The
Last Best West Presents. . .
Custom
Gun Leather.
NOTE:
NO FIREARMS OR CARTRIDGES ARE INCLUDED WITH OUR CUSTOM LEATHER PRODUCTS
- THEY ARE ONLY FOR ILLUSTRATION.
Custom
Cowboy Leather
Back
in the 1880s cowboys earned a dollar a day
if they were good, and the luxury of a gun belt and holster
or some other fine leather work might often be determined
by their own abilities as a leather worker. Most every ranch
or outfit had at least one person skilled with working leather
- after all rein's, bridles, and the such all needed maintaining,
repairing and replacing, and a cowboy that was skilled with
leather just added to his value as a ranch hand. People
were much more self-sufficient then, and you couldn't always
ride to town and get what you wanted or needed. So you made
it - or paid a neighbor who was skilled to do it. Or you
bartered your services for his.
Custom Chaps. :: Testimonials
All
our Cowboy leather has been researched and designed; tried
and tested by Longfellow
in Old West Shows and at Cowboy Action Shoots.Our
holsters; belts and chaps are based on pictures from museums,
archival photos and mail order catalogues from the late
1800s and early decades of the 20th century.
ALL
OUR HOLSTERS ARE LINED. Our gunbelt backs are suede
so the belt stays where it is buckled. With the exception
of our shoulder holster all holsters have a hammer tie down.
We try to stay as true to the old west makers as we can,
and have incorporated what we found works over years of
wear and use.
Our
Leather Master has been working with leather, hide and fur
since 1978, and for almost 20 years owned and operated his
own saddlery store in the Black Hills of South Dakota. His
workmanship, talent and expertise is our greatest asset.
For truly authentic, top-notch cowboy and gun leather you've
come to the right place!
"A
cowboy is a well-armed man with guts and a horse."
Custom
Gun Leather ::
Expect
3-5 weeks for delivery in North America.
Top-quality gun belts and holsters, authentic to the 19th
century. Prices are based on what you see here. Available
with or without leg tie downs. We suggest 3 lengths of holsters:
4 1/2; 5 1/2 and 7 1/2. This allows customers holsters that
will fit several of their side arms - because from our experience
most people who own one pistol, tend to own several. OR
if you prefer a specific length of holster we'll be happy
to make that for you. Price includes one line of edge stamping
on the holster or gun belt, and 18 cartridge loops on the
belt. Unless
other wise stated all holsters are an open toed design.
PLEASE NOTE: Our logo is only on the images not on the leather.
All sizes are in INCHES. We will contact you within one
business day of your purchase(s) being made - to confirm
the details and make, model, and barrel length of your firearm.
A
Note About Color: We
try to take our pictures with natural light, making some
colors appear a little different, because of the difference
in sunny, or cloudy day, or if the picture is taken inside
or outside. As well each computer monitor will display colors
slightly different. Color differences caused by individual
computer monitors is beyond our control.
Questions
and quote requests should be e-mailed to
Want a quote? You MUST e-mail us a picture of the piece
you want so we know what you are talking about.
NO PIC NO QUOTE.
ORDERS CALL
TOLL FREE: 1-866-207-1909.:: Overseas
buyers please read this :: All
Our Contact Info ORDER
DESK HOURS: M-T: 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM MOUNTAIN TIME. SHOULD
YOU GET VOICE MAIL LEAVE A MESSAGE!
Click
images for larger pictures - then expand.
White
handled pistol shown above
is a reproduction of a pistol ordered by Masterson from
Dodge City, on Longbranch Saloon stationary in the 1890s.
The Longbranch was owned by his good friend, and one
time Marshal Luke Short.
Bat's order was for a 45 Cal. 1873 Colt Peacemaker;
4" barrel, nickel plated, with ivory grips. This
design was also carried by George S. Patton throughout
his impressive military career - with a couple of changes.
Patton ordered a matched pair and his Colt's were silver
plated, with 4 3/4" barrel, and the ivory grips
had his monogram on the butt.
The
Masterson - Custom Cross Draw Holster
Conceal and Carry Rig - Simple, elegant,
and functional.
Canadian
Bat Masterson was one of the most feared and respected
"Shooters" of the Old West. He employed
a cross-draw pull, and his skill with a hand gun was
such that everyone kept theirs holstered with Masterson
around. Inspired by Bat's simple - yet elegant rig.
Belt is 1 3/4" - to accommodate belt loops on
today's britches. We made sure it fits Levi's jeans,
and when worn with a sport coat or longer coat, is
the perfect holster for people with the conceal &
carry permit.
Shown
in black cow hide, with heavy, plain black belt. Roll
over image above to see the Garrison Buckle that comes
standard on our belts. We have fancier buckle choices.
