The Safariland 6285CHP holster was designed for the California Highway Patrol. The safety strap which wrapped around the front of the WRATH helped to make it all work, as it did on the BOSS. Youre welcome! Several of us there carried in clamshell holsters. One of the problems with the Berns-Martin, Bianchi Model 27, and Safety Speed designs was the closed muzzle configuration of these holsters. $46.00. Im grateful you shared them with us. We now pick up the breakfrontsaga where we left off . I bought my own clamshell around 1970 or so and used it every day on patrol. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks for visiting and sharing. For those interested: http://aenelson.hostcentric.com/index.php?cPath=27_40_56_62. The advantage to the design was that a full and uninterrupted grip could be achieved on the gun while it was in the holster. Refer to pics for condition! Write it down for your family and keep it with the equipment so that it outlasts you. LAPD went to the Model 15 in 1969 as I was issued one at that time. View all posts by Mike. Does it look like thats possible? ), improved shape retention, the ability to use less expensive cuts of leather and cheaper tanning processes for the outer layer of leather, and improved rigidity for protection of the gun. Keith, Elmer. The pocket had an open, breakfront-style seam down the front, and was held closed by a safety strap that wrapped around the front. Concealed carry holsters for Colt Python - Old-World Quality, 1000+ Customer Reviews & 5-Year Warranty. I bought one from Saftey Speed Montibello around 1982. The design required . MSRP: $38.00. Its a story fit for a RevolverGuy, so join me as we turn the clock back to rediscover this lost gem from law enforcements past. For more information, visit blackhawk.com or call 800-379-1732. While Ive never been a fan of the holsters that had an opening on the entire front section of the holster, the design did lead to some development of hybrid breakfront/top draw rigs. My favorite is the Don Hume model H901. For more information on this holster, visit gouldusa.com or call 800-277-0732. Sir, Im glad to hear from you in these pages! I'm not much of a gun enthusiast, but I also wonder why anyone would want a swivel holster. Im thinking a Hi-Point would be OK in jackalope hide. Would it be appropriate to carry a Python in a holster made of the same, or is that some kind of fashion faux paus? I have 4 clamshells including a full replica of the Adam 12 belt and a high-ride python clamshell! When the LAPD settled on six inch .38 Special revolvers in the late 1930s, they also embraced the clamshell, issuing the Safety Speed model by the 1940s. interacts online and researches product purchases I have not seen an officer with a swivel for years. Please call us and ask for expedite service The Jewett family married into the Stanroy family, and a collaboration resulted in Stanroy-marked clamshells that competed with Safety Speed. Thanks for adding to the neat history of the clamshell story. Im working on an article that I think youll enjoy. Your dad sounds like he was a hell of a cop, and knowing Stockton, Im sure did some tough policing in some tough neighborhoods! Yes, I thought it was cool too, that Mudgett stopped by RevolverGuy! With the notable exception of the AE Nelson Leather Company, nobody is making breakfront police duty holsters anymore. Thank You for the article on breakfront holsters. The most popular was the G&G holster that used a short section of leather covered spring steel on the front seam. Also, the inside surface is left undyed, to prevent CHP tans from turning black. It was faster and more secure than the Jordan holster with its awkward safety strap, and it was easier to draw from while seatedin a car. This tough duty holster from Safariland keeps your gun secure and accessible at all times. 18530 Mack Ave., Suite 499 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236, Duty Holsters | Holsters | CopsPlus Police Supply, 6360 ALS STX Level III Plus UBL Duty Holster, 6365 ALS STX Level III Plus Belt Slide Drop Holster, ALS Mid-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster Model 6390, 6285 STX Tac Low Ride SLS Hooded Duty Holster, Low Ride SLS Hooded Duty Holster - Model 6285, 7360 7TS ALS Level III Retention Mid-Ride Holster, 6365 ALS Level III Plus Belt Slide Drop Holster, 6395 ALS Low-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster, ALS STX Tac Belt Slide Holster with SLS - Model 6367, 7390 7TS ALS Mid-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster, AccuMold Holster - Model 7105 Cruiser Duty, 7365 7TS ALS Level III Retention Low-Ride Holster, 7280 7TS SLS MidRide Level II Retention Duty Holster, ALS Belt Slide Holster with SLS - Model 6367, Model 7520 7TS SLS EDW Clip-On Style Holster, Leather Double Retention Duty Holster Model 501, Phoenix Triple Retention Duty Holster Model T391, 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II Retention Duty Holster, 