Holster body with clamps

Abstract

A holster for a weapon such as a handgun has a first longitudinal end defining an entranceway to the holster and an opposite second longitudinal end for receiving the muzzle of the weapon. The holster includes a first holster body piece; a second holster body piece that is joined to the first holster piece; a first clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces adjacent to the first end of the holster; a second clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces at a location intermediate the first and second ends of the holster; and a third clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces adjacent to the second end of the holster.

Description

Background of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a holster for a weapon such as a handgun or an electric discharge weapon. Many such holsters are made from two holster body pieces that are joined together along a central seam. A series of fasteners are usually used to join the two pieces.

[0002] It is known to put a strength band on a holster with two body halves molded as one piece with a living hinge between them. The strength band wraps around the outside of the holster body and is held on with two fasteners that extend through end portions of the band and are screwed into the holster body. The strength band is raised up from the outside surfaces of the holster body.

[0003] It is desirable to minimize the volume of the assembled holster; each screw / fastener adds to the overall space or volume of the holster, which is not desirable. In addition, a holster mount of some type is almost always used with a holster. The mount is typically secured to the holster with additional fasteners.Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the invention relates to a holster for a weapon such as a handgun, the holster having a first longitudinal end defining an entranceway to the holster and an opposite second longitudinal end for receiving the muzzle of the weapon, the holster comprising a first holster body piece; a second holster body piece that is joined to the first holster piece; a first clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces adjacent to the first end of the holster; a second clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces at a location intermediate the first and second ends of the holster; and a third clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces adjacent to the second end of the holster.

[0005] In another aspect, the first and second holster body pieces together form the holster body, the first clamp is a dovetail clamp assembly, the second clamp is a strength band, and the third clamp is a muzzle end cap.

[0006] In another aspect, the first holster body piece is a body side piece and the second holster body piece is a face side piece.

[0007] In another aspect, the strength band is secured to the first and second holster body pieces with external fasteners from a holster mount.

[0008] In another aspect, the holster mount is a belt loop.

[0009] In another aspect, the muzzle end cap is secured to the first and second holster body pieces with integral fasteners.

[0010] In another aspect, the muzzle end cap is also secured to the first and second holster body pieces with an external fastener.

[0011] In another aspect, the external fastener is from a holster mount.

[0012] In another aspect, the holster is secured to a holster mount by a plurality of external fasteners, and a first one of the plurality of external fasteners secures the muzzle end cap to the first holster body piece.

[0013] In another aspect, the strength band is secured to the first and second holster body pieces with others of the external fasteners.

[0014] In another aspect, the holster mount is a belt loop.

[0015] In another aspect, the first clamp is a dovetail clamp assembly.

[0016] In another aspect, the third clamp is a muzzle end clamp.

[0017] In another aspect, a holster for a weapon such as a handgun has a first longitudinal end defining an entranceway to the holster and an opposite second longitudinal end for receiving the muzzle of the weapon, and the holster includes a first holster body piece; a second holster body piece that is joined to the first holster piece; and a dovetail clamp assembly that joins the first and second holster body pieces.

[0018] In another aspect, the dovetail clamp assembly is located adjacent to the first end of the holster.

[0019] In another aspect, the dovetail clamp assembly is located on upper surfaces of the holster body pieces.

[0020] In another aspect, each one of the first and second holster body pieces has a mounting rail with a socket forming part of the dovetail clamp assembly, the two mounting rails are adjacent to each other, and the clamp assembly includes a clamp element with rails that slidingly engage in the sockets.

[0021] In another aspect, the holster further includes a strength band that blocks disassembly of the dovetail clamp assembly when the holster is assembled.

[0022] In another aspect, the holster further includes a muzzle end cap that clamps the second longitudinal end of the holster when the holster is assembled.

