Bucheimer and Bucheimer-Clark holster fit charts - 1953-1975 & later
Inserting this explanation in September, 2021 ---
As noted elsewhere, this is a continuing work in progress. It's gone on so long that I am in the classic position of having forgotten more than I'll ever know - or something like that. I have to look again each time I go back. Credit to the many who have contributed especially Red Nichols and John Witty. (Buy their book!!)
Craig SG-688
How to read Bucheimer and Bucheimer-Clark holster codes:
Generally the first numbers and letters stamped on the back of the holster designate the model of the holster; the numbers after the dash designate the size. Letter prefixes and suffixes indicate options, such as color - if different than brown - black [B], in later years Clarino [C], russet [R], lining [L], no lining [U], floral carving [F], basket stamping [W], left hand [LH], and a new discovery - [E] for elastic straps.
With a few exceptions, this is not a chart of model numbers. Too many for that. The chart is searchable for the fit number.
To find what handgun fits a holster, search only for the numbers after the dash. A few exceptions, like the Hank Sloan and Pacemaker, may not have a dash and require letters and/or numbers in addition to the numbers for the correct search result.
AND THEN -- the fit code numbers are not unique. The same number may appear with several different handguns depending upon the era and the model of holster. Inference may be required. A large holster for a handgun with a long barrel probably does not fit a Chief Special.
One other twist repeated from below:
For late Bucheimer holsters with a multi-digit system as on the FBI Concealer holsters 01-604-16. (3 inch Model 13)
The first two numbers:
01 - holster
02 - belt
03 - clubs and saps
04 - ammunition and magazine carriers
The second series = the model number
The third series = holster fit code
===================
Inserting this explanation in August 2020 ---
Bucheimer and Bucheimer-Clark were sister companies.
It's all very muddled, even after looking for corporate records. Red Nichols has an as-much-as-we-know summary in one of his recent blog entries.
J. M. Bucheimer Co (Frederick, Maryland)
An old line company dating to the turn of the century (that other one) as a holster company. Bucheimer ended in the late 1980's, acknowledging guesswork because of our lack of official records.
Bucheimer-Clark Corp, 6314 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 3, California.
A combination of Bucheimer and the LA based Clark holster company - dating to about 1920 - incorporated in 1959. Dissolved in 1970 when both came under the Tandy corporation. The last B-C catalog we have is dated 1978.
And then there were holsters marked Thompson, Thompson-Clark and Clark (Anaheim) using the B-C designs. Red was acquainted with Thompson as an LA company attempting inroads into the 70's police market. Then holsters from the other two have popped up recently.
Jan. 2021: Also now we've found Clark (Coachella, CA) which might explain the coach symbol!! More to come.
A company recently using the B-C name is not related to the others.
Jan. 2021: adding a 1971 Bucheimer fit chart in a pdf.
Oct. 2021: more additions; updated attached pdf.
May, 2022: added code for Colt Diamondback and updated attachments
July, 2022: added Ruger DA Security Six revolvers and Sig-Sauer 220
(Start of original post, much modified, from 2012)
Never thought there would be a demand for this, but apparently there is. My catalog doesn't show a unified model number chart, so I had to construct one.
PS ...and edit... --- As noted by others, Bucheimer size markings seem to have been changed multiple times.
Multiple additions and corrections have been made since the original post. Now into ... 2024. Both Bucheimer and Bucheimer-Clark sizes are listed.
The PDF lists attached have been updated and modified.
Generally the first numbers/letters stamped on the back designate the model of the holster; the numbers after the dash designate the size. Letters indicate options such as color, lining, carving and basket stamping. Also LH for left hand...
Craig
======= Adding this to the top to make it easier to find =========
A September 2018 addition from Turnerriver.
For late Bucheimer holsters with a multi-digit system as on the FBI Concealer holsters 01-604-16.
