Recently found in a deep clean of our storage room, a classic throwback in police duty gear. One A.E. Nelson leather front break holster in black basket weave model 84B. It has a “jacket slot” (ie mid-ride) hanger that will fit duty belts up to 2-1/4 months inches. I obtained this holster back around 2015 at a newly opened gun store as a door prize giveaway. While clearly not “brand new”, the holster appears in pretty good shape.

A.E. Nelson holsters are made here in Oregon, each essentially a custom job built on request. The best I can tell, this one is set up for a Smith & Wesson large sized N frame revolver with a 3 inch barrel (S&W models 20, 25, 27, 28, 29, 57, 58, 327, 610, 624, 625, 627, 629, and M&P R8). It can also accommodate, somewhat loosely, medium-large L frame revolvers (ex 586, 686, Colt Python) with 3 inch barrels.

Thanks for looking!

SAFETY CAUTION:

If you have not received prior training on front break holsters, be aware that holstering and drawing from it safely is much different than what you are likely used to. Please take the following as info only, not as a substitute for qualified training and practice:

It offers a high level of security retention from rear, side, and directly upwards attempts to take your firearm. Because the only way it can be drawn (aside from prying it open) is by breaking the spring closed front retention plane of the holster. In a non expert/info only nutshell:

- to draw, unsnap any retention thumb straps as you get a good drawing grip, finger off the trigger. Cant the rear of the revolver forward to break the spring closed front retention feature. Once the front plane is broken by the cylinder of your revolver, draw in a simultaneous manner in a “forward and up”motion until you reach your firing position.

- to holster, first off ensure there’s no obstruction (including one’s own booger picker) inside the trigger guard. Option 1 is to jam the revolver straight down into the center of the holster until the spring closure snaps into place around it. Option 2 is to carefully insert the cylinder portion from the top, grip canted slightly backwards placing the barrel at about a 45 degree forward tilt, until the spring closure opens sufficiently to allow the cylinder and barrel to swing back towards perpendicular and lock inside the holster.

(WHEW!)

From the A. E. Nelson Leather Co. Website

$247.25

#84 Front Break Holster

• 1-1/4" drop

• Deluxe belt lock system

• Reinforced thumb break

• Covered trigger guard

• Tension spring

• Swivel safety strap

• Jacket model 2-1/4" belt loop

• No exposed hardware

• Barrel 5° to rear