You can choose olde style black or leather buckles
or choose a buckle set: Rope edged nickel (shown above)
OR nickel filigree. Or be real flashy and go for the
entertainer's buckle set: Crystal studded nickel.
You can add a better buckle or buckle set during the
checkout process. Click
for examples of our leather colors. :: Click
for buckle choices.
Holster:
$180.00::Shipping:$15.00::TOTAL:
$195.00 ::Order
Now | Check-Out
Winter
2008 - Guns of the Old West Magazine: Above
right - featured our Masterson rig. Our thanks to
Denis Prisbrey for including us in his article -
we're still blushing from the kind words!
MASTERSON
HOLSTER WITH PLAIN 1 3/4 IN. BELT: $285.00 Shipping:
$25.00 Total:$ $310.00 ::Order
Now|Check-Out
Holster
works just as well with a standard 2 1/2" gunbelt.
Comes with 18 loops of your favourite calibre. Select
either Billeted or Tapered style belt along with other
options easily during the checkout process.
MASTERSON
HOLSTER WITH 2 1/2 IN. 18 LOOP GUNBELT :: $360.00
Shipping: $25.00 Total:$ $385.00 ::
Order
Now|Check-Out
This
closed toe design was worn by the Duke for decades in his
westerns. Most people will remember the rig from Wayne's
Oscar winning performance in True Grit.
Rooster
John Wayne's holster
from True Grit (1969).Color Shown:
Antique Brown
The
gorge or opening at the top of the holster is shaped
similar to our Masterson Holster, but is more shallow
to show more of the cylinder. Holster is a closed
toe, and was the favourite western holster of John
Wayne who wore it in many of his best movies, like
The Searchers and True Grit. We're
showing a plain 1 3/4" Masterson belt with
our Rooster Holster. You can order either as a closed
toe or open-toe design. Choose your holster options
easily during the check out process.
Teddy
Blue Rig "All the cowboys
I know are afraid of only two things. . . a decent woman
and being set afoot. . ."Teddy
Blue Abbott: Cowboy, 1882.
This
Rig is similar to the gun belt and holster shown on the
traditional 1880s cowboy at the
top of the page. The cowboy likely personalized his
rig by adding the brass spots or tacks himself. This
is also the same rig that Kurt Russell wears as Wyatt Earp,
in the excellent western Tombstone {1993}.
Holster
at left is a 7 1/2" length, closed toe design. Low
cut neck shows most of the cylinder and allows for holster
cocking, and very quick draws. The 2 1/2" billeted
gun belt comes with 16 cartridge loops for the calibre of
your firearm. Holster is available in 4 1/2; 5 1/2 and 7
1/2" lengths. Other lengths available.
In the 1880s more than 50 % of
North America lived on farms and ranches. It was
therefore a necessity to be a jack-of-all-trades, and to
be successful all the small towns that supported the farms
and ranches of each area needed three important businesses.
A Blacksmith, a Saddle Maker and a General Merchandise Store
were important to the survival and prosperity of each town.
Being skilled workers with leather, most saddle makers were
commissioned to make gun leather, and a cottage industry
thrived in the 19th and early decades of the 20th century.
Thanks to the Internet those days have returned. Why bother
with cheap inferior mass produced gun leather, when for
a few extra bucks you can have quality custom leather work
made to order and to last.
Gunbelt's
Shown are examples of the Tapered AND Billeted Styles. Click
for examples of our leather colors: Black; Saddle Tan, Antique,
and Deadwood Brown. Gun belts are 2 1/2" in
width and ship with a standard garrison buckle. Click
for buckle choices.Comes with no cartridge loops (common in the day) or
18 loops. For an extra 20 dollars we will cover the entire
length with your size of cartridge loops. Curly Bill Brosius
style from Tombstone! Number of loops depends on
belt length, and the tapered Gunbelt holds more than the
Billeted style. Select your gun belt options easily during
the checkout process.
Gunbelt's with Garrison
buckle; Billeted or Tapered. $200.00|Shipping: $15.00 Total:$ $215.00 :: Order
Now | Check-Out
US
Marshal Wyatt Earp always maintained, "Fast is
fine, but accuracy is final."
Wearing your Gunbelt/Cartridge Belt
Everyone knows the common way to wear
a gunbelt - with buckle in the middle, right above
your groin. But many old timers and certainly anyone
that's spent any time in the saddle knows that sometimes
you can get jammed by the buckle in your stomach or
God-forbid, in your privates. Man that hurts!
Many
pictures from the 19th Century show cowboys wearing
their gunbelt's with the buckle on their hips or at
the back, as seen by the Texas Ranger on the far right.
