J-Frame Vintage Holsters?

[JayFramer]

So "Chief's Special" and "bodyguard" and all that, right?

Well how did those old chiefs and bodyguards carry their J-frames? I'm talking about back when the J-frame first came out, the '50s, and into the '70s or so.

I am looking for ideas on a "vintage" holster, OWB, to carry a J-frame around in when at home and on my property and to go shooting with, but something with that vintage look and design.

Any idea guys? Thanks!

 

[iPac]

I can't help you out with old J frames, as I don't own any. Although IIRC holsters for Colt D frames will work. Maybe not.

So here is a 1968 Detective Special that was an old LEO gun and I am pretty sure this was his 'duty' holster. I bought it from the LEO's son who was more interested in getting a new Bullpup or Tavor. I gladly gave him $300 towards his goal. The gun was honest and worn but still tight and not abused.

The holster gives a nice and tight, high ride for concealed OWB carry. However, I just carry my D frame snubs IWB, this doesn't get used.

 

[crazyphil]

Hi JayFramer
Those old time plain cloths cops would carry their J Frame in an open
top holster with a "dog ear" so the hammer spur would not chew up
the lining of their jacket. Here are a few ideas: Left to Right
1. Heiser #759 floral carved. Not easy to find and kinda expensive.
2. Bucheimer Sheriff crossdraw. You would want size 32-11
3. Wally Wolfram made the Wolf brand (left) and Blazer (right).
4. An old Reyes I found on ebay. ($16 shipped)
5. The Reyes from #4 after I rehabbed it. It fits model 10 2"
but just for the idea, you might find an old holster for a J Frame
and clean & fix it up.

 

[crazyphil]

Here are a few more ideas. Left to Right:
1. A Bucheimer "field style holster"
2. Brauer Brothers. This style was made by many makers and
can usually be found on auction sites.
3. Another Brauer Brothers.
4. Eubanks Pioneer Leather. With Colt Agent. Excuse the
amatuer re-lacing job by me.
If you haven't done so, I would look at the offerings by robbt here
on this forum - accessories for sale.

 

[rednichols]

Ah, the 'floor' is 1950. Well, then, as excellent as Phil's list is, I think you should have a Gaylord as the penultimate 1950s hideaway holster; that was Chic's heyday. But likely to take awhile to locate one. Heisers are easy enough to come by; though the '50s was the end of their reign. Myres is very collectible as is the Lawrence copy; both will be harder to find in J frame 2" vs the almost 'common' 4" K frame Heisers. Bodyguard only suitable to the strapless versions and fortunately those brands in those styles generally are (strapless).

 

[turnerriver]

There are a few holster models with safety straps that accommodated the Centennials and Bodyguards although Red is right, strapless is best for those models.
Here's a Brauer Brothers holster that fits a wide range of J frames- this was a gift from forum member Watchdog.

Strapless Bianchi.

This one is marked "Almar New York "

An unusual Berns-Martin holster for a 2" J frame.

Another odd holster made by Western Saddlery in Tampa, Florida.

El Paso Saddlery cross draw.

I don't have this holster any more but I think it was a Gaylord.

I've always had J frame revolvers and have found a lot of holsters for them over the years.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[psjoe]

I found this one at my LGS for $5

 

[crazyphil]

I had a Gaylord way back in the 50s, but not knowing the future I let it
get away from me. PWL (Price Western Leather) makes a close replica
in their model 320 shown below left with S&W 642. When I got an LCR
right after they came out I asked Thad Rybka to make me a replica. Here
it is 2nd from left the front. 3rd from left the back.

 

[jimmyj]

In my area we carried our 2" J /K frames in buchimer (sic) spring cross draw holsters. When the company's "Federal Man" model came out it was very popular

 

[crazyphil]

There are a few holster models with safety straps that accommodated the Centennials and Bodyguards although Red is right, strapless is best for those models.
Here's a Brauer Brothers holster that fits a wide range of J frames- this was a gift from forum member Watchdog.

Strapless Bianchi.

This one is marked "Almar New York "

An unusual Berns-Martin holster for a 2" J frame.

Another odd holster made by Western Saddlery in Tampa, Florida.

El Paso Saddlery cross draw.

I don't have this holster any more but I think it was a Gaylord.

I've always had J frame revolvers and have found a lot of holsters for them over the years.
Regards,
turnerriver

That is a nifty looking Brauer Bros. with the tooling & lacing.

 

[crazyphil]

John the one you think might be a Gaylord, might also be a Seventrees.
Of course Paris "borrowed" Chic's style so it would be the same thing.
It looks kinda like a Ken Null that I have, which was based on a
Seventrees pattern, borrowed from Gaylord.

 

[JayFramer]

Awesome guys! I really like the style with the strap that goes around the trigger guard. I'm a fan of the bodyguards and that seems like just the thing for that.

 

[fat tom]

Here are a couple of my favorites,in that I've actually used them for carry. The first is a surprisingly fine,carved Hunter holster. They seem to be regarded as an inferior brand,but this one rivals the work of the more highly-regarded holster makers.




This holster is a very similar example made by Clark.





f.t.

 

[BE Mike]

Here's my contribution, a vintage Bianchi Cross Draw #123.

 

[boykinlp]

The first is a surprisingly fine carved Hunter holster. They seem to be regarded as an inferior brand,but this one rivals the work of the more highly-regarded holster makers.

[/URL]

f.t.[/quote]

Bobby, that Hunter is really, really nice! Never seen one that quality before.

 

[boykinlp]

turnerriver, that Western Saddlery holster is pretty cool! Never seen one like it either. You never fail to bring out interesting stuff!

 

[JayFramer]

Awesome gents thank you.

So we've talked a little bit about holsters, but what about spare shells? I know back "then" speedloaders weren't really a big thing yet. Did the chiefs, undercover guys, etc. people with J-frames carry spare ammo in loops, cartridge slides, loose in a pocket, dump pouch, etc.? Anyone have and personal experience from back then?

 

[turnerriver]

Phil, I think you're right-I think it was a Seventrees holster.
Regarding spare rounds, I was at a DUI checkpoint last Friday night and met and talked with the chief and three assistant Chiefs of a large city department. They carried sub compact Glocks with no apparent extra rounds, in fact they had little or nothing else on their belts.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[crazyphil]

Here are a couple of my favorites,in that I've actually used them for carry. The first is a surprisingly fine,carved Hunter holster. They seem to be regarded as an inferior brand,but this one rivals the work of the more highly-regarded holster makers.




This holster is a very similar example made by Clark.





f.t.

I saw another Hunter in the style of yours except it was for a
1911. It's on STAMPED OR CARVED? In the Gunleather and
Carry Gear forum. Posted by Cocked & Locked 2/18/17.
I told C&L I was lusting for his Hunter. Now I've got yours
to lust for also. Beautiful work by Hunter in both cases.

 

[-db-]

The Bianchi Lightning holster is another good for Centennial and Bodyguard models: