Pocket pistol holster

[jiminy criquet]

Just curious...what do some of you use/recommend as a pocket pistol holster design?  I've got an 1848 Baby Dragoon (see here) that is in need of a new holster.

I kind of like this design as a back of the gunbelt rig ...as it's nice and simple ...and 'period correct' ...but I'm looking for suggestions (and photos)

Thanks

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I like the one you posted the link to. The other idea that would be great would be to put one inside your boot. I don't have any pic, though.

[St. George]

The pocket pistol is just that - a pistol meant for the pocket.

The originals I've owned were variations on a theme - a holster body on a flat piece of leather - cut for a hip pocket.
Most dated to the turn of the century.

The one pictured looks 'modern' to me - but that's probably because the older ones were made of pretty thin leather - whereas this seems both 'thicker' and 'fitted'.

I've seen a couple that were designed to be carried inside the trousers - hung from a button.

I've also seen a leather-lined trouser pocket that worked well - the 'stiff' part on the outside - so as not to betray the fact that a man was carrying.

None were 'fast' - but all did the job of keeping the weapon concealed from the casual glance.

Take a look at 'Packing Iron - Gunleather of the Frontier West" - by Rattenbury.

There may be something illustrated that you can use.

Scouts Out!

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[Camille Eonich]

I know that this doesn't answer the question but if you wear a sash they tuck very nicely in behind one and it's very concealed. 


Also remember that by SASS rules, if you shoot SASS, any gun that goes to the firing line must be cleared at the unloading table whether it was ever loaded or not.  So you would want something that was easy to holster and unholster.

[Doc Neeley]

In packing Iron they show a original "hip pocket" holster for pocket pistols like the S&W lemon squeezer. Looks like a wallet with a holster.

I'm making a small holster for my lemon squeezer (first holster after many sheaths and moccasins, etc.) It will go on a belt.

[Slowhand Bob]

If you can get your hands on the PACKING IRON book be sure and check out the two gun rig, pg 83, with the short barled '49s.  That set has caught many an eye  and I would be surprised if the Mexican gentleman who wore them wasnt a pistolero.  These things look like they were made to be competition ready for a SASS match but are actually dated to somewhere between 1860 and 1865 with use along the Barbary coast!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I dug out my copy of Packing Iron and checked out that rig, Bob. That's quite a pair of holsters. I find the silver end caps most interestng, along with the floral design on the leather. They must have cost him a few coins in those days.

[jiminy criquet]

Thanks, I appreciate all the input.  I ended up going with a variation of the design in my first post, except in buffalo hide (I love the stuff!), suede side out.  Two 2 1/2" belt slots in the top of the back skirt as in the original, exact same basic design layout except held together with leather lacing in more of an 'Indian' style.