El Paso Saddlery is, according to its web page, the world’s oldest gun holstery. Founded in 1889, El Paso Saddlery has operated continuously for 134 years … and they still make saddle bags and scabbards! El Paso says it does things the old-fashioned way, handcrafting all the items from start to finish. There are even holsters manufactured by the company from its earliest days available for purchase. The 1895 Double Shoulder Rig, originally built for outlaw and gunfighter John Wesley Hardin, is one example. But El Paso Saddlery isn’t just about historic rigs.

I found El Paso while recently searching for holsters for Texas-style “barbecue guns.” The term, developed by Texas rangers, has come to mean a handgun with customized embellishments. These were often carried by rangers (and others) at large barbecues. While it often refers to Colt 1911s in .45 ACP, it can also apply to single- or double-action six-guns. And I was looking for a belt holster that would accentuate any 1911 and convey a spirit of the Old West.

The 1930 Austin Holster

El Paso described the 1930 Austin, which features a full back flap, contoured and handsewn to the holster body, as a “classic Texas Ranger holster.” It fully demonstrates the link between Western and modern holster designs. The saddlery kindly sent me two samples of the Austin holster to review. I received a russet with floral carving and gold snap as well as a black with basketweave carving and silver snap. Both were made with a neutral muzzle cant. The floral carving is gorgeous, as one would expect from the hand-carving process. The basketweave on the black Austin holster is just as finely executed.

By today’s standards, the Austin is neither a security holster nor a fast-draw holster. The handgun is held in place by the aforementioned security strap as well as a classic suede-lined interior friction fit. The trigger guard area is left open for finger access as the pistol is being drawn. The security strap also serves as an additional block between the cocked 1911 hammer and the firing pin for 1911s carried in condition two. A 1911 can also be carried in condition three, hammer down on an empty chamber and secured by the strap. The bottom of the holster is sewn closed rather than left open, so be sure dirt and lint don’t accumulate in the bottom.

Either of these holsters is perfect for special occasion use with my Alchemy Custom Weaponry Classic Carry .38 Super. They would work just as well with a GI-style 1911, like the Auto Ordnance AO, or any other attractive 1911. The Austin rides low on the belt and makes for an easy draw. Plus, wearers can thread belts of varying widths easily through the rear flap. MSRP is $167 for the basic versions.

Modern Holster Designs

I have tested and used other El Paso Designs in the past, including the 1942 Tanker Holster and the more modern concealment designs: Crosshair and Tortilla. El Paso is the only remaining original manufacturer of WWII Tanker Holsters.

The Crosshair holster is a modern open-top outside-the-waistband (OWB) concealed carry design that is available for most single- and double-action revolvers and semi-autos with barrels ranging from 2 inches to 7 ½ inches. There is a tensioning screw for adjusting handgun fit. My sample fits my single-action Pietta .357 Magnum revolver. It is unlined with muzzle rearward cant. It rides well on the hip and drawing is easy. MSRP is $114. They are also available in exotic materials such as ostrich, crocodile, shark, stingray and Spanish bull.

The Tortilla holster, so-called due to its graceful, rounded construction features two rounded leather halves joined together to form a pocket. Further stitching outlines the basic shape of the handgun being carried. The bottom is left open and there is a thumb break retention strap for security. My sample is in black and has the tooled basketweave finish.

The Tortilla is one of the most versatile holsters I’ve ever owned. While I originally obtained it for use with an L-frame Smith & Wesson 686 with a 2 ½ inch barrel and a 7-shot cylinder, I found it also fit my K-frame revolvers perfectly. There is nothing like a holster that fits a wide variety of guns. The Tortilla is available for most single- and double-action revolvers and semi-autos. MSRP is also $114.

These are only a few examples of El Paso’s excellent holster lineup. If you are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind holster company with a unique All-American historic background, look no further than El Paso Saddlery.

Source:

El Paso Saddlery: EPSaddlery.com