As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, folks who enjoy living in the United States are celebrating all things American. Few pieces of apparel are as eye-catching and representative of this country's traditions as engraved belt buckles. Awarded to rodeo champions and worn by those with a deep respect for Western culture, these wearable pieces of art make an unmistakable statement of style.
Perhaps the buckles that show support for the 2nd Amendment more boldly than any other are the Custom Carry Belt Buckles, or buckle holsters, from North American Arms (NAA). Patented by Richard J. Casull back in 1984, NAA acquired the rights and production designs for these uncommon carry systems in 1990. Since then, the ornate buckles have been sized primarily for the company's .22 LR Mini revolvers. This year, just in time for the country’s semiquincentennial celebration, NAA has launched the Chuckwagon Magnum Ornate Belt Buckle and revolver combo set (NAA-22MS-BBO; $347).
Like the previous, smaller members of this buckle series, the Chuckwagon features an alloy construction with raised dot and floral pattern engraving. These embellishments are accompanied by a North American Arms banner across the top and the company's eagle's head logo at the bottom. The diminutive, single-action, five-shot Mini revolver rests in a canted cutout at the center. The back of the buckle is fitted with a loop sized for belts between 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches wide.
The Chuckwagon ships with an all-stainless steel Magnum Mini chambered in .22 WMR. The revolver features a 1 1/8-inch barrel, a fixed blade front sight, a fluted cylinder and a set of laminated rosewood grip panels. Thanks to a series of notches cut into the cylinder in between the chambers, the Mini can be safely carried in the buckle with all chambers loaded.
This buckle firmly secures the Mini at three points. The tip of the hammer spur fits up and under the cutout below the banner. A small but strong magnet supports the frame while a small, spring-loaded lever swings out and over the trigger.
To remove the revolver, pull the trigger lever forward and then swing it down. Reach a thumb behind the Mini to press forward on the grip to free the revolver from the magnet. When the revolver is at the just-right angle, it will drop down into your support hand. Then the revolver is ready to be pointed in a safe direction, taken into a shooting grip, and the tiny hammer manually cocked for each shot fired.
The Chuckwagon buckle is 5.75 inches wide, 4.25 inches tall and 0.5-inch thick. With the revolver and five rounds of 40-grain .22 WMR ammunition, it tips the scales at 27 ounces. If you have the "intestinal fortitude" to wear it, then do so proudly!
For folks who want to wear their Mini but are seeking a smaller and lighter option, take a look at NAA's Skeletal Magnum Belt Buckle. This minimalist frame eliminates the decorative metal framework surrounding the revolver. Instead, this buckle creates the impression that the revolver itself is the buckle. It can be purchased as a set with the same .22 Mag. Mini revolver (NAA-22MS-BBS; $295) as the Chuckwagon, or, it is available as a standalone accessory (BBS-M; $51) for those who already own a Magnum Mini. Made from hardcoat anodized aluminum with steel supports, this skeletal buckle and a loaded Magnum Mini revolver weigh in at just 8.5 ounces Its loop is sized for belts that are 1 to 1 1/4 inches wide.
The skeletal buckle's retention system also secures the revolver at three contact points, like the ornate buckles. However, the configuration is fundamentally different. The gun is supported at the rear by two rubber-wrapped posts. One locks into the hammer below the spur, while the other engages the frame in between the grip and the trigger. The revolver is supported under the barrel by an aluminum block that sports a very small NAA eagle's head logo. This block has a hollow fitted with a spring loaded, pull-down locking pin.
When the revolver is rocked back into the buckle's two rear supports, the cylinder pin's release stud slides into the hollow of the forward block where it is secured by the locking pin. In order to remove the revolver from this buckle, start by grasping the grip and then pull down on the locking pin's handle. The muzzle can then be tipped away from the buckle and the rear of the gun gently rocked out of the twin supports.
Hopefully these descriptions of "holstering" and "drawing" the revolver from these two buckle designs has made something clear. The NAA buckle and revolver combos have a sleek appearance and a cool factor that is off the charts. However, they should not be mistaken for high-speed, low-drag defensivesystems.
Drawing a small revolver from a belt or pocket holster can usually be accomplished quickly enough to be practical for use as a defensive firearm. However, removing a Mini from a buckle calls for extra steps and just-right manipulations that are not an optimal fit for personal projection. Instead, these buckle-and-revolver combos are best suited for use as fashion statements, collectibles and more casual shooting sports pursuits.
One more thing to keep in mind with NAA buckle sets. It is important to remember that displaying a Mini revolver in one of these buckles while walking around town usually qualifies as open carry. Be sure to consult your local regulations before you strut your stuff. For more information, visit northamericanarms.com.
