cowboy cross draw

[OLDSTER]

Reviving this old thread about Cowboy carry. Here's another Gary Coffrin photo of a chuck wagon SE of Miles City, Mont. 1883. Another thing you'll rarely see are the "movie cowboy hats".

 

[kraynky]

My first time seeing this thread, pretty interesting photos.

My guess on the first photo, the big round box is probably full of lard, for them campfire biscuits. LOL!

Always loved western books, movies and photos.

 

[jimmyj]

If the cowboy had a rope or handmade lariat
it probably would be on the right side of the
saddle.

Regarding the saddle, note the
minimal trappings, a lightweight rig compared
to so many saddles today and no saddle
blanket is apparent.

In the cattle driving days, remudas were large
and cowboys could during a workday wear out
a lot of horses, the animals getting very tired
and in need of rest.

I believe the cavalry of the late 19th century
set a maximum weight for its troopers of around
160 pounds or less. The rider plus the saddle
and equipment was meant to be kept at a
maximum of just slightly over 200 pounds, all
in the name of saving the horses.

Also the McCellan saddle was designed for the comfort of the horse and not the rider

 

[Llance]

Also the McCellan saddle was designed for the comfort of the horse and not the rider

that is Gods truth there lac. I've ridden one for a short ways. You needed to live in a saddle a long time to get used to a McCellan. I hate 'em

 

[UncleEd]

that is Gods truth there lac. I've ridden one for a short ways. You needed to live in a saddle a long time to get used to a McCellan. I hate 'em

Well to do your "40 miles a
day on beans and hay" plan a
10-hour day that includes walking
and trotting the horse and numerous
off saddle breaks.

Of course afterward you have to
devote considerable time caring
for your mount before you think
of supper. Remember, trooper,
the horse comes first.

 

[Iggy]

The McClellan saddle was meant to fit the horse. Slot in the middle to fit down along the spine. It was miserable on a fat horse.
If it fit the horse, that slot was not as uncomfortable as it looks.

 

[OLDSTER]

Enlarged Gary Coffrin photo of a cowboy having lunch in a "line shack".

 

[Iggy]

Those are some bodacious pistol cartridges in that belt.

 

[Claymore33]

Cavalry Troopers and cowboys usually carried revolvers in cross draw so the would be less likely to fall out of holster when galloping or running.
They did not have hammer straps in 1880

That is a fact .
I am both.

 

[UncleEd]

Cavalry Troopers and cowboys usually carried revolvers in cross draw so the would be less likely to fall out of holster when galloping or running.
They did not have hammer straps in 1880

That is a fact .
I am both.

Why would a six-gun carried
at hip level fall out of a
holster depending on which
way the grip was facing?

(Troopers did have full and
later half-flag holsters.)

Oh, you're just joshing.

 

[glowe]

Perhaps we should look at one of the most notorious Old-West gunslinger for how to carry. Gunslingers can certainly be cowboys as well.

 

[llowry61]

Well, I haven't spent any time on a horse, nor have I spent much time carrying a six gun. As such, I will not comment on either.

On the other hand, I have spent considerable time outside camping, hunting, working etc. and most times it is not nearly as glorious as the pictures and romantics opine it to be.

Living outdoors and cowboying had to be one rough way to make a living.

Some folks would have a hard time living out of a cold drafty bunkhouse !

 

[THE PILGRIM]

And then there's Texas John Slaughter.
Rancher and Sheriff of Cochise County, AZ.
Quoted as saying- "I will arrest them, and if they don't come peacefully,
I'll bring them across the saddle of the horse".

 

[30-30remchester]

Working man's holster have always been of interest. While on a gingerly walk in the woods about anything will work. On both holsters shown they both cover up much of the gun and both appear to have a plug toe aka Cheyene toe. Open toe holsters allowed the gun barrel to be plugged quite easily. Flap holsters were the holster of choice by well-informed outdoorsmen. Most militaries realizing the terrible conditions in which soldiers fought in, required a closed toe, flap holster. Another bonus of flap holster is the protect a slung rifle from being abused and making noise as the rub together.