S&W Bangor Punta era holster

[sprscientist]

I've become interested in S&W branded holsters. Here is a Model 22 24.

From the 1982 catalogue: The Model 22 Lined Holster [Above Center] is a premium quality, fully lined model with a built-in sight protector and a single retaining strap.

The Model 22 will accommodate revolvers and automatics in all frame sizes with barrels from 2" to 83/8" in length. It's available in black or russet, plain or basket weave. Model 22 holsters for guns with barrels 4" or longer have a 21/4" belt loop, and a 13/4" belt loop for guns with barrels under 4" in length.

22 24 means that it is a model 22 for a 4" N frame (2 indicating N frame and 4 indicating barrel length).

 

[walkin' trails]

That is a nice example you picked up. From the photos, it doesn't really look like its had that many miles. Contrast that to holsters used by law enforcement from that era that have survived.

 

[BigMuddy]

Amazing how much that holster looks like a Lawrence I purchased new probably in 1986 for my N frame M29. It is marked 24 RS







Dan

 

[sprscientist]

Your Lawrence has complete stitching at the muzzle end of the holster, and mine does not. Otherwise the patterns do look identical. Is the Lawrence a lined holster (smooth leather on inside)?

 

[turnerriver]

It's no accident that the two holsters look alike. Note that the Lawrence holster is not marked George Lawrence and is also missing the Portland, Oregon mark. I believe that the George Lawrence company was out of business by 1986 and Gould & Goodrich, the maker/successor of Smith & Wesson brand holsters was making the Lawrence branded holsters.

Regards,

 

[BigMuddy]

My Lawrence is lined with pig skin. When I purchased my 4" M29 I called Lawrence and said I wanted an "Elmer Keith" holster. Remember I had to wait quite a while to get it. I imagine I got the number to call from one of the several gun magazines I subscribed to at that time. As turnerriver said, it doesn't say "Portland OR", just Lawrence since ??? (A year I can't make out). I was expecting something closer to a 120, but it has served me well for a lot of years.

Dan

 

[crazyphil]

Thank you turnerriver. You helped me "discover" that my beautiful
Lawrence Model 27 was probably not made by Lawrence at all, but
by G&G. Here is the evidence.
Down under Lawrence it does say Portland, Oregon, although
I need a magnifying glass to read it.

 

[turnerriver]

Phil, your holster was made by the George Lawrence Co. sometime after WW II and before 1963 when they started to use the 3 digit size code. It a beautiful holster.
Regards,
turnerriver

Thank you turnerriver. You helped me "discover" that my beautiful
Lawrence Model 27 was probably not made by Lawrence at all, but
by G&G. Here is the evidence.
Down under Lawrence it does say Portland, Oregon, although
I need a magnifying glass to read it.

 

[jack the toad]

I have a couple S&W marked holsters. One is similar to OP's (21 24).
The other is Galco Silhouette. Maybe for a Lew Horton model?

 

[crazyphil]

So, my "discovery" was not a discovery at all. Thank you for the correction turnerriver.

 

[Drago17]

My S&W holster marked "21-36" fits a 6" K-frame. So am I safe in assuming that "3" is K-frame and the "6" is for six inch barrel? What are some other codes? J-frame is ___? Other makes?- I have one marked "21 07".

 

[sprscientist]

My S&W holster marked "21-36" fits a 6" K-frame. So am I safe in assuming that "3" is K-frame and the "6" is for six inch barrel? What are some other codes? J-frame is ___? Other makes?- I have one marked "21 07".

See this thread

Smith & Wesson holster code & size chart

 

[Drago17]

See this thread

Smith & Wesson holster code & size chart

Thank you.

 

[MakeMyNight]

The Bangor-Punta S&W holsters are really decent, but somewhat oversized.
During the mid-1970's and onward, I moved on up from those BP S&W holsters to Safariland Elk Suede lined and Bianchi suede lined holsters.

Also, I have a small collection of suede lined Alfonso holsters as well.

Still have my Bangor-Punta S&W holsters, but Safariland and Bianchi (Gunleather) holsters are the majors of my collection.

 

[utex88]

Recently picked this up on eBay for my S&W Model 629-1 4 inch….love it! Really is perfect for the pistol. Takes me back to 1983…

 

[Smith657]

Up until a year or so ago I had an "accumulation" of S&W revolvers and matching S&W leather for the majority of them. I found most of them on online auctions sites and a few at gun shows. When I sold the revolvers the buyers were happy to have the matching period correct holsters.

 

[crazyphil]

When shopping for an S&W holster, be advised that Model 19 are those
made of "Wessonhide". I don't think it went over very well because we
don't see many on the used market.

 

[turnerriver]

Here's an example of a hard to find S&W holster. The model 01 FBI holster was listed in the first Bangor Punta holster catalog dated Feb. 1969 and was not offered in the next catalog dated September 1969. The size code 52 is for the 2 1/2" Combat Magnum.

Regards,

 

[VaTom]

I have two S&W Branded Holsters. High quality. Use them all the time.

One on the left is a Model 27-34. It fits my Model 10 and Model 15 as well as my Colt Official Police. All 4".

One on the right is a Model 21-43. I use it with my Model 63 4".

Bought one at a local gun auction and the other from an older man who sells hunting/fishing gear at his families annual yard sale. Have maybe $50 total in both. Well worth what I paid for them.

 

[DevilDog72]

I have a couple of S&W holsters... the one the 19- 8 4 in was in great shape till I tried cleaning the green fuzz with baking soda... lessons learned



the well used 19-4 snub with well used leather