Shoulder holster ?

[jbird]

Howdy all

This a little advice thread if you would all you holster makers, I have a guy high end buyer that what's a shoulder holster of some sort for when he rides his horse, so first off what kind of design should I use any info on this is very helpfull, second how much should I charge for a custom holster like that, third what are the main concerns with a holster like this.

Thanks guys any help is very much needed and a big thanks before hand.

Josh

Edited March 30, 2009 by jbird

[leatherjunkie]

a few questions come to my mind on your questions.

1. what kind of handgun is the horse rider going to carry?

2. what area of the upper body does he want to draw the holster from?

for example does he want to draw it from under the arm or chest area(like the doc holiday shoulder holster)?

if he is going to carry a revolver then i would suggest the doc holiday shoulder holster.

you can get the pattern for this style from hidecrafters on line.

i would insure that the handgun does have a retention strap to keep it from bouncing out while riding. also the retention strap needs to be easy to undo with the drawing hand.

[jbird]

It's not a revolver but he may want a revolver on as well not sure on the model of the gun yet single action of some sort. And draw from the chest are.

Josh

[Jordan]

In reading Bianchi's book most horseback riders holsters in the olden days were worn crossdraw on a cartridge belt. Stolhmans book on holstermaking has a pattern for the parts to a shoulder rig, I think the photo is of Jack Webb from the TV show Dragnet "Up against the wall you hippie" LOL. From what I gather shoulder rigs are a very difficult item to fit properly and most comments I have heard and read from users has not been real positive. Good luck with the project I am sure you will do a fine rendition. A retention method of some kind makes alot of sense as I remember my one and only horseback experience was one of being bounced all over he#@ and back. I'll take a motorbike over a horse everytime.

[jbird]

Thanks Jordan

But can't agree about the horse thing for me it's heaven on earth.

Love the bikes as well but horses for me.

Josh

[Shorts]

When I think shoulder holster my concern is comfort and adjustability. That will depend on the span of the horizontal back piece, width of the shoulder straps and the position of the holster as it sits/stability.

Sizing the rig is the challenge. You can have a basic pattern but you can't build the same rig for the 6'5" 220lb guy as you do for the 5'7" 175lb guy. It's like fitting jacket sizes. And after suit shopping with my husband, jackets are tricky!

I've yet to completely finish my prototype shoulder rig so I've got no other input than what I've discovered tus far.

Good luck!

[K-Man]

PM sent.

[DCKNIVES]

Josh,I have been fortunate enough to have a few high-end customers as well.One is an avid hunter and likes horseback at times, when he is not in Africa or somewhere.I have made several shoulder holsters for him and his wife, and have three more on order.For the most part he likes large big bore pistols, so like Shorts said, comfort and adjustability are high on the list.With larger pistols, I usually widen the top straps and run the holster more vertcal. On smaller guns like a Glock say I may run the holster horizontal or at a 45 degree cant.All my high end stuff is fully lined, and usually has an exotic inlay.If it is not a vertical holster I would definately reccommend a strap or thumbbreak of somesort.My two main customers prefer no straps.As far as pricing I charge per order since everthing is one-off, but typically runs from $150 for a relatively plain shoulder holster, to $300-$500 for a full blown custom with inlays,and lacing.And with these guys even the full blown customs get used heavily.Hope this helps bud.Dave

here is one I did for a customer's wife for her Ruger MarkII

[jbird]

K-man thanks a lot I will get with you.

Josh.

Dave that is very very helpfull thank Sir

Josh

[Gaius]

I am fond of the old tanker style holster when I ride. I have seen a few holsters mounted to the saddle itself.