Holster Gallery

Welcome to The Gun Carriage.  This site was set up to display some of the holsters I have made and fitted handgun cases I have built, and to offer you an opportunity to contact me if you would like to discuss how I might make one or the other for your favorite gun.  The photos and text below offer an opportunity to explain in a little more detail what I was attempting on any given work, where the design may have come from, how it's put together, and how it might be modified to be more personal.  I recently figured out how to navigate the new (to me) editing process on the website, so, if you’ve been here before, you may see some new work. I have been busy lately, so there may be additional “new” pieces appearing more or less regularly.

Most of the projects you'll see were developmental in nature, so I will be as likely to comment on what didn't work as on what did.  I have been making custom holsters for seven years now.  If you notice the same grips sticking out of more than one example in the gallery, it’s because most of the holsters I’ve done for clients have been without the benefit of the gun, and most of the client photos I’ve received have been inconsistent in lighting, background, and overall quality, so I didn’t feel I could use them in a gallery.  So, what you see here is mostly made on spec and made to fit guns to which I have access.  For most of my “for hire” work I’ve had to rely on a stock photo and dimensions.  These seem to have been successful, based on the remarks of the purchasers, and so I'm developing a growing library of patterns for various models.  But I prefer to work with the actual gun or a quality mold, and my library of molds is growing, but by no means exhaustive.  I am fond of Army and Navy Colt replicas, 1873 Single Action Army revolvers, and 1911's, no matter who actually makes them, and I'm developing an affinity for medium frame 4" .38 specials.  I’ve made holsters for guns ranging from the Kimber micro to the 10.5 inch Ruger Super Blackhawk, with a scope.  Most have been somewhere in between those extremes.

All of the examples below are hand stitched, laced, stained, dyed, oiled, stamped, carved, or left as nature intended.  Pricing, when or if presented, will be general for the time being, because I expect all projects to be custom, and will be happy to discuss once I understand what the client wants.  I now include a slightly wider range of products, as my recent projects have included a number of portfolios, binder covers, cartridge holders, and scabbards for items like multi-tools.  Magazine holders and rifle slings will likely show up soon, as well.

Following your initial contact, we can discuss your needs or interests and arrive at a mutually satisfactory price on any projects we may undertake.  If you don't see anything of interest on this visit, I invite you to come back another time; the photos in the Gallery will be updated periodically as new projects are completed.  There is a "Contact" menu option at the top of the page.  For the time being, that is the best, and only way, to reach me.  I have added a space for customer testimonials and comments, though it has not been updated in some time.

So, for the time being, I’ll have to ask for your patience and invite you to return from time to time.  I’ve been pretty busy making stuff, and I’ve been neglecting this site for too long.  Hope to remedy that in the weeks or months ahead.  Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you again soon.

Featured
Model M1911A1
Model M1911A1

I’ve mentioned elsewhere on the site that I’m fond of the 1911. Here’s a recent piece for the 5” government model with the tiny GI battle sights. The holster body is Show Brown, with a black border and black hand stitching. It is lined with pigskin and features black throat binding, a Mexican loop with a rather bold concho, and a toe plug. It’s a perfect fit for the small front sights, but a little grippy on 1911 variants with taller sights. In my view, this is one of the more graceful holsters I’ve had the pleasure to make. Regarding the throat binding, as nice as it looks, I am finding that it works better on revolvers than on semi-auto pistols, as the front ledge of the ejection port can catch even the thinnest binding. I’ve not seen any issues with revolvers.

Colt New Frontier
Colt New Frontier

I recently had occasion to make several variations on this pattern for the Colt New Frontier 4 3/8” model with target sights. I had to work from photos, so this was the first attempt. It easily fits the Ruger Wrangler and Single Six with traditional sights and the Heritage Rough Rider. For the “final” piece I cut down the throat a little for the rear sight, shortened the toe slightly for the barrel length, and opened the toe a tiny bit for the larger front sight. This holster is shown with a Ruger Wrangler. The color is an antiqued Spanish brown fade. It features an oiled leather binding strip at the throat, dark brown pigskin lining, a faux Mexican loop, and a concho that complements the diamond stamping.

