Holsters and gun belts for black powder

[Jedediah Westwood]

Ok gents, time to brag and show off, let’s see your cap and ball gun belt rigs.  Trying to get a good design to make one for myself and just want some ideas and suggestions.

[Rip Snorter]

See if you can get a look at Packing Iron by Richard Rattenbury.  I gave away a set I made, and unfortunately the patterns as well.

[Griff]

Nothing fancy, same belt, just different holster for the Patersons & 1851s.

 

 

[Rip Snorter]

Heck of a Randall or an excellent copy!

[Frontier Lone Rider]

Even though I shoot black powder, my rigs are the identical same.  I shoot 5 1/2-inch Ruger Vaqueros in 44-40 for true black and 5 1/2-inch Ruger Vaqueros in 3 Special for smokeless.  I have two rigs which are identical which can be used for both except for the bullet loops on the belt for the different calibers.

 

I try to keep it simple.  As-well-as this gives me an extra rig to loan out to folks just beginning our game.

 

They are both Black Hills Leather, black Ringo style rigs with extra conchos.

Edited March 13 by Frontier Lone Rider

[Warden Callaway]

I made this one copping one used by Jessy James. 

 

[Lucky R. K.]

Here is a set I did a few years ago.

[Sawhorse Kid]

Technically, I designed this for a '72 Open Top.

 

 

 

 

[Griff]

On 3/12/2025 at 8:54 PM, Rip Snorter said:

Heck of a Randall or an excellent copy!

Blackjack copy from abt 1996/7.

[Rip Snorter]

2 minutes ago, Griff said:

Blackjack copy from abt 1996/7.

A unique design by a military officer - can't recall the name.

[Erasmus]

Here's my rig. It might not be optimal, or fast, but it's mine  I made the belt, the holster in the right, the screw knife, the screw knife pouch, the belt knife, the sheath, the badge backer, and the pouch. I used to keep my shotgun slide on this belt as well but have since taken to wearing it on a second belt. I like shooting Frontiersman and (despite CAS not being reenactment) I like trying to stick to what might have been plausible between 1860 and 1870 (my 1873 rifle notwithstanding). 

 

Edited March 15 by Erasmus

[Major Crimes]

My 1851/1861 rig. I have added the cylinder holders.

[Spiritmaker]

My 72 open tops and rig.

 

[watab kid]

enjoying seeing these ive wanted a rig for my C&Bs but just not gotten to it yet , 

[Sebastian Blud]

I've been looking for belts in 2 to 2 1/2 with no loops. You guys got any leads on those? May have to contact Whyte Leatherworks and see if he can do something. Got a few of his belts already.

[Erasmus]

I just bought a 2 inch latigo strap, skived the end, installed snaps, punched holes, and put on a buckle. 

Edited March 16 by Erasmus

[Sawhorse Kid]

3 hours ago, Sebastian Blud said:

I've been looking for belts in 2 to 2 1/2 with no loops. You guys got any leads on those? May have to contact Whyte Leatherworks and see if he can do something. Got a few of his belts already.

Have you considered making it yourself?

Nice entry level leather project.

[Griff]

5 hours ago, Sebastian Blud said:

I've been looking for belts in 2 to 2 1/2 with no loops. You guys got any leads on those? May have to contact Whyte Leatherworks and see if he can do something. Got a few of his belts already.

 is your friend.  El Paso Saddlery Blackpowder Belt, from the place that's nearly always the first place I look.  I'd rather have the "Money Belt", and if you ask 'em if they'd make it w/o loops... the worst they can do is say "no".  

[Dapper Dave]

All I have is a holster, (just in case I do start to shoot cap and ball), for my Remington New Army copy. Made by a guy named Craig C. on another forum. I have the pistol with a Howell conversion cylinder in it right now, and this rig is mounted on a 45 cartridge belt made by a fella up in East Palestine, Ohio, but I was told it's probably a poor choice for SASS. Maybe when I get more matches under my belt I will branch out more.