[0023] Embodiments or examples of the disclosure can be described with reference to the following numbered clauses, with preferred features laid out in the dependent clauses: 1. A holster for a weapon such as a handgun, the holster having a first longitudinal end defining an entranceway to the holster and an opposite second longitudinal end for receiving the muzzle of the weapon, the holster comprising: a first holster body piece; a second holster body piece that is joined to the first holster piece; a first clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces adjacent to the first end of the holster; a second clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces at a location intermediate the first and second ends of the holster; and a third clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces adjacent to the second end of the holster. 2. A holster as set forth in clause 1 wherein the first and second holster body pieces together form the holster body, the first clamp is a dovetail clamp assembly, the second clamp is a strength band, and the third clamp is a muzzle end cap. 3. A holster as set forth in clause 1 wherein the first holster body piece is a body side piece and the second holster body piece is a face side piece. 4. A holster as set forth in clause 1 wherein the strength band is secured to the first and second holster body pieces with external fasteners from a holster mount. 5. A holster as set forth in clause 4 wherein the holster mount is a belt loop. 6. A holster as set forth in clause 2 wherein the muzzle end cap is secured to the first and second holster body pieces with integral fasteners. 7. A holster as set forth in clause 6 wherein the muzzle end cap is also secured to the first and second holster body pieces with an external fastener. 8. A holster as set forth in clause 7 wherein the external fastener is from a holster mount. 9. A holster as set forth in clause 1 that is secured to a holster mount by a plurality of external fasteners, and wherein a first one of the plurality of external fasteners secures the muzzle end cap to the first holster body piece. 10. A holster as set forth in clause 9 wherein the strength band is secured to the first and second holster body pieces with others of the external fasteners. 11. A holster as set forth in clause 10 wherein the holster mount is a belt loop. 12. A holster as set forth in clause 1 wherein the first clamp is a dovetail clamp assembly. 13. A holster as set forth in clause 1 wherein the third clamp is a muzzle end clamp. 14. A holster for a weapon such as a handgun, the holster having a first longitudinal end defining an entranceway to the holster and an opposite second longitudinal end for receiving the muzzle of the weapon, the holster comprising: a first holster body piece; a second holster body piece that is joined to the first holster piece; and a dovetail clamp assembly that joins the first and second holster body pieces. 15. A holster as set forth in clause 14 wherein the dovetail clamp assembly is located adjacent to the first end of the holster. 16. A holster as set forth in clause 14 wherein the dovetail clamp assembly is located on upper surfaces of the holster body pieces. 17. A holster as set forth in clause 14 wherein each one of the first and second holster body pieces has a mounting rail with a socket forming part of the dovetail clamp assembly, the two mounting rails being adjacent to each other, and wherein the clamp assembly includes a clamp element with rails that slidingly engage in the sockets. 18. A holster as set forth in clause 14 further including a strength band that blocks disassembly of the dovetail clamp assembly when the holster is assembled. 19. A holster as set forth in clause 18 further including a muzzle end cap that clamps the second longitudinal end of the holster when the holster is assembled. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Further features of the invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains, from a reading of the following specification together with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a face side perspective view of a holster that is an embodiment of the invention, shown together with a holster mount; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the holster of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the holster of Figure 1, showing a partially assembled holster body and a first clamp; Figures 4 and 5 show the first clamp being assembled with the holster body; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the holster of Figure 1, showing an assembled holster body and a second clamp; Figure 7 shows the second clamp assembled with the holster body; Figure 8 shows the third clamp assembled with the holster body Figure 9 is a body side perspective view showing the holster mount being assembled to the holster body and the second clamp; and Figure 10 is a body side perspective view of the assembled holster and holster mount. Description of Embodiments

[0025] The present invention relates to a holster for a weapon such as a handgun or an electric discharge weapon. The invention is applicable to holsters of different configurations and uses. As representative of the invention, Fig. 1 illustrates a holster 10 that is a first embodiment of the invention. The holster 10 is configured for receiving (holstering) a handgun or other weapon shown generally at 12 which has a muzzle 14.

[0026] The holster 10 in use may include several attachments, for example, a belt clip or tuck device. These attachments do not necessarily form part of the present invention, and therefore some are not described in detail herein. However, one such attachment is described, specifically, a holster mount; the holster 10 is preferably used with, and is configured for use with, the holster mount. A holster mount is a device that is used to mount a holster on a device or structure, such as a user's belt, a user's vest, a car, etc. The mount that is shown in the embodiment illustrated herein is a belt mount, or belt loop. This particular piece is available commercially as the Safariland brand "CUBL" Cantable Belt Loop. The use of a mount is optional, not essential.

[0027] The illustrated belt loop 20 (Fig. 10) has two slots 22 for receiving therethrough a user's belt (not shown), allowing the belt loop to hang down from the user's belt. The belt loop 20 has three fastener openings 24, 26, and 28 for use in securing the holster 10 to the belt loop 20. Three fasteners, in this case externally threaded bolts 30, 32, and 34, are capable of threadedly engaging T-nuts located in the holster body 40 as described below. Loosening of the first fasteners 30 and 32 in the upper openings 24 and 26 can allow for drop adjustment of the holster 10 relative to the belt loop 20. Loosening of the second fastener 34 in the lower opening 26 can allow for cant adjustment of the holster 10 relative to the belt loop 20.

