Unusual DeSantis Holster

[bronco45]

DeSantis resurrected the holster and they call it the Fletc 02. You can order it with flat bullet pouch as the original or with a speedloader pouch.

 

[GerSan69]

That was called the "Shellhammer Special" by DeSantis, named after a federal agent that came up with the idea. They were first released in 1976. DeSantis makes a modern, modular version, still all leather, with an ammo pouch that can be removed and replaced with a speedloader pouch, called the FLETC 2.0.

 

[GerSan69]

Speaking of my post above, I went to DeSantis' site to see what their modern version costs.
$89.99 for the combo... not bad these days for all-leather. Only made for small frame revolvers, they have 3 choices for the pouch - speedloader, 2x2x2, and speed strip.
But you'd better get the ammo pouch you want the first time. Replacements are a whopping $52 each! I suspect that's to discourage anyone from buying just the pouch and adding it to their own holster. But once you see the design, you'll know how to make your own.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

CLOSE

I have a 'SHELLHAMMER SPECIAL' that takes a 4" gun with the same idea. Has been handy a few times. I knew Billl Shellhammer, a former Marine and D.I. A all around good guy and LEO with the Loudon County Sheriff's Dept. Bill was the only one to help me along when I started reloading. We hunted some together but I relocated and life got in the way and we lost touch. Oh yeah, He signed the holster for me.

 

[younggun456]

I have two of these holsters. I learned of it because my father use to carry the same holster off duty in the mid 80's into the 90's. I've always like this holster

 

[crazyphil]

Here is a kinda poor photo of an advertisement for the DeSantis
Shellhammer Special that appeared in American Handgunner magazine
Jan-Feb 1982 edition.

 

[xtrtsqrt11]

DeSantis resurrected the holster and they call it the Fletc 02. You can order it with flat bullet pouch as the original or with a speedloader pouch.

Interesting, glad to see they are bringing it back. Pity they only advertise it for J frames it looks like. I think they should have it for at least 2-3" K frames as well.
I still think that with my own specifications, that I would like it better.
I don't really care for the placement of the tension screw next to the back of the trigger guard ( I rap a knuckle on the one Desantis holster I have that has one there). The pull through or a thumb break is much more my preference for some retention. Also, I think the modularity idea has merit, but it makes a large holster even larger as far as the actual belt space taken up.
I bet one of the real custom makers could really take that idea and tweak it to my preferences....

 

[koz5614]

That's a cool old design. I'd love to have one for my M 12-2.
It's a pity that this thread is so old, I'm wondering if the ammo loop cover is spring loaded for the closure so to speak...

ETA: I would want one with the trigger guard covered half way and a thumb break maybe. Thinking of seeing about if someone could do a replica...

FYI - The ammo loop cover is a “Velcro-type” setup. It’s very secure.