NOTE:
NO FIREARMS OR CARTRIDGES ARE INCLUDED WITH OUR CUSTOM LEATHER PRODUCTS
- THEY ARE ONLY FOR ILLUSTRATION.
The
Last Best West Presents. . . Custom Gun Leather.
Classic
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. Price includes
one line of edge stamping on the holster or gun belt, and
18 cartridge loops on the belt. 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.
ORDERS CALL
TOLL FREE: 1-866-207-1909.:: Overseas
buyers please read this :: All
Our Contact Info ORDER
DESK HOURS: M-F: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM MOUNTAIN TIME. IF 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. 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.
Top
right shows a Masterson cross-draw in Old Mahogany,
covered in spots. If you like you can add the spots
for 45 dollars during the check out process.
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 add a better buckle or buckle set during the
checkout process. Easily choose your holster and belt
options during the checkout process.
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}.
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, Old
Mahogany, 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. 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."
Curly
Bill Powers Boothe's rig from
Tombstone. Color: Deadwood Brown
This
close toed holster is a little fancier variation
of our Teddy Blue Holster.
The Curly Bill has a fancier border and the
look is toughened up with 10 spots per holster.
The
2 rig set that Boothe wears as Curly Bill Brocius,
in Tombstone, was likely patterned after
a film star of 75 years earlier: William S.
Hart. (See below)
Curly
Bill's 2 Gun Rig: The
matching Curly Bill gunbelt is a billeted style,
filled with cartridge loops and has the same
border edging and 10 spots. Click
for leather colors ::
Click for buckle choices. Buy as a set
and save money.
One
gunbelt and holster:Price:
$420.00 Shipping $25.00
TOTAL: $445.00 :: ORDER
NOW :: CHECK
OUT
Complete
Curly Bill outfit: 2 holster & 2 gunbelts:
Price:
$795.00 Shipping $35.00 TOTAL:
$830.00 :: ORDER
NOW :: CHECK
OUT
Expect
3-5 weeks for delivery in North America
Our
hat's off to Bill Ingalsbe for ordering the
first rig.
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. Whatever size you wear, we will
fill the length of the belt with loops. 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. Can easily be
worn as a gunbelt. Shown in our signature leather color: Deadwood
Brown. All order details are confirmed within one business
day of your order being placed.
3"
inch 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.
Distance
from the buckle end to the centre hole of your belt will be the
measurement you supply us with. This is now your gun-belt size.
Generally
this measurement should be about 4 inches larger than your jean
size.
All
our custom belts ship with a rectangular Garrison
Buckle included. If you wish a better or fancier buckle,
we have 7 (including the 3 pewter buckles shown below)
to choose from. Click
for our Better Buckles. Easily choose your belt options
during the checkout process.
Pewter
buckle: Greek Hero.
Pewter
buckle: Raised Celtic Cross. Put your mouse over the buckle
to see the back.
Pewter
buckle: Lion on a coat-of-arms.
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-F: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM MOUNTAIN TIME. IF YOU GET VOICE
MAIL LEAVE A MESSAGE!
Johnny
Ringo Michael Biehn's rig from Tombstone.
{1993}
COLOR: Old Mahogany - Movie rig is black.
Some
of the most memorable scenes in the movie Tombstone involved
the give and take between Ringo and Doc Holliday. Michael
Biehn played the part of Johnny Ringo with just the right
amount of ruthless wild eyed craziness.
This
closed toe design is made for quick draws with it's trigger
guard fully exposed from the holster. We're showing our
Johnny Ringo in a new color for us - old mahogany.
Below and right - the Johnny Ringo rig with
a studded masterson cross-draw holster. An
example of how you can mix and match holster
styles to get a look unique to you. You can
easily add a second holster during the check
out process.
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.
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 at right
with our standard garrison buckle without cartridge
loops. Click
for buckle choices.
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.
Blondie The man with no name rig. Color: Brown - natural rough out leather.
Sergio
Leone created the first anti-hero and Clint Eatwood
brought him to life in the 3 classic Spaghetti westerns
of the 1960s. Blondie had little of the characteristics
of a normal hero, and was bad - but in a good way.
Shown
below right, movie style, with a couple of inches
of barrel sticking out the end of the holster, but
holster looks and works just as well if made to
the same length as your firearm. Gunbelt has the
classic gunfighter stitching, and 18 cartridge
loops. Click
for buckle choices.
Choose
black or brown rough out leather (suede). All production
details are confirmed with Sonja via e-mail, within
a day of your order being placed.
