Dirty Harry Shoulder Holster
- Thread starter Deputy
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sheriff54
Member
I used an old safariland for N frame back when. a friend had one marked S&W for a 4" from late 60's/early 70's (it looked very much like the one in the movie), bianchi had one very similar to "calihand's". all the ones I tried were low slung as said earlier. the cylinder was just above the belt line. needed a long jacket to cover 'if' you carried it for work. I stayed with the safariland 'cause of the lining, the bianchi wore the bluing too quick. I started with a 6" colt then went to the 29. the colt suffered a bit too much so it was reblued and the 29 stayed in the safariland shoulder or belt holsters.
Frank W. James
Member
I've been collecting these things for years and the true original used by Clint Eastwood in the movie was made by Bucheimer-Clark. (I had one at the time for my 6" Md. 27.) Bucheimer was an east coast holster mfr. who purchased Clark, an LA area holster mfr., and then combined their product line. Cattle Baron and Lawman Leather came into play after Bucheimer/Clark went out of business.
They did in fact make these same holsters for 4" K-frame guns and sold them to the military because I have one made during the Vietnam War, complete with the Gov't inventory number stamped inside the leather.
I also have some older Clark shoulder holsters (1940's era) and it is easy to trace the development of this holster once you start with the Clark holsters and work your way forward.
As for someone making a copy of the holster, the big problem is the shape of the flat, somewhat C-shaped, retention spring that encompasses the revolver's cylinder and is sewn inside the holster. It is the secret to the whole design and without it, the holster is more or less just another under the armpit holster.
All The Best,
Frank W. James
They did in fact make these same holsters for 4" K-frame guns and sold them to the military because I have one made during the Vietnam War, complete with the Gov't inventory number stamped inside the leather.
I also have some older Clark shoulder holsters (1940's era) and it is easy to trace the development of this holster once you start with the Clark holsters and work your way forward.
As for someone making a copy of the holster, the big problem is the shape of the flat, somewhat C-shaped, retention spring that encompasses the revolver's cylinder and is sewn inside the holster. It is the secret to the whole design and without it, the holster is more or less just another under the armpit holster.
All The Best,
Frank W. James
38-44HD45
Absent Comrade
Thanks for the history, Frank! I seem to recall there having been some litigation between Cattle Baron and Lawman, way back when, with respect to this holster design. I'd love to have one for 6" and one for 4" N-frames. I've seen a couple of the US Gov't ones you mentioned, carrying 4" 66s when I saw them, best I can remember.
Frank W. James
Member
If I can ever find more verifiable history on the Clark company, I was going to do an article sometime on these holsters, but so far I haven't found much. I have enough holsters already to well illustrate the work, just then to know who started Clark and when. Although I have found patents that someone at Clark filed in the 1920's for different holster designs.
All The Best,
Frank W. James
All The Best,
Frank W. James
OP
Deputy
Member
Unfortunately, I haven't heard a thing from Ted Blocker about making the holster. May have to look elsewhere
Dep
Dep
OP
Deputy
Member
Got this on E-Bay...
SuperMan
Member
Frank...thanks so much for the history lesson...I remeber seeing a picture of one of those 4" K-frame holsters on a VietNam era helicopter pilot...
Bob
Bob
Long live Dirty Harry and the .44 Magnum. SRT
I have a leather shoulder holster and rig from the 80 which I used for a Ruger 44 mag 357.
Would that work?
It interested e-mail me and I will double check description. I think it is a Bianci.
Use [email protected]
Maybe we can work a deal.
Porky Pig
Would that work?
It interested e-mail me and I will double check description. I think it is a Bianci.
Use [email protected]
Maybe we can work a deal.
Porky Pig
OP
Deputy
Member
SRT: yep, that's IT!!!! It's a beauty too.
briarjumper12
Member
I would love on of those holsters. If you guys can a run going let me know and buy one if I didn't have to go in debt.
Brassy Shell
Member
Dep,
Could not reach you by email!
Don is planning on re-creating the Diry Harry Holster. Will cost about $285.00.
His plate has been extremely full and has not yet had a chance to get to it, but hopes to soon!
Will keep you posted.
Nice to hear from you again.
Brassy Shell
Ted Blocker Holsters
Could not reach you by email!
Don is planning on re-creating the Diry Harry Holster. Will cost about $285.00.
His plate has been extremely full and has not yet had a chance to get to it, but hopes to soon!
Will keep you posted.
Nice to hear from you again.
Brassy Shell
Ted Blocker Holsters
OP
Deputy
Member
Awesome Shelley!!!! DEFINITELY put me down for one!!!! Great to hear from you too. Do you guys still have Bren 10s? I had to sell mine
Dep
Andy Taylor
Member
Originally posted by cdr:
Originally posted by SRT:
Long live Dirty Harry and the .44 Magnum. SRT
How did you get the SFPD Inspector's shield? Was that Harry's shield number? Very nice.
While i don't know where SRT got his, I know a novelty shop here in town that used to sell them, as well as Joe Friday's LAPD detective badge and a few others. Yes 2211 is Inspector Callahan's badge number.
OP
Deputy
Member
Arisin Wind
Member
Put me on the list for one!!
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