1860 Basketweave
1860 Basketweave

I was asked recently to make a proper holster for a Ruger Old Army .44 cap and ball revolver.  I went to my pattern library and found one claiming to be the right one.  I probably should have been suspicious when it also claimed to fit the 1860 army Colt.  The Ruger is massive, has a top strap, and just feels huge.  Unsurprisingly, it was too big for the pattern.  I revised accordingly and wound up with a nice home for the Ruger.  The holster shown here is the one I made with that first pattern.  It’s a modified open-toe El Dorado, lined with pigskin, tooled with a basketweave, and sporting an enormous 1881 silver dollar concho on the loop strap to contrast the USMC black dye.  I’ve included a hammer loop on this holster but no leg ties.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro

This project was made for the 3.7” Hellcat Pro. I worked from photos, and have yet to test the fit on a real live Hellcat, so I display it here with a M&P Shield EZ, the profile of which is a close match. The color is an antiqued fade application of an accidental brown mixture that I developed by blending five years of experimental mixes in one container. In that regard, I consider it to be unique, though it is pretty close to Spanish brown. It is stamped with a dragon scale stamp and lined with dark brown pigskin.

1911 with Skirt
1911 with Skirt

One of the things I like about the full-size 1911 is how well it adapts to a variety of styles and patterns. This one features floral carving with a modified Mexican loop securing the holster to a skirt, which serves as the belt loop. Though more common with 19th century revolvers, the style works on the trusty 1911 as well. I’ve used a russet dye on this one, with natural stitching for contrast. The toe is closed.

Heritage .22 Revolver
Heritage .22 Revolver

I had been wanting to try this tooling technique for some time as it lends itself to either a western or a more contemporary style.  This is fitted to a Heritage 6.5" .22 single action revolver, in fact, the same one used as a stand-in in the nearby photo of the Ruger Single Six holster.  The discerning will note that this holster is for a southpaw, and features the typical western leg ties and hammer loop.  I used a brown stain and a tan thread for a little contrast.  Stitching is by hand.

Cartridge belt and holster
Cartridge belt and holster

I’ve been doing a little research and have found inspiration in a wonderful book by Richard Rattenbury. This rig is based on a Mexican Loop style prevalent in the late 19th century and fits the 1873 single action army Colt. The buckle is nickel plated with clipped corners and the lining is pig skin with the suede side out. The belt is a little over 2.5” wide with two keepers, one for the belt and one for the billet. The buckle and billet ends are stitched and riveted. Holster and belt are dyed dark brown

Glock 17/47
Glock 17/47

I recently had an opportunity to build a holster for a Glock 17. I’d developed this pattern a few months back, but sold the holster before I got a photo. This one is a mahogany basket stamp with natural stitching, a dark brown lining, and a snap strap. It is canted slightly forward, and the toe is open. This pattern is one that I like for the G17/47, and it appears in another example nearby with different tooling.

Ruger Single Six/Heritage Rough Rider
Ruger Single Six/Heritage Rough Rider

I've been meaning to do a revolver holster with cartridge loops for some time and the opportunity finally arrived with this one, built for a 6.5" .22 LR revolver. The loop strap provided a platform for the .22 cal. loops, with no room to spare. The throat binding is black pigskin, and the stitching is black to match the leather. I used a border stamp on the holster, a slightly smaller version of the same stamp on the loop strap, and a teeny version of the same stamp on the bullet loops themselves.

Army and Navy Colts
Army and Navy Colts

When I first started working with leather, I wanted to try out a pattern for the 1860 army Colt.  In my opinion, the army and navy Colts are among the most graceful handguns ever made. The confederate model is in Spanish brown and the federal model is USMC black.  The insignia were hand-carved, rather than embossed. In that regard, and others, this pair doesn’t hold up to the specs of serious re-enactors, but they’re handsome holsters for one of my favorite guns.