Wearing your buckle on the hip is more comfortable;
and your reloads are quicker to the hand.
Pictures
R-L: A Texas Ranger from the 1870s. Old west cowboy and
silent film star William S. Hart in Hell's Hinges;
1917. Powers Boothe wearing his gunbelt's W.S. Hart style
in Tombstone; 1993. Johnny Mack Brown on the right
in an early B-Western.
3
Inch Cartridge/Gun Belt A
cartridge belt with your choice of loop size is a handy
addition to any SASS shooter's or hunter's equipment. A
cartridge belt was an important part of Everett Hitch's
wardrobe, allowing him to carry reloads for his 8 gauge
shotgun. In addition he wore a gunbelt to carry his sidearm.
Tom
Selleck wore a cartridge belt as Matthew Quigley, in
Quigley Down Under. In it he carried reloads for his
long range Sharps. The rifle itself shot a 45/90 cartridge
but they wanted a more imposing look so the cartridge belt
was loaded with 45/125 size cartridges.
Our
standard cartridge belt as shown below has 30 loops to hold
any size cartridge you want. Shown below with 10 shotgun shell
loops, sandwiched between two sets of 10 45 calibre cartridge
loops. The belt on the left has 45/70 shells filling it's
length, just like Quigley's. Shown in our signature leather
color: Deadwood Brown. All order details are confirmed
within one business day of your order being placed.
We
will configure the loops and size any way you want. Add an extra
20 dollars to cover the length of the belt with cartridge loops.
Can easily be worn as a gun belt. 3"
Cartridge Belt: $230.00 :: Shipping: $15.00 :: TOTAL: $245.00
:: Order
Now | Check-Out
In
person the cowboys were mostly medium-sized men... quick and wiry,
and as a rule very good-natured; in fact, it did not pay to be anything
else. In character, their like never was or will be again. - Teddy
Blue Abbott; 1882
Put
on a pair of britches/clothes you plan to wear with your gunbelt.
Have
handy any belt that currently fits you.
Put
the belt on and buckle it where you will wear your gunbelt. Slightly
down over your hips in most cases. Remember the gun belt will
be supporting another 4 pounds per pistol and holster {about 3
lbs for the pistol; 1 lb for the holster} That weight will drag
the belt down. You may want to go another notch tighter in your
measuring.
Make
note of the most comfortable hole in which the buckle goes through.
Lay
the belt on a flat surface and measure from the end of the buckle
to the most comfortable hole. See picture below.
This
is now your gun-belt measurement. If you get a fraction of an
inch round UP.
The
distance from the buckle end to the centre hole of your gunbelt
will be the measurement you supplied us with.
Questions
and quote requests should be e-mailed to
ORDERS CALL
TOLL FREE: 1-866-207-1909.:: Overseas
buyers please read this :: All
Our Contact Info ORDER
DESK HOURS: M-T: 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM MOUNTAIN TIME. SHOULD YOU GET
VOICE MAIL LEAVE A MESSAGE!
Sonja's
Rig
Ladies 3 Inch Tapered Gun Belt with holster
in black. The
3 inch belt is a better all around width for a woman,
and is the perfect rig for a woman shooting Cowboy Action
or Classic Cowboy. Our
standard gun belt as shown has 14 loops and the holster
wears equally well as a strong hand or cross draw holster.
Shown with better buckle # 6.
Our
standard gun belt has a garrison buckle,
and can be ordered as a billeted or tapered style, with
or without cartridge loops. Easily select your options
during the checkout process. All order details are confirmed
within one business day of your order being placed.
Classic
Buscadero Click
for our Paladin Gunfighter Hat.
Our Classic Buscadero is sleek and elegant - patterned
after that iconic holster worn by Richard Boone as Paladin
in Have Gun Will Travel. Sorry no Knight Concho.
Cartridge
loops fill the 3 inch wide gunbelt, and the exposed
cylinder and trigger guard allow very quick pulls, and
hammer cocking in the holster. Comes with trigger and
leg tie downs. Belt is a Billeted
style.
Price:
$410.00.00 :: Shipping $25.00
TOTAL: $435.00 :: ORDER
NOW :: CHECK
OUT
Make
it a 2 gun rig: Add a 2nd holster for $125.00 Price:
$535.00.00 :: Shipping $25.00
TOTAL: $560.00 :: ORDER
NOW :: CHECK
OUT
History
of the Buscadero
The 20th century brought many innovations to holster
and belt design and the most revolutionary was likely
the Buscadero or Drop-Loop Holster. This innovative
design puts the pistol at the same height as your hand
and allows for very quick and fluid draws.
Didja
Know?Richard
Boone is descended from the brother of frontiersman,
Daniel Boone.
Click
images for larger
pictures - then expand.
