Shoulder RigsThe shoulder rig became particularly popular at the end of the 19th century. As civilization encroached on the raw frontier, keeping a weapon out of sight while in town became a priority for both lawman and unruly alike. Period-correct models laid the gun straight up and down under the armpit and proved difficult to access. Ours are styled for the period but are very slightly canted forward and provide both excellent concealment and access to the weapon. Chain & 4 Point StarHavana This rig has a nicely-contoured pouch. As was typical of the time, it was cut lower on the cylinder and trigger area to facilitate a faster draw. It also has a low-profile stitched-through toe, again typical for these holsters. Unlike period shoulder rigs which hung straight on the side seam of a shirt and were difficult to draw a pistol from, this one is canted slightly, bring the grips into position for a comfortable and quick draw. Chain & four-point star Figure of Eight (concealment) Hamley Shoulder RigLight Mahogany This rig features the typically amorphous pouch style common at the turn of the century. It has a stitched-through, low profile toe for concealment and is raked slightly forward on the chest to promote a clean, easy draw. Hamley Geometric with repeating 9’s border Figure of Eight (concealment) Longridge Kelly’s Skeleton RigChocolate The skeleton rig made its appearance towards the very end of the 19th century. This particular one is built on the same lines as the traditional turn-of-the-century models with the exception of the sterling appointments on the spring and the boot. (Traditionally, these areas were unadorned.). The carving pattern is also more modern than would have been the case on a rig from this era. While this is a handsome and showy rig, we would not recommend it for active participation in SASS or CAS shooting events as the sturdy spring necessitated for this sort of construction makes the rig slow for re-holstering the pistol. However, if you like gathering points for style… this rig definitely says: “In your face!” Elko Leaf Figure of Eight (concealment) Nueces Shoulder RigNatural Oil with black background This rig has a slim jim-style holster suspended from a shoulder strap. It has a belly band which secures the holster at or just above the rib cage giving a very natural and stable crossdraw. While this rig is not designed for concealed carry, it is a very convenient way to carry a pistol while in the field or on horseback. Elko Rose Nueces Tonto Rim Slim’s RigGolden oak with hand-painted figure This holster was built for a diminutive ED Jacket pocket pistol. Because the rig required a particular angle and rake to make drawing the pistol even remotely convenient, the holster and axilla or shoulder loop are built as a two-piece rather than the typical single-piece unit. Plain with customer-requested logo Figure of Eight (concealment) |
| All Contents Copyrighted 2005 • All Photos Courtesy Don "Oso" Contreras |