[DL] holsters...

[John Goodrich <Qusoor@monkeybrains.net>]

    Now, it was my understanding that crossdraw holsters were worn by 
cowpokes who came from the North -- because it's easier to get at a 
crossdraw while you're wearing a heavy coat.  Southerners used hip 
holsters because they didn't have long, bulky coats to get in the way. 
 That this is from the excellent Knuckleduster Firearms shop book, which 
lists historical guns and has an interesting section on holsters.  
    According to them, fast-draw holsters canted the gun's butt a bit 
forward.  This way, if it goes off in the holster, you're a lot less 
likely to get yourself shot in the foot.  Although they don't mention 
this, I'd expect that this sort of holster also had the tie around teh 
leg to keep the lower end of the holster from flapping, or being in an 
inconvenient angle.  
    The main problem with the swivel-holster is that you can't actually 
aim the pistol. All your shots are hip-shots.  And you have to swivel 
all of yourself to get a shot in at someone who is not in your direct 
line of fire.  

    Cheers, all.  

    John Goodrich
    Whateley manservant