The "Autry style" rig

[Bungalo Bill]

I am pretty sure that many of you remember Gene Autry wearing a buscadero gun belt built for two holsters, but Gene only wearing one holster on the belt. I always thought that was a peculiar quirk but recently I have been watching some really old western movies and have noticed that it was fairly common for the actors to do that. Even the young John Wayne wore a rig like that in a couiple of movies.

I guess it was a Hollywood thing to make the gun belts that way and it was an option to wear one gun or two. Sort of strange, but not really I suppose.

[Alf]

Bill,

Why did they do it though?? Was it gun belts comin over from the props depts. and being switched around to suit the particular actor?

Thanks buddy
ALF

[Bungalo Bill]

I was sort of hoping somebody would tell me the answer! My guess is the same as yours. A belt like that could go righty, lefty or both.

[David Lee Anders, Sr.]

As I understand it, and if I am wrong please correct me. Gene did not want the weight of two guns on his hips, but liked the belt and had all of his belts made that way. Different strokes for different folks I guess.