1940 Gun Belt Question

[blaisenguns]

Hi guys. I volunteer with a living history park, and we recently switched our time to 1940. I am a sherrifs deputy there, and I am trying to get my gear and wardrobe together. I am going to get the El Paso Patton Holster for my SAA, but I'm not sure which belt would be best to go with it. I was thinking El Pasos Black Powder belt, or the military style belt the offer with the E Paso Buckle. What belt would be more period appropriate ? And what would be the most comfortable to wear all day? Thanks!

 

[Jim Watson]

I'm thinking the billeted Ranger belt.

 

[blaisenguns]

I like that one, but I was going to go with a thicker belt to accommodate the holster, ammo slide and handcuffs. Unless that wouldn't be quite period accurate, but my research hasn't shown that it wouldn't be.

 

[Sarge7402]

https://www.rubylane.com/item/970248-H364/Vintage-Leather-Heiser-Side-Gun-Holster

http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=Heiser+Holster

Don't know if you've already made your holster purchase, but my 1939 Stoeger Catalog says that Heiser Holsters would have been readily available for various handguns. Don't know if you are a rural or town deputy.

Hope these help

 

[blaisenguns]

Small town specifically small town Florida. I have not purchased anything yet, I was strongly considering El Paso's Patton Holster but you gave me something else to consider. Thanks!

 

[Sarge7402]

There's a bunch of Heiser products for sale on e-bay. Some look in pretty good shape

 

[burrhead]

An SAA is an interesting choice for a 1940 deputy; a Colt Police Positive or S&W M&P would have been more common. As to the rig, how about a Sam Brown with maybe a flap holster?

 

[blaisenguns]

Well, the SAA is what I have,aas we used to dress in western garb. I figured it is a decent choice as there would hav been plenty in circulation at the time plus there is a historical precident for it .

 

[blaisenguns]

I must admit though there is a bit of hubris, as I'm very proud of my Colt, and would open carry that pistol any opertunity I can.

 

[Sunray]

"...SAA is what I have..." So did that Patton fellow at the same time. snicker. Might be an idea to look closely at a picture of GC. More about the buckle than the belt though.
Sell a kidney and have a look here. http://www.frontiergunleather.com/i.../General-George-Patton-3-Piece-Set/p/10050164
No organs need selling here though. http://onlinemilitaria.net/products/3575-US-Patton-Leather-Holsters-and-Belt-Set/

 

[blaisenguns]

"So did that Patton fellow at the same time.snicker."

As I said before, there is a historical precident .

http://www.epsaddlery.com/p-97-5-patton-holster.aspx

http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-155-28-texas-belt-buckle.aspx


It seems this is the same thing but substantially cheaper, AND they made the rig for Patton. I am just unsure if this style belt is suitable for an LEO, or if it is comfortable to wear all day. (I freely admit General Patton was 10 times the man I am). Also some of the other folks made great suggestions that I previously was unaware of. I am considering those option, aand will use this info to help the other "deputies".

 

[entropy]

Bucheimer Sam Browne Belt.

 

[BSA1]

"Real" deputy or "Reel" deputy?

Real Deputy equipment;

Sam Browne belt with shoulder strap.

Full flap, open top with safety strap that snaps on the holster or a Threepersons speed holster.

6 or 12 round cartridge slide or dump boxes for extra ammo. You can use nickel plated ammunition for visual effect in the cartridge loops.

S&W Model 10 tapered barrel, S&W N Frame (Model 27, 38/44), Colt Police Positive, Colt or S&W 1917.

Before W.W.II interest in the Colt SAA was so low that Colt stopped production of it. Patton was a showman and carried his SAA for showing off. He preferred his pre-model 27 and called it his "Killing Gun."

Don't forget handcuff case with flap.

A rig similar to what Barney Fife worn on TV show is a excellent 1940's police duty rig.

 

[Float Pilot]

Lots of 1940 era motorcycle cops had a Sam brown and a cross draw full or partial flaps. Or like this guy, they had same brown straps and widow-maker snap-down retention straps. the second photo is 1932 with the Florida State troopers.

 

[blaisenguns]

I only see the one picture of the NM officer.

 

[Float Pilot]

Friggin computers

 

[Float Pilot]

This guy looks like he has his Sam Brown strap reversed for some reason.

 

[Float Pilot]

You could use something like this

 

[Float Pilot]

LAPD used full flap holsters and ammo dump pouches back then. Along with a Sam Brown.

 

[blaisenguns]

Thanks! I'm in Palm Beach county!