Tom Threepersons vs something else

[Smith357]

I have a 4" L frame Combat Magnum and am heavily leaning toward a Tom Threepersons holster. I really like the looks of this style holster. The thing is I've never owned one or carried one so I'm not sure how well I will like it in my real world application. Since it's going to take a few months to save up for a $200+ custom tooled holster I don't want to get it and then decide I hate it.

I suppose I'm wondering about the retention qualities of the open top design, I'm not going to be running and jumping, or busting down doors but I am pretty active. I'm not an every day carrier but I would like the rig to be sort of concealable under a sport coat or heavy un-tucked wool or flannel shirt.

 

[mc5aw]

Not certain if you've settled on a holster maker yet, but check out Lobo Gun Leather. Ray makes a beautiful Threepersons model and is highly spoken of around here. His prices are extremely reasonable. I'm anxiously awaiting a Lobo flap holster for my 624.

 

[Goldstar225]

If you want one as a field/range holster it'll serve you well. I have one for my 4 5/8" Blackhawk .45. Looks good, well made and comfortable. They are available with either an over-the-hammer snap strap or the old style thong for retention.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

I suppose I'm wondering about the retention qualities of the open top design, I'm not going to be running and jumping, or busting down doors but I am pretty active. I'm not an every day carrier but I would like the rig to be sort of concealable under a sport coat or heavy un-tucked wool or flannel shirt.

I have made many of them over the years and the design is a true classic, no doubt there. But if your principal concern is concealment, I'd opt for something designed with that emphasis. The Threeperson design was never intended to be a concealment holster, and frankly, neither was your revolver designed particularly for concealment in mind. It is certainly more a service size revolver by any description. That being said however, doesn't necessarily mean you can't get to where you want to go, but the Threepersons rig is better utilized afield and unencumbered. I'd recommend that you take your time and investigate as many options from as many makers as you possibly can, to minimize "buyer remorse". For that particular revolver, I'd be thinking about a shoulder rig. I don't offer one, but an awful lot of very competent custom makers do. Among some of the best, in my opinion, is Mike Taurisano of Tauris Holsters, LLC. Also check with Ray at Lobo Gunleather, very capable maker who also crafts a fine product. Good luck!

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[mc5aw]

Sorry Lefty ... An oversight on my part not mentioning you. I've heard great things about your work!

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Sorry Lefty ... An oversight on my part not mentioning you. I've heard great things about your work!

No offense taken, my ego isn't that big. There are so many fine custom makers today out there, anyone would be hard pressed to know them all. The OP had a good question and I'm sure he will receive plenty of sensible responses and opinions. To reiterate, the Tom Threepersons design is an American classic and that is undeniable. I think if the OP truly admires the Threepersons design in particular, he should have one, despite the fact that it may not serve his principle needs. Different tools for different jobs. I don't know many fellows who own one holster, but I do know there are many holsters one man can own. Choosing the right one for your particular needs requires some careful thought, and discussion with others never hurts.

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[Janitor]

Not certain if you've settled on a holster maker yet, but check out Lobo Gun Leather. Ray makes a beautiful Threepersons model and is highly spoken of around here. His prices are extremely reasonable. I'm anxiously awaiting a Lobo flap holster for my 624.

+1 for Ray's carved Threepersons rig.

Also, couldn't agree more with what Lefty said. I got the Threepersons holster for use as a field rig, and it's absolutely perfect for that role. You could carry it concealed under a loose, heavy topcoat, but it's not really designed for that. At least not with a 4" N frame in it.

 

[photoman]

I carried a 4" K frame in one of El Paso Saddlery's version one winter. You need a rather large coat for it to work and they are a bit slow into action. But like others have said, it makes for an excellent field holster.

 

[J.P.60]

As the above mention, Threeperson's holsters are not particularly good for concealment, but, wonderful for open carry. El Paso Saddlery makes a good one and even carved to the max stays at less, slightly, than $200.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Here's an old variation of the Threepersons made for small S&W J frames and Colt D frames. I no longer offer this model in our web catalog, but still receive orders for them from time to time. They ride high and work in concealment, but for very small guns at best.

FLATFOOT SPECIAL

Cheers;
Lefty

BTW;

That Lobo Gunleather model above is very handsomely tooled. Nice work Ray!

 

[Smith357]

Here is a El Paso Conceal-Pro and it looks every bit as large as a Threepersons.

Conceal-Pro Paddle

A few other concealment holsters that look to be just as large

Model 0701 Concealment Belt Holster | Safariland
Model 5188 Concealment Paddle Holster for Pistols | Safariland
Model 5BH  Thumbsnap Holster Bianchi Leather Holsters
Galco holsters; Holsters; Gun holster, pistol holsters, western holsters, shoulder holsters, leather holster and Glock holsters



Does not a Threepersons ride in much the same manner? Why is one considered concealable and one is not? Also concealment is not my top priority, it's just one of the possibilities. If I want absolute concealment I would not choose an L frame. I'm more interested in a combat holster. My big low ride field holster is mostly concealed buy an un-tucked heavy shirt, it just hangs out the bottom.

