As popular as they were, the clamshell holsters had weaknesses that couldnt be ignored. Different officers carried all kinds of holsters, they carried what worked for them and what they were skilled at using. Shop a wide variety of holsters for professional use or everyday carry. Designed by Bill Rogers, the 070 has been made by Safariland since the mid-1980s. The Safariland 070 SSIII holster is likely the most successful retention holster ever fielded by law enforcement. One of my sergeants loaned me his breakfrontI think it was the Bianchi Model 27to try out; it just wasnt my cuppa tea, but it was secure. Following the success of its initial collaboration with Vertx, Premier Body Armor announces its continued partnership. Colt Python Holsters - 61 Holsters by Craft Holsters We do offer a $50 Rush Fee option if you need your order within two weeks. Two writers in 1960 and 1970 declared the clam shell obsolete and dead. The Safariland 6285CHP holster was designed for the California Highway Patrol. This page was generated at 06:57 AM. The problem was exacerbated by some models that used aluminum shells, in lieu of the steel, to save weight. . It was$200! $135.00 USD. The construction has held up great, the holster is so comfortable that I commonly don't remember it is on my side, and many friends are so impressed with the holster they have purchased at least one themselves. Holsters. Quick View. The top draw rigs that had about 1/2 of the front seam open (as opposed to the entire front seam) were some of the best compromises of speed and security. These are a source of complaint for my poor wife and I have no real argument for my continued love for them. By the time of the Bianchi Model 2800, most folks assumed the design features of the breakfront had reached a certain level of maturity where there wasnt a lot of room for improvement. Some officers, due to a lack of training/practice, inattention, or stress-induced error, managed to negligently pull the trigger with enough frequency that the holster caught the ire of police administrators. Perhaps the only thing worse than being shot in the line of duty is being shot with your own weapon. If this is your first visit be sure to check out the frequently asked questions by clicking here. I liked mine quite a bit and still have it. Fortunately, Bill Rogers hadnt got the word. The current crop of synthetic holsters are superior tools. The holster features the Grab-Resistant. Thanks for your hard work. The MSRP starts at $147. 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Going down, he popped that Jewett and fired five shots, four hits. Find Your Perfect Fit Now! . A clamshell wasnt your average, pedestrian, top draw rig. Despite all of these issues, the clamshells remained very popular for decades. was the only other officer who carried one, he retired about a year and a half before me. Using the companys popular Automatic LockingSystem (ALS), the Model 6360holster from Safariland is one of the most popular holsters in service today. I bought one from Saftey Speed Montibello around 1982. 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. Radio & Pager Holders | Cases and Holders - CopsPlus Vintage Leather POLICE BELT Jay Pee. Industries (located in Dulce, New Mexico), had the notable distinction of producing clamshells for the LAPD under contract, beginning in the late 1960s. Im not sure, but I think your holster is for a 4 S&W N-frame revolver. They were purchased in the 1960s and were used to arm Air Police/Security Police, PJs, pilots and other aircrew. I was a street cop on LAPD in the late 60s thru the early 80 s. Ha! Thanks for adding to the story of the clamshell! Free shipping for many products! 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. I mean, grab the grip and just raise that thing like you were just holding at your side. My 1st day walking in the office early, I found sillouhette targets over everything, with comments.we need a new tv, the fridge isnt cold, the computers need replacing..stay away ftom the freezer, its NEW!..leave the helicopters alone!!! Hello Mike: Like the other readers, I really enjoyed the history on how the clamshell holster came to be. Nov 2, 2022. These are Good/New Condition. This didnt happen very fast. The C.A. We focus on the firearms (naturally) but forget theres an entire industry around carrying them and providing them with ammunition. Bart thats an AMAZING page to add to the story of the clamshell! Tim Dees, now writing as a plain old forum member, his superpowers lost to an encounter with gold kryptonite. 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. For more information, visit blackhawk.com or call 800-379-1732. NYPD lost 3 per day!. I had a swivel holster (for a revolver) when I was in the police academy. . Also, it was easy for the pushing motion of the index finger to continue after the gun had been drawn, with the finger now on the trigger. In April of 1974, Bianchi acquired all rights to the Berns-Martin Holster Company (which was in the possession of acclaimed knife designer Walter Blackie Collins), including their designs, patents, and equipment, cementing their interest in becoming the foremost manufacturer of breakfront duty holsters. Truly amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail. Boston Leather . Our selection includes holsters for pistols and revolvers, including models with weapon lights, as well as holsters for tasers. 