Simply Rugged Shootist

[Rick R]

Has anyone here tried the Simply Rugged “Shootist” holster for a Ruger Blackhawk?

https://www.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Shootist-Leather-Range-Holster.cfm?item_id=474&parent=669

I’m looking for something to use at the range or hunting on a 2” gun belt and it looks promising.

[JHC]

Has anyone here tried the Simply Rugged “Shootist” holster for a Ruger Blackhawk?

https://www.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Shootist-Leather-Range-Holster.cfm?item_id=474&parent=669

I’m looking for something to use at the range or hunting on a 2” gun belt and it looks promising.

bumped

Not me but it really looks like an appealing holster to me. Very tempted to get one for the 5" 1911s.

[Crazy Dane]

I cant comment on the Shootist but I have a Cattleman - Leather Holster (simplyrugged.com) (https://www.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Cattleman-Leather-Holster.cfm?item_id=564&parent=669) for my 5 inch Gp100 that I fixed to a 2 inch Triple K belt. 10/10 would recommend! I appreciate the leather hammer thong in the brush.

[Rick R]

I cant comment on the Shootist but I have a Cattleman - Leather Holster (simplyrugged.com) (https://www.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Cattleman-Leather-Holster.cfm?item_id=564&parent=669) for my 5 inch Gp100 that I fixed to a 2 inch Triple K belt. 10/10 would recommend! I appreciate the leather hammer thong in the brush.

I have three of Simply Rugged’s pancake holsters (a short stack?) for different guns. Not much to look at, very comfortable and secure holsters.

I posted this same question on three different forums, so far it’s had around 500 looks and four replies but no one has bought a Shootist. I may have to have faith and just order one.

[Wendell]

I cant comment on the Shootist but I have a Cattleman - Leather Holster (simplyrugged.com) (https://www.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Cattleman-Leather-Holster.cfm?item_id=564&parent=669)..

Me too, a 'crossdraw' for a New Bearcat. It's a great holster, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

The 'Shootist' looks good too, but they don't make it for a New Bearcat.

[Wendell]

You've probably watched this already:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK6gLNPV5x8

[willie]

Not this brand but I suggest this before ordering a Blackhawk holster. I bought a similar one from a good maker and soon figured out that it was designed to fit the two different sizes of Ruger 45 single actions. The New Vaquero and the other Vaquero along with the New Model Blackhawk fit this holster because it was a one size fit all job. My slightly smaller New Vaquero was more loose than I desired. This type approach is seen in cheaper holsters yet I did not pay a cheap price.

[03RN]

I really dont like their pancake holsters but do like their other options.

[Rick R]

I really dont like their pancake holsters but do like their other options.

I joke that their pancake looks like someone tried to make a leather cow patty. But I forget I’m wearing my GP-100.

https://i.imgur.com/85wX54V_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

[Lester Polfus]

I joke that their pancake looks like someone tried to make a leather cow patty. But I forget I’m wearing my GP-100.

https://i.imgur.com/85wX54V_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

This. It's definitely a "form follows function" kind of thing. I love that holster and hate the way it looks.

[03RN]

This. It's definitely a "form follows function" kind of thing. I love that holster and hate the way it looks.

I dont mind the looks. I dont like that it closes down making reholstering less than ideal. I think they use to much leather as well.

Kramer makes a much better owb pancake holster. Its horsehide so its stiffer and drawing is much smoother as well.

[Rick R]

I dont mind the looks. I dont like that it closes down making reholstering less than ideal. I think they use to much leather as well.

Kramer makes a much better owb pancake holster. Its horsehide so its stiffer and drawing is much smoother as well.

My first SR pancake is for a 4” Ruger Redhawk, it definitely suffers from the floppies. My second is the GP-100 holster in the photo, it is stiffer and I have no problems with one handed no-look reholstering. My third is an Ox Blood for my 4 5/8” SBH and it is decidedly stiffer than the other two, but it hasn’t been worn nearly as much since I don’t EDC a single action .44 Magnum. It in fact feels more like horse hide I don’t know if that’s a function of the dye or the grade of leather. All three retain the gun well, at least none have fallen out on the few times I’ve shifted gears from “Saunter” to “Lumber”.

I think SR has developed their product over the years. The Kramer holsters look like the DeSantis holsters I wore as a detective many years ago.

[Lester Polfus]

I dont mind the looks. I dont like that it closes down making reholstering less than ideal. I think they use to much leather as well.

Kramer makes a much better owb pancake holster. Its horsehide so its stiffer and drawing is much smoother as well.


My first SR pancake is for a 4” Ruger Redhawk, it definitely suffers from the floppies. My second is the GP-100 holster in the photo, it is stiffer and I have no problems with one handed no-look reholstering. My third is an Ox Blood for my 4 5/8” SBH and it is decidedly stiffer than the other two, but it hasn’t been worn nearly as much since I don’t EDC a single action .44 Magnum. It in fact feels more like horse hide I don’t know if that’s a function of the dye or the grade of leather. All three retain the gun well, at least none have fallen out on the few times I’ve shifted gears from “Saunter” to “Lumber”.

I think SR has developed their product over the years. The Kramer holsters look like the DeSantis holsters I wore as a detective many years ago.

