
El paso is one of the best. Mernickle is awesome too. All the way down to the little custom shops. So are you wanting just a plain belt without the loops?
 
I see. You may have to go custom, though im not sure as i havent looked around for such a belt,though i must admit ive never really looked.
 
Any good leatherworker should be able to fix you up with what you want. It boils down to placing the cartridge loops on the back of the belt and allowing enough blank belt space on the opposite side of where the holster sits to allow for the sheath. On the rig I made for my New Vaquero, (which is 357) I used slotted loop construction and left room on the belt for a sheath. Mine will hold 24 cartridges in the loops.

Go over to CAS City and hit the leather working thread. There are lots of experienced fellows over there who can help you out with what you need.

Another alternative to the loop belt is a plain belt and then a pouch to carry your cartridges loose. It all depends on what your preferences are. The army utilized surplus Civil War "cap boxes" for carrying the 38 cartridge - this method is also authentic for the "Western" enthusiast. Thats the method that I use when shooting my 22 SA revolvers.

Just remember that there is a big difference between what Hollywood "invented" and what was actually used in the "old west". Most utilized either a plain belt or a cartridge belt - such as a "money belt" style and a holster which was slid on to the belt according to preference - right hand draw, left hand draw, cross hand draw, etc. The holster rode higher - not what Hollywood invented with the low slung versions. It all boils down to what your preferences are and what you like. Good luck! You're going to love that Vaquero!
 
You could also just modify the rig you have to allow the knife sheath to ride comfortably and save some money. Back when, folks just made do and made their gear work the way they wanted. You could remove a few loops without affecting the integrity of the others as long as they are stitched correctly between each loop. If they are not, then stitch where needed and cut the offending loops out. The sheath will cover the slots.
 
I'm not completely sure what you mean about the cartridge loops and and knife. If you mean the loops aren't positioned so the knife is where you want it, just put the loops close to the holster (I fasten the holster to the belt with a deerskin string through holes punched in the belt and belt loop of the holster so it can't move), put the knife on the belt, and put it on. The position of the loops can vary quite a bit with various makers cartridge belts, and the buckle is likely to be offcenter. My buckle is about on my left hip bone, I've used one that way for about 30 years had had no troubles with it.
 
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What everyone else has said. EP's a good one as is Kirkpatrick. Also there's Cochise.

Also try Paul Combest of Reddog Leather. No website I know of but he advertises through Ebay. He usually has a few styles listed and seems very reasonable among made-to-order/custom makers. Top notch work from what I hear--I don't cowboy action shoot but understand he's well regarded in CAS/SASS circles--and will work with you for whatever your specific requirements are. He also actually answers emails. As you may already know, there can be a significant difference between rigs designed for "fast draw" and such, and "working" rigs designed more for retention, which are oftentimes opposing objectives. Make sure you let whoever you choose know your main purpose/preference there.
 
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