 

[cmort666]

I'm not comfortable with any holster which does not completely cover the trigger. I'm working on an OWB holster for my 4" 29-2. It completely covers the trigger.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Here's an old variation of the Threepersons made for small S&W J frames and Colt D frames. I no longer offer this model in our web catalog, but still receive orders for them from time to time. They ride high and work in concealment, but for very small guns at best.

FLATFOOT SPECIAL

Cheers;
Lefty

BTW;

That Lobo Gunleather model above is very handsomely tooled. Nice work Ray!

Thanks, Lefty, but I can't take credit for the carving. That is done for me by a very talented artist. I'm just the hack that cuts and stitches the pieces together!

I have been making this style for over 30 years, and the Threepersons' style remains quite popular. Just a couple of years ago I came across an archived photo of Tom Threepersons original holster, probably made by "Tio Sam", S.D. Myres Saddlery, about 1920. I decided to recreate the original carving pattern and commissioned several artists to replicate the original pattern, then settled on one good man to do the work.

These hand-carved classics are not a big part of my business, but they provide a great deal of satisfaction with every order completed.

Best regards.

 

[J.P.60]

Smith357, I think the difference between a Threepersons style and the examples you showed are that the examples all have an effort made to conceal them. I agree that some of them a large and bulky, but, there's a big difference in what we, as CCW holders, consider concealed and what a plainclothes LEO considers concealed. The Threepersons wasn't designed with concealment as the first priority.

 

[keith44spl]

Concealment is in the eye of the beholder I guess

Some of us could hide a Texas grapefruit if need be...

I personally find the Threeperson rig in it's original configgeration to flop around a bit too much for my taste, but that's just me talkin' here.

Been usin' this style for a decade or two now, for all frames large or small.

Su Amigo,

Dave

 

[Smith357]

Been usin' this style for a decade or two now, for all frames large or small.

Su Amigo,

Dave

I like that holster, it's small, open, and the loop gives it that western flair, who makes it?

 

[keith44spl]

I like that holster, it's small, open, and the loop gives it that western flair, who makes it?

I made that one...Carry's an N frame (or any other) right comfortable all day and in to the night.


Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[6beans]

686 IWB Holster

I have a Black Hills Leather Co. IWB holster model bh76jf for my S&W 686 4", it conceals great. The weight of my 686 is the same loaded as my 1911 5" and about the same length. One thing I have noticed is that some IWB holsters I find comfortable and some are a pain. I have a IWB Galco Royal Guard for my 1911 that is very comfortable, a Galco Summer Comfort for my Ruger SP 101 is a pain, I would rather tote my 686 above than the Sp 101 anyday.
I can actually conceal the 686 with a t-shirt no problem.

 

[computeruser]

Threepersons is a poor choice for concealment and for retention, compared to modern belt scabbard designs. If you want to have a fancy one for wearing to BBQs and the like, by all means, but for the use you're describing I would suggest you look at other options.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Here is a El Paso Conceal-Pro and it looks every bit as large as a Threepersons.

A few other concealment holsters that look to be just as large.

Does not a Threepersons ride in much the same manner? Why is one considered concealable and one is not? Also concealment is not my top priority, it's just one of the possibilities. If I want absolute concealment I would not choose an L frame. I'm more interested in a combat holster. My big low ride field holster is mostly concealed buy an un-tucked heavy shirt, it just hangs out the bottom.

No one....absolutely no one, can make your revolver any smaller than it is, unless you have it modified in some way by a gunsmith or change out to a shorter barrel, etc.. No sarcasm intended, I'm sure you realize that a holster cannot reduce the bulk of the weapon it ports.

The Threepersons design is considered a "drop shank belt tunnel style" that typically, places the top of the belt line lateral to the cylinder rear face in most cases. There are exceptions, (like the Chic Gaylord Combat Speed Scabard) but generally, that's how they were designed. The uncovered trigger guard, allows the weapon to be positioned higher, i.e. "high ride" as opposed to other designs which drop the weapon lower on the belt line that do not require the fold over flap for a belt tunnel. There is little that can be done with the Threepersons design to change that because of the weight balance point of the weapon. If you use a Threepersons design holster, in concealment in particular, a sturdy and stiff gun belt is critical to provide a stable drawing platform and prevents or minimizes holster drifting. I carried an M&P for decades working in plainclothes in a Gaylord Combat Speed Scabbard, which was the only real engineering improvement of the Threepersons design in 50+ years. It was later copied by SEVENTREES by the late Paris Theodore (who was an apprentice to Chic Gaylord) and enjoyed decades of popularity amongst savvy lawmen. Here's a photo of a BELL CHARTER OAK example, cut from the original dies, all of which we aquired from Chic Gaylord. This my friend, is a consumate "Combat Holster" as you say. The photo is of a Model 28 .357 HP.

The principle improvement over the Threepersons design was the forward cant, improved retention without a river strap and shrouded hammer. It is clearly a better holster design for it's time and place and minimizes the "bulk" of large revolvers such as yours. My impression from your original remarks were that concealment was an issue but now I'm uncertain about that interpretation of your post. Perhaps I misunderstood your commentary? I hope you find this information helpful. As an aside, Andy's rig (Keith 44 Spl) looks about as good as it gets with a traditional pull through or applied strap type of western rig. I've seen some of his work and it is damn impressive. Andy, you go hoss, you can stand up with the best of us!

Cheers;
Lefty