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 They feature swivel belt loops and are designed for XTS Series Radios. Please email or call us to add this for you. police swivel holster for sale | eBay Box 69, Coupeville, WA 98239-0069. it was cool. I've been in and out of this job since 1983 and was looking for something more comfortable but would still retain the weapon. It was more secure than the temperamental clamshell, and it was easier to reholster with a single hand. Police1 is revolutionizing the way the law enforcement community The king isnt dead. Anyone use or familiar with the Ted Blocker swivel holsters? Safety Speed also produced that one. Mace/Pepper Spray Holsters. $46.00. Thanks for the info. Never had the weapon fall out and with the security system, never met another officer that could get it out until I showed them the trick, which was natrual and easy to do when the holster was worn. Belt Clip: Metal Belt Clip. Thanks Tim, thats actually on my radar! Dave, its great to hear from you. The Stanroy Holster company of Bakersfield, California began production around 1935 and continued until sometime into the late 1960s, with the company establishing a new address in Compton, California, along the way. The safety strap which wrapped around the front of the WRATH helped to make it all work, as it did on the BOSS. Ive corrected the article. This feature, along with the enhanced retention and security features, gave the holster an edge in safety compared to other contemporary designs of the era. Safety Speed refused to make me a lefty for the Sig! Im grateful you shared them with us. Several of us there carried in clamshell holsters. Your duty holster keeps your trusty sidearm close at hand; it can and should be as unique as you are. FOR ORDER STATUS & QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL (956) 744-3219 9:00 AM TO 6:00 PM USA CENTRAL TIME, Estimated Delivery Time: 6 weeks. An additional device called the Sentry further secures the weapon in the holster. Material: Leather. 1965. This is a big part of the reason that these holsters were disapproved for duty use in the CHP by the early 1960s. The notch they started making in the later models made it so much easier. By the 1950s, the clamshell was a SoCal law enforcement staple, with a host of agencies and individual officers falling for the appeal of the spring holster. Hey Mike.really great article I stumbled acrossmy grown kids gave me the Adam-12 DVD set for my birthday.wow, what memories.I was with San Antonio PD, we were issued Safety Speed breakfronts out of the academy, really good and safe holster. Riley, Ive got another project in the works that I think youre gonna like! Military Surplus Holsters | Army Surplus Shoulder Holsters | Drop Leg I quickly mastered the technique of re-holstering with one hand. In the WRATH, the polycarbonate spine was replaced by features which accomplished the same goals without the extra weight and bulk. Yes, I thought it was cool too, that Mudgett stopped by RevolverGuy! $20.89. The holster is rugged as hell. Bianchi didnt give up though, and the company was successful in meeting the demands of large agencies like the California Highway Patrol (1970) and the Los Angeles Police Department (1972), whichmade the Model 27 holster standard issuefor their officers. The 57 4 could be a holster model number and another reference to four-inch. I suppose it could also be a reference to Model 57 4-inch, which is another N-frame revolver, like The .357 Magnum. The holster would have to date to the 1960s (1964 or later) for the Model 57 reference to be correct, but since the Model 57 and The .357 Magnum (Model 27) could probably fit the same holster, maybe thats what it is. Here is a look at some of the current duty holsters that offer increased weapon protection. Radio Holders & Radio Straps | Duty Gear - Galls 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. North Hollywood, CA. I still have it. Gould & Goodrich Leather Universal Radio Strap Model 654. It would be interesting to know if the decoy snap accounted for any saves, wouldnt it? When I told him I was left handed, he balked and said hed have to custom make it and itd be expensive. A few years before I retired, I returned to Patrol. Alfonsos J21 Plain Black Leather Suede Lined Open Top Holster For Colt .45 . They certainly make the cows happy, if not the traditionalists. Rudy Lozano's Black Hills Leather Products are handcrafted like no others are today. Retired Oakland police officer, 39 yr vet law enforcement. 