Swivel Service Holster Spotted in Thrift Store

Darkenfast · May 23, 2023

If you're in the mid-Willamette Valley area of the People's Republic of Oregon, the Arc Thrift store in Corvallis has a an old-style swivel holster for (I assume), a six-inch barreled revolver. It's rather worn. It has a metal prong that you press inside the trigger guard to release the gun. It has a tunnel for a belt and two d-rings (presumably for a Sam Browne type shoulder strap with twelve cartridge loops (I'm guessing .38s). There is a small set of slots on the inside bottom for a cord or strap tie-down.
On the back: "FRISBIE", "PORTLAND, ORE.", and "S".
On the front: "17982".

Spotted Monday (22nd May) afternoon. Enjoy!

Sgt. Buzzard · May 23, 2023

That's what we (northeast NJ PD) called a NYPD holster. Issued equipment for 4" Smith's. Comfortable to drive the patrol car, impossible to draw when seated. Our rain ponchos were designed so the holster would hang on the outside of the pocket causing weather wear to gun and holster among foot patrol.

Our department stopped issuing them when an officer shot himself in the foot gearing up in the locker room. And not for nothing as we would say, that guy was incompetent with a revolver in the police academy. Couldn't pass the range portion.
The department passed him on it's own range. The PA went along with that. They made him a Detective. Go figure.

xfarfuldog · May 23, 2023

That brings back memories. On my 40 member department we had one guy who had a swivel holster. He carried a 6" Security 6 in it with only 5 rounds loaded. I could not convince him that it was safe with 6 rounds. When we transitioned to autos, he chose a 645 and fully loaded it. Go figure. I on the other hand tried every whiz bang holster out there. That included the judge, SS70, and IIRC the top gun model.

Sgt. Buzzard · May 23, 2023

I remember a strange one. A clamshell that held the weapon tight. Until you pressed a button, then presto, the gun was in your hand as the whole outside slammed open on springs. Or on the ground when your fellow officers would press the magic button walking into roll call.

Only one guy ever bought one that I know of. He learned fast and got rid of it within a week or so. Incredibly stupid design.

five 0 · May 23, 2023

Our department issued Model 10's with S&W clarino swivel holster with a single strap over the top of the handgun. Officers would push the strap forward instead of unsnapping the holster. In squad meeting they would swivel their holster when sitting down and I don't know how many times I heard a clunk when their Model 10 would fall on the floor.

Fishinfool · May 23, 2023

Years ago, I had a swivel holster (I think it was Jay Pee?) that sat a little higher than the one pictured. It fit the 8 3/8 inch N frame, and was a favorite.

I would never use it as a duty holster, but it was a nice woods rig, allowing you to sit down without digging your barrel in the ground. It swiveled both ways, and with the barrel behind you, the guns grips were presented upside down while swiveled, but you could still draw the gun with a twisted wrist.

My faithful dog at the time made a chew toy out of it one day, and I never did find another that would fit 8 3/8 inch guns.

Larry

Old cop · May 23, 2023

I was issued a swivel holster for my department Model 15 in the late '60s. As a leftie it was comfy seated in the cruiser but would beat your leg to death running after a suspect. Trying to hold the holster while running slowed me down & I was slow enough as it was. I was glad to turn it in for the "new" Border Patrol style around 1970.

Swivel Service Holster Spotted in Thrift Store

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