7395 7TS ALS Low-Ride Level I Retention Duty Holster, The duty holster is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a law enforcement officer to own. These guys are incredible. This Bianchi holster offers long lasting durability under the most brutal conditions. In the post-war era, the design continued to grow in popularity, particularly in Southern California, the heart of clamshell holster production. SPECIFICATIONS Right Hand fit for Glock 43. The only commercially available breakfronts that I know of are copies of the old Hoyt design, from AE Nelson Leather Company. Our selection includes holsters for pistols and revolvers, including models with weapon lights, as well as holsters for tasers. Attached to this polycarbonate spine was a pocket for the gun that was made from a Kydex and leather laminate. These are Good/New Condition. My dads old high ride has name and badge number stamped as you describe, which is cool. Some of the Model 27 improvements over the Berns-Martin were subtle, but there was one aspect of the design which marked a radical changethe Model 27 was designed for mass production. Your duty holster keeps your trusty sidearm close at hand; it can and should be as unique as you are. Swivel attachment keeps pistol in easy reach, no matter your position. Glad to have you here. The Pro-3 Slim Line holster from Uncle Mikes offers a traditional thumb break combined with an internal locking system to increase the officers ability to retain the weapon during a disarming attempt. The clam shell was an awesome system for those who were well trained with it. Duty Holsters Holsters designed for use in professional law enforcement. Vintage Alfonsos Brown Leather IWB Holster for Colt 1911 5" Browning Hi Power. The actors received careful coaching from real lawmen, who taught them how to look and act the part. The hardest part was finding one for a 4 inch ( Im a short guy and could never carry a 6 inch). Jewett hoped to accomplish several objectives with his novel design. The people should be forced to work and not depend on government for subsistence." It offers absolutely no gun retention. The author would like to thank John Bianchi and Bill Rogers for their assistance with this article and for their outstanding contributions to holster development. Reholstering a gun in a clamshell holster could be an awkward affair, that usually involved two hands. It is simple to reholster one handed with proper technique. But it wasnt just a slick show for the tube. Nov 2, 2022. After some years of little luck I tried this new-fangled Ebay. Top of a closet, I find the complete evidence box including burglars gun! Pachmayer rebuilt it for me. Then later, the desk jockeys at the Office decided they hadnt impaired the street guys enough, so they came up with a mandatory issue, a Tex Shoemaker (sp?) Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Your email address will not be published. Police Bookshelf. Malloy and Reed may have brought these clever holsters into the public consciousness in the early 70s, but the clamshell holster story goes back much further. Now, at 66, its just stories. Shipping will be $15 within the USA The Model 27 and Safety Speed designs were closed because the base of the closure spring was seated at the bottom of the leading edge. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). The pic below was taken by my friend JayCee of his USAF issued M15. Gould & Goodrich Leather Pager Holder Model 614. The MSRPs for these holsters start at $125. This holster is beyond what I was hoping for! Please see the website at: http://www.vintagelacoppers.org, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Create Account; Log Out ; Log In ; Wishlist 0; Shopping Cart 0; Home; About Add to Cart. Assistance to foreign lands must be stopped or we shall bankrupt ourselves. FOR ORDER STATUS & QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL (956) 744-3219 9:00 AM TO 6:00 PM USA CENTRAL TIME, Estimated Delivery Time: 6 weeks. I love the "quality workmanship!". They were purchased in the 1960s and were used to arm Air Police/Security Police, PJs, pilots and other aircrew. I have my fathers, Stockton PD 1941-73, full belt rig with Jewett Clamshell w/38 Police Special. "Respect for religion must be reestablished. MSRP ranges $189 to $245. Thank you so much for making this for me. They were a particular hit with officers in the various city and county motor units, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), who favored the six inch revolver and needed a design that was secure, yet fast into action. Aside from the holster advancements, there was a time when even though duty rigs might have all been the same plain or basketweave, the one thing that could be personalized was the officers revolvers. Would love you to do an article on the Audley holster and its variants. AccuMold ARS Radio Holster Swivel. I owned at least 5 clam shells and carried one for 17 years. The 2800 also