The first two numbers:
01 - holster
02 - belt
03 - clubs and saps
04 - ammunition and magazine carriers
The second series = the model number
The third series = holster fit code
============= =============== ================
Bucheimer & Bucheimer-Clark Holster Chart -- by make
1980's Ruger Security/Service/Speed 6 and Taurus DA revolvers added to many listings for S&W K frame size revolvers.
1 = Derringer
1 = HS Hi Standard Derringer
1 = GER Derringer, German
15 = .25 Automatics, Standard Frame Size
17 = .32 & .380 Automatics, U.S. and Foreign
2BR = Browning .25 Automatic
80 = Browning Hi Power
30 = Walther PPK/s
77 = Walther PPK/s
2 = Colt .25 Automatic
3 = Colt .32 & .380 Automatic
4 = Colt Police Positive 4”
22 = Colt Diamondback, 2½
23 / 22-4 = Colt Diamondback 4”
42 = Colt Detective Spec., Agent, Cobra 2”
43 = Colt Detective Spec., Agent, Cobra 3”
44 = Colt Official Police, Marshall 4”
45 = Colt Official Police, Marshall 5”
46 = Colt Official Police, Marshall 6”
54 = Colt O.P. Mk. III, Metro Mk. III, Trooper 4”
56 = Colt O.P. Mk. III, Metro Mk. III, Trooper 6”
62 = Colt Python, 2½
64 = Colt Python, Trooper Mk. III 4”
66 = Colt Python, Trooper Mk. III 6”
74 = Colt Commander
75 = Colt Government Model
76 = Colt Officer Model Match 6”
11 = S&W Chief Special, Terrier, 2”
12 = S&W M&P, Combat Master 2”
13 = S&W Chief Special, Terrier 3”
14 = S&W Military & Police, Combat Master 4”
16 = S&W Military & Police, Combat Master 6”
16 = S&W M&P Mdl. 13 3" in FBI Concealer
24 = S&W .357 Magnum, Highway Patrol 3½ - 4”
25 = S&W .357 Magnum 5”
26 = S&W .357 Magnum, Highway Patrol 6”
34 = S&W K22, K32, K38 Masterpiece 4”, S&W Model 19 4”
34M = S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum 4”
36 = S&W K22, K32, K38 Masterpiece 6”, S&W Model 19 6”
36M = S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum 6”
52 = S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum, 2½”
53 = S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum, 4”
55 = S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum, 6”
78 = S&W Model 59
79 = S&W Model 39
84 = S&W .41 & .44 Magnum 4”
85 = S&W .41 & .44 Magnum 5” (inferred)
86 = S&W .41 & .44 Magnum 6”
58 = Hi Standard Sentinel MK I, MK IV 2”
59 = Dan Wesson 11, 12 Hi Standard Sentinel MK II, MK III, 2 1/2”
60 = Dan Wesson 14, 15 Hi Standard Sentinel MK II, MK III, 4”
14RU = Ruger Service Six 4”
52RU = Ruger Security Six 2 ¾”
53RU = Ruger Security Six 4”
81 = Sig-Sauer 220 series auto pistol
90 = Steyr GB 9 mm
Model 9 Break Front Holster - Bucheimer/Clark
4S = Small Frame, 4”
4M = Medium Frame, 4”
5 = Large Frame, 4”
6S = Small Frame, 6”
6M = Medium Frame, 6”
7 = Large Frame, 6”
Mil. & Pol., K Series, Combat Masterpiece, Combat Magnum
[Same numbers used for Colt Revolvers in later catalogs]
25 = 2”
45 = 4”
55 = 5”
65 = 6”
.357 Magnum Model 27, Highway Patrolman Model 28
42 = 3½“, 4”
52 = 5”
62 = 6”, 6½“
.44 Magnum Model 29
61 = 6½“
Other numbers used
15 = S&W Chief Special 2”
25 = Colt Python 2 ½”
30 = Heavy Frame Magnum 2”, 2 ½”
35 = Revolvers 3”
42 = Heavy Frame Magnum 4”
45 = Colt and S&W Medium and Large Frame Revolvers 4”
Bucheimer Buc-Hide synthetic leather holsters, belts and accessories
Single digit for item with C prefix and then usual Bucheimer 2 digit code.
e.g., 3C-11 for a Buc-Hide holster fitting a S&W Chief Special
===============================================
Clark holster fit size codes (1930-1959 before Bucheimer – Clark)
Observed Clark holsters have varied but are often seen with general size markings for frame size by caliber and barrel length, such as, 002, 32 2, 38 4, 45 5 ½.
