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Holster security is a real concern to every one who carries a pistol or revolver. In the early part of the 20th century Audley came out with a very simple gun retention device. A formed metal latch catches the inside edge of the trigger guard of the gun and locks the gun in place until the wearer places his trigger finger into the trigger guard and pushes the latch in and releases the gun. These holsters were quite popular with police departments and shooters until the 1970s. The first is a 1911 holster by Folsom Audley from the late 1920s or 1930s. See the silver latch in the trigger recess.



The second is a police uniform holster by Jay-Pee for a 4" S&W M&P from the postwar period. See how the latch holds the trigger guard. By now I think everyone knows why this holster is not a good idea from a safety point. You should NEVER place your trigger finger into the trigger guard until you have the gun lined up and are ready to fire.

Jim

Hi Ralph
Actually there a lot of things that will hurt blued guns. You can always see the effects of holsters on your worn blued guns. The latch of the Audley definately will leave it's mark but holding the gun stable may have a better effect on the blue on the barrel than having the gun loose and able to bounce up and down in the holster. Actually the Audley latch is quite smooth.

Jim

A few years ago I was looking at some used holsters and saw one that looked like a H. H. Heiser model 125 shoulder holster. I looked for stamp on the back and did not see it. Then I saw some stamping near the top of the holster "MADE BY A.H.HARDY" WOW! now that is a name that I know. I grew up reading Jeff Cooper and his .45 1911 Shoulder Holster that I came to know on sight in many pictures was made by Capt. A. H. Hardy. Jeff wrote that he practiced and used that shoulder holster for most of early competition. It was not untill he found that he was at a disadvantage against men with hip holsters that he used the hip holster for competition. Capt A. H. Hardy is mentioned by J. Henry Fitzgerald in his book SHOOTING as a very talented trick shooter and friend.

It appears that he did make them for the public. There are at least 2 shown in Jeff Cooper's 1961 book "The complete book of MODERN HANDGUNNING" the famous cooper-hardy for the 1911 and a carved shoulder holster for his 6 1/2 " 44 Magnum. There is no mention of adderss of Hardy, Berns Martin, or any of the other makers shown in that book. I will have to do some more looking. I did see a big cowboy type rig attributed to Capt A. H. Hardy advertized somewhere on the web a number of months ago. Hardy probably was a small custom outfit. This rig is every bit as well made as the Heiser model 125. There is nothing that looks really unique on this one. Cooper insisted on the clear access to the whole grip of the gun which you do not have on this model. I would think that this one is older than Cooper's. Also in Fitz's book there are pictures of 3 drop loop holsters on page 219 and a belt and holster on page 218.

Jim

One of our fellow S&WCA members has promised to send me som information on Capt. A H Hardy I Have received this information

One thing my friend Turner River pointed out to me was a reference in ED McGIVERN'S BOOK Page 372
"We also highly recommend Captian A. H. Hardy's excellent work in the belt, holster and gun harness and equipment department. Captian Hardy, 513 N. Arden Drive, Beverly Hills, California is one of the foremost all-around fancy exhibition shots who has appeared before the american public. The Captian is a practical and very proficient competition shot, having several records, high averages, and many winnings to his credit. He is also a very highly qualified shooting instructor. His successful coaching has produced many winners and highly proficient target shots and police revolver team winners and record performers.

Many examples of Captian Hardy's excellent work is in evidence amoung our assorted equipment. Being a practical performer himself and very expert in the use of pistols and revolvers, he is in a position to apply his knowledge in a practical way to developement and construction of holsters, belts, and various gun carrying equipment required for almost any purpose where such things are needed."

Also in this chapter are pictures of a number of Capt. Hardy's holsters.. Capt started his Leather Manufacturing and showman shooting careers in Hyannis Nebraska around 1896. He was employed by the Peters Cartridge Company early in the 20th century. He made leather products in Hyannis, Nebraska, Denver, CO and finally in Beverly Hills, CA after 1926 or 27.

Note the new infomation on Capt Hardy at the top of the page

Another nice shoulder holster is this nice Safariland 101 Holster for 4" revolvers. It has been a main stay in my collection of nice leather products. It works with most 4" revolvers."


Jim

That is a really neat Tio Sam crossdraw for the J frame. The cross draw is liked by a lot of people. I won't carry that way unless it is concealed because the cross draw seems to offer your gun to those that are standing in front of you. Of course the forward tilt of the barrel carried on strong side is even faster than the FBI Cant for those that take the time to practice it.
Back in the late 1970s this was my duty holster with the S&W 9mm and 1911A1 Colt although I was limited on duty to the S&W 39-2 which worked wonderfully in this holster.



Anyone interestes in more information on Capt Hardy can find a great article in the Gun Digest 2009. This is more about the target shooter than his holster mamufacture.