The
Buscadero was first made for Texas lawmen in the
1920s, where someone in the film business saw them
and introduced the look to Hollywood. The
design is very comfortable and makes pulling your
pistol while mounted quick and easy. The early western
stars embraced the look and soon buscadero's were
adorning the hips of stars like Tom
Mix, Tex Ritter, Roy Rodgers, Dale Evans and
even John Wayne.
At
right Yakima Canutt as a shady Sheriff and buddy
up to no good in an early B-Western from the 1930s.
Notice his partner and the man behind him have buscadero's
on and Yak has a cartridge belt with a loop holster.
If
you want your Buscadero dressed up with concho's,
and spots, just e-mail Sonja what you want at
and we will get back to you with a quote. Generally
add $5.80 per spot and $16.81 per concho.
Add a concho and some nickel spots and you have the version
worn at left by El Indio, in For a Few Dollars
More. {1965}
All
our Cowboy leather has been researched and designed; tried and tested
by Longfellow in Old West Shows
and at Cowboy Action Shoots. ALL OUR HOLSTERS ARE LINED.
Our gunbelt backs are suede so the belt stays where it is buckled.
We try to stay as true to the old west makers as we can, and have
incorporated what we found works over years of wear and use.
The
Vin Steve McQueen's rig from The
Magnificent 7 Color: Saddle Tan
Our
version of the holster worn by Steve McQueen in that
iconic western; The Magnificent Seven, our
Vin holsteris angled forward to speed
the pistol into your hand. Click
for examples of our leather colors.
Movie
style is to show a couple of inches of barrel out
the end of the holster, but holster looks and works
just as well if made to the same length as your firearm.
All production details are confirmed with Sonja via
e-mail, within a day of your order being placed.
Holster
& Gunbelt shown: $310.00 Ship:$25.00
TOTAL: $335.00
Order Now | Check-Out
Click
pictures for larger image - then expand.
Expect
3-5 weeks for delivery in North America
Steve
McQueen stood out as Vin
in the Samurai inspired Western; The Magnificent
Seven (1960)
Vin's
Gunbelt: Our
2 1/2 inch gunbelt has the same infiniti stitch
pattern thru the middle of the belt as shown in the
movie. This infiniti stitching was duplicated on another
famous rig from the 1960s - that worn by Clint Eastwood
as Blondie in his Spaghetti Westerns. So which
movie came first? The Magnificent Seven
was released in 1960; and the first Sergio Leone/Eastwood
western was A Fistful of Dollars, released
in 1964. Shown with our standard garrison buckle without
cartridge loops. Click
for buckle choices.
The
Law-Dog Western fast draw holster. Color Shown: Antique Brown
Angled
a full 20 degrees forward this old west style holster
is for those folks who want the fastest pull possible,
without going for the steel inserts in modern competition
fast-draw holsters.
Gunbelt
shown is the same as the VIN, however we've added
6 loops of your favourite calibre, to the tail end
of the tapered gunbelt.
Questions
and quote requests should be e-mailed to
ORDERS CALL
TOLL FREE: 1-866-207-1909.:: Overseas
buyers please read this :: All
Our Contact Info ORDER
DESK HOURS: M-T: 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM MOUNTAIN TIME. SHOULD YOU GET
VOICE MAIL LEAVE A MESSAGE!
Click
images for larger pictures - then expand.
The
Charley
Costner's rig from Open Range
The
Charley is patterned after a traditional 2 loop
holster from the 1880s. This holster is a closed
toe design. It is also the same look worn by Kevin
Costner's character, Charley, in that excellent
western film, Open Range.
Shown
in our custom antique brown color it's the closest
to what Costner wears in the movie we could get.
Low
cut neck allows quick access to the hammer for
ready action. Add a classic
gun belt (below) to finish the look. Holster
is available in 4 1/2; 5 1/2 and 7 1/2" lengths.
Other lengths available.
Leather
is an important material to cowboys.
It wears hard, is like a second skin, and early
cowboys soon learned how to work leather to make hardy
leather garments to do their jobs better; protect
their clothes, and make their lives easier. The leather
we use for our custom chaps and leather accessories
is top quality, and will stand the test of time. Shown
at left is our Open Range style chaps, authentic to
the 19th century.
Quality custom made items from The Last Best West
are made to last for generations and our chaps are
no exception. Researched by Longfellow,
and designed from archival photo's these chaps will
give you the wear, look, and protection you need.
Click for our custom
chap page.
WHAT
CLIENTS SAY
Captain
Mac from Texas, ordered a number of our custom leather pieces
and this is what he had to say; "Howdy Pards, (May
28 2008) I got my shipment of leathers in today and I must
say I am tickled to death! They turned out better than expected!