===============================================
Thompson, Thompson – Clark, and Clark, Anaheim, CA
Observed holsters display a mix of the old Clark system with Bucheimer and Bucheimer – Clark model numbers and fit codes.
The black box attachments are PDF's of the fit charts plus a 1971 Bucheimer fit chart. -- and the 1976 catalog page for the popular Concealer pancake style holster with patented tunnel belt loops.
.
Last edited by SG-688; 03-09-2024 at 03:56 PM.
Reason: added more
Bucheimer Fit Charts for Perfect Fit and Pacemaker holsters
More additions October, 2021
Constructed this from Turnerriver's photo post. Some of that was blurry and I found a couple of anomalies that I have changed to what seems appropriate.
=================================
Bucheimer Perfect Fit holster chart 1956
-----------------------------------------------------
Plain = 3 digit number ending in 2.
Floral carved = 2 digit number with F suffix.
Add "B" prefix for black.
772 77F = 4 ½ “ WOODSMAN TARGET, SPORT or CHALLENGER
782 78F = 6” WOODSMAN TARGET, SPORT or CHALLENGER
812 81F = 4 ½ “ WOODSMAN MATCH TARGET
822 82F = 6” WOODSMAN MATCH TARGET
COLT REVOLVERS
202 20F = 2” COBRA, DETECTIVE SPECIAL
442 44F = 3” COURIER
442 44F = 4” COBRA, POLICE POSITIVE SPECIAL
542 54F = 5” POLICE POSITIVE SPECIAL
642 64F = 6” POLICE POSITIVE SPECIAL
402 40F = 4” OFFICIAL POLICE, MARSHAL
502 50F = 5” OFFICIAL POLICE, MARSHAL
602 60F = 6” OFFICIAL POLICE, MARSHAL
492 49F = 4” .357 MAGNUM, TROOPER
692 69F = 6” .357 MAGNUM, TROOPER, OFFICERS MODEL MATCH
522 52F = 5” NEW SERVICE
622 62F = 6” NEW SERVICE
432 43F = 4¼ SINGLE ACTION ARMY, FRONTIER MDL
572 57F = 5½” SINGLE ACTION ARMY, FRONTIER MDL
732 73F = 7½” SINGLE ACTION ARMY, FRONTIER MDL
===================
SMITH & WESSON REVOLVERS
232 23F = 2” CHIEF’S SPEC. TERRIER, CENTENNIAL
232 23F = 2”.32 HAND EJECTOR
302 30F = 3¼” .32 HAND EJECTOR
482 48F = 4” .32 HAND EJECTOR
162 16F = 4½” A, HA, B, HB
172 17F = 6¼” A, HA, B, HB
182 18F = 4½” D, HE, E, HE, SPORT KING, FIELD KING, OLYMPIC, SUPERMATIC
192 19F = 6¼” D, HE, E, HE, SPORT KING, FIELD KING, OLYMPIC, SUPERMATIC
132 13F = 4½” DURAMATIC
152 15F = 6¼” DURAMATIC
===========================
IVER JOHNSON REVOLVERS
282 28F = 2½” CADET, MODEL 68, MODEL 555
662 66F = 4” TARGET, MODEL 65, MODEL 68
682 68F = 6” TARGET, MODEL 65, MODEL 68
472 47F = 4½” SUPER SHOT, MODEL 844
672 67F = 6” SUPER SHOT, MODEL 844, ARMSWORTH, MODEL 855
========================
RUGER
922 92F = 4½” STANDARD AUTO
992 99F = 5” MARK I
932 93F = 6” MARK I
572 57F = SINGLE SIX
=====================
OTHER
302 30F = 3 ½” ALL SMALL FRAME .32 CAL. REVOLVERS
912 91F = LUGER
952 95F = P-38
972 97F = BERETTA .25 CAL
982 98F = BERETTA .32 CAL
=====================
Perfect Fit holster numbers from about 1964 & 1976:
Bucheimer Easy Off Holster chart - 1953
(Apparently a less expensive version of the Perfect Fit holster.)
B prefix for black
Revolvers
428 = H&R Bantam 21/2” barrel
430 = All small frame .32 Cal revolvers to 31/2” barrel
441 = Police Positive and other .32 & .38 Cal to 4” barrel
445 = S&W .38 Cal M&P to 4”
455 = Same to 5”
455 = Same to 6”
465 = H&R 999 6” barrel
Colt Automatic Pistols
410 = .25 Cal Automatic
411 = .32 & .380 Cal Auto
412 = .45 & .38 Super Cal Auto
===============================================
Shoulder Holster Bucheimer
342 = .25 Cal Auto
500 = 2” and 21/2” barrel
504 = 4” barrel
505 = 5” barrel
506 = 6” barrel
510 = 43/4” .22 Target Auto
511 = 63/4” .22 Target Auto
520 = 2” small frame revolvers
532 = .32 & .380 Cal Auto
545 = .45 & .38 Super Cal Auto
==============================================
1961, 1971 and 1976 Pacemaker lists combined with notations on the major differences. Most are obvious, such as Dan Wesson didn't exist in 1961 and Whitney was no longer in 1971. Close, but not quite the same as the Perfect Fit list.
1971 also has the very slightly different list for the suede lined Pacemaker. No lined Pacemaker in the 1976 catalog.
Thanks for the post...been trying to ID this one. Apparently it's for a 5" K-frame, but I can't find it anywhere in print. Ever see this one? And it's a lefty, if it matters. Thanks.
Bob
Towson, Maryland, I believe. Towson Perfect Fit holsters pre- date
Bucheimer holsters- at least I think so. Don't know if Bucheimer bought Towson or changed the name. How's that for definitive information ?
Regards,
turnerriver
While looking through the stack for something else, I found this one. Worth a btt, I think.
1965
...skilled craftsmen block each holster individually over an exact aluminum model of the revolver for which it is intended. Pressure applied at three critical points provides close fit.
Then ... the assured perfect fit, this time using the actual gun itself.
Someone in another thread, I forget now which one, was asking recently about a chart for Bucheimer's Concealer line of holsters. I haven't seen one yet but I've found that the two-digit number codes listed in the first post of this thread for 1975 under break front holsters correspond with the Concealer codes.
For example, I have a Concealer that's marked BCW-52. Ignoring the BCW (Black Concealer basketWeave?), if I look up number 52 on that list here, it tells me it fits a 2.5" K-frame, which mine indeed does. I've also tested this with a couple others for which I knew the fit and it seems to be correct. I assume this would also work for the Colt codes listed.
Thanks for posting this! I nominated it for the Notable Thread Index.
I've owned this B. C. holster for some time and didn't really know what it was for. I THOUGHT it might be an ankle holster for a Derringer, but didn't have one to try in it. Now I KNOW it's a leg holster for a Derringer!
My BW412S belt slide I purchased back in the early 70's.
It's still in beautiful shape and more than servicable. I think I paid around $10 brand new at Herb Phillipson's in Rome, NY. I was stationed at Griffiss AFB at the time.
SG688, again a great post. I always get a kick out of you"oldtimers" who carried black basket weave "rather than the new improved drastic plastic holsters and guns". For those that don't know, SG688 and I are long time old friends, I am actually senior to him and he and I both carried in black basket weave both S&W's and John Browning's greatest.
Never thought there would be a demand for this, but apparently there is. My catalog doesn't show a unified model number chart, so I had to construct one.
This won't post in the same formating that I am entering, but we'll work through that.