Single Action Army Rig
Single Action Army Rig

Finally figured out a reasonable way to photograph a cartridge belt in a square format. This is a complete rig for the 4.75” SAA. Cartridge belt has twenty loops and is lined with thin pigskin. Holster has appeared alone in the past and the color of the belt is not a perfect match. Still have not put a hammer loop on this holster, but the leg tie is present.

1911 5" GI
1911 5" GI

I had been itching to do an inlay of some sort and when I found a small stingray hide I took it as a sign. I use a pattern that I’ve used before and found quite versatile. I finished it with USMC black dye and lined it with black pigskin, and though I think it’s aesthetically pleasing, I did not enjoy working with the stingray skin. Seems that nature endowed the stingray with a hide armored with small glass beads. It’s an interesting texture, but hard on the tools.

Heritage Roughrider 4.75" .22 WMR
Heritage Roughrider 4.75" .22 WMR

My wife thinks this is a "dress" holster, as in, Sunday-go-to-meetin'.  While I doubt that guns were common in 19th century church services, I agree that it has a formal and classic look to it, and it would go well with a brown suit.  It features a folded skirt and a functional buckled strap.  The tooling is minimal, only a scribed outline.  The color is a medium brown stain.  I like this holster for its simplicity and for its proportions.  I used a snap to secure the strap, though a leather or metal keeper would be simpler and just as effective.

Bond Arms .38 special derringer
Bond Arms .38 special derringer

This was commissioned some time ago and I only recently thought to add it to the gallery. The gun is a 3.5” derringer and the customer wanted a safety strap and easy access to a couple of extra rounds. The color is either dark brown or Spanish brown, with an antique finish. The stamping is a random stipple that I’ve used a few times to provide texture without a pattern. The holster is canted slightly forward and the hammer is fully shielded by leather.

1911 Government Model
1911 Government Model

As I've stated elsewhere in this site, the thing I like most about the 5” 1911 is that it allows for a variety of graceful holster patterns. This is one of my favorites, and I’ve used it several times with different details, colors, textures, and ornamentation. This piece is an inlay of faux alligator embossed leather, installed in a border of stained veg-tan cowhide. I used a medium application of Briar Brown stain to complement the dark brown inlay, and contrasted it with buff-colored stitching. The holster is lined with veg-tan cowhide to give it a little more heft and stiffness, which I’ve enhanced further with a couple of additional layers of leather stitched into the main seam.

Ruger Single Six
Ruger Single Six

From an old pattern for the Ruger Single Six, in this case the 6.5" model.  Ample room for contemporary front and rear sights.  The gun in the photo is a Heritage 6.5" revolver and it sits a little loose.  Holster features a floral carving and complementary stitching.  Finished version could/would have a leg-tie and hammer loop.  No edging or stamping, antique stain in a medium brown.  Belt loop is a stitched fold-over.  This one has an open toe.  Sufficient room to close the toe without changing the pattern.  Very similar to 1851 carved holster shown nearby, but without skirt.

Heritage Roughrider 4.75" .22 WMR
Heritage Roughrider 4.75" .22 WMR

For this holster I added a little more girth to accommodate a fully configured revolver, shortened the depth very slightly, and added a little length to the belt loop so it would hang a little lower.  The gun sits a little lower in the holster, and fits it well, without a wet-fit.  The holster is stamped with a favorite basket weave and stained mahogany.  I dyed the inside to minimize contrast between the outside and the inside.  Final finish was a satin top coat.

Ruger Mk III Standard
Ruger Mk III Standard

Here’s the more refined version of the three-piece Mk III holster displayed elsewhere in the gallery. In all particulars except for coloring and finish, this piece is identical to its more rustic brother. I suppose one is for work and the other is for going out in polite company. Though I’m not yet sure about the Mk IV, this pattern fits the earlier Mk I and Mk II Rugers, and is very easily adapted to the longer and heavier-barreled Target models.

5.5" SAA Double Mexican Loop
5.5" SAA Double Mexican Loop

This holster fits the 5.5" SAA revolver and employs a double Mexican loop to secure the skirt, which serves as the belt loop. I've applied a dark brown dye and used dark brown stitching to keep it low key. The diamond stamping provides a texture that contrasts with the smooth loops.