I can't wait until my brown boots come in and my Ranger
outfit will be complete. Thanks again for the book, badges
and pictures. I got my Sharp's rifle in and it's a peach!
It'll look so wicked with the sheath. Keep up the good work!"
And once he got his sheath, and other buckskin items,
"I got my buckskin order today. I am as happy as a
boar rolling around in mud! My wife fell in love with the
rifle sheath and my chaps. Excellent work."
Below
are examples of different colors and the quality of
our workmanship. Click pictures for larger images.
2
Gun Teddy Blue Rig in Deadwood Brown. These holsters
are strong hand draw but can be ordered in a cross-draw
style.
Black Open Range Rig.
With matching tapered gunbelt.
A Masterson Cross draw holster and matching billeted
gunbelt, in Deadwood Brown.
"Any
man that believes we're all created equal ain't never been
passed walking on a dusty road, by a man astride a fine
piece of horse flesh. No sir, any man on horseback is one
foot up on the next feller." Teddy Blue; Cowboy,
1882.
Click
images for larger pictures - then expand.
Traditional
Slim Jim Holster
Patterned
after the California Slim Jim shown in the leather makers
Bible, Packing Iron. Nothing fancy - the look
is, sleek, elegant, and versatile. These holsters adapt well
for any of the three draws you may want to use. Cross-Draw,
Strong-hand draw, or the twist or Hickok draw.
Shown
top left with a Colt Peacemaker 45 cal. 4 3/4" barrel.
Holster is shown in Antique Brown color when your firearm
is pushed deep into the holster, pistol is very well seated
and secure; so you can break that bronc with confidence -
still rigged up.
Shown
second down our Slim Jim design nicely shows off the unique
shape of the 7" barrel Schofield 1875 Cavalry. Other
colors available are Deadwood Brown, Black, Antique Brown.
Shown in Saddle Tan.
Holster:
$180.00 | Shipping: $15.00
Total:$ $195.00 :: Order
Now :: Check-Out
Order
one holster and the matchingGun belt
above for $360.00
Shipping is $25.00 TOTAL: $385.00 :: Order
Now | Check-Out
The
Slim Jim Holster Is what Wild Bill would have used with his Navy 36s',
when he wasn't tucking them in his sash. Can be seen on the
mounted, traditional working cowboy below. Shown at left in
black with a 7 1/2" barrel Colt. Holster is a left draw
and can be worn on the left hip, on the right for a cross
draw or on the right for a right handed "Twist"
or "Cavalry" or "Hickok" draw.
The
Twist Draw
Some say the cavalry or twist draw was the most common draw
of the 19th century. We wish SASS; Cowboy Action Shooters,
Associations and Gun Clubs would recognize this and allow
it to be used at events. We do not believe it is any more
dangerous than the other draw styles. When performed properly
the action is similar to a strong hand draw. The pistol is
pulled straight up from the holster and the hand rotates to
present the pistol forward and down range. Safety is literally
in your hands.
Gunfighter
Fact
Likely the most famous pistol fighter of the
old west, James Butler
Hickok employed the twist draw and was deadly with it. An
excellent demonstration of this draw is given by Keith Carradine
in the first episode, first season, of the HBO series Deadwood
(may it rest in peace). And as far as the term "Gunfighter"
goes, this was a term from the 20th century, and may very well
been coined first in films. In the old west a man who earned
his living because of his skill as a pistol fighter was called
a "Shootist".
The
Schofield
Is
significant in the history of firearms because it was
the first top-break loading pistol, and because of the
design significantly reduced reloading time. It was
also very accurate and was one of the premier target
shooting pistols of the 19th century.
First
envisioned by Major George W. Schofield of the U.S.
Cavalry, it was produced by Smith and Wesson in a limited
run of only three years beginning in 1875. The pistol
saw hard use by the 4th US cavalry in their battles
with the Apache's, and was also used by the Buffalo
Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry.
A
favourite of many law men and the outlaws they chased,
the Schofield has a distinct advantage in the quickness
of the re-load over the Colt Peacemaker.
It
was packed by Frank and Jesse James, Bob and Cole Younger,
Wes Hardin, Buffalo Bill Cody, Teddy Roosevelt, famed
Marshal's Pat Garrett, Bill Tilghman, Virgil and Wyatt
Earp. In fact it's reputed to be a Schofield that Wyatt
carried into the Gunfight at the O. K. Corral.
Some
60,000 .44cal "Russian" models of the Schofield
were sold over seas to Czarist Russia, and the Turkish
and Japanese governments. The Russian model added a
lanyard ring in the handle butt, and a re curved addition
to the trigger guard.
