Friends,
For those who know me, it is no secret that I am a very big aficionado of the .44 Magnum/long range handgunning, Elmer Keith writings, Western history, cool gunleather, and Old School cowboy stuff. Over on the 24 hour campfire (which we have a few members here) I started a thread entitled 44 Magnum Pics and discussion thread. That thread has been going on since 2008, and has had over 700K views!Apparently there are more than a few people who truly appreciate the fine .44 magnum!
One great part of that thread we have all shared is discussion of great gun leather. For those who have viewed or participated, it is again no secret that I am a big fan of Milt Sparks leather. I will just say this. I am Scottish. I learned a long time ago, that paying too little is a false economy, and in the long run, you end up quite often paying twice. If you are a guy who uses your gear a lot or go in harms way (or bear country), you are better off to buy high quality gear that is built to last a lifetime. I am still using Milt Sparks rigs that have seen 2+ decades of service and are still going strong. Even a Scotsman can see that this is a smart move!
Over the course of time I have become good friends with the guys at the shop. Solid, straight forward guys, and serious shooters. They are also well aware of my love of the .44, and the associated history. Knowing this they informed me of a project they had in mind and wanted to discuss it with me.
The 200AW is one of the most famous holsters known in regards to the .44 Magnum/N Frames. Elmer Keith wore one for years. He had suggested the addition of a piece of leather over the hammer, so as to prevent the hammer spur on the big Smiths from shredding the linings on jackets.
This addition over previous iterations of the holster proved to be outstanding and I can personally attest to the fact that the holster works extremely well as a field rig, as well as a concealed rig for wintertime carry under a jacket.
Also the adjustable welt was added, which meant that there was no longer a need for a safety strap over the top. The tension could be adjusted by the user.
The holster has been a standard by which others have been judged for decades, in my opinion. Now a friend at the shop informed me of a new project..
In the true tradition of the region, a craftsman was found who could do something truly unique with the 200AW. He has quite a unique background. A true Cowboy. Having worked for both ranches, as well as outfitter and guide services for decades, while also perfecting his saddle/tack making skill set, he is a true artist with leather. I had called him to talk with him for a few minutes, and ended up talking with the man for over an hour. It ended up he was in Jordan Valley Oregon (the very heart of ranch country in the West). I told him that it was a small world, as I met my bride at the "Big Loop", which was at the time a buckaroo rodeo where the main event was where you roped wild mustangs that they brought in off of the range.
It was like talking to an old friend. While we had never met, it was interesting, as we had been over many of the same very remote places, just at different points in time. Great guy, and cut from a cloth you just don't get to see much of these days.
Back on track. The Milt Sparks guys, seeing a rare opportunity, and finding just the right person, have commissioned Tom to carve 200 AWs in the "Sheridan" style, one at a time. These take a considerable amount of time to do each one, and I do not know how long this run of holsters will go on for. Tom (the saddle maker) is the only guy doing them.
They will only be for 4" N Frames, and right handed.
The shop sent me out one for T&E, and to play with for a while. To say that I am both excited (and humbled) is more than a bit of an understatement! :grin: This is one heavy duty holster!
This is the type of rig that you pass down to the next generation, and I can easily see a grandkid looking at a picture, while holding the holster and saying "This is the gun and holster that my grandpa carried!". It is flat out beautiful.
BTW, the grips it is wearing are from another great Idaho outfit, Herretts stocks of Twin Falls. These pics don't do the grips (or stocks in Herretts lingo) justice). When you move around in the sun, they shine at different angles.
Amazing grips, and they are perfect for the heirloom quality leather.
More to follow!
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Originally Posted by Dagga Boy