SIG Sauer P226
SIG Sauer P226

Some holsters are just made to be functional, and strangely enough, they are sometimes the most fun to make. This holster uses a pattern that I’ve worked with a couple of times for the P226, but it features minimal tooling, no ornamentation, no lining, and minimal finish work. I made it from a scrap of Herman Oak, and added a safety strap left over from another job that used saddle skirting. The finish is three or four heavy applications of walnut oil. I sanded the main seam, and burnished that, and the other edges, a little, with a piece of canvas, like they did in the old days. The overall finish is rustic and rugged.

1911 5"
1911 5"

Here’s another full-size 1911, made from a pattern in an old Tandy holster pattern book. It’s really more of a bucket, but it’s a clean design, and it works well with a barrel-heavy pistol like the 1911. This one is a briar brown stain/antique applied to a dragon scale stamp. The stitching is “natural” (off white), about five per inch. I’ve lined it with maple pig skin. The original pattern included a toe plug, and so have I. With soft lining I’ve noticed that a low, rounded front sight, like the original 1911 battle sight, works better. Taller sights with a sharp profile can dig into the lining a little and impede the draw.

Single Action Army 5.5"
Single Action Army 5.5"

I’ve displayed a few holsters for the shorter-barrel version of the SAA, but only recently had occasion to make a home for the 5.5” inch version. This one features a dark (really dark) brown stain with minimal tooling, a modified Mexican loop, my favorite star and “bob-wahr” concho, a small toe plug, and a narrow binding at the top of the throat.

1911 Government Model
1911 Government Model

Here's another variation on a familiar pattern. This holster is a dark Spanish brown fade with a medium brown antique finish over a diamond stamp, with contrasting natural stitching. The throat binding is a light pigskin. I've used a wider loop strap than in a similar, earlier piece, and installed a complementary oval concho.

Single Action Army 4.75"
Single Action Army 4.75"

I went to a gun show a week ago and learned that there are far more left-handers in the general population than I had imagined. I now have a list of projects that will be made for southpaws. This SAA is among the first of them. I used a simple pattern with a Mexican loop, maple pig skin lining, and folded the lining over the throat and stitched it down. I added a stitched border to the Mexican loop. The color is a heavy application of medium brown dye, with natural thread for contrast.

Fitted Hardwood Cases

 

I’ve been working with wood for a number of years and for the most part the size of my projects has been limited by workspace.  I have built furniture and musical instruments, but a few years back I began to concentrate on small cases and storage boxes, and to a lesser extent, fitted cases for rifles.  All of this recent work went for personal use or gifts.  Quite often I used glued-up scrap wood because I hate to throw anything away.  My wife recently pointed out that everything we have now has its own box, including our boxes.

My interest in firearms led me inevitably to the venerable and redoubtable 1911 .45 acp pistol, and the even more venerable and elegant 19th century army and navy colts.  This was quickly followed by a need for, you guessed it, boxes.  My cases are functionally descended from the traveling cases used by gentlemen in days gone by to carry their dueling pistols while on the road.  Dangerous times called for desperate measures, as always, and one never knew when honor might require a lethal firearm.  My cases come with locks, are made of oak, cherry, or walnut, are not especially ornamental, and are fitted to the pistol and accessories, such as a powder flask or spare magazine.  They may be used for secure storage or, with a glass top, for display.

 

 
Featured
1911 Presentation Case
1911 Presentation Case

Had a recent commission for a presentation case in red oak for a 1911 pistol. The customer asked for a fully-lined, fitted case to accommodate a 5” 1911 with a single 7 round magazine.. This case features a keyed lock, walnut inserts in the lid, instead of splines, rail hinges, and a double-strength glass top. Polished with ultra-fine sandpaper and a couple of thin coats of tung oil. I consider this a “low profile” case, as it sits less than 2.75” high.

