Packing Iron by Richard C. Rattenbury (1993, Hardcover)

The book has excellent pictures of holsters. I like the fact that the author divides the book up into military and civilian holsters, I also like the divisions by age/era and geography. I never knew that the styles were so different from one part of the country to another. Very thorough, Yes I like this book a lot. I would recommend this book to any Old-West enthusiast, as well as historians.

I have tried to take pictures of my leather (and it was most difficult), so I really appreciate the time it took to get these photos looking just right.

I recently purchased this book because it was reported to be the most factual representation of actual gunleather used in the old west - I was not disappointed! Over the last few years I have purchased several pistol holsters represented as authentic copies of old west holsters - more times than not, holster makers and sellers reference "Packing Iron", so I purchased the book not only for learning but also for ideas on future gunleather projects!

This is an excellent book to use as a resource for collecting, or for assembling an authentic rig for SASS or fast draw. Beautiful photographs and lots of information. Well worth the price. Should be on every western fan's bookshelf.

The book was referenced by a gentleman in Texas who is currently making a holster for me. Before then I had never heard of it. When I found a copy on eBay I purchased it and it's one book that I consider a treasure. The pictures are priceless and a way of comparing tradition with the contemporary craftsman.

An excellent refrence, with outstanding photography, on this american functional art form the holster.The only problem is that the author should do a second volumn concentrating on the holsters of the early 20 th century.