Improved Texas Shoulder Holster – 7½ & 8-Inch Barrels
The Improved Texas Shoulder Holster is a full-size shoulder rig made for the long-barreled revolvers common to the frontier era. The pattern accommodates 7½- and 8-inch barrels, including the 1873 Colt Single Action Army and its clones, 1858 Remington, 1871 Colt Army, 1860 Colt Army, 1861 Colt Navy, 1851 Colt Navy, their conversions, the Smith & Wesson American, and most S&W big-bore revolvers. It is a substantial piece of Old West gun leather, made for full-size revolvers rather than small frames.
Handmade from 6–7 oz. natural leather, the holster is oiled and finished with traditional embossing and border detail. Linen thread provides the hand-sewn construction, while the lighter-weight leather allows the rig to sit closer to the body than many modern shoulder holsters. Choose right- or left-hand draw.
The improved design uses a strap across the chest to keep the holster from swinging or flopping around. Earlier versions used an X-back without the chest strap, but experience taught us a simple lesson: a shoulder rig needs something to help hold it steady. Wearing a vest over the rig provides another practical way to keep everything snug—put the rig on first, then the vest, bringing the holster through the arm opening before buttoning up.
Each holster is made as a faithful reproduction of the original design, with the lighter leather and practical construction kept true to the purpose of the pattern.
- Fits 7½–8-inch barrel revolvers
- Full-size revolver design
- 6–7 oz. natural leather
- Lighter leather for close body fit
- Chest strap for added stability
- Hand-sewn linen thread
- Right- or left-hand draw
- Faithful reproduction of an original design
Long barrel, steady rig, and honest handwork—that’s what this Texas is about.
As Seen in this video from Arizona Ghost Riders by our friend Santee