Trophy Ring Shadow Box
Trophy Ring Shadow Box

This piece was commissioned to display a trophy ring awarded to a college athlete. It is made in two parts, a small case with a removable back, and a base with an angled support. We used red oak, stained with English chestnut, and a blue flocked lining. The case may be displayed on the base, as shown, hung on a wall, set vertically on a shelf, or set horizontally on a table.

1911 Fitted Case in American Walnut
1911 Fitted Case in American Walnut

I had been wanting to show a little more variety in the basic fitted handgun case, so I recently had an opportunity to complete this one for a 1911 using solid black walnut.  As with a nearby example in red oak, this one features a lock, relocated to the front, though the solid lid still slides to the right.  The outside dimensions remain approximately 13” x 10” x 3”, with interior measurements of 7.5” x 10.5” x 2”.  Final finish is a thin coat of rubbed teak oil.

Walnut Shadow Box
Walnut Shadow Box

This is a small shadow box built to display a special belt buckle.  The case is solid walnut, about 6 ½” by 8”, approximately 2 ¼” deep.  It is hinged in brass and the “latch” is a couple of pair of magnets in the lid and case side rails, opposite the hinges.  The box is trimmed with black-white-black guitar purfling and edged in rosewood.  It is designed to be either wall-hung, or displayed standing upright or laying on its back, as it is shown here.  The buckle is mounted on a block to stand away from the back.  The block is attached with a single, centered, wood screw to permit rotational adjustment to level the buckle.  This design could be easily adapted to a display case for a favorite handgun.

Presentation Case for Medium Frame .38 Special
Presentation Case for Medium Frame .38 Special

Recently returned to the wood shop to make this walnut presentation case for a 4” Model 64. The exterior is similar to another walnut case shown nearby, but for the interior I used the old style partitioned compartments with spaces for the revolver, cleaning tools, and a couple of loads of cartridges. The case is lined with deep red velvet and is fitted with a mortise lock and rail hinges.

Faux Mahogany Display Case
Faux Mahogany Display Case

This piece is made of radiata pine, which is a pretty nice material if you’re wanting to practice techniques without butchering really expensive hardwoods. Which I did. The knife and sheath are also projects, but my interest was in the mortises for the hinges and lock. The color is due to multiple coats of a mahogany leather dye, finished with teak oil. The case is fully lined with velvet and partitioned, as you can see. I routed the top to give it a little visual and tactile interest, but it’s pretty much a traditional display case or shadow box, depending on your interest.

Mahogany and tooled leather
Mahogany and tooled leather

This case is a pretty standard 6”x 9” suitable for a variety of modern handguns. I used mahogany to frame the top and side panels with tooled leather, antiqued to achieve a burgundy finish. The case features stop hinges, a keyed lock, and is lined with red velvet.

Bible Storage
Bible Storage

I was experimenting with a little different style of base and lid, so I used clear pine instead of hardwood. When the design turned out alright, I was curious to see how a lacquer or enamel finish might work. This was the result. The case is lined, and is now used to store a Bible that’s been in the family since 1957.

Heirloom Revolver Wall Display
Heirloom Revolver Wall Display

This piece was made to display an heirloom Colt revolver in a wall-mounted case. It is constructed with oiled mahogany, splined with red oak, and lined with blue flocking. It features a removable back, and simple post supports for the revolver. An envelope is attached to the back containing a 1959 letter of provenance from the Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co., Inc, Hartford 15, Connecticut, USA, written in response to an inquiry by the owner. According to the letter, the revolver was originally shipped in 1905, to Sears, Roebuck, and Co. in Chicago. The ammunition box, like the revolver, is somewhat the worse for wear, dating from the mid-1930s. Postage for that 1959 letter was four cents.

Band of Brothers
Band of Brothers

This case, which was built several years ago, was repurposed from housing an army colt to housing an ad hoc set of 1911s. All of the pistols are mil-spec, with not a single beavertail in the lot of them. Muzzle to tang clearances were tight, but all four fit in the configuration shown. The box is red oak, and the lining is indigo upholstery velvet. The finish is a thin coat of boiled linseed oil, and the case was provided with a keyed mortise lock.

