Monday, February 20, 2012

Soon, I'll be packing

Sweet! I went out to NRA's national headquarters here in Fairfax this morning (only a few miles from my house; one of the few upsides to living so near to D.C.). I had planned - finally! - on firing my Uberti Russian .44 top-break. Unfortunately, since today is a holiday, the place was extremely crowded, so I didn't get to do any shooting. I did take the test administered to all first-time range users, and I got my range card. Plus, I noticed that there's a Virginia concealed-carry class week after next, so I signed up for that. Down the road a piece, I plan on getting my Utah concealed-carry permit, which is good in something like 33 states.

On a gun-related note, I'd be grateful for any information concerning where I might find a holster for the Uberti New Model Russian (shown here). I know a couple of places that make holsters for the regular Schofield top-breaks, but haven't found anyplace that specifically manufactures a holster for the Russian (the Russian is a modified Schofield, with a somewhat different grip, and a trigger-guard spur which, although interesting, seems pretty useless, and makes finding a suitable holster difficult; here is the page at Uberti that shows the differences in design between the regular Schofields and the Russian).

16 comments:

JeffS said...

Do get the Utah CCL, Paco. I have one, and they are well worth the effort. Just be very sure of the concealed carry laws in the state you're visiting, PLUS the ones you might be traveling through to get there. As I'm sure you know, some states are VERY unfriendly to firearms, let alone pistols (New Jersey, New York, and Illinois come to mind). A good resource is Carry Concealed.

JeffS said...

As for the holster....that's a tough one. I did a quick Bing, and didn't find much. On this you have my sympathies -- I've had similar problems.

But first ask yourself.....what sort of holster are you looking for? Concealed? Shoulder? Hip? Inside the pants? Form fitted? Leather? Plastic? Your Uberti looks to be a deadly weapon, but it's a touch exotic, so you need to form an idea of what you want. Browse a local gun store for an idea of the various holster types.

As for on line.....I've never bought from Simply Rugged Holsters, but they do enjoy a good reputation. Their gun chart does not list your hand cannon, but they appear to do custom work as well.

I imagine that the price will depend on what you want: formed fit, basic holster, etc. An e-mail may do wonders.

You may end up going to a local gun store with your bullet launcher, and trying out different designs. There are some generic holsters that may meet your needs. They may not look snazzy, but they should work.

Anonymous said...

Deborah Leigh said... Paco, if you get the Utah CCL then there are 17 more to get a complete set. Or are you good not traveling to those 17?

Holidays are always busy times at the range, especially Washington's birthday and Independence Day. Go figure.

rinardman said...

My range is never busy. No crowds. No flying brass to duck. No waiting to go downrange and check the target. No annoying know-it-alls.

Well, maybe one.

Good luck finding the holster, Paco. Finding the right holster is kinda like finding the right suit. Just because it fits, doesn't mean it's you.

Paco said...

R-man: I'm afraid finding the right holster is going to be exactly like finding the right suit. I have my suits tailor-made because I can't find double-breasted off the rack.

JeffS said...

I hit the range earlier today, to test fire a pistol recently re-built; for this range, it was crowded. So, yeah, go figure.

As for the pistol, an old but reliable .45, the first magazine had a shot group -- at 15 feet -- that would fit under a silver dollar, centered on the bulls eye. Yes!

Nashville Beat said...

I took the CCW course at the NRA range and it was well worth it. I went the range Saturday and found it crowded also, but I just took a seat in their comfortable waiting area and read the American Rifleman for half and hour till I could get a lane.

Anytime you want to burn some ammo let me know.

BTW JeffS, when I walk through the valley of the shadow of droogs, I would really like for you to have my six!

Paco said...

Nash: I would be honored to shed scatter some brass with you sometime.

Paco said...

Good grouping, Jeff!

JeffS said...

Thanks, Paco, and Nash! Six I can do, anytime.

It's good to have the mojo back. My mojo with firearms, I mean, not mojo the commenter. I've been dealing with the after effects of carpal tunnel for a while, and having a hot pistol that I know that I can handle is a double blessing.

richard mcenroe said...

Check this out...

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=13259.0

Paco said...

Thanks, Richard, that's extremely helpful. Judging by some of the photos, which show holsters that resemble those I've seen at the Cimarron Arms and El Paso Sadlery sites, it looks like a holster that will fit the regular Schofield will also fit the Russian .44. Again, many thanks.

richard mcenroe said...

If you buy a holster for the No. 3 Russian, try to get one with a slightly longer drop-shank (i.e. the length of the belt loop above the holster)to make up for the longer frame. Not more than 2' above normal, though. This will position the grip more naturally for your hand. YOu can get the same effect if you buy a belt cut on the bias to hang a bit lower on your gunside hip.

richard mcenroe said...

Or think crossdraw.

Anonymous said...

Deborah Leigh said... JeffS, congratulations! Gotta love the old pistols!

I love shooting. I'd invite you to go with Richard and I, but we don't get that kind of grouping. If you wouldn't be embarrassed you can come with us anytime.

Paco, why don't you have a holster tailor made? I think there are still several well-known rig makers here in Los Angeles. Plus, you could pay us a visit. We could show you our ranges.

Paco said...

Deb: That would be very enjoyable!