Roy Baker Pancake Holster

[dfletcher]

I suppose you have to be +50 to remember these. Are there any current makers putting out a holster like the Baker of the early 70's? I see alot of "come close" versions, but nothing quite like the real thing. Although it may seem contrary to good fitting, I like that the shape of the gun was mostly lost in the flat contour of the holster.

I see a few originals floating around EBay, seems like the only place to find them.

[003]

http://www.safariland.com/belt-slide/model-7-shadow-ii-pancake-style-holster-10861.html

[bsg]

i have several original Roy Baker pancake holsters and much prefer them to those that followed; he was an originator, not an imitator. some do not like the design of the Baker pancake holster because of the exposed trigger. the fit of the Baker to my old 2" (1.875") S&W J-frames is as good as it gets. the collectibles circle has embraced this specific holster and it's value and price of admission continues to rise. examples of this holster show up on ebay and Gunbroker.

the aesthetics of the Roy Baker pancake holsters vary, and with some patience and tenacity a beautiful pristine example can be found for the collection and for carry. when searching for an example, pay attention to the stitching that surrounds the belt loop cutouts for uniformity and visual balance. look to the definition of the holster, especially the definition formed for the cylinder of a revolver. those that check out with a + are your better examples for collectibility; they all wear well.

Milt Sparks makes their version of the Roy Baker pancake and call it the "Improved Baker." their interpretation of the Baker pancake does not include an exposed trigger design.

Lobo Gun Leather makes a version of the Roy Baker pancake that appears to somewhat resemble the original in design. their pancake does not include an exposed trigger design.

[bsg]

http://www.safariland.com/belt-slide...ter-10861.html

i prefer Bianchi gunleather from when it was made in the US; personal preference based on my history with the earlier works when Bianchi was owned by Bianchi out of so cal.

[dfletcher]

I checked out Sparks, Lobo and a few others. Perhaps the "boned fit" is better and when carrying a gun the size of a 1911 or N frame Smith I'll be wearing a large jacket, but having a smooth outer shell and the belt loops so far apart as on the Baker just seems better. As I've gotten older what I carry gets smaller, but running around the woods in OR I think I'd like something more potent than a Sig 938 or snubby Smith 66.

[bsg]

I checked out Sparks, Lobo and a few others. Perhaps the "boned fit" is better and when carrying a gun the size of a 1911 or N frame Smith I'll be wearing a large jacket, but having a smooth outer shell and the belt loops so far apart as on the Baker just seems better. As I've gotten older what I carry gets smaller, but running around the woods in OR I think I'd like something more potent than a Sig 938 or snubby Smith 66.

one very cool thing about the Roy Baker pancake is that it is a lightweight holster and yet it carries and controls the gun it houses with authority. that is in part a result of the high positioning of the holstered gun and the effectiveness of the retention strap which i believe assists with providing a good balance and weight distribution of the holstered gun. the retention strap on the Baker pancake does much to pull the gun toward the body rather than allowing it to move about.

the Milt Sparks 55BN (BN=Bruce Nelson) is not a pancake, but since you mentioned Sparks i thought i'd mention this holster. a stiff OWB holster that sits high enough that it's not difficult to carry well, and with gun and holster movement not being an issue with a good quality gunbelt. with a crap gunbelt, nothing carries well. the late Milt Sparks improved upon the legendary late Bruce Nelson's #1 Professional OWB holster; Sparks added a support strip across the mouth of the holster and put a sight tunnel inside. it can be had at various cants and i prefer no cant at all; straight up at 3:00. it can be worn as a cross draw holster. the quality is what you'd expect from the folks at the Milt Sparks shop. what the holster does not have is a retention strap, but the fit of gun to holster is snug and it's tight fit is a welcome feature; it does not hinder the draw in a way that would turn you away from using the holster. the 55BN is not a minimalist holster by any means, but it's stiffness sometimes will remind you of one; a very good feature of the 55BN. all of my examples of the Sparks 55BN are early examples made during the lifetime of Milt Sparks, but the company carried on after his death and still puts out high quality gunleather. you'll notice that the folks at Milt Sparks give credit where credit is due when they make a version of another maker's holster.

i have some OldSchool Alessi belt slide holsters that are very much pancake influenced and are very high quality. although the Alessi company has continued to make holsters since the passing of the late Lou Alessi, i recommend purchasing holster examples that were made during his lifetime when he was at the helm of the company. OldSchool Alessi holsters can be had from the online auction circuit; ebay and Gunbroker.

[blasterp7]

http://www.safariland.com/belt-slide...ter-10861.html

003 is correct in that this is about as close as you get to Roy's leather. I started law enforcement in the early 70's and Baker was the standard for Detectives and off duty carry. I still have a few floating around in the closet but rarely use them

I have found that most of the modern designs from Sparks, Del Fatti, and Kramer are far superior with better leather. Check out their web pages for great holsters.

If you must have a Roy. eBay is always your best bet with a little patience you will eventually find what you need...

[Bruce]

Simply Rugged in Arizona.

http://www.simplyrugged.com/