Custom Leatherwork

I initially intended to limit my work to holsters and hardwood cases.  I have discovered over a couple of years that clients have other interests, and so do I.  I will be using this gallery to display “other” work, not directly related to carrying or storing firearms.  This section began with some of my portfolios and has expanded to include other personal leather items as my customers and I have expanded our interests. Early last year I started receiving requests for custom portfolios and for a while that was all I was making. I make them in three sizes and as you can see, some are simple carving while others are carved and antiqued. All are lined, usually with thin pigskin. The most recent additions include belts and a couple of wine bottle caddies.  I’ve begun working with an oil-tanned leather that provides a very nice rustic aesthetic. The example shown is one of the belts. The oil-tanned leather has a very soft feel to it, almost like an extremely fine suede, and the color varies even within the bounds of a single hide. So far as I can determine, it does not lend itself to carving or stamping and I don’t use it on holsters or knife sheaths. Two of the belts shown here are of the “ranger” style, which incorporates a separate billet and buckle attachment, either stitched or riveted to the main body of the belt. The style is similar to a traditional gunbelt, but is narrower so it will fit inside the belt loops on a pair of trousers. The third example is a simple tapered billet, and though it features a matching silver buckle-keeper-tip, I chose to show the carving and antiquing on this one. Haven’t figured out yet exactly how to photograph a belt in a square format, so for the time being I’ll only feature either the billets and buckles, or the carving. When I get it worked out, you’ll be the first to know. I’ve recently had a number of requests for knife sheaths, so I’ve included some of the work that has resulted. And, finally, I’ve begun to work on a few brief cases, satchels, tote bags, and purses. Still in the developmental stage, and other projects have kept me from exploring that area as much as I’d like. Hope to have some of those pieces on display in the near future.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK

I had heard from several customers over the past couple of years that I should open up a page for customer feedback, comments, reviews, and so forth.  Took me awhile to build the page, but I finally found a spot.  Be advised that these are comments that were emailed to me, either directly, or through the Contact feature of this site.  I then post them as received.  I don’t have a way to allow customers to post their feedback directly, so this will have to suffice for the time being.  I’ll be providing first names, last initials, and date received.  I hope prospective customers will find this page useful, and I’ll make an effort to keep it timely.


I purchased a case fitted for my Grandfather’s 1911 from WWII.  The case is beautiful, fits the pistol and magazine like a glove, and is a wonderful way to display (and lock) this family treasure.  The work was extremely well done, and I look forward to ordering from The Gun Carriage again!

Reid M - 02/15/2019


Excellent design, workmanship and quality.  This portfolio will last a lifetime.  I am very happy with my purchase.

Beth R – 02/15/2019


Last year I ordered a holster for my Glock 19 from The Gun Carriage.  Not only was the fit perfect (the result is on his website), but the workmanship quality was, in my personal opinion, exceptional.  The owner was also easy to work with, as well as being very discerning in his questions about what I wanted/needed.  As a result, I have not only subsequently ordered 4 leather portfolios, but also a set of Maple grips for a .38 Special handgun.  I highly recommend this vendor as a "go-to" for leather/gun needs. 

Tommy L - 02/20/2019


I ordered a concealed holster for a semiautomatic pistol.  Not only am I completely satisfied with the end product, Rick made custom features specific to the pistol and to my personal wants.  As a new weapon carrier, I shopped what was on the market and found nothing that compared before I ordered.  Superior quality!  After being completely satisfied with the holster, I decided to order a custom made wooden shadow box for a special belt buckle.  Again, he made custom features to the box to increase it’s attraction and he fulfilled a personal request after it was completed.  Superior quality in woodworking!  I have and will continue to recommend The Gun Carriage for leather and wood working. 

Dwayne E. - 03/14/2019


I wanted something special for my father’s police pistol after he left it to me when he passed. I decided to have something custom made with his badge number and found The Gun Carriage. The attention to detail and the care that went into making the holster was fantastic and I could not think of a better place to hold my father’s gun.