incorporated some advancements in the reinforced, offset, belt loop hangar, including an adjustable rubber spacer which locked the holster in place and prevented it from sliding and shifting position on the belt. Ill still be carrying firearms though for the rest of my life and Ill be coming back to Ted Blocker Holsters so theyll ride in the best. Danny, that story takes the cake, and is now my favorite clamshell story! Here is a look at some of the current duty holsters that offer increased weapon protection. Vintage Police Don Hume RH Leather Swivel Holster with 12 Cartridge Loops $15.00 0 bids $10.50 shipping 2d 18h or Best Offer VINTAGE BLACK LEATHER SHERIFF POLICE B-15-34 HOLSTER $50.00 0 bids $10.95 shipping 4d 7h or Best Offer VINTAGE JAY PEE LEATHER BELT AND HOLSTER SIZE 42 6" HOLSTER $49.95 $8.31 shipping or Best Offer For a few years, the Safariland Model 275 competed directly with Rogers WRATH, but when Rogers sold his holster company to Safariland in 1985, the Model 275 cornered the market for revolver breakfront security holsters. Thanks, Mike, I have a question about my 1962 revolver. Very detailed and informative. This could happen when the holsters release mechanism was worn from use, or out of spec because the holster bodys alignment had shifted over time. Although the innovative Type I had security features, it was a concealment rig for plainclothes investigators. Great Part II! Even after the department finally switched to a high ride breakfront holster made by Bianchi in the mid-1970s, Los Angeles police officers were allowed to purchase their own clamshells and use them on duty, which they did with great enthusiasm into the 1980s. Hello Mike: Like the other readers, I really enjoyed the history on how the clamshell holster came to be. It is by far the best holster I have ever owned. Original Item: Made of heavy black leather construction. Smith & Wesson SWMP1BS M&P Black MAGIC Combo Edge Knife . Additionally, since the holster body was made of stamped steel covered with leather, there were occasions where a fall or crash (typically involving a motorcycle officer) resulted in the revolver getting trapped in the crushed holster. For more information, visit blade-tech.com or call 877-331-5793. Only the top draws remain, and theyre usually made of synthetics,like those that Rogers ushered in. As always great article and I plan on getting your book soon. Its hard to know without seeing the holster, but Im going to take my best guess, and maybe it will be helpful. The SW602 swivel duty holster is leather lined with built-in sight tracks and an adjustable barrel-tension device. Carried it for years as my father before me and only retired it when we went to semi autos in 1990s. Adam-12 (WWMD??) Insured Priority Mail is $16.00. With polymer pistols, thats all gone. Oh, and most of you are right. Even with agencies that issued everything, the revolver was where the most predominant form of personalization took place. They probably produced more holsters of this design than any other company, and cemented their position as a leading manufacturer of police leather goods. The Hoyt breakfront, with its open muzzle, didnt suffer from this issue, but the spring which held the Hoyt closed primarily exerted its force around the cylinder area, leaving little to no tension in the area around the muzzle. In 1985, the SWAT magazine holster test found a non-swivel version to be an excellent police holster. However, the 7TS uses a new nylon blend material that is extremely durable, impervious to temperature changes and weather, yet is completely non-abrasive to the guns finish. Menu. Vintage Tex Shoemaker NJSP Discontinued NJ State Police Holster For HK P7M8 LFT. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Add to Cart. With a pop of a spring and a flash of motion, a bad guy immediately found himself staring down a sixgun barrel before he could even blink! The LAPDs love for the design was influential, and helped to spread the popularity of the clamshell holster beyond the states borders in the post-war years. Unfortunately by the time the holster designs had benefitted from that long development process, the revolver era was just about over. It also had a more efficient safety strap than the Berns-Martin, which was easily operated by the trigger finger as part of the draw (a similarrelease was laterused onthe Safety Speed design). Swivel Belt Loop and Drop Shank for Law Enforcement, SP100 Belt Loop for Safariland Duty Holsters, SW402 Duty Holster Level 2 (Glock, S&W and many other duty gun models) with Drop & Swivel, Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device. Our Price: $23.95 Now: $20.99. But thanks so much!!! It also could not be pulled straight up or from the rear. Our Sale Price: $32.00. I finally settled on a Hoyt reverse cant for my K frame. Any RevolverGuy who grew up like I did, watching a steady diet of the 1970s police drama Adam-12, will certainly remember those Blue Knights, Malloy