Leather to suit my 5" 38 S&W M&P 1905?

thefresh2o · May 29, 2013

Hi all,
I'm looking around for a holster to suit my 1905. I like the 1917 holster style. I would appreciate some direction from the learned folk on this forum.
Thanks in advance
Fresh

DWalt · May 29, 2013

The S&W K-frame being probably the most produced revolver on earth for well over 100 years, there is no shortage of holsters made to fit it. Just start looking through eBay and the gun auction sites until you find one you like.

thefresh2o · May 29, 2013

Thanks DWalt - I'm more looking for guidance as to what will suit the gun - what style of holster is period correct.

I have a couple of k frames - a 19-5 and a 66 no dash. this gun is looking for a different style of leather.

DWalt · May 29, 2013

It boils down to what you like and what you will use it for. I always thought a police-style holster and belt, in black, typical of the 1930s-1940s, would be neat for an M&P revolver of the same period or earlier. I rarely use a holster, and when I do it's Cordura Nylon.

David Meyer · May 30, 2013

My two cents worth is an Audley holster.

linde · May 30, 2013

If we're talking about an M&P made in 1905, your choices of holster makers and styles is relatively limited.

If we're talking about your "Model 0f 1905", you could be looking for a period-correct holster somewhere between 1905 and 1948. As indicated by others, there are many to choose from for the K-frame, but for a 5" it gets a little harder to find.

Here is an early post-WWII 5" M&P in a Heiser cross-draw holster from the 40s, 50s and 60s. You can't go wrong with a Heiser and they come in several styles and sizes. Get yourself a Heiser catalog from the decade of interest and I'm certain you'll find one that's fitting. (catalog reprints are available from on-line sources such as ebay at modest prices)

Russ

Kansasgunner · May 30, 2013

I recently found an old Jay-Pee flap holster w/belt swivel for my my 5 inch M&P. From my research I believe Jay-Pee purchased Audley back in the day. There are other members with much more knowledge on the older leather makers than I.

charlie sherrill · May 30, 2013

I've got a 5" lend/lease Victory in 38 S&W that has an original flap holster made of canvas.

linde · May 30, 2013

Here is the 5” M&P in a high-quality, full-flap holster made by Tex Shoemaker & Sons and marked 46 K 5. Not sure what vintage this particular example is, but an type “F” full-flap duty holster is listed on their web site that looks a lot like it.

Russ

thefresh2o · May 30, 2013

thanks Russ - I really like trhe look of the Heiser. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled.

DWalt · May 30, 2013

Something to remember is that if your revolver has high degree of original finish, you shouldn't be carrying it in a holster or storing it in one if you value condition. If it's in 80%-90% condition or less, no problem. It's surprising how quickly muzzle and cylinder wear begins if the revolver is holstered much.

thefresh2o · May 30, 2013

Thanks Dwalt. Appreciate the thought.
None of my handguns live in their leather - just when being used.
I will be using this revolver to shoot - she's an 85% beauty. Someone left her on one side for a long time & the blue on the cylinder suffered. No pitting, just white steel over a couple of chambers.
My 29-2 has a stunning, mirror finish & won't see the inside of a holster...

SDH · May 30, 2013

I came across this flap holster, Lawrence #579 and found it fit both of my vintage 5" M&Ps about perfectly. The chart has it listed for a Ruger single six 5 1/2"...
I normally prefer lined holsters but they are difficult to come by in the true vintage mode. The square butt M&P was shipped in April 1932 and the round butt letters to 4/10/1916.

OIF2 · May 31, 2013

I had a forum member make this for my 5" M&P:

Lee Barner · May 31, 2013

I have this old Eubanks laced edge for my shooter 5" from the early 50's. don't have a clue as to age. lee

turnerriver · Jun 1, 2013

This style of holster has been made by a number of makers for most of the 20th Century. This particular example was made in the 1940's or '50's

As Steve suggested flap holsters have been around for a long time as well.

This style holster was peculiar to Heiser.

This pre-WW II Heiser was made for a K frame revolver.

This Lawrence holster was made for most of the 20th Century as well.

The choices are really endless. Many holsters can be dated by the hardware used such as snaps or rivets or by model or makers stamp.
eBay is a good source for vintage holsters but it helps to know what you're looking for & what you're looking at.
Good hunting.
Regards,
turnerriver

DWalt · Jun 1, 2013

eBay seems to have turned into "Holster and Grip Central." Anything i need in the line of reloading tools, dies, and accessories I can usually find there, even strange items you wouldn't expect. I needed an odd case head collet for my Forster case trimmer last year. I found one on eBay for $6 delivered.

As I see stuff like magazines and barrels are available in quantity there now, I assume eBay has backed off their former prohibition of such items. It used to be "nothing that comes into contact with a cartridge" could be listed.

thefresh2o · Jun 5, 2013

Thanks Turner River & DWalt - appreciate the photos.
I spend a bit of time on ebay - mostly looking for small S&W parts that would be either impossible to find or too expensive. I'm watching a few nice Heisers now - just need to find a seller happy to send to New Zealand.

Buford57 · Jun 5, 2013

Forum member robbt has a large selection of vintage holsters for sale in the classified, including a couple of RCMP flap holsters for 5" K frames. He seems to come up with a good variety for this less common length.

Black_Sheep · Jun 5, 2013

I found this NOS Hunter brand holster on Ebay...

Leather to suit my 5" 38 S&W M&P 1905?

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