I know, I am weak, and have impulse control concerns.

[cee_Kamp]

Over on another Forum, I had a WTB ad for a BBQ holster for the new-to-me Ruger Vaquero.
A Member over there offered me a complete rig (Western cartridge belt & holster) if I could use it, for only the cost of shipping.
I know that a fancy carved leather full rig from one of the famous leather makers can exceed one thousand dollars.
You will also wait a year or more before the rig shows up at your door. Maybe two years.

The Member sent me some photos and measurements and it was perfectly sized, both cartridge belt and the holster.

I figured the rig would be made in Mexico for the price, it isn't made by one of the famous makers, but it is stamped made in El Paso Texas.

So I told the Gentleman that I would take the belt/holster rig and then told him that I would mail him a check.
That night, he sent me tracking info, he had shipped out the rig before I had even written the check.
The rig arrived in the mail today. Yes, it has a few scuffs in the leather dye, the buckles need to be shined up, and the cartridge loops need to be soaked with water and then expanded from .357 up to .44, but for $22.95 it is perfect for summer BBQ events at the recreational property/cabin.

I also took the Vaquero to the indoor range this afternoon and shot it for the first time. No surprises, it shoots where the sights look and
operated as designed with perfect function. I'm a happy guy!

PXL_20260125_020913003 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

PXL_20260125_020924905 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

PXL_20260125_020931995 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

PXL_20260125_020955385 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

PXL_20260125_021002490 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

PXL_20260125_021113939 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

PXL_20260125_021052241 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

[dave77]

Very nice. I paid around $150 for my Mernickle holster only and it has very minimal stamping. His fully stamped double rigs are around $1500.

https://mernickleholsters.com/products/ ... 9587776830

[Ernie]

That's nice. It is just broken in a bit.

[daytime dave]

It was very nice of that fellow and a nice break for you. The revolver looks pretty nice in that rig.

[Hatchdog]

That’s a good looking rig and any scuffs or patina is just more character.

[BrokenolMarine]

Very nice setup. Glad the Ruger shoots as good as it looks. They usually do.

[zara_puppy]

Congratulations on having a weak impulse control. Sometimes it pays off big time.

Well stated, bravo!

Congrats on a new beauty cee_Kamp. Sometimes self control is overrated.

This right here. Beauty Ruger - great find.

[SRWillis]

Nice score on the pistol and the holster! That's a purdy rig.

[cee_Kamp]

Some years back I got bamboozled by a custom leather maker.
I wanted a new custom leather revolver holster and the quoted wait time was six months.
It was a large famous maker with many workers.
I'm no dummy, I know that employees call in sick and they have family emergencies.
The completed holster arrived at about the one year mark.
But double the quoted wait time, I'm calling BS on that. Fraudulent advertising!

It irritated me enough that now, every single time that I need a "new" holster, I ALWAYS try and find something gently used.
First, virtually no waiting period.
Second, better pricing than new in most cases.
This Vaquero pictured above is no exception for my holster acquisition policy now.

Over on another Forum, I found someone selling a Texas Jack "Sweetwater" western holster like new at a great price.
El Paso Saddlery is the actual maker. With plain leather and no stamping, $138 plus a wait of over a year.
I want something for general woods usage/belt carry at my remote recreational property, that isn't the full "Barbecue Rig" pictured above.
I already have a gun show pickup holster, something made in Mexico, but it's pretty rough and somewhat generic.
So I figured the Texas Jack "Sweetwater" holster was someplace in the middle between the two extremes.

But the used holster seller was showing photos of a mid sized frame New Model Vaquero inserted in the holster for sale. (.38 Special/.357 Mag)
With nothing to lose, I messaged the seller and asked if they also owned a Ruger Super Blackhawk 4-5/8" barrel in .44 Mag,
and a original frame sized (large frame) Ruger Vaquero 5.500" barrel in .44 Mag.

The holster seller actually had those two revolvers personally, and within an hour, I had pictures of the sellers used holster with both of the
revolvers inserted that I am interested in using the used holster for.

The seller wanted a check or money order, and wasn't equipped for electronic funds transfer.
So I mailed a check across the USA, the check has to clear at the sellers bank, and then the holster should get shipped back across the USA.
It might be two or three weeks before I actually have that new to me holster in my hands.
That two or three weeks is just a drop in the bucket compared to ordering something brand new from any of the western type custom holster makers!

Holster sellers photos, and revolvers.

El Paso_c by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

El Paso_b by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

Ruger Vaquero, large frame, 5.50" barrel.
El Paso_d by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

Ruger Super Blackhawk, 4-5/8" barrel.
El Paso_e by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr