Old West Reproductions Money belt/cheyenne holster

[William R. Foster]

Anyone know if a slim jim could/would be used with a full loop cartridge belt? Most i see are displayed with either a slick (percussion) belt or a belt with partial loops. Unsure if this is due to the attachment method of slim jim holsters or what. Also, were holsters more likely to be what i call fancy carved or extra tooled, or plain? Is this more of a status thing?

[Trailrider]

FYI on line holsters: Depends on what is used for the lining.  When my customers request a lining, I use 2-3 oz. topgrain cowhide, smooth side to the gun.  No matter whether you line or not, a correctly, fitting holster will cause some bluing wear at the six or seven points of contact with the gun.  A cowhide lining will help some, but won't completely eliminate the wear if the gun is drawn and holstered sufficiently.  Don't know what Rick uses for linings.  John Bianchi, in his book, "Blue Steel and Gun Leather" states that suede linings pick up dirt and grit. The only reason he used suede is because customers insisted on it.  (BTW, I will NOT use suede, no matter what!)  Also, be sure that whatever lining is used is veg-tanned, and NOT chrome-tanned leather.  Chrome-tanned will cause corrosion!

(Disclaimer: This is NOT a solicitation for orders!  Just posted for information based on over four decades of experience.)

[William R. Foster]

FYI on line holsters: Depends on what is used for the lining.  When my customers request a lining, I use 2-3 oz. topgrain cowhide, smooth side to the gun.  No matter whether you line or not, a correctly, fitting holster will cause some bluing wear at the six or seven points of contact with the gun.  A cowhide lining will help some, but won't completely eliminate the wear if the gun is drawn and holstered sufficiently.  Don't know what Rick uses for linings.  John Bianchi, in his book, "Blue Steel and Gun Leather" states that suede linings pick up dirt and grit. The only reason he used suede is because customers insisted on it.  (BTW, I will NOT use suede, no matter what!)  Also, be sure that whatever lining is used is veg-tanned, and NOT chrome-tanned leather.  Chrome-tanned will cause corrosion!

(Disclaimer: This is NOT a solicitation for orders!  Just posted for information based on over four decades of experience.)

I believe it states deer skin on his site.

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[Buck Stinson]

In answer to William's question, Slim Jim holsters, made for any of the early cartridge revolvers, were usually worn on narrow cartridge belts.  One example from my collection is pictured on page 89 in the book Packing Iron.  This Dodge City holster was made for a Colt Single Action with 7 1/2" barrel.  The belt used with this holster is 2"wide and carries 40 loops in .45 caliber.  I make a lot of my #18 percussion pistol belts with cartridge loops for those customers who want a Slim Jim for their cartridge revolver.  Tooling was an option offered by most saddle shops of the period.  From my 50 years of experience in collecting antique maker marked holsters, most had some rather plain line tooling around the perimeter.  Others had significantly more and fancier stamped tooling and then there are those that were completely hand carved.  In many cases, hand carved holster were only .20 to .50 cents more than border tooled holsters.  Here is an example;  I have an original 1894 issue Main & Winchester saddle catalog.  This saddle shop started business in 1848 in San Fransisco.  They were well known for the hand carved holsters, pommel bags and saddles.  In 1894, you could buy a bozen plain Slim Jim holsters for $8.00.  A dozen hand flower carved Slim Jims would run $12.00.

[Coal Creek Griff]

I'm glad that you jumped in here, Buck.  Here we are asking (and attempting to answer) questions about your holsters and belts when you're right here.  I'm sure that you can give the most accurate answers of anyone about Old West Reproductions...

CC Griff

[William R. Foster]

I certainly welcome all information from the man himself.

[Buck Stinson]

I hope my answer has been of some help.  Thanks guys, for all your kind words.

[William R. Foster]

I hope my answer has been of some help.  Thanks guys, for all your kind words.

Mind if i PM you direct with some questions?

[Buck Stinson]

Bill,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.  No I don't mind PM's or you can get in touch with me through the customer inquiry page on the web site.  This may be easier for me as it goes directly to my email.