In
it's day the Russian was considered one of the most
beautiful pistols made, and almost 7 times more Russian's
were sold then the original 9,000 Schofield's.
3
1/2" Schofield reproduction with Custom Masterson
Rig
Expect
3-5 weeks for delivery in North America :: Questions
and quotes should be e-mailed to Sonja at:
The
Schofield Pistol at the Movies
Used
to be the only significant show of this firearm was
in Clint Eastwood's oscar winning film, "Unforgiven".
The Schofield Kid is one of the key characters and it's
his trademark Schofield the Kid uses to kill the Cowboy
in the outhouse. After getting paid for the killings;
it's the Schofield that Eastwood "borrows"
from the Kid to head to town and kill Little Bill (Gene
Hackman) with, "For what you did to Ned. . ."
In
2007 a revival of the Schofield has been seen at the
movies, in both "The 3:10 to Yuma",
and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the
Coward Robert Ford", the pistol figures prominently
in both movies. In Yuma, a pair of Schofield's
is used ruthlessly by Ben Wade's (Russell Crowe), lieutenant,
the crazed Charlie Prince, played chillingly by actor
Ben Foster. This is an excellent movie, not just a western,
and well worth the viewing. I never figgered that the
Schofield was a fast draw pistol, but after seeing it
whipped around in Yuma I may change my mind.
. .nah. . . .it's just a movie - I'd still want a Colt
for a quick pull, but for combat the Schofield seems
to be the better choice. Easy to see why a pistol fighter
would want one of each.
It
was also a Schofield that Conn Conagher (Sam
Elliot) had in his holster, in that excellent portrayal
of an 1880s Buckaroo; Conagher. (1991) Click
for Conagher's hat.
In
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward RobertFord, Jesse (Brad Pitt) can be seen packing a
Schofield most everywhere he goes, and Frank (Sam Shepherd)
also carries a Schofield for the all of 5 minutes he's
on the screen.
It's
also a nickel plated Schofield that Jesse gifts Bob
Ford (Casey Afflick) with, and then is used to kill
Jesse with. This is historically accurate to what we
know of the life
and death of Jesse James.
Ben
Foster is perfect as the ultra violent Charley Prince,
in the excellent western, The 3:10 to Yuma.
{2007} Click
for Charley's Hat.
"Diplomacy
is the ability to tell another feller to go to hell in such
a way that he looks forward to the trip." Will Rogers
Josey Wales Cowboys
in the old west were often lucky to have a pistol
made by Mister Colt, let alone the leather to pack
it.
In
the early days of the western frontier, men who had
pistols often carried them pushed into their pants,
or belts as belly guns. Gun leather was often a luxury
and a short holster with the barrel sticking out was
not an uncommon sight. In those days any holster was
a good holster, and you didn't ask a cowboy where he
got his.
The
Outlaw Josey Wales, by Clint Eastwood is one of
the more authentic and realistic western movies you
will watch, and Josey's gun leather and clothing
is true to the era and the character.
For
every Fancy Dan that was vain about their attire like:
Bill Hickok, Bill Cody, Bat Masterson, and Luke Short,
there were ten thousand that dressed for comfort and
function like Josey Wales.
Shown
at left in our signature color: Deadwood Brown with
an 1872 Open Top with a 7 1/2" barrel, sticking
in it. Shown with 2 1/2 inches of barrel sticking out
the bottom. Slim Jim style with a scallop edge.
Clint
Eastwood wielding a Walker Colt and another black
powder pistol shines as The Outlaw Josey Wales.
{1976}
We
custom make to fit the make, model and calibre
of your sidearm. All production details are confirmed
within one business day of your order being placed.
Easily select options during the checkout process.
:: Click
for our leather colors
Josey
Wales Holster:
$180.00 :: Shipping:
$15.00 :: TOTAL:
$195.00 :: Order
Now| Check-Out
Below:
Matching 2 1/2" billeted gunbelt; no bullet
loops; better filigree buckle, scallop border;
and 2 Morgan Silver Dollar concho's.
Gunbelt
as shown:$265.00 :: Shipping:
$15.00TOTAL:
280.00 :: ORDER
NOW:: Check-Out Plain Version:STANDARD
BUCKLE; NO CONCHO'S: 200.00
:: shipping:
$15.00 TOTAL:
$215.00 :: ORDER
NOW :: Check-Out Order with or without 18 cartridge loops. For
loops the entire length of the belt add $20 bucks.
Order the holster and gunbelt together and save$30.00:: Click
for buckle choices. STANDARD:
$415.00SHIPPING:
$25.00TOTAL$440.00ORDER
NOW :: Check-Out
PLAIN: $350.00SHIPPING:
$25.00TOTAL:
$375.00ORDER
NOW :: Check-Out
Click
images for larger pictures - then expand.
