Bridgeport rig

Today, the device enjoys cult status among cowboy action shooters and other antique gun enthusiasts.

The Bridgeport rig was patented in 1882 by Louis S. Flatau, sheriff of Camp County, Texas.

This screw head would be inserted into the rig and held in place via a strip of spring steel that was attached to the gun belt via rivets.

[2] While the Flatau device was dismissed in military circles, it did enjoy limited acceptance among some frontier civilians, particularly peace officers and other professional gunmen who appreciated its speed of access.

[3] Period photographs and scattered references indicate that the Bridgeport rig was used by some lawmen into the early 20th century.