Rick N. - 03/30/2019

I recently ordered a mid-sized portfolio from The Gun Carriage.  After receiving it, I found that Mr. Bell’s exceptional workmanship, as expected, indeed extends to other leather work beyond gun holsters (I had ordered one of those previously).  It was a birthday gift for my son, and he – and his wife – both described it as “gorgeous.”  Thanks to The Gun Carriage for another perfect product!

 Tommy L.  04/18/2019

I recently ordered a portfolio from The Gun Carriage.  I desired something custom and personal that would hold a small laptop, but didn’t have a good idea for a specific design.  Rick did a great job offering design ideas, color and texture options, and a sketching of the final design for me to see before producing.  His pride in his craft really showed through as he produced a one of a kind portfolio.  The quality of the materials and work will make it a part of my daily work-life for many years to come.

 Josh W. 07/16/2019

I recently commissioned a special belt from The Gun Carriage and was very pleased with the craftsmanship on the finished belt.  Pricing was reasonable as well.  The stitching detail was nicely done and the hardware was really special.  I recommend anyone looking for that special leather item to contact them and let them know what you need.  Mr. Bell will be glad to fix you right up.

 Fern R. 11/06/2019

A comment on the quality leather work from the bench of Rick Bell - I have always favored classic leather work and had a knife sheath from the 1930’s and a favorite 40 year old rifle sling needing stitching restoration. These were returned to original condition with undetectable repairs.
Aside from building first class holsters I can certainly recommend Rick for any of your quality leather repairs.

Jon W 11/07/2019

I had 2 holsters custom made by Rick at Gun Carriage.  They came out absolutely perfect. Every time I use them, people ask where I got them!  Turnaround time was great and they were an excellent value!  I will definitely be having more holsters made for me in the future!

 Harvey D. - 03/02/2023

I just picked up my holster from The Gun Carriage for my S&W Model 43.  The quality is outstanding, and it was made exactly as I wanted. Mr. Bell is definitely a true craftsman, and all my next holsters will be from him.

Ted S. - 04/09/2024

Excellent seller, quality materials, leather & outstanding workmanship. Recommended.

 Guy S.  1/23/2025

About

 
 

About The Gun Carriage

I’ve been working with wood for a number of years and for the most part the size of my projects has been limited by workspace. I have built furniture and musical instruments, but a few years back I began to concentrate on small cases and storage boxes, and to a lesser extent, fitted cases for rifles. All of this recent work went for personal use or gifts. Quite often I used glued-up scrap wood because I hate to throw anything away. My wife recently pointed out that everything we have now has its own box, including our boxes.

My interest in firearms led me inevitably to the venerable and redoubtable 1911 .45 acp pistol, and the even more venerable and elegant 19th century army and navy colts. This was quickly followed by a need for, you guessed it, boxes. My cases are functionally descended from the traveling cases used by gentlemen in days gone by to carry their dueling pistols while on the road. Dangerous times called for desperate measures, as always, and one never knew when honor might require a lethal firearm. My cases come with locks, are made of oak, cherry, or walnut, are not especially ornamental, and are fitted to the pistol and accessories, such as a powder flask or spare magazine. They may be used for secure storage or, with a glass top, for display.

My work with leather began in 2016, with a kit from a hobby store. I completed a couple of those and began to try my hand at developing my own patterns, or modifying some of the many patterns available. With a couple of exceptions, I prefer my own designs, which also are fitted to the specific pistol. I have made plain holsters, stamped holsters, carved holsters, lined holsters, laced holsters, stitched holsters, oiled, stained and dyed holsters, open carry holsters and concealed carry holsters. I have sold a small number of my finished pieces, and my customers seem to be happy with their purchases. For the rest, and those to follow, I hope to find good homes.

Though I have included no specific pricing in these pages, because I expect any projects that may result will be custom, most of the holsters shown would sell, or have sold, for prices between $75 and $110.  The fitted cases start at $200, depending on design features and species of wood.  I invite you to scan the gallery of samples, and if you find something that sparks your interest, or if you wish to inquire about something that’s missing, please contact me and we can discuss in detail.

 
 

Your gun deserves a new case.