Holster and Belt for Colt SAA 5 1/2" Revolver

have a price range in mind?  I've been sewing up my own holsters for a while now, but I look at all of the holsters being sold by the "big boys" on a regular basis in order to combine features and designs that I like in order to achieve my goal.  Because of that constant viewing of the many holsters available, I'm familiar with the different price ranges from different makers...  I'll help where I can...
 
I stitch up most of my rigs using Will Ghormley patterns that I have modified slightly.   But sometimes I see things that the factories are doing that I like, so I add those features.   (BTW, I found that Ghormley is a super nice guy, a Godly man, and a very encouraging advisor to a novice holster maker - you've seen his work in Tombstone, Assasination of Jesse James, 3:10 to Yuma [Crowe version].  He answered my e-mail like he had known me for years.)
 
-Mike

Mike, I am prepared to pay the price for quality leather and workmanship.  I know that I want a fully lined holster.
I have Frontier Gunleaher Catalogue (like 1881, 1884, and 1878 styles), and I have ordered some others.  Do I need a lined belt?  Which belt
width is best?  What about number of cartridge loops?  How durable is a hand rubbed finish?  What about
slight forward cant on holster?  Would slight forward cant help with alternative crossdraw option?
 

I have a rig made by Rick Bachman, I really like it & Rick makes them in the period you want.  He makes a money belt/gun belt that is fantastic & period correct. Look at his web at  www.oldwestreproductions.com   I  think you will be impressed with his work. He has been writter up in the book  Packing Iron  by Rattenberry.
Frank

Frank,
I will take your advice.
Thanks,
greyman
 

Greyman 
I think you'll be impressed.
Frank

In my opinion, which comes from packing in a wide array of conditions, weather, etc. I find little to no advantage for a holster to be lined. I believe that lined holsters are great if you can keep 'em clean, which is the million dollar question-can you?
Most of the time, people think that lined leather will be easier on the finish. Let me tell you, once it gets embedded with all kinds of debris, dirt, sand, powder, oil, and sawdust, that fine lined holster will be like a finish remover!

Good quality hard leather will resist embedding much better than lined, and clean up much easier. If you insist on a lined holster, and you intend to truly use it, then make sure it has a full flap, and work extra hard at being fastidious.

Mak,
I am a newbie so I have to ask this question: Is a "fully lined leather holster" (like 1878 Outlaw in Frontier Leather Bianchi Catalogue ) and "lined holster" the same critter?
I don't like suede, etc. lined holsters, but I once used a police holster with (hard) full lining and could simply wipe out dirt, etc.  I like the idea of hard or double lined leather
on inside. I once owned a suede lined holster for a double action revolver, and it collected debris like you said (in effect it was like sandpaper on finish).
greyman

Greyman
I'll try to answer your question.
I think lined  & fully lined are just two different descriptions of a lined holster. I'm not aware of any half lined holsters. The sight & ejector rod would surely snag on the bottom of the half liner & pull it out.
I  agree with Mak, I think a lining will collect dirt (dust) & that will wear the finish off a good gun. I have one, but it gets limited use. They do look nice, but I'd go for an unlined holster.
Frank

I've had a lined holster or two, mostly found them heavier, hard to get good gun fit, and so on. I think it was Bill Jordan who wrote how he liked to get a new holster (unlined) and drop it in a water trough for a day or so, stuff the gun in and let it dry. It forms to the gun and that is that. You can't dip a lined holster and get a good fit without "boning" it as described in Bianci's book on gunleather. I'll stick with unlined. This one's unlined and fits great. Chris
 

 

No hard and fast rules as to how any maker is going to describe his or her products-other than to make 'em sound so good that you just have to go and buy. Generally, fully lined means that-when you look inside the holster all you see is lining. Lined could mean that-or could refer to lining that is more limited in coverage. It really depends on the manufacturer, and you need to ask 'em to get a clear answer. I once had an Old Model Ruger SBH, and it sat in an unlined Bianchi holster that featured an open trigger guard. It held the gun nice and tight, but still allowed a pretty smooth draw. All in all, a good holster. If they still make 'em that good, it should be worth the money.

I am looking at holsters made by Rick Bachman and Will Ghormley.  I appreciate your help very much.
greyman

Greyman
I have a belt & holsters by Rick, you'll like his work, it's tops.
Frank

Frank V,
Rich Bachman also responds to questions from his potential customer!
greyman

Greyman
Rick is very cordial. I've met him at gun shows here & he's got time to talk with you.
Frank

Having bought one of his holsters and having previously made positive comments, I would offer the following observations:
1. I think Buckskin Lining is for the museum; I think a holster with smooth lining (like calf skin) or an unlined holster made with top of the line leather is the way to go.
2. Despite all the advertising about the high grade leather, be prepared for imperfections - even in the center of a medallion that is in the front center of the holster. Life is not perfect.
3. Always be prepared for less than stellar customer service. Keep your emails like I have if someone questions your comments.
4. It is always better to act like a gentleman.
5. You are much happier when you dispose of something that disappoints you.    
 
 

I have several of Rick's holsters & a belt.
I'm very happy with them. I don't need a lined holster, but Rick's lined holsters are very nice.

Frank

Nice to see the several recommendations; something for me to check out.  Most of my SA holsters have been El Paso Saddlery, Tom Threepersons style,  which they line with smooth pigskin. The lining seems to wipe out easily and the fit's always been good, and secure as well. Probably not for the quickest work,  since the pigskin is a little grabby. I've got an older suede lined Safariland for a 4" Python that I bought back when. The suede's sort of a grit magnet.

Greyman I know this  is an old thread, but did you get your belt & holster?
I really like the money/gunbelt from Rick.