My 2 S&W leather holsters..

[Critch]

I now have 2 nice S&W leather holsters for the 4 inch K-Frames. The first I bought is a very nice lined brown leather holster with excellent stitching. It's number stamped on the back is "22 34". The second I got the other day with a Ruger Security Six that I bought. It's not nearly as nice. It's black, unlined and the stitching is so-so. It's number is "B02 34". It's a good sturdy holster, but more utilitarian for sure.

What did these type holsters generally retail for? I've done some searches on the internet for catalogs, but haven't had any luck.

The brown holster is every bit as well made as my Bianchi Cyclone holster.

 

[opoefc]

S&W has sold holsters and many other types of leather goods for many years and prices have changed over time. B02 is the code for an "0ff Duty" model and the B stands for "Black." The 1975 catalog lists B02 at $12.50. The 34 is the code for a K frame size. The 22 34 stamp means "Lined K frame" It is listed at $13.50 in 1975. Ed.

 

[Critch]

Thank you for the information. Not much a price differential between the two is there? Interesting.

 

[Texas Star]

Money bought more then. Try to find old Bianchi, Safariland or Myres catalogs. The prices may surprise you.


A worker not paid a lot per hour didn't need a whole lot more time or materials to make a higher grade holster.


In 1975, I was making very little per hour at an insurance company. A few years prior, I earned $1.43 an hour as a library page while in college. I recall that sum well. Not sure about 1975 wages, but low by present standards.

BTW, I'd get a better holster for your Ruger. Those are good, solid guns. I carried mine in a Safariland M-29 holster marked for a K-frame S&W. It fit fine. Few holsters are marked for Rugers. The Security-Six fits K-frame leather well.Colt-marked may be a bit large. However, Colt-marked or L-frame S&W holsters are correct for Ruger GP-100's. I use a Bianchi 5BHL (basketweave, lined) for my GP-100. It fits like it was made for the Ruger.


Get a proper gun belt designed for your holster. Many people try to get by with wearing a holster on a normal pants belt. Not a good idea. I've had people tell me they can't afford a good gun belt. But they spend a lot on movies or football games. Maybe you can find a nice used one at a gun show.
It's much easier to find nice used holsters than belts. Most belts are too large for my 38" waist. Used to be 34", so I can't use some gun belts that I have. Probably should pass them on to my son. He has land where he can open carry.