Found a "new" holster for my 1983 Model 66 (holster courtesy of private sale by our forum's own bbtrout - thanks, Mike; revolver letters to having been sold in Houston Mar 1983 - I picked it up about 12 years ago).

I always preferred the look and simplicity of the Tom Threepersons style duty holsters over the more modern holsters, and I love that "honey brown" colored gear from the 80's. So I was real happy to score this beauty of a holster to go with my 66.

I worked for the Texas prisons from 1987-2014 (after 3 yrs as an MP at the Fort Hood Stockade from 1983-1986). So I thought I'd include my "retirement award" in one of the pics. We had the S&W Model 65's when I started as a guard with the prisons in the 80's, and our holsters were pretty much identical to this one, just basic black in color. Hope you guys enjoy the pics.

Attached Images

	DSCN6347.jpg (142.4 KB, 136 views)
	DSCN6354.jpg (113.4 KB, 129 views)

Great looking rig. Nice belt, too!

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Fight socialism. Never stop.

Thanks, I had one of the convicts make the belt for me at one of the prison craft shops before I left...they do excellent work at a decent price. Lots of local & state LEO's buy gear from the craft shops, especially Ranger style belts and gear.

Fine looking leather!

I like that holster...especially the open toe. I wish more modern makers made open toe holsters, particularly in the Threepersons style.

Very nice indeed.

Convicts make this stuff?

EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!

My belt was (and some other items I have not pictured).

When I was still working in the system we had craft shops on many of the prison units (when I started, almost all units had them but there were less than 30 prisons then, now there's close to 100 including private prisons that lease bedspace). The convicts who have a chance to work in them need to have a clean disciplinary record, and they work in them on their own time after working in the kitchen, field, building maintenance, where ever. There are very strict rules regarding how things are sold, etc.

In the past, they had guys (and some gals) who made boots, saddles, ladies purses, wallets, furniture, jewelry, paintings, all sorts of stuff. Their tools and supplies were carefully inventoried and locked up when not in use.

The holster maker of this one was T. D. Atwood.

Congratulations on your career in the Criminal Justice field. That is a great holster, and what I can see of the belt is very nice as well. I was always fond of that color of leather, but during my uniform days, we also wore black. When I began working plainclothes assignments, I much preferred holsters and gear the same color as yours. Of course, with wear, these usually darkened a bit from gun oil and handling, but always pleased the eye.

Thanks for your years of service, both in the Army, and in the CJ system. And congratulations on your retirement!!

The Model 66 is one of the classic handguns as well... So enjoy that great outfit!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064