My experience with my Simply Rugged pancake holster is that while not as stiff as other holsters, it's stiff enough I can reholster easily. And while it's not as protective as a full flap of course, it comes up high enough over the gun to keep a fair amount of water, dirt, tree branches and other crap out of the gun. I was leery of not having a thumbreak, but so far retention has been great, including during one sledding trip that reminded me of the bobsled guy on Wild World of Sports.

[That Guy]

To offer another data point since the discussion took a little detour, my one and only Simply Rugged pancake holster for my Mountain Gun collapses completely after I draw, to the point where I have to loosen my belt in order to get the revolver back into the holster. Completely unsatisfactory in my opinion. Which is a pity since it's a wonderfully comfortable and quite surprisingly concealable holster. I don't think it even looks that bad (hey, I have Pachmayr stocks on the gun... function first). But the way that holster collapses as soon as the gun leaves it... Nope. Not good.

[1911Nut]

If you are still surveying options, I suggest you check Davis Leather. Long lead times, but outstanding workmanship and quality. Not certain they have the specific model you are seeking, but it would be worth a look.

https://davisleathercompany.com/western/

[JHC]

My S.R. pancake sounds in between the rigid and complete collapsing floppy described so far. For me it works as a "field holster" as it protects the gun pretty well.

I imagined it a possible carry rig too because it does conceal well but high riding pancakes like this are brutal for me to draw from.

That lower ride is what appeals to me about the Shootist model.

[gato naranja]

We have used a fair number of Simply Rugged holsters, most having been of the "Shootist" or "Cattleman" variety. Here in the Gato house, they are considered to be quality general purpose/utility holsters, but we don't use them much for concealed carry.

The quality of the leather runs from good to really good in our experience, and the above models in particular make for a "traditional" rig if one is looking for such a thing.

I still break out an old Silver Dollar Pancake for occasional use with my rattletrap DAO SP101 even though I am now pretty much done with pancake-type holsters from any maker.

[willie]

If I were buying a custom pan cake holster, I would omit the extra belt slots.

[JTMcC]

If you are still surveying options, I suggest you check Davis Leather. Long lead times, but outstanding workmanship and quality. Not certain they have the specific model you are seeking, but it would be worth a look.

https://davisleathercompany.com/western/

I can second the Davis Leather suggestion. He'll answer any questions via phone.

Simply Rugged holsters that I've seen vary quite a bit in rigidness and leather thickness.

There are tens of thousands of holsters on ebay. You can set up alerts for your preferred brands and get daily emails.

[Rick R]

We have used a fair number of Simply Rugged holsters, most having been of the "Shootist" or "Cattleman" variety. Here in the Gato house, they are considered to be quality general purpose/utility holsters, but we don't use them much for concealed carry.

The quality of the leather runs from good to really good in our experience, and the above models in particular make for a "traditional" rig if one is looking for such a thing.

I still break out an old Silver Dollar Pancake for occasional use with my rattletrap DAO SP101 even though I am now pretty much done with pancake-type holsters from any maker.

Well finally! Someone has seen a Shootist in the flesh. I’ve got concealment covered (no pun intended), I just want a gun belt with holster, reload, GP pouch and knife that I can throw on to comply with my state’s game law concerning hunting pistols or when I’m just getting my single action on at the range.

Got any pix Mr Cat?

[gato naranja]

Well finally! Someone has seen a Shootist in the flesh. I’ve got concealment covered (no pun intended), I just want a gun belt with holster, reload, GP pouch and knife that I can throw on to comply with my state’s game law concerning hunting pistols or when I’m just getting my single action on at the range.

Got any pix Mr Cat?

Sadly, we felines have never purchased a Shootist for a revolver, just for bottom feeders.

Shown are two tan Simply Rugged holsters for a 5" 1911: on the left is a Shootist, on the right is a Cattleman. The tops of the belt slots are lined up on the top of a most disreputable belt, and as you can see, the semiauto Shootists make the gun ride quite high in comparison to the Cattleman. The Shootist is really not a bad rig for a number of purposes, while the Cattleman basically gives you a place to put your pistol.

(I should probably say that the above is not a put-down; a lot of times that is all I want a holster for, and the Cattleman delivers.)

I should have an old photo of two long-gone Cattleman holsters for equally long-gone 4" GP-100 and 4" SP101 revolvers somewhere around here if you want me to dig it up.

[Rick R]

Sadly, we felines have never purchased a Shootist for a revolver, just for bottom feeders.

Shown are two tan Simply Rugged holsters for a 5" 1911: on the left is a Shootist, on the right is a Cattleman. The tops of the belt slots are lined up on the top of a most disreputable belt, and as you can see, the semiauto Shootists make the gun ride quite high in comparison to the Cattleman. The Shootist is really not a bad rig for a number of purposes, while the Cattleman basically gives you a place to put your pistol.

(I should probably say that the above is not a put-down; a lot of times that is all I want a holster for, and the Cattleman delivers.)

I should have an old photo of two long-gone Cattleman holsters for equally long-gone 4" GP-100 and 4" SP101 revolvers somewhere around here if you want me to dig it up.

Thanks! No need to dig up old pix. I’m currently in negotiations to buy another Ruger BH, once that’s decided I’ll most probably be ordering a Shootist.