Which Leather?
Now that the EMF is functional it’s up to choosing the leather. I knew from the start I’d be shopping with El Paso Saddelry (though Kirk Patrick, Triple K, Griffin’s, J.R. Morgan and a few others were all in the running) but now that it has come to decision time I’m stumped by my options.
I have it narrowed down to the #44 Outfit (the Duke’s rig in The Shootist) or the more traditional Mexican double loop 1880 Ranger with the Texas belt. The #44 belt is rough out according to the description (doesn’t look it in the picture) which I don’t care for since it tends to gather dirt. And I like the authenticity of the Mexican double loop.
But when I got into the finish options for the latter combination the pricing jumped considerably as I drooled over the options. Just to get the border pattern puts the rig only $100 less than the gun itself. Ouch!
Chances are I’ll go with the plain russet finish simply because it is my intention to not have to buy another belt. Future additions will then require only a new holster and even then only if I switch draw sides or barrel length.