and Reed, each drawing a Combat Masterpiece revolver from a clamshell holster that sprung open like magic every time our heroes needed to draw down on some counterculture scumbag. From my experience in working with many officers from many states California police officers are some of the best trained and competent officers around. Using the companys popular Automatic LockingSystem (ALS), the Model 6360holster from Safariland is one of the most popular holsters in service today. In the Judge, the metal cups that surrounded the cylinder added strength and helped the holster maintain its shape. Enjoyed the history. The 4S could be shorthand for, Four-inch S&W or possibly four-inch, swivel. The spring system was tuned perfectly. Whether you're in Law Enforcement, Competition shooting, Hunting, or just like a good looking Holster that respects you and your gun, Ted Blocker Holsters are a symbol of quality and excellence for over 50 years Featured collection Swivel Belt Loop and Drop Shank for Law Enforcement $144.00 J Belt - 1.5" Wide $95.00 #1 Lifeline Shoulder Rig $265.00 As I recall, you had to get it unsnapped, then rock the grip forward a little bit, then pull up a skoche, then swivel the grip back to push the muzzle through the front, then push the frame/cylinder out the front. So, the Serpa has an ancestor from the revolver era. See our pictures and if you have any questions please call Justin or Ben at Olde West (530)243-8334. Best Design ROCOTACTICAL Universal Radio Holder, Basketweave Radio Pouch for Duty Belt 569 $18 90 In operation, the two halves were folded together against the spring pressure and were held closed by a latching mechanism in the front seam of the holster. As popular as they were, the clamshell holsters had weaknesses that couldnt be ignored. German Police Surplus AKAH Swivel Leather Compact Holster, Like New New to Amazon DIAMOND D OUTDOORS Denali Chest Holster - Revolver 3", Black 4.9 (25) $10999 FREE delivery Tue, Feb 21 More Buying Choices $109.80 (2 new offers) +1 colors/patterns Safariland 070 SSIII. <p>This HD Swivel set is compatible with QD swivel mounts and is constructed of steel with a manganese phosphate finish & 1.5' loops.</p> Public debt should be reduced. The best Gun Leather Products for Shoulder Holsters, Law Enforcement, Western Rigs, Concealed Holsters, Police Duty Rigs. He also wrote the "Tactical Analysis" column at Police1.com for 8 years. . Great holster though. Back in the 1970s and 80s, many a small city department, and even many less affluent county sheriffs departments, you bought your own sidearm and leather. In 1947, he was shot in the stomach with the bullet lodge against his spine. Pre-Owned. Durable, flexible leather is made to strict German specs. Slow down, Mr. Cosgrove. First with my Colt Python, then in the late eighties the department switched to a Sig Sauer 226 9mm, and later to a 229 .40 after several shootings where the 9mm was not effective. : No Item Description: Old Akah holster (Leather) will work with swivel but not included. Your email address will not be published. Got days off, the unwanted kind.4 months later got called back up to see the sergeant and offered a job.as long as I promised not to shoot anything else there! Indeed. Bravo, Sir! But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. I saw Larry Mudgetts post below, good to know hes out therethe mans a legend! I did have a Beretta .380 custom for off duty. One of them, an obscure outfit named Jicarilla Apache Tribal (J.A.T.) Vintage Clamshell Gun Holster Police. Dont know where it came from. . Thanks. Adler, Dennis. Additionally, the Judge was designed in a manner that protected the rear sight with leather wings on each side, while still preventing the rear sight from contacting the sides of the holster during the draw. Required fields are marked *. Jewetts holster was initially produced by the Speed Safety company (which took its name from the two unique qualities of the holster design) from 1932 until somewhere around 1942-43, at which point some of the production rights were sold to another company that operated under the similar name, Safety Speed. The holster will last as long as your pistol. Upon introduction, the Judge holster immediately became standard issue on the California Highway Patrol, which issued it along with the newly-adopted Model 67 and Model 68 revolvers. To hold the halves closed, the 2800 incorporated a pair of powerful springs that started behind the cylinder, running up and over it on each side, then down the length of the leading edge, to the very bottom. That holster was issued by a lot of agencies and not a bad design. Dont discount the police officers in California because of the politics of the State they work in. I always thought it was a brown holster a guy had dyed by the local shoe repair. Police1 is revolutionizing the way the law enforcement community Countless officers owe their livesat least in partto this holster. In that era, a finger inside the trigger guard wasnt considered an issue, but I could easily see how NDs could be had with this holster design. placing the trigger finger into the trigger guard during the draw . Sixguns By Keith. Copyright 2023 Ace. The 357M is likely shorthand for .357 Magnumthis could be a reference to caliber, but instead I think its more likely a reference to the S&W pre-Model 27, which was simply called, The .357 Magnum before model numbers were assigned to all guns in the 1950s. Awesome article! While every call does not involve the useof a firearm, the responding officer brings at least one into the mix. 2016 to 2023 RevolverGuy.com, All Rights Reserved. 