7320 SW Bonita Road Tigard, OR 97224 US503-670-7972 (phone), Hours of Operation:Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (PST)Open Thursdays till 7pm. They took it down and totally polished and tuned everything. Burglar spent the rest of his life in prison. My dads old high ride has name and badge number stamped as you describe, which is cool. Drop Holster Drawbacks - Guns and Ammo Great holster. The good folks at Ted Blocker nailed it . We wont see the likes of it again. The clamshell holsters were first adopted by Southern California lawmen in the pre-war years. Thanks for taking the time to research all this, then sharing it with us. Vintage from the 1960s Materials: leather I'm thinking about buying one for my 1911, but I am concerned with retention in a gun grab. There are currently 33844 users online. 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. Amazing craftmanship and excellent quality. Vintage Gun Leather Today - vintagegunleather 89 members and 33755 guests. Additionally, since the closure springs went around the cups, the cups helped to obtain a uniform clamping force on the gun in the holster. I had heard about them from other officers. This was most likely to occur during a foot chase, when the holster bumped against the leg and the jarring motion tripped the latch at the front of the holster. I cut my teeth on the front break Safariland but knew nothing about the clamshell other than the name. The arrogance of public officials must be curtailed. Spring Cleaning Clearance: 10% OFF on Shoulder Holsters. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out Gods wrath on the wrongdoer." breakfront. 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. What part of the U.S. were you policing in? Operating the safety strap was a motion that took some time, and the officer could not establish his grip to draw the gun until this step was complete. Furthermore, the tightly-fitted interior of the holster helped to prevent cylinder rotation, which made the Jewett design resistant to accidental discharges while the gun was still in the holster. Police duty belts, holsters and pouches all at discounted prices. If you are looking for a holster that you can pass on to children and them to their children, look no further! The design essentially saved two steps (strap release and upward drawing motion), allowing the shooter to get the gun into play much more rapidly. Thank you so much for sharing it with us! They were truly an innovation for carrying a 6 barrel revolver, which gave officers an inherently more accurate sighting radius. It also could not be pulled straight up or from the rear. . from United States However, they were not alone in the business. Yet, the most damning problem with the clamshell holster is that it had a disturbing tendency to open up on its own, dumping the gun onto the ground. Thanks for the article now I know the whole story on a holster that served me well. The two halves of the clamshell were shaped on the inside to fit the gun tightly, so that when the clamshell was locked closed, it would be extremely difficult-practically impossibleto pull the gun out the top of the holster. It is a piece of history. Grove Gun Shop Product Details. Whereas the typical open top, safety strap, police holster of the time did a poor job of preventing the uninitiated from snatching the gun out of the pouch by simply gripping the gun and pulling on it with great force, the Jewett clamshell did an admirable job of defeating this kind of disarm. 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. Collectible Police Holsters for sale | eBay AccuMold ARS Radio Holster Swivel. The Pro-3 can be had in a variety of finishes including plain nylon and basket weave. I hope youll stick around and check out the other great stories here on RevolverGuy. Overall this is a very cool vintage holster that would make a very cool addition to any collection. Blocker makes quality stuff, it's just the nature of the holster. It easily outclassed the rabble of unimaginative top draw designs that polluted police supply catalogs throughout the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. I suspect it was operator error, which does not mean it was not a good holster just not a good holster for you. When I was in, there were still guys using them. I saw some clamshells worn by LAPD vets. Richard, welcome aboard! These guys are incredible. The leather and thermoplastic laminate used in Rogers holster designs was a significant accomplishment and the process of creating, using, and shaping the laminate to create a custom-fitted duty holster (protected by U.S. Patent number 4,340,437, issued 20 Jul 1982) was one of Rogers key contributions to the industry. Engineered to meet the needs of active law enforcement and military service members, Rapid Force features a secure Level 2 or Level 3 retention, a fast and intuitive draw, and extreme durability. 2016 to 2023 RevolverGuy.com, All Rights Reserved. When I came on board in L.A. we were issued a Shoemaker breakfront that I quickly replaced with the 2700 and then the Judge. The advantage to the design was that a full and uninterrupted grip could be achieved on the gun while it was in the holster.