Western Holster: Cowboy Holster Styles, Belts and Fit

Quick answer: A western holster, also called a cowboy holster, is an open-top leather holster cut for a revolver, often with a hammer thong, and traditionally worn on a wide gun belt with cartridge loops. Styles include Mexican loop, Slim Jim and cross-draw. Most western gun belts are 2.25 to 2.75 inches wide; modern 1.5-inch gun belts are a different setup.

What Is a Western Holster?

Craft Holsters’ guide describes the design: “The cowboy holster typically features a drop-leg design, open-top access, and often a leather thong or hammer loop for added retention.” The guide uses “cowboy holster” and “western holster” for the same thing.

The history is part of the appeal. Texas maker Kirkpatrick Leather writes that cowboy holsters “were used by cowboys and ranchers throughout our history and made famous by lawmen and outlaws like Pat Garrett, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid and Jesse James.”

Common Western Holster Styles

• Mexican loop: DeSantis describes its Desperado as “a true Mexican loop holster with full suede lining, decorative border stamping, a hammer thong.”
• Loop counts: Hunter Company lists Western Single Loop, Double Loop and Triple Loop holsters in its western line.
• Slim Jim: Old Trading Post calls its 1870 Slim Jim “a high quality scabbard holster.”
• Gentleman’s holster: DeSantis’s Doc Holliday “is a replica of the 1800s gentleman’s holster,” and “The cross draw version rides on the weak side for a seated draw.”

Strong Side or Cross Draw, High or Low Ride

Craft’s guide covers the main choices:

• Strong side: the “holster sits on your dominant-hand side, low and tilted slightly forward.”
• Cross draw: “Some shooters prefer this for comfort or for sitting horseback—or in a truck seat.”
• High ride: “A high-ride cowboy gun holster sits close to your waist, great for all-day wear or under a coat.”
• Low ride: “Low-ride options hang lower off the belt, making it easier and faster to draw.”

For cross draw with a modern holster, see our cross draw holster guide.

The Traditional Western Gun Belt

A cowboy rig is built around the belt. Craft: “A traditional western gun belt is wide, sturdy, and often adorned with cartridge loops,” and “A proper western gun belt starts with width—most are about 2.25 to 2.75 inches wide.”

• Where it sits: “Start by wearing the belt slightly lower on your hips, usually around the top of the pelvic bones.”
• Sizing: “belt sizing isn’t the same as your pants size. Always measure over your hips where the belt will actually sit.”

Fit and Retention

Craft’s first rule: “First, match your holster to your revolver.” Makers cut western holsters to the gun: DeSantis cuts the Desperado “for the SAA in 4 3/4, 5 1/2, and 7 1/2 inch barrel lengths,” and Kirkpatrick says it takes “into account your barrel length, trigger guard, strap, and any other holster accessory you may need.”

On retention, Craft notes “Some cowboy gun holsters include retention straps; others rely purely on friction and fit,” and “if you plan to wear your gear on horseback or during rigorous movement, a strap can provide extra security.”

Competition has its own labels: Mernickle sells “Cowboy/Western Holsters (SASS Approved)” and “Cowboy Fast Draw Holsters (CFDA/XFDA).” Check your club’s rules before you buy. Our quick draw holster guide covers modern carry and competition holsters, and our guide to concealed carry revolvers covers carrying a revolver day to day. For modern revolver holsters, see our revolver holster guide.

A Western Look on a Modern Gun Belt

We don’t sell cowboy rigs. The Kore Western Gun Belt we carry is a different thing: a modern 1.5″ ratchet gun belt with western styling, not a 2.25–2.75″ cartridge-loop rig. It’s a “Western gun belt in buffalo leather with an antique bison buckle,” and it has a ratchet adjustment and comes in four colours. It’s made for everyday IWB or OWB holsters. If you want to wear a western-style holster on it, check that the holster’s belt loop is cut for a 1.5″ belt.

For the other belts we carry, see the Kore gun belts and our guide on how to choose a gun belt.

Western Holster: Questions People Ask

Is a western holster the same as a cowboy holster?
Yes, the two names are used for the same open-top leather holster.

How wide is a western gun belt?
Craft says most are about 2.25 to 2.75 inches wide, often with cartridge loops.

Can a western holster be worn under a coat?
Craft says a high-ride cowboy holster “sits close to your waist, great for all-day wear or under a coat.”

Will a western holster fit my revolver?
Match the holster to the exact revolver and barrel length. Makers list the models and barrel lengths each holster is cut for.

Written by the Cloudster Pillow team. We make the Cloudster Pillow and the Cloudster magnetic mag carriers, and carry Kore belts. We don’t sell holsters or firearms, and no maker paid to be mentioned here. This is general information, not legal advice or a substitute for professional training; check the carry laws where you live.