San Joaquin Shootist Posted February 6 Posted February 6 Good morning, While shopping for a new holster rig, I am amazed at the possibilities. The leather rigs used by CAS are sometimes works of art and other times basic leather stitched together in a way to give long service. Tell me about your holster rig and shotshell belt, holder or bandolier. Who made it, how is it set up for you? What things about it do you enjoy. Have you done anything with it to make it better? I know there are folks making rigs all over the place. if you don't mind, give a shout out to your favorite rig maker. Thanks in advance, SJS Quote
The Rainmaker, SASS #11631 Posted February 6 Posted February 6 (edited) Rod Kibler in North Georgia; http://www.rodkiblersaddlery.com/ He does make SG loops on his belts but I use a cloth cavalry belt with loops that run all the way around and that's what I prefer. Bought that at the old Plainfield Raid in No Cal. LOVE my Kibler! Edited February 7 by The Rainmaker, SASS #11631 1 Quote
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted February 6 Posted February 6 Holsters: Curly Bill Kelly Holster belt: Anita Margarita. (with 'Widder' engraved on it) SG Belt: I have a couple and both are EXCELLENT One from Doc Noper and one from Jim Hastings. My 'Hastings' also has 'Widder' on it. ..........Widder Quote
Eyesa Horg Posted February 6 Posted February 6 I've been using a Kirkpatrick for 13 years with no issues. It is still in great condition with only a little wear at the mouth of the holsters. My shotgun belt is double loop and acquired off the classifieds here. It is very well worn, but serves me well so far so long as I don't bend over too far! Shell tend to fall out!! Quote
Charlie MacNeil, SASS #48580 Posted February 6 Posted February 6 Ted Blocker Ol' Number 4 rig. Set up as double strong side. Holsters are set perfectly for holstering both guns with my left hand (I'm right handed), which makes for some pretty slick transitions. Shotgun belt is a Mernickle with the elastic loops. 1 Quote
Randy Saint Eagle, SASS # 64903 Posted February 6 Posted February 6 My holster rig was built by Cumberland Drifter and Capt. Grouch after my Mernickle rig was stolen in Memphis. I also had a single loop Doc Noper shotgun belt stolen at the same time. I went back to my old shotgun double loop belt by Jack Houston. I have a Mernickle double elastic loop belt but due to my oversize midsection shells tend to pop out when I bend over. There are big names that make great rigs but sometimes you can find some really good local makers also. I have seen some makers (also gunsmiths) who never get anything done as quick as they say they will. Mernickle was very honest when I ordered they under promised and over delivered! This was back when EOT was in New Mexico in June. He wouldn't even take my order until I told him I was ok with it being Christmas before he could deliver, I was thrilled when I got it before Thanksgiving. Good Luck! Randy 2 Quote
Yul Lose Posted February 6 Posted February 6 (edited) Double Diamond has built both of my gun leather sets. One for my Ruger Old Armies and one is for my seldom used Ruger Vaqueros. He’s done all of my gun cart seats too and lots of other leather items, phone cases, belts, suspenders, knife sheaths, etc.. if I can think of it he can build it. I had a Tombstone Tupelo SG bandoleer that I wanted the leather loops replaced with elastic and he modified it just the way I wanted. He’s retired from building gun rigs as all of the stitching on his rigs is done by hand and arthritis is winning the battle. Edited February 6 by Yul Lose 1 Quote
Joe Cross, SASS #13848 L Posted February 6 Posted February 6 Holsters and holster belt and shot shell belt: JM Leather. jm-leather.com Excellent quality. 2 Quote
Eyesa Horg Posted February 6 Posted February 6 15 minutes ago, Joe Cross, SASS #13848 L said: Holsters and holster belt and shot shell belt: JM Leather. jm-leather.com Excellent quality. Ellie's was built by Johnny and she loves it. I heard recently that he has retired though. He made our badge holders and cart holsters as well. Quote
Turquoise Bill, SASS #39118 Posted February 6 Posted February 6 Colt Faro Leather, 2 holster rigs, shotgun belt and knife sheaf. 7 Quote
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted February 6 Posted February 6 Holsters, Gun Belt for my Open Tops and Shotgun Belt by Murphy Custom Gun Leather. Holsters and and Gun Belt for my Snubbie Cap Guns and Capt. Schaeffer replica Cap guns by Colorado Smith. Others for my 3.5 inch 45s by J & G Leather (The Hidesman). Couple more I don't remember who made 'em. Quote
Tex Jones, SASS 2263 Posted February 6 Posted February 6 My early rigs were from El Paso Saddlery and Bob Mernickle. Still have them and use them on occasion. The go to rigs are from a long time friend and leather maker Zach Taylor. Those are hand stitched and work well. Shotgun belt from Zach, also. Quote
