I have worn and used an El Paso saddlery Duke Rig since 1976. Absolutely the best leather work that I have used over all these years. Carries Ruger Blackhawks perfectly in the four three-quarter inch. Thanks for the great video. You guys are great.
Over 20 years ago a good friend's wife gave him a Ruger JW Commemorative Vaquero for present, I decided to add some leather and of course what was better than a JW styled rig? At that time there were several companies making them ,John Bianchi had sold his big holster company and had gone back to a small shop making custom products with the emphasis on western styles. Both my friend and I had used Bianchi holsters for many years so it was the logical choice. I can say it was the most expensive version at that time. I called to order and had a nice talk with the salesman who turned out to be none other than John Bianchi himself. The conversation lasted a while when he'd learned I was a retired AK State Trooper (Bianchi was a former CA cop) calling from Fairbanks, Alaska because as a young USAF Air Policemen, Ladd Field was his first duty assignment. He was surprised too when I told him I had been an MP on Ft Wainwright myself which was the renaming of his old base after the AF moved further out of town onto Eielson AFB. I was also present when he paid a visit to AK and both bases in the 1970s. Back to the JW holster and belt. JohnB told me it's the closet copy to the rig JW wore in so many of his movies and could say that with authority because JW showed up at his shop carrying his rig in a brown paper grocery sack. Time and girth prevented him from ever wearing it again, he had a film coming up and needed replacements. One for his double, one for himself and a spare for his family. He needed them on short notice too. Bianchi was quick to oblige and called when they were ready and JW came back himself again to settle up. Bianchi was a collector of western gun leather for decades. He told me it was odd there wasn't a "makers mark" anywhere on the rig, either belt or holster or buckle which is odd for the era. JW told him he'd bought the rig from a Hollywood saddlery shop in the mid 1930s as a struggling bit player and had forgot the man's name and shop address. When JW asked what was owed Bianchi said "well Duke how about you take the 3 new rigs in trade for this old falling apart rig"....... Duke smiled and said not on your life. He wrote a nice check and took his new leather and his old outfit and that was that. The film was the "Shootist" which turned out to be his last film before passing in 1979. Funny thing in that movie it's very obvious the JW style rig isn't worn - neither the old or newer replacements ???. His leather holster looks to be a Hunter Co. single action model and belt or something very similar. Why the new rig wasn't used is a mystery both Bianchi and JW are now long gone. But that's the story from a pretty reliable source. It's the most authentic copy because Bianchi's Frontier Gun Leather copied it from the genuine article.
Hi Brian. Very nice JW holsters collection. It is one of my favorites too. I have one from El Paso Saddlery and two from John Bianchi’s Frontier Gunleather. For use while riding a horse a more traditional holster covering much more gunmetal (Moran brothers) would be more adequate (as you mentioned). Outstanding family history connecting your father to two very famous cowboy actors, John and Slim. Happy trails. God Bless.
I had a Thell Ried holster I used which was very similar that I bought at a gun show years ago unfortunately I had a house fire in 2003 and lost it it was a very good holster and I liked the hammer thong which was a flat strap retained with a screw right now I got a double Mexican loop holster a it is lined also for 4 3/4 inch barrel and another ElPaso saddle made for 7 1/2 inch barrel copied after Teddy Rosevelt famous holster both sets are double rigs and then I have one lined holster for a 5 1/2 inch barrel that is well made
Thanks for the great video, your dad, knowing John Wayne and Slim Pickins must have had a bunch of great stories. If I remember correctly your grandfather was an Arizona Ranger, also great stories. Your family stories would make for a great video!
This channel is absolute GOLD. Brian gives "by the way" knowledge that you get nowhere else. The bit about Slim Pickens was great.
Thanks for watching!
I have worn and used an El Paso saddlery Duke Rig since 1976. Absolutely the best leather work that I have used over all these years. Carries Ruger Blackhawks perfectly in the four three-quarter inch. Thanks for the great video. You guys are great.
Thanks for watching! We appreciate it!
Absolutely love these kind of video. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Brian that is absolutely great information.
You do a great job of putting out whatever you are sharing!
Thank you!
John Wayne, American Patriot! Thanks for the video Brian.
Thanks for watching!