ABOVE:
1872 Open Top; 45Cal with a 7 1/2 inch barrel.
This was one of the first cartridge revolvers;
where Colt adapted a cylinder to fit a modified
black powder frame. At left we have 2 1/2"
of barrel sticking out of the bottom of the
holster.
Don't
see the holster or belt style you're looking for? If you have
a picture - in most cases we can make it.
Old West Shoulder Holster
Adapted
from a Texas pattern shoulder holster circa 1890. We
have eliminated the chest strap and have secured the
holster by using a strap and buckle that goes over the
opposite arm. To secure the holster up and down we have
a strap and buckle that loops over your pants belt.
We have left lots of length to the straps so you can
adjust it to fit comfortably.
Certainly
wouldn't want to be left without a few reloads so we've
added 6 loops of your favourite calibre to the shoulder
harness. This is a perfect old west shoulder holster
for those folks with a conceal and carry permit.
Shown
in our signature color: Deadwood Brown with a .45 cal
Birds head, and a white handled .45 cal Peacemaker in
the holster. We custom make to fit the make and model
and calibre of your sidearm. All production details
are confirmed within one business day of your order
being placed.
SHOLDER
HOLSTER: $240.00 :: Shipping: $20.00 :: TOTAL:
$260.00 :: Order
Now | Check-Out
What
Clients say:
On Mon, February 23, 2009 4:24 pm, Dr.Stephen C. wrote:
"Received today a short time after your first
email. I like it very much, I have "tweaked it"
and trimmed the excess and it fits very well. . .I will
wear this most days when out and about! Thanks, will
be ordering the next rig in the near future!"
Stephen :: Other
Testimonials
Click
images for larger
pictures - then expand.
Questions
and quote requests should be e-mailed to
ORDERS CALL
TOLL FREE: 1-866-207-1909.:: Overseas
buyers please read this :: All
Our Contact Info ORDER
DESK HOURS: M-T: 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM MOUNTAIN TIME. SHOULD YOU
GET VOICE MAIL LEAVE A MESSAGE!
M1911
Western
Open
toed design gives it a western flavor, and the
design allows for quick, "locked and loaded"
draws. Gunbelt shown is billeted style; 2 1/2"
wide; filled with cartridge loops and also shows
our 2 clip slide. Get your rig anyway you want.
The
1911 was designed by John Browning, for Sam Colt's
company and was featured in two classic westerns;
The Wild Bunch, and The Professionals.
William
Holden is Pike, in The Wild Bunch.
Director Sam Peckinpah's ultra-violent western
set in 1913 Revolutionary Mexico. {1969}
Clip/Magazine
Pouch/Slide
Pack an extra 2 clips easily with this handsome mag pouch.
When used with a cartridge belt you can reload your mags right
from your belt. A must for anyone with a firearm that takes
a clip. Price: $45.00 :: Shipping
:: $10.00 :: TOTAL:
$55.00 :: ORDER
NOW :: CHECK
OUT
Click
images for larger pictures - then expand.
Lee Marvin at his best as Rico Fardan, in The
Professionals; (1966) another film set during the
Mexican revolution.
Colt
M1911
The Colt M1911 semi-automatic was revolutionary in it's design,
and within a few years of it's inception in 1911 it was the
side-arm of choice for all branches of the US Military right
up till about 1985. Even today several police forces, Special
Forces units, Navy Seals, and Marine Commando units have the
Colt 1911 as their side-arm of choice.
The
Walker Colt
Is
a benchmark in the history of firearms because
it was the first large calibre revolving cylinder
pistol. Capt. Sam Walker was familiar with
the .36 cal Patterson Colt and wasn't happy
with it's stopping power, having fought the
magnificent Comanche horsemen as a Texas Ranger.
He wanted a big calibre pistol that could
knock a man off his mount or stop a horse
in it's tracks. Working with Sam Colt, Walker
got his big bore (.44Cal) hand gun.
ABOVE:
Karl Urban wearing a 4" gunbelt holding
his massive Colt Walker; portrays a young Woodrow
Call, in Comanche Moon (2008)
:: Click pictures for larger image.
Capt.
Walker
Custom cross-draw holster for the Walker Colt black
powder pistol. Color Shown: Antique Brown :: Click
for our leather colors.
4
inch wide leather belt. We use a special dye for this
belt and holster and the leather belt will distress
with use and the color deepen as the leather ages. These
wide belts were commonly worn by sailors in the early
19th century and the centuries before to hold their
cutlasses, flintlock pistols, and large knives. These
big belts were just the thing on the early western frontier
to carry the big bowie knives and black powder pistols.
Four
inch belt: $210.00 Ship: $15.00
TOTAL: $225.00 :: Order
Now | Check-Out
Save
$40 when you buy the complete rig.
Holster
+ 4 inch belt: $400.00 Shipping: $25.00
TOTAL: $425.00
Order Now | Check-Out
Buy
our Ranger Black Powder Package and save $150 bucks.
Badge($13.95)
Walker-Colt Holster/4" Belt($415.00) 9
1/2" Bowie Knife($575.00) Medicine
Pouch($125.00)
Priced
Individually: $1128.95 plus shipping :: Package
Price: $975.00 All item details are confirmed with Sonja
within a business day of the order being placed.
The
Walker Colt is still the one of the largest calibre
black powder single action pistols available. Weighting
a massive 4.8 pounds, this pistol poses a real challenge
to keep on target for any length of time, adding to
the shadow cast by the old Texas Rangers. Shown below
is the lever action type of rifle carried by Gus
in Lonesome Dove.
The
cowboy is a patriot :: Speak your mind - but ride a fast horse!
Leather
is an important material to cowboys.
It wears hard, is like a second skin, and early cowboys
soon learned how to work leather to make hardy leather
garments to do their jobs better; protect their clothes,
and make their lives easier.
The
leather we use for our custom chaps and leather accessories
is top quality, and will stand the test of time.
Buckskin
Fact
Buckskin clothing and covers virtually always had a fringe
attached. Why is that? Most folks think it was for show -
but like most things cowboys used - the fringe on a buckskin
jacket, shirt, knife, or rifle sheath had a function - it
channeled water off the garment - keeping it dryer - and after
it was wet, allowing it to dry faster. Just another adaption
copied from the Native American Indians.
Basic
Leather and Buckskin Care
When
wet - allow the leather to dry naturally at room temperature.
If stained use a mild mix of dish soap and water and clean
carefully with a clean cloth. Commercial cleansers and chemicals
should NOT be used, or they may cause discoloring. In the
first year the natural oils in the hide should keep it fairly
weather repellent. After that we recommend using a spray
protector like Tandy, or Mink Oil, which is an excellent protector
for leather (NOT buckskin: it will cause matting if used)
mink oil will condition the leather and waterproof it to a
certain extent.
Disclaimer!
Supplied as information only - your own common sense should
always be followed.
Indian
Riffle Sheaths: Three different quality levels
to choose from. Show your style and carry your prized
long-arm in a classic Indian rifle scabbard.
We
promise to make no two custom pieces exactly the same
- and our originality and individuality bring clients
back time and again to our order catalogue. Like all
our custom leather, cowboy hats, and knives, our Indian
style rifle sheaths or scabbards are made in the Black
Hills of South Dakota.
Executive
Saddle Bags
Load
these oversized saddle bags with all your business
gear; throw them over your shoulder and walk a city
block or two. You'll never go back to carrying a briefcase.
The heavy leather bags can easily hold most anything,
including your lap top, legal size folders, binders,
note books, and cables. Inside you will find sleeves
to hold your wallet, pens, or even a memory stick.
We've even put a cell phone sleeve on the outside
neck, and a heavy duty handle for easy carrying.
Cowboy
Action Shooters will
find these oversized saddle bags just the thing to
carry all your cowboy action tools. You can easily
store a gunbelt; two holsters; spurs, wild rags and
ammo. And that's just in one side. On the other side
you can carry a two pistol case and more ammo, and
in most cases when the flaps are locked the bags are
legal for firearm transport. Further customization
of the bags is possible, and is only limited by your
imagination.
Custom
Cowboy Hats
from The Last Best West
In today's world of depleting Ozone and the rise
of melanoma and skin cancer - everyone needs a
good hat to shield their face and neck from the
harmful effects of the sun. What could be more
timeless and useful than a fine fur-felt Cowboy
Hat? It will keep your face and neck in constant
shade - regardless of the position of the sun,
and your eyes and lips will say thankee-thankee.
It'll be your friend for life and will age just
as gracefully as you!
We'll
give you what you want.
Made
to your Specifications. If you don't see what
you want - send us a picture - and we'll make
our version of that hat.
Longfellow
researched the designs based on historical photos
and original mail order catalogues from the late
1800's and the early decades of the 20th Century.
Of particular help was the Smithsonian Website,
the Library, and the archives of the Glenbow Museum
in Calgary. And of course those great Hollywood
Westerns. Click for
our Cowboy Hat Home Page.
Dodge
City Peace Commission photo of 1876
Seated Left to right: Charley Bassett, Wyatt
Earp, Frank McLain, Neal Brown.
Back Row from Left: Longfellow
(recruited in 2007!), Luke Short, Bat Masterson, and W.
F. Petillon.
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