The Slim Jim gun belt and holster has border tooling and silver spots. The holster also has a US Concho which makes this gun rig stand out from the rest. Available in your choice of straight or cross draw. Color choices are Black or Brown. This Slim Jim gun rig has the California Style Slim Jim holster.
The Slim Jim Holster and Gun Belt was also known as The California made popular by the Main & Winchester Saddlery of San Francisco. In the early days of the west guns were usually carried in a pommel or saddlebag holster. But as revolver advancement were made and they became more manageable saddle makers designed a more accessible and efficient hip holster.
The first true western style holster was the "California" Slim Jim from the Gold Rush Era starting in 1849. These were slender in profile and had a deep form-fitting body with sewn in toe plugs to keep debris out and help secure the gun. The holster was mounted on a belt by a leather loop sewn on the back. The "California" was also known as the "Slim Jim". Most of these western holsters were embellished. Designs went from plain to heavy complex carving or stamping.
Our fully lined gunbelts are made of 9-10 oz leather with smooth leather lining. The holster is made of 2 pieces 5-6 oz leather nap sides laminated together, smooth in/smooth out which creates a stronger holster that holds its shape better. High quality nylon thread is used for durability in the stitching of our old west gun leather products.
About Lieutenant Charles Bare Gatewood:
First Lieutenant Charles Bare Gatewood (April 5, 1853 – May 20, 1896) Charles Bare Gatewood was born in Woodstock, Virginia. He served in the United States Army in the 6th Cavalry after graduating from West Point. Upon assignment to the American Southwest, Gatewood led platoons of Apache and Navajo scouts against renegades during the Apache Wars. In 1886, he played a key role in ending the Geronimo Campaign by persuading Geronimo to surrender to the army.
Beset with health problems due to exposure in the Southwest and Dakotas, Gatewood was critically injured in the Johnson County War and retired from the Army in 1895, dying a year later from stomach cancer. Before his retirement he was nominated for the Medal of Honor, but was denied the award. He was portrayed by Jason Patric in the 1993 film Geronimo "An American Legend".
For more in depth information Follow link to:
The Army Historical Foundation: Lieutenant Charles B. Gatewood History
