Flint/Percussion holstering ??

[hawkthrower]

Ok so I've got a silly idea to carry two single shot pistols now and then when I don't feel like having six shots in a cylinder..... yes - I know - twice the weight for 1/3 the bang but having one caliber to carry lead for and one set of possibles has other advantages in my mind.

I've been looking at several takes on holsters for pistols in the "Kentucky", and several other, single shot styles but none I've seen so far seem to have much appeal - the "stuff it through a sash about the waist" method just does not provide what seems to work for a long day in the woods - soooo.....

I'm interested in seeing what others have come up with and am willing to spend the time to create something useful.

Your suggestions and ideas are much appreciated...

[Hanshi]

This type holster is the best I've found so far.  It holds the cock and frizzen in place so the pistol is quite safe to carry.

[hawkthrower]

Hummm yup I've seen that type and tried it out with some success. I had some trouble with the front sight blade hooking on the leather and having to fumble a bit...some discomfort about the pistol jumping out in some circumstances as well.

I've searched the web and it seems the "period method" was a waist sash and the pistol(s) stuffed through about the waist and held by the sash, the other method is the "pirate bandolier"..... I know it works but...... both are just a bit out of style for my purpose and I cannot seem to balance two pistols on a baldric/bandolier style belt - I guess I can add my rapier and go full swashbuckler - but that's just over the top.....
 

I was thinking something similar but perhaps a bit longer, - more coverage, with a hammer loop or something -  might do the trick - maybe attached to a bandolier belt over the shoulder...... that's still a possibility - Thanks Hanshi !

Really nice piece of wood on that pistol too!

[Longhunter]

I've got a double barrel Howda .69cal percussion that I carried in a holster similar to that while on a bear hunt.



I later had a full length holster made, I'll see if I've got a picture of it

[Longhunter]

[hawkthrower]

Lookin forward to seeing the the pic of the revised one Longhunter!

Looks like you discovered the "dumps out of the holster when I reach down for stuff" issue as well I see you added a rawhide thong around the hammers on that howda so it wouldn稚 jump out unexpectedly.

Thanks -

[Hanshi]

I never had a problem with the pistol falling out of the holster and drawing it required only a simple "cant" to come out smoothly.  My biggest problem is that I am very small of stature and can't easily carry these large pistols comfortably.  In a sash?  No way; it would reach my knees.

[garrettep3]

First time you draw a flintlock and dump all of the prime because the frizzen caught on something you will understand why pistols were not commonly carried. Some of the so called "pocket pistols" had a safety of sorts that locked the frizzen shut because of that.

[hawkthrower]

although I'd like to holster flint pistols too I'm mostly interested in percussion pre-1850 single shot pistols. I can see the issues with the frizzen falling open on a flintlock but they were tucked into sashes and belts frequently (at least from some documentation) so I bet there is a way to lessen the chance of dumping the pan (rediscovering the historic methods may require a lot of experimentation and research)....... I'm still looking for a reasonable holster for a Kentucky pistol........ Ive discovered several "pommel holsters" to add to the horse regalia but those are not reasonable for personal carry.....

[rayb]

I see some horse avitars.  That probably means a saddle, unless you are a better rider that I. Those big 54 cal & up pistols do well in a pommel bag setup. Don't have one anymore to show. Might consider that approach for a "double possibles bag".  Pistol bag on one end, possibles bag on the other. I use regular saddle bags with holsters sewn inside for some of my revolvers.  Think about that and design your own that fits your needs.  A clear picture of the saddle bag style can be seen on the El Paso Saddelry web site.  
rayb

[hawkthrower]

Thanks Ray - yep got the pommel and bag ideas but for stompin in the woods on two legs instead of four carry for two .45's becomes awkward....   The pistol bandoleer opposite the possibles seems to be the way to go. but I will also put together something for the saddle. Though I regularly ride bareback or with just a blanket - saddling up takes too long after a  long day commuting  saddle for long days on four legs in the back country....

[Bison Horn]

Here's one I made.

[cb]

here are some originals dating from the late 1700's to mid-1800's
1700's for a flint pistol - adapted from a saddle holster aka saddle bucket

1800's flapped double belt set


1700's for a flint pistol - adapted from a saddle holster


1800's simple and designed as a belt holster

[hawkthrower]

Wow Thanks CB! that's a great group of original work to think about - that double belt rig kinda gives me some ideas! Alan, yours looks great too but I'm thinking more and more seriously about how heavy two pistols will feel on my hips after 8-10 hours stalking cross country through the rough terrain I generally hunt. The bandoleer with two full coverage "buckets" - perhaps with flaps - is starting to truly appeal to me. I think I will start looking at the materials I have, and start cutting a pattern or two.......

[cb]

another option rather than the bandoleers that works well for carrying two pistols is a waist belt with suspenders - this allows some of the weight to be carried by the hips as well as the shoulders. I've made several of this type for CAS shooters as well as hunters packing a heavy pistol with other gear opposite for balance.
I wear such a rig most time since I'm snake hipped and even a single pistol tends to want to slide south, especially when being active.