PS --- As noted by others, Bucheimer size markings seem to have been changed multiple times. There must have been at least one other, completely different marking system than these two.
The "Perfect Fit" snap loop holster does not appear in my 1975 catalog.
Nice chart but they must have changed the sizes at some point. I have a 1920 Colt Police Positive Special 32-20WCF and it fits a P-4 holster. This gun has a 5" barrel and fits fine. The 1928 Colt Police Positive .32 Colt Police CTG ( .32 S&W Long ) has the 4" barrel and has lots of space left over for the barrel. Holster is black leather.
I picked up a S&W holster (marked 22 34) some time back at a yard sale for $5.00. It looked like it would fit a 4 inch DA revolver, which it did. It fit my Model 10 and my GP-100.
The other night I was looking at some 1911 holsters and it struck me that many of the older 1911 holsters looked similar to my holster, sure enough, my Springfield Champion (Commander) fits it like a glove and has a certain retro look to it...
However, it hangs more like a duty holster and would not be ideal for concealment except under a coat...
I'm still looking for a reasonably priced Bucheimer catalog to fill in the gaps, since the Bucheimer-Clark line is only the police style holsters.
================
October, 2021
We now have 1971 and 1976 Bucheimer catalogs in hand with stolen glimpses of a 1980-ish catalog that shows some changes in model names & numbers and additional fit codes. It may have the first codes for Ruger double action revolvers.
--- A couple use an RU suffix with most using similar size S&W frame codes.
I have 2 of the Bucheimer Model 72 basket weave with cartridge loops. Both in good condition, One with Basket weave duty belt. It fits my Ruger Blachhawk 357 50th Anniversary Edition just right. I will sell one if interested, Gun not included !
I have a Bucheimer holster that I picked up I don't know where.
It is a simple belt loop mount, thumb break, open bottom holster. Stamped on the back "BUCHEIMER" inside a rectangle, beneath that "PMA- 4"
Unless I missed it, I didn't see any model numbers remotely like that in the thread so far. I'm away from home at the moment, but I'm fairly certain that I would have tried my 4" K frames in it to see if they would fit without success. Perhaps a J frame?
Anyways, this thread has left me mildly curious as to what I have here. Thanks to all who can offer any insight.
Codes for Bucheimer Police Uniform Holsters in 1960's and 1970's.
This has also been added to the master list.
I'd delete the post except for it providing a place to attach the catalog pages.
Mil. & Pol., K Series, Combat [Same numbers used for Colt Revolvers in later catalogs]
25 = 2”
45 = 4”
55 = 5”
65 = 6”
.357 Mag., Hwy. Patrolman
42 = 3½“, 4”
52 = 5”
62 = 6”, 6½“
.44 Magnum Model 29
61 = 6½“
Other numbers used
15 = S&W Chief Special 2”
25 = Colt Python 2 ½”
30 = Heavy Frame Magnum 2”, 2 ½”
35 = Revolvers 3”
42 = Heavy Frame Magnum 4”
45 = Colt and S&W Medium and Large Frame Revolvers 4”
I typed out the list for easier reading. The addition of the .41 Magnum would date this one around 1964.
The Perfect Fit holster codes appear to be unique to the Perfect Fit line of holsters.
Note that Turnerriver's 1956 chart had different numbers for Colt and S&W revolvers but this one shoves both into the same size holster. Perhaps not so perfect any more.
Bucheimer Western style drop loop holsters 1970's
Model prefix – size number 1-9
1 = Colt Scout, Ruger, Hi-Standard .22 4 ¾”
2 = H&R, Ruger, Hi-Standard .22 5 ½”
3 = Ruger BKH, Colt SAA 4 ¾” 5 ½”
4 = Ruger BKH, Colt SAA 7 ½”
5 = Ruger BKH .44 6 ½” 7 ½”
6 = Ruger Bearcat .22
7 = Ruger, Colt New Frontier 5 ½” 6 ½”
8 = Ruger 9 ½”
9 = Colt, Hi-Standard Buntline .22 9 ½”
October, 2021;
Wherever I found that Bucheimer-Clark list, I don't have it now. Attaching the Bucheimer catalog pages for Western and Civil War holsters.