Over 20 years ago a good friend's wife gave him a Ruger JW Commemorative Vaquero for present, I decided to add some leather and of course what was better than a JW styled rig? At that time there were several companies making them ,John Bianchi had sold his big holster company and had gone back to a small shop making custom products with the emphasis on western styles. Both my friend and I had used Bianchi holsters for many years so it was the logical choice. I can say it was the most expensive version at that time. I called to order and had a nice talk with the salesman who turned out to be none other than John Bianchi himself. The conversation lasted a while when he'd learned I was a retired AK State Trooper (Bianchi was a former CA cop) calling from Fairbanks, Alaska because as a young USAF Air Policemen, Ladd Field was his first duty assignment. He was surprised too when I told him I had been an MP on Ft Wainwright myself which was the renaming of his old base after the AF moved further out of town onto Eielson AFB. I was also present when he paid a visit to AK and both bases in the 1970s. Back to the JW holster and belt. JohnB told me it's the closet copy to the rig JW wore in so many of his movies and could say that with authority because JW showed up at his shop carrying his rig in a brown paper grocery sack. Time and girth prevented him from ever wearing it again, he had a film coming up and needed replacements. One for his double, one for himself and a spare for his family. He needed them on short notice too. Bianchi was quick to oblige and called when they were ready and JW came back himself again to settle up. Bianchi was a collector of western gun leather for decades. He told me it was odd there wasn't a "makers mark" anywhere on the rig, either belt or holster or buckle which is odd for the era. JW told him he'd bought the rig from a Hollywood saddlery shop in the mid 1930s as a struggling bit player and had forgot the man's name and shop address. When JW asked what was owed Bianchi said "well Duke how about you take the 3 new rigs in trade for this old falling apart rig"....... Duke smiled and said not on your life. He wrote a nice check and took his new leather and his old outfit and that was that. The film was the "Shootist" which turned out to be his last film before passing in 1979. Funny thing in that movie it's very obvious the JW style rig isn't worn - neither the old or newer replacements ???. His leather holster looks to be a Hunter Co. single action model and belt or something very similar. Why the new rig wasn't used is a mystery both Bianchi and JW are now long gone. But that's the story from a pretty reliable source. It's the most authentic copy because Bianchi's Frontier Gun Leather copied it from the genuine article.
Great story-thanks for sharing. John Wayne was a great actor and man.
That’s my favorite walk around the woods holster and belt set. Thank you!!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing this very interesting bit of history, John Wayne and slim Pickens, Two of my favorites. Thank you again Brian.
No problem! Thank you for watching
Interesting ,Nice to learn something.
I recall Slim Pickens doing ads for Weaver in magazines back in the 70s
Thanks for watching!
Love the tie in with Slim Pickens!
👍
Awesome video. Big fan of John Wayne.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, I bet my pietta the shootist model would look great in one .
Yes I think it would!
Thanks for the video great information keep up the good work it’s much appreciated.
Thanks, will do!
Great presentation of a classic.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Brian, one of the rigs he actually wore is in a display in Tequila Mexico at the Jose Quervo factory.
Best regards,
Scott Tschirhart
Very cool! Thanks for sharing!
I love the videos where it's just Brian, some single actions and story time.
👍
Love the Hogans Heroes theme.
Thanks for showing these Riggs and the interesting story at the end Brian. Hope you and your family have a good day. 🇺🇲🔥🌲🔪
Thanks, you too!
Perfect way to start off my 25th Birthday today
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Happy Birthday and Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.
Hi Brian. Very nice JW holsters collection. It is one of my favorites too. I have one from El Paso Saddlery and two from John Bianchi’s Frontier Gunleather. For use while riding a horse a more traditional holster covering much more gunmetal (Moran brothers) would be more adequate (as you mentioned). Outstanding family history connecting your father to two very famous cowboy actors, John and Slim. Happy trails. God Bless.
All ways enjoy videos with Brain . This man is a legend. Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure!
I have 2 John Wayne Rigs myself. I love them very comfortable .
👍
I had a Thell Ried holster I used which was very similar that I bought at a gun show years ago unfortunately I had a house fire in 2003 and lost it it was a very good holster and I liked the hammer thong which was a flat strap retained with a screw right now I got a double Mexican loop holster a it is lined also for 4 3/4 inch barrel and another ElPaso saddle made for 7 1/2 inch barrel copied after Teddy Rosevelt famous holster both sets are double rigs and then I have one lined holster for a 5 1/2 inch barrel that is well made
Very nice! Sorry to hear about the house fire
Thanks for the great video, your dad, knowing John Wayne and Slim Pickins must have had a bunch of great stories. If I remember correctly your grandfather was an Arizona Ranger, also great stories. Your family stories would make for a great video!
Thanks for watching! That's a good idea for video. I'll add it to the list
Thanks that was a good video
Thanks!
THANK YOU SIR
Your welcome!
Mills cartridge belt with leather furniture.
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Great video
New sub here.I wonder if any of his rigs from the Searchers on were straight drop or if they all had the cant? Thanks.👍
Thanks for the sub! I'm not sure on that... I'll have to ask dad and see if he knows
I have an El Paso Saddlery version that I bought in 1982 for my Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8” .45 colt
Nice
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Make sure you have a chapter or two in the book “best of Brain Pearce” about holsters, 😊
A lot of frontier used holsters were cut down, repurposed military holsters, many holsters were made by saddle makers.
Good show all you gun people need to vote.
Yes we do
Just found your channel. I'm subscribed. Thx
Thanks for the sub!
Fantastic, as always 👏
Thanks!
bonjours sympathique vidéo sur les holster de john wayne dans ses westerns merci de se partage vidéo et pour les explications cordialement
Thanks for watching!
Hand stitching is probably what you got in the old west.
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great vid thanks.. whats the book called on the the table ?
It's the original box to the limited edition Bianchi John Wayne commemorative holster and belt set. Thanks for watching!i
@@PearceBrothersGearGuide pretty sure thats a hardcover book in front of you
Very nice.. cool video. 👍
Thank you 👍
My bianchi Duke rig is going in my casket
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What a coincidence, I just finished watching a movie with Slim Pickens in it, with Marlon Brando.
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I’ll say it again….. loading and then spinning a handgun, is dumb and dangerous.
Thanks for watching! I'll let porter know.