The Evolution of Competition Holsters – From Classic to Modern Designs
A quality holster is more than just an attractive belt hanger. It should secure your weapon rock solid.
The Original Holsters
In the earliest days of competition holsters, designs were fundamental. Leather pouches that hung on a belt were popular. As law enforcement officers and settlers moved to the frontier, saddle makers began making holsters that were closer in design to the firearms being carried. The first of these was called pommel bag holsters. They had a small pouch attached to the back skirt to hold a revolver.
The next holster to evolve was the “Mexican Loop.” It had wide skirts with slots cut in them for the cartridge gun belt to slide through. The holster body was closely contoured to the shape of the handgun, a design feature that influenced the later “California Pattern” or “Slim Jim” holsters. (more…)