89 members and 33755 guests. I was a police officer for Vallejo PD from 1981 until 2010. when I started most of the old timers had clam shells and I bought one as soon as I could. Where I worked we didnt hide behind bushes. But it was a great piece of gear. I carried one my whole career. I found a perfect condition Safety Speed Hi-ride for a 4 inch L frame on Ebay. Prescott, AZ. judged. It wasnt a security holster for general duty use, so Rogers got to work in the late 1970s and designed the first purpose-built security holster for uniformed police officers, the Rogers BOSS. The MSRP starts at $147. Designed to last and proudly made in the USA. I really miss the term decoy snap. So many officers had these when I was completing my internship in 1987. By hiding the release button from public view, and locating it in a place where access was naturally restricted by the trigger guard, the design made it difficult for someone who was not well-versed in the holsters operation to get it open. Romans 13:4, If this is your first visit be sure to check out the frequently asked questions by clicking here. I really enjoyed this article about the clamshell holsters. The trigger guard lock was also omitted on the WRATH, but the routing of the safety strap behind the trigger guard, and the cylinder recess in the holster body, provided a similar protection from an upward draw / snatch attempt. Cutaway design with safety strap for easy fast access. #32936 - Royal Canadian Mounted Police - 1975-10-27 / 2010-12-29. Sit down and have a look aroundI think youll find lots more to like here at RevolverGuy. Im glad you hung onto it. The MSRPs for these holsters start at $108. One small correction in that you can still get a breakfront made today from the AE Nelson company. The strap prevented the gun from being rotated out the front until the unique,hidden thumb breakwas released by the user. Combining speed with security. Boston Leather . Our current lead-time for new orders is 4-9 weeks for most items. The base of the polycarbonate spine incorporated a lock for the guns muzzle, which trapped it in position and prevented it from being rotated out the front of the holster by pushing downwards on the revolver grip. Available in seven colors, finishes and patterns, it is also available to accept pistols with a red dot (6360RDS shown) and/or those pistols equipped with a light. It incorporated the trigger guard pocket of the Berns-Martin, and the Hoyt-like cylinder cutouts in the inner liner, to help position the cylinder and act as a lock to prevent an upwards draw from the holster. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Copyright 1996-2021, Officer Media Group, Endeavor Business Media - Public Safety Interactive. I don't know much about it. Also, as a young pup, some of my partners were laterals from Pasadena and this was where I got to see these clamshells up close. The Safety Speed Holster company (est. In an interview with RevolverGuy, Mr. Bianchi told us that the work performed by the in-house tool and die department (the magicians behind the scenes, according to Mr. Bianchi)to optimizethe machinery, tools, and processes for manufacturing the Model 27 was so exhaustive, that anyone else would have given up, because the reward wouldnt have been worth the effort.. Free Shipping on Orders Over $99! A picture is below, my revolver is not for sale. In Part I of this series, we discussed the birth of the breakfront holster with the Berns-Martin design, as well as the development of competing designs from popular police holster makers Hoyt and Safety Speed. I retired from Newport Beach PD, but attended LAPDs academy in 1980. A few years before I retired, I returned to Patrol. Show: Sort By: Items: Previous Page 1 2 Next Page View All Klarna. The safety strap also had a second position where it could be fastened, which enhanced security for situations that required a higher degree of retention, such as crowd control or prisoner escort. Vintage Leather Police Swivel Holster NostalgicProductions (150) $65.00 FREE shipping Sig Sauer P365 XL - Wee Deluxe IWB Holster - LEFT Hand Draw Hybrid Single Swivel Clip with Mod 4clip CelticHolsters $69.95 FREE shipping Vintage Hume Plain Black Leather Old Police Snap Swivel Gun Holster for S&W K Frame Models 10 11 12 15 19 64 65 66 67 68 4"