So I have a couple 45 Colt six guns and want to try and find a decent quality old west style gun rig. I’ve always liked the look of the single loop John Wayne El Dorado style, but I see the double loop Cheyenne models are quite popular as well. I think I want a little higher ride as I like the look of the lower hanging gunslinger rigs though don’t want a thigh ride as then I’d need a tie off to keep it from flopping around right?

What do you guys have and or prefer? I love the El Paso saddlery rigs though I don’t really want to spend $500+ yet, though the hand tooled floral patterns are beautiful.

I haven’t purchased anything yet, but after looking at a lot of options I settled on an El Paso civil war flap holster. Unsure on cartridge pouches, or cartridge belt for .45lc and .45-70. My goal being “surplus” gear during the postwar drive west.

Dig around on EBay. You might have good luck there. But... Any decent quality Western rig will set you back 300+ bucks, at least.

I had Chisholm’s Trail Leather make a holster for my SAA Pietta octagon barrel 1860 clone. I had them put a custom sunflower pattern on it and it turned out beautiful. They're great to deal with and have a lot of custom options.

Barranti Leather makes some sweet pieces as well.

Will check those out thanks guys!

I have a old single loop for a 4 3/4.
I'd let you have it (karma) if your interested. I couldn't find your email so email me and I'll send pictures.
If you can use it I'll sent it to you.

I’ve been using a Threepersons holster for years and it carries my 4 3/4 SAA nicely on the belt.
ElPaso Saddlery has a variety for single actions.

I don't have any suggestions about what Western rig to get, not owning a SAA.

But do consider Kirkpatrick Leather. I have bought a modern holster, belt, and mag pouches from them and their quality was top notch, while being a little less expensive than some. Still, a Western rig is going to cost at least $300 unless it is junk.

https://www.kirkpatrickleather...ry/western-holsters/

I have some Mernickle leather that I’ve used for cowboy action. Good quality stuff as well as a lot of other good options suggested.

https://www.mernickleholsters.com/

Another not mentioned but some good stuff too is JM leather.
http://jm-leather.com/

Thanks for the info guys. Greymann I sent you an email.

I've been happy with Mernickle for single actions that I've carried. These weren't western rigs, just Field Carry.

I have a Mernicle western rig and also have a John Bianchi frontier gunleather rig.Both good choices.

I shoot a bit of cowboy action and my most versatile rig is from El Paso Saddlery. I've got their #44 rig similar to the one John Wayne used in the Shootist.

I bought the gun belt WITHOUT cartridge loops. Makes it usable with all sorts of firearms with the purchase of additional holsters. If I need to carry extra cartridges I just add a cartridge slide onto the belt.

Suggestions to watch eBay are spot on. Last year I added a beautiful Kirkpatrick double holster rig to my gear for $137.

https://www.sportsmansguide.co...olsters%20and%20belt

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wes...ing&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

A friend of mine has the Sportsman's Guide rig in .44 mag, for a Old Model Blackhawk 7.5 inch. Very nice rig. Plain, but nicely made.

quote:

Originally posted by TooTech:
I shoot a bit of cowboy action and my most versatile rig is from El Paso Saddlery. I've got their #44 rig similar to the one John Wayne used in the Shootist.

I bought the gun belt WITHOUT cartridge loops. Makes it usable with all sorts of firearms with the purchase of additional holsters. If I need to carry extra cartridges I just add a cartridge slide onto the belt.

Suggestions to watch eBay are spot on. Last year I added a beautiful Kirkpatrick double holster rig to my gear for $137.

I do like that #44 holster. It is pretty simple but elegant and seems to be popular. I noticed it doesn’t cover the entire cylinder like some other styles. Do you feel it is just as secure and protective so as to keep the gun in place without the extra coverage? It must make it a faster draw with some of the area relieved though right?

Can I add a different 2 1/2 money belt to it rather than the one it is pictured with on the El Paso site? I don’t like the rough out belt.

quote:

Originally posted by TooTech:
El Paso Saddlery.

I have a Cheyenne rig ordered from them. Hoping it'll only be another few weeks.

quote:

Can I add a different 2 1/2 money belt to it rather than the one it is pictured with on the El Paso site? I don’t like the rough out belt.

You can order a different belt. I called and talked with them and did just that. The Cheyenne rig comes with a 3" belt that I felt would be a little too big and they paired up the holster with a 2 1/2" belt instead. Just call and they should fix you right up.

^^^^Good to know thx!

El Paso is your source. there are probably alternatives, but unless you get 100 people to vouch for them this is where to go.

I called El Paso and they were very helpful.
Now I just don’t know if I should get a 2 1/4” or 2 1/2” belt? Which is more preferred/common?