Berns-Martin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Berns-Martin is the name given to a type of break-front holster for a revolver.
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[edit] Development and functionality
The Berns-Martin was first developed in the 1930s because of a need for a secure holster for large frame revolvers; it was later modified for medium and small frame revolvers. When used in a hip holster, the revolver is drawn by pushing down (slightly) on the revolver grip while rocking the top of the revolver forward through the open front of the holster. While in the holster, a leather covered steel spring holds the revolver cylinder (and the rest of the revolver) securely in the holster, regardless of what physical gyrations the wearer might go through.
[edit] The 1950s to 1970s
From the 1950s through the 1970s the holster was popular with American law enforcement due to the high level of security provided to the revolver. Because the Berns-Martin can only be used with revolvers (the steel spring will not work on the flat sides and frame of a pistol), and the near universal adoption of pistols by American law enforcement, the Berns-Martin has fallen out of favor since about 1980.
[edit] Decline
As of 2006, C. Rusty Sherrick is producing a Berns-Martin type holster, called the Brown Shoe Speed Draw[1]. At one time Bianchi International manufactured a version of the Berns-Martin, but no longer does.
[edit] Trivia
James Bond erroneously used a Berns-Martin holster for his Walther PPK. The PPK, being a pistol rather than a revolver, lacked the necessary cylinder for the holster to hold on to. (See List of James Bond firearms.)
[edit] Further reading
For further information see No Second Place Winner by Bill Jordan.