Will Kane Posted February 6 Posted February 6 I have a Mernickle High Performance holster rig and double elastic loop shotgun belt I got from Bob Mernickle about seven year ago and really put through the wringer. I currently use a Doc Noper holster rig and double leather loop shotgun belt I got from Doc two or three years ago. Quote
Griff Posted February 6 Posted February 6 (edited) I started out with a Bianchi Cheyenne rig. Still have holster, but the belt has needs repair. I added a Wm. Davis 6-shell slide. Then, in 1989 I had Jack Stewart of Show Low, AZ make me a holster & belt combo copied from a set he'd found in an AZ museum. My cap guns are housed in a pair of El Paso Saddlery Sim Jims. I have adapted another, much older off-brand Slim Jim into a cross draw for a cap gun when I don't feel like doin' the two strongside thing. My shotgun belt is canvas unit, also from Wm. Davis & Son, but, just like the gun belt, had to add a new tongue to better fit the new, more comfortable me! One of my favorite accoutrements is a belt holder for my powder flask . Maker has long since left the memory bank. Anyone recognize the mark? Edited February 6 by Griff Quote
Totes Magoats Posted February 6 Posted February 6 I really, really tried to like elastic shell loops in a shotgun belt, but I'll stick with leather double loops. I've went through 4 different Shotgun belts with elastic from various makers and ended up getting rid of all of them. For me, when it's time to replace my current rig, I'll probably Frankenstein a rig together from various makes. There are things I want/like, but not a single maker I've found yet has them all. Totes 2 Quote
Muggins Posted February 6 Posted February 6 Doc Noper! The wife and I love our SASS and wild bunch rigs from him. Currently using a double shotshell loop belt while the wife has elastic loops for hers. Everything from color of the leather to stitching is built to order and worth any short waiting period. Nothing to improve upon or make it better. Just try to keep it clean. 1 Quote
Snakebite Dust SASS 75484 Posted February 6 Posted February 6 I am a big fan of Murphy Custom Gun Leather. Very high quality and craftsmanship. Have a gunbelt, Holsters and shotgun belt from him. 2 Quote
watab kid Posted February 7 Posted February 7 (edited) ive always just run a commercial galco JW rig , i have both the two strong side and the cross draw sets , these sare for my 45s , my 38s ride in an el paseo saddlery rig , i never got around to getting a custom rig made - what i have always worked fine , i use a shot shell slide as i couldnt suffer that second belt , Edited February 7 by watab kid Quote
Painted Mohawk SASS 77785 Posted February 8 Posted February 8 Tombstone Tupelo Bandoleer for me [ 12g & .45 ] ...gave those waist / 'tummy belts away ages ago...just don't feel right & they get in the road of me own dang self !!!!. funny thing here down -under I 've seen a few play around with the Bandoleer but very few use them, in fact at a shoot usually it's only me, don't know why I reckon there great. Did see a lot when visiting the USA.. Quote
Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655 Posted February 9 Posted February 9 When dressed cowboy El Paso Saddlery Gunbelt holsters and Shotgun belt. When wearing period uniforms Mernicle Gunbelt Holters and shotgun belt with elastic loops Quote
Rance - SASS # 54090 Posted February 9 Posted February 9 My first set holsters and shotshell belt was all Kirkpatrick leather.. Probably used them for a good 10 years.. My second set of holsters and holster belt was custom made by Murphys Gun Leather.. He makes them for how the customer needs them.. I didn’t put any shell loops on it as I found they just make yer belt heavier if ya fill them up.. Still (for 22 years now) using the same Kirkpatrick shotshell belt.. probably has 16 places for shells in double leather loops.. and 5 loops on each side for pistol and rifle reloads.. Just sayin.. 1 Quote
Rooster Ron Wayne Posted February 10 Posted February 10 Some Kid in a Mexican sweat shop , And on a bandolier over the shoulder ! 3 Quote
Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator Posted February 10 Posted February 10 I have been in this great sport for over 25 years. I have enjoyed at least 15 rigs from makers such as an early Big Ed thru many mentioned above to my current rigs by Aint Dunnit and Doc Noper. I would also mention that of the numerous shotgun belts owned, IMO, Doc Noper's are the absolute finest. Of materials tried I have settled on leather loops for the shotgun shells (as pairs) and canvas or elastic for cartridges (usually a pair at each end). Sassy prefers elastic for all on her Noper. She also wears (quite nicely I might add, HAPPY VALENTINES) a Aint Dunnit holster rig. 4 Quote
SGT. ELI 35882 GUNFIGHTER Posted February 10 Posted February 10 Murphys Custom Gunleather by Persimmon Dan. Holsters, belt, and shotgun belt custom made the way you want. 1 1 Quote
Texas Red Posted February 11 Posted February 11 Murphys Custom Gunleather by Persimmon Dan will get you what fits you Best. A Great Pard by the Way.... TR 1 1 Quote
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