This double-gun shoulder holster has the primary gun on the left, with a backup gun and spare magazine on the right. It has been one of my long-time favorite pieces of gun leather.

In this setup, the primary handgun is my 1986 Colt Officers Model .45 Double Diamond. The backup gun is my .380 Colt Mustang. The full-size spare magazine and smaller backup handgun provide surprisingly good balance.

double rig shoulder holster
Bob Mernickle double-gun shoulder holster.

Why This Rig Stands Out

Mernickle Holsters has been known for quality leather work for many years. This particular rig has been in my collection so long that I do not recall exactly what year I ordered it.

double rig shoulder holster
The two-gun shoulder rig with primary and backup firearms.

The notion of carrying a .45 and a .380 in the same rig was very appealing to me at the time. As the years have gone by, I have used this shoulder holster a good deal. It is the only two-gun shoulder holster in my collection.

Basic Characteristics

  • Very soft leather
  • Easily adjustable straps
  • Good quality hardware
  • Primary handgun, backup handgun, and spare magazine layout
two gun shoulder holster plus extra mag
The spare magazine holder balances the backup handgun.
The design, quality, and workmanship of this rig are all excellent.

I have often said that I prefer shoulder holsters for heavier guns. This may be the one exception to that rule. Two smaller guns and an extra magazine carry very well in this setup.

Ostrich Skin Holster
Detail view of the double-gun shoulder rig.
Shark Skin Holster
Hardware and leather detail.
Elephant Hide Holster
Shoulder straps and attachment points.
Alligator Skin Holster
A compact shoulder holster layout.
Bob Mernickles Shoulder Holster
Full view of the Bob Mernickle rig.
shoulder holster accomodates two guns
The rig accommodates two guns.
double rig holster
The double-gun holster after years of ownership.

Collector Takeaway

The test of every decision is the test of time. This Bob Mernickle custom holster has stood that test. It still looks good, still functions as intended, and still tells a story about a particular period in my collecting life.

Where This Fits in the Gun Leather Section

This article is part of my broader Gun Leather collection, where holsters, magazine carriers, vintage cases, and custom leather are viewed as part of the larger collecting story.

Each piece of leather says something about the firearm it was made for, the era it came from, and the way collectors actually use, store, and preserve their guns. From here, you can explore related leather pages and compare the different styles, materials, and purposes represented across the collection.

Greg Cook

About Greg Cook

Greg Cook writes about firearms collecting, personal history, and the stories behind interesting guns. His Army MOS was 76Y, Unit Armorer, and he brings that practical background to his collector articles.