Vega Holsters Model DA-111

After searching the internet for years to find a modern version of the old Safariland Model 19 holster, I finally discovered the Vega DA-111. Steve McQueen made this general style famous in the movie Bullitt, and this modern version has become one of my favorite revolver shoulder holsters.

As much as I like this new holster, I still love my old, almost worn-out originals. The Vega design gives me a modern version of a classic idea: an upside-down, vertical shoulder holster that carries a lightweight Colt Cobra securely and comfortably under a jacket.

One of my favorite revolver shoulder holsters is a modern take on one of the most distinctive old carry designs.

Holster Snapshot

Maker: Vega Holsters
Model: DA-111
Style: Upside-down vertical shoulder holster
Use: Colt Cobra revolver carry

Gun Leather Shoulder Holster Colt Cobra Italian Leather

One of My Favorite Revolver Shoulder Holsters

My Colt Cobras are so light that they are comfortable to carry in several styles of holsters. My go-to holster maker right now is The Southern Trapper, and I am working out a new design just for my pair of Colt Cobras.

The Vega DA-111 is Italian-made from high-quality cowhide leather. The leather molds itself to the gun, the back center piece helps manage the straps, the snaps and buckles feel substantial, and the widened shoulder strap helps support the weight of the revolver.

Vega DA-111 Photo Gallery

The Vega DA-111 upside-down shoulder holster.

Author wearing Vega DA-111 shoulder holster under a jacket — Worn under a jacket, where shoulder holsters make the most sense.

Close view of Vega DA-111 leather shoulder holster — Close view of the Vega holster and shoulder rig.

The Upside-Down Vertical Design

The vertical molded leather shoulder holster is made from soft vegetable-tanned leather and thermoformed for a better fit around the revolver. Part of the shoulder strap uses an elastic section to increase comfort on the body.

The upside-down position uses a completely enclosed trigger guard to help hold the revolver securely in place. The nylon expansion band on top allows easier insertion and drawing of the gun.

Author wearing Vega DA-111 shoulder holster — Author with the Vega DA-111 shoulder holster.

Bullitt, Dave Toschi, and the Safariland Model 19

Steve McQueen made this style famous when he carried a 2.5-inch Colt Diamondback .38 in a Safariland Model 19 holster in the 1968 movie Bullitt.

McQueen based the character of Frank Bullitt on San Francisco Inspector Dave Toschi, with whom he worked prior to filming. McQueen copied Toschi’s unique “fast-draw” shoulder holster.

Toschi later became famous, along with Inspector Bill Armstrong, as one of the lead San Francisco investigators of the Zodiac Killer murders that began shortly after the release of Bullitt. In the film Zodiac, Toschi is played by Mark Ruffalo, and Paul Avery mentions that McQueen got the idea for the holster from Toschi.

Collector Context

A Modern Holster with an Old-School Personality

The appeal of the Vega DA-111 is not just the leather. It is the connection to a classic shoulder-holster silhouette that collectors, movie fans, and revolver people still recognize.

Comparison image of Vega DA-111 shoulder holster and classic shoulder holster style

These Old Originals Are Wonderful

If you have read much of my Gun Blog, you know that my 1974 and 1978 Colt Cobras are two of my favorite carry guns. I am always keeping an eye open for new holsters for these two guns.

Last June I ran across this upside-down, vertical shoulder holster. Modern improvements make it even better than my two antique versions of the design, even though I still appreciate the old originals.

Original vintage upside-down shoulder holsters — The original holsters that inspired my interest in this carry style.

Some of My Favorite Holsters Are from the 1970s

They do not make them like they used to. Nobody wants to hear that, and I do not want to say it, but it is true. My Bucheimer and Bell Charter Oak holsters for my Cobras have stood the test of time.

A friend visited my home recently and wanted to trade for a gun in my collection. When I told him I had more than $2,000 invested in holsters for that particular gun, he looked at me like I was crazy. So yes, I like new holsters too.

Collection of favorite old holsters from the 1970s — Some favorite holsters have been around for decades.

Final Word

After searching for years to find a modern version of the old Safariland Model 19 holster, I finally discovered the Vega DA-111. As much as I like the new holster, I still love my old almost worn-out ones as well.

There is an entire section of my website dedicated to gun leather, old and new. I also provide links to some of the best holsters on the market, which can be hard to find at times.

Inside WaistbandIWB holsters and personal carry notes. Exotic SkinsDecorative and unusual leather projects. Left Is RightLeft-handed holster, right-handed shooter. Shoulder HolstersMore shoulder holster examples and notes. Outside WaistbandOWB holsters and belt-carry gear. Other HolstersOdds, ends, and other gun leather. Paddle HolstersPaddle-style holster discussion. Old Gun CasesVintage cases and storage pieces. Magazine CarriersLeather carriers and accessory gear. Double Gun HolstersShoulder rigs for carrying more than one gun.

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The main Gun Leather section collects my holster projects, old carry rigs, unusual designs, and related notes in one place.

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About Greg Cook

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