Off duty holsters

[younggun456]

I was wondering what types of holsters were police officers using for their L,K and N frame revolvers while off duty during the 70's and 80's. And if anyone could provide photos that would great.

Thanks,
Younggun

 

[chief38]

Mostly Bianchi, Safariland, Lawrence, JP, Cobra Gunskin, Roy's, Strong, DeSantis, and a few others I'm sure I left out. S&W also had their own branded holsters that were made by someone else - but were also popular back then.

There are a few that might have purchased custom Rigs, but I think back then they went with mostly the standard Gun Store Brands.

 

[Ranger514]

I had a Bianchi thumb snap high rise pancake holster for my 66 snubby.

 

[chief38]

I do have a soft spot in my heart for nostalgic gun leather from years past, but after purchasing the best darn Rig I've ever owned in my life (Kramer Speed Scabbard, Belt and Ammo Dump Pouch made of Horsehide Leather for my EDC M60-7) I quickly realized 12 years ago how antiquated the holsters from 30, 40 50 years ago really are.

Kramer's design is based on a stiff Horsehide Leather pattern that is molded and properly retains the gun WITHOUT the use of the old methods such as straps, snaps, velcro, tension screws, secret release buttons, etc. while maintaining an easy, quick draw.

So there are times I get nostalgic and will strap on one of my Dad's old holsters - but then quickly realize and am reminded just how antiquated they really are. I now think of the old holsters as more of a generic pouch as compared to modern day molded and model specific holsters. Back in the day I remember that when you bought a holster there were a plethora of models and brands it would fit on the rear of the bag. Glad the improvements came along!!

 

[jimmyj]

Buchimer (SIC)) Federal Man

 

[ispcapt]

A Roy Baker pancake (top) and a Bianchi # 56 paddle (bottom)

 

[VaTom]

Began my LE career in 1976. My off duty revolver was a Model 64 2". I had two off duty holsters for it. One was a Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster and the other was a pancake holster made by one of our fellow officers who worked with leather (I still have the 64 and pancake holster). I sold the X-15 many years ago which I regret now. The pancake was open at the bottom so you could carry a K frame of different barrel lengths. Our duty weapon was a Model 10 4" nickel. The 64/pancake rig is still the most comfortable / concealable even after all these years.

 

[usmc2427765]

I carried a model 37, dehorned, in my boots or in the pocket of my jeans. I also had an inside the belt holster when I was wearing a jacket. Sometime later I purchased a Desantis ankle holster and use it to this day. Some officers I knew had their girl friends or wives carry it in their purses.