Holster
& Gunbelt shown: $330.00 Ship:$25.00
TOTAL: $355.00
Order Now | Check-Out
Clint
Eastwood as Blondie, in the classic, draw
ready, gunfighter pose, from the movie that inspired
generations of directors; The Good, The Bad,
and the Ugly.(1966)
Blondie's
Gunbelt: Our
2 1/2 inch gunbelt has the same infiniti
stitch pattern through the belt as shown in the
movie. This infiniti stitching was duplicated on
another famous rig from the 1960s - that worn by
Steve McQueen as Vin
in The Magnificent Seven. (1960) Shown
with our standard garrison buckle. :: Click
for buckle choices.
Price:
$165.00.00 Shipping $15.00 ::
TOTAL: $180.00 :: ORDER
NOW :: CHECK
OUT
EXCLUSIVE
TO THE LAST BEST WEST!
CUSTOM KNIGHT STAMP
We
had this chess piece Knight stamp custom made for our Paladin
Buscadero. After we had a look at it - we liked it so much
we decided to do it on a classic old west holster.
The
stamp is 3 inches high and looks brilliant on our Slim Jim
style holster, as you can see at right done in our signature
color: Deadwood Brown.
The
Knight stamp is just $25.00 to have pressed into our Traditional
Slim Jim Holster. This
dynamic looking holster will get more than a casual glance
at your SASS events!
Slim
Jim Holsterwith Knight stamp: $205.00 | Shipping: $15.00 TOTAL:
$220.00 ::Order
Now | Check-Out
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.
Colors
available are Deadwood Brown, Black, Antique Brown. Shown in Saddle
Tan. Shown second 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.
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".
Paladin
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.
The
gunbelt is 3 inches wide, and the exposed cylinder and
trigger guard allow very quick pulls, and hammer cocking
in the holster. Comes with hammer and leg tie downs.
Belt is a Billeted style
:: Leather
colors. :: Buckle
choices.
Price:
$455.00.00 :: Shipping $25.00
TOTAL: $480.00 :: ORDER
NOW :: CHECK
OUT
Make
it a 2 gun rig: Add a 2nd holster for $125.00 Price:
$575.00.00 :: Shipping $30.00
TOTAL: $605.00 :: ORDER
NOW :: CHECK
OUT
SAVE
45 DOLLARS IF YOU ORDER YOUR BUSCADERO PLAIN.
Shown below right plain, without the Silver Chess Knight
inlay. If you want your holster plain, select that option
during the checkout process.
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 a Texas lawman in the
1920s, where someone in the film business saw one
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.
Add
a concho and nickel spots and you have the version worn
by El Indio, in For a Few Dollars More. {1965}
You've
asked for them for years. . .well
folks now is your chance to own an original Last Best West
hat band! We still won't sell the bands that go with our
great hats, but here's a selection of 8 original hatband's,
all hand made.
We've
adapted a horn slider so every hat band ties off at the
back and is held in place by light pressure. It's surprising
fast and you can easily take our hatband off and put it
on a different hat. This design innovation gives a dang
fine fit every time. :: Custom
Hatbands
Fancy
Buscadero Our
Fancy Buscadero has loops all the way around,
and
the belt and holster have a distinctive border edging.
Shown with better buckle #2, the holster comes with
hammer and leg tie downs. Belt shown is a TAPERED
style.
We
never saw a law that said "Buscadero's must have
a billeted gunbelt!" so we did this one tapered,
a first as far as we can tell!
Either
of our buscadero's are available with a billeted or
tapered gunbelt, and work just as well for women as
for men. Rig
shown is in our signature color - Deadwood Brown, easily
choose your options during the checkout process.
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.
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.
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-F: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM MOUNTAIN TIME. IF 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.
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 more 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.
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
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.
Questions
and quote requests should be e-mailed to
ORDERS CALL
TOLL FREE: 1-866-207-1909.:: Overseas
buyers please read this :: All
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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.
This
was the firearm that originated the classic "Locked
and Loaded" phrase. Because of it's unique palm
and thumb safety the firearm is completely safe in
the hammer back position.
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 Outlaw Josey Wales
Cowboys
in the old west were often lucky to have a Colt pistol,
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.
Clint
Eastwood wielding some Walker Colts shines as The
Outlaw Josey Wales. {1976}
The
change from Black Powder Pistols.
AT
RIGHT: 1872 Open Top with a 7 1/2 inch barrel.
This was one of the first cartridge revolvers;
where Colt adapted a cylinder to fit a black
powder frame. Once the back stock of black powder
frames was used up, the classic 1873 "Peacemaker"
Model went into full production. This was the
model that prompted the iconic phrase, "God
didn't make all men equal, Mister Colt did."
The
cowboy is a patriot :: Speak your mind - but ride a fast horse!
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.
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.
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