Note: Inexpensive Buscadero style holsters with the holster body attached to the fender with two screws can be dangerous in that if the upper screw comes out, the holster will swivel 180 degrees, dumping the revolver on the hammer.
..
From the bargain bin - a B32-13W Sheriff. 13 indicates a 3 inch Chiefs Special.
A J frame is loose in this one.
HT to Linde
October, 2021
Added PDF catalog pages for the Bucheimer Clark spring holsters: Sheriff, Marshal and Combat spring-post holster. All original Ed Clark designs.
..
(Apparently a less expensive version of the Perfect Fit holster.)
B prefix for black
Revolvers
428 = H&R Bantam 21/2” barrel
430 = All small frame .32 Cal revolvers to 31/2” barrel
441 = Police Positive and other .32 & .38 Cal to 4” barrel
445 = S&W .38 Cal M&P to 4”
455 = Same to 5”
455 = Same to 6”
465 = H&R 999 6” barrel
Colt Automatic Pistols
410 = .25 Cal Automatic
411 = .32 & .380 Cal Auto
412 = .45 & .38 Super Cal Auto
========================
Shoulder Holster
342 = .25 Cal Auto
500 = 2” and 21/2” barrel
504 = 4” barrel
505 = 5” barrel
506 = 6” barrel
510 = 43/4” .22 Target Auto
511 = 63/4” .22 Target Auto
520 = 2” small frame revolvers
532 = .32 & .380 Cal Auto
545 = .45 & .38 Super Cal Auto
I looked on all the holsters and didn't see the B440 federal man listed. When I researched it and bought it, it said for a 4" K-frame, but it is decidedly too small. Anybody know what it fits?
I have a 14c-11 which the 75 chart shows is for a 2in S&W. I have a Charter Arms Police Bulldog 4in barrel from 1974 that fits like a glove in it. My questions: Are these holsters becoming collectible? What did these holsters cost new back in the day?
Great post, brings back some fond memories, and a few not so fond...However those older police models need to be preserved if for no other reason history of and memories of those who wore those for most of their careers,,,Thank to all the Bucheimer Clark cross draw was my first issued holster...It fit both a model 10 S&W and a Colt Trooper....Even in the 60's the cross draw was being relegated to the used holster bin...Was pretty handy under a old fashioned below the but coat....They did have break away snaps....Darn I'm getting old.
SG,
Outstanding information. After reviewing your catalog listings I'm taking that I have a Federal Man. This was included in the deal when I found my 64-1 .357 M65 Prototype. 4" fixed sight K. I see a $6.98 listed on the ad. Boy how times have changed. Not that I'm even thinking of selling but curious as to the value of this now. Was this model common? Thanks for all your work.
Regards
I recall seeing only two of the Federal Man holsters in use in about 1970. For my first formal firearms class - with FBI instructors over the original 60 yard PPC - the chief loaned me his brand new Mdl 19 and Federal Man holster. One captain wore a Federal Man with his 2 inch Colt DS.
In our area, thumb break holsters of any make were rare until the mid 70's, and then Safariland ruled.
Very informative thread......Probably the best collection of info on what many of us carried in the old days...I had forgot about the cross draw holsters.....Remember them well.......I would love to print the whole thread. My old printer would break me if I did....It has a mind of it's own and seems to love money being spent on it..Reminds me of a wife!
Thanks for all of the hard work to compile this info.It's awesome to have this resource to refer to!
I do have a question that I'd appreciate any info anyone can share. I have one of the Hank Sloan model Buchiemer holsters. It is marked "HS 7" on the back side. I assumed that these were most likely offered just for S&W K frame 4" guns, but my new holster is a really snug fit on my Model 15 and that only comes with the adjustable welt adjusted all the way out. My Cobra is a better fit,although it might not be as snug a fit as I would want.
Does anyone know what the "HS 7" is supposed to fit? Thanks in advance!