These are fully SKIRTED holsters, but the skirts are designed to be even with the profile of the pocket of the holsters, instead of protruding from all sides.  This creates a really "clean" effect.  This rig is in black to contrast with the Stainless Steel Ruger Vaqueros shown in the photos.  The above holster is for a 5 1/2" barrel, the cross draw holster below is for a 3 1/2” barrel.  The cross draw holster above is shown with a Bird's Head Ruger Vaquero.  This rig has three rows of stamping with two raised beads.  This is a 2 1/2" wide ranger belt with twenty cartridge loops and three conchos centered in the back.  Of course I will build the rig the way you want it... plain or fancy.  This particular one is one I built for myself to accommodate my favorite revolvers.  Seems like the Bird's Head just begs to be put in a cross draw holster.  The photo above shows clearly how the skirt is snug against the profile of the holster.  It also shows how all of my designs are "cut down" in front , and the "lip" rolled over - both features allow for an easier draw, and re-holster. Here (below) is a variation of the Salado holster with a wide 3/4 skirt, made for a 3 1/2" Birdshead that some of you might find interesting.  I think it is particularly attractive.  It was made with a 3/4 skirt that is wide enough to show tooling.  The throat (opening across the top) is also cut down to expose more of the revolver.     Of course it could also be made in a longer barrel version with skirt in proportion to the pocket of the holster.  The cross draw holster above is built for the “Lightning” or Ruger small frame .32 H&H mag. It is worn on a 3” wide moneybelt with maximum number of cartridge loops (like almost all the originals). The holsters above have a laced “keeper strap,” and are on a contrasting color moneybelt. The holsters are mahogany, finished “glossy.”  The Salado holster, above, is in russet, and tooled (#7) with two beads and three rows of stamping. Notice how the heavily stamped leather takes on an “antique” look by being noticeably darker in the tooled areas. Remember, we are a full custom shop and will make alterations and variations of any of the designs you see, as well as original designs, if you have a photo or can describe what you would like.   Always measure the circumference of exactly where you plan to wear the gunbelt... over the kind of clothes you will be wearing with the rig. Sadie Hawkins Sale: From now till February 29...(Leap Day... Sadie Hawkins day in Dog Patch) with any order for a double rig, you may order a 3rd holster, and, or, a shotgun shell belt, at 1/2 price. Now you can have a cross draw and two regular holsters, plus a shotshell belt at a substantial discount. e-mail: Don Barnett Phone: 281-659-3998 Back to Index mailto:libertyleather@sbcglobal.netIndex.htmlshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1
The Salado

Salado (suh-LAY-doe) Creek arises from springs along the northernmost edge of the Edwards Aquifer, between Waco and Austin.  On the banks of this clear water creek, where the Chisholm Trail crosses it, is the present town of Salado, established in the 1850s.  This small town of less than 3000 residents has nineteen state and eighteen national historic markers.  This was a stagecoach stop, which had an inn where quite a few notables in the old west stayed from time to time.  Gen. Robert E. Lee, Gen. George A. Custer, and Gen. Sam Houston, are only a few.  In fact, it was on this inn's front gallery that Sam Houston made one of his impassioned speeches urging Texans not to secede from the Union.  The motel is modern, but the restaurant is the original.  The inn is now called the "Stagecoach Inn," and is a favorite stopping and eating place if you are ever traveling along Interstate 35, between Austin and Dallas.