[0028] The invention is not limited to the use of a belt loop such as the belt loop 20, as the mount. Other types of mounts are usable. For example, a Safariland brand QLS system mount can be used as the mount, where the mount slides into and out of a complementary piece on the belt or a Molle vest, for example. Other examples are possible. There are many commercially available items that can thus serve as a holster mount, some of which may not adjust for both cant and drop. The significance is that the mount is a relatively rigid piece that is secured to the holster with one or more fasteners such as the bolts 30, 32 and 34.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the holster 10 includes a holster body 40. The holster body 40 in this embodiment includes five major parts as best seen in Fig. 2: a first holster body piece (or body side piece or first body half) 42; a second holster body piece (or face side piece or second body half) 44; and three clamps: a dovetail clamp assembly 70; a strength band 100; and a muzzle end cap 120. The construction and joining of these parts, to form the completed holster 10, is described below in detail.

[0030] The first holster body piece 42 and the second holster body piece 44 are the main or major portions of the holster body 40, and nominally abut (join) along a joining line or seam indicated at 46 to form the holster body 40. There may be some overlap, for example flanges along the edges to block shifting, not described herein in detail. The two pieces 42 and 44 substantially form a chamber 48 for receiving the weapon 12 in a holstered position in the chamber. An open entranceway 50 is formed at a first longitudinal end 52 of the holster 10 (to the left as viewed in Figure 1) for holstering the weapon. The muzzle 14 of the weapon when holstered is at the opposite second longitudinal end 54 of the holster 10 (to the right as viewed in Figure 2).

[0031] At the second end 54 of the holster 10 is located a sleeve-shaped muzzle end cap support portion 60 (Fig. 8) of the holster body 40. The muzzle end cap support portion 60 receives and supports the muzzle end cap 120 in a manner as described below. The outside surfaces of the first and second holster body pieces 42 and 44 are preferably recessed as shown at the cap support portion 60 of the holster body 40. This recess is not essential, however. The cap support portion 60 has four locking tabs 61 on its outside surface.

[0032] Three T-nuts 62, 64, and 66 (Fig. 10) are located on the body side piece 42 of the holster body 40, with their screw openings facing outward. Two of the T-nuts 62 and 64 are positioned near or at the longitudinal middle of the holster 10. The third T-nut 66 is positioned at the second end 54 of the holster, on the body side of the cap support portion 60.

[0033] In assembly of the holster 10, the two holster body pieces 42 and 44 are moved together, laterally toward and into engagement with each other, as in Fig. 5. They are thereafter secured to each other, in a manner described below, by the three clamps 70, 100, and 120.

[0034] Specifically, at the first end 52 of the holster, adjacent the entranceway 50, the first clamp 70 (Figs. 3-5) helps to secure together the back or upper areas of the two holster body pieces 42 and 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamp takes the form of a dovetail clamp assembly 70. The dovetail clamp assembly 70 provides a strong, low profile, mechanical fastener for the upper rear portion of the holster 10, adjacent the entranceway 50 of the holster 10. The assembly 70 is located on the top (forward) surfaces 43 and 45 of the holster body pieces 42 and 44, respectively. These surfaces 43 and 45 are typically exposed and often used for receiving and / or supporting other items such as locks, sights, etc. As such, it is desirable to have them be as open and unencumbered as possible. The small size of the dovetail clamp assembly 70, and its lack of external fasteners, meets these requirements.

[0035] It should be understood that other types of fasteners / clamps may be used here rather than a "dovetail" clamp; the intent is to provide a compact, integral fastening mechanism at the first end 52 of the holster 10 that does not require external fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc. Thus, this invention is not limited to the use of a dovetail clamp assembly 70 as the first clamp.

[0036] The dovetail clamp assembly is also usable in other holsters, including but not limited to holsters without either one or both of the other two clamps illustrated herein (the muzzle end cap and the strength band). The dovetail clamp assembly is also usable in other locations on a holster, that is, other than a location at the top of the entranceway end of the holster.

[0037] The dovetail clamp assembly 70 includes a dovetail element 72 that is physically separate from the holster body, as well as two mounting rails that are formed as part of the holster body. Specifically, the holster body piece 42 is provided with a longitudinally extending first dovetail mounting rail 74 that projects upwardly from the top surface 43 of the piece 42. The rail 74 is configured to form one half of a dovetail joint. The rail 74 defines a longitudinally extending socket 80 along the top of the body piece 42, adjacent to the edge where the piece 42 joins with the other piece 44.

[0038] Similarly, the holster body piece 44 is provided with a longitudinally extending second dovetail mounting rail 76 that projects upwardly from the top surface 45 of the piece 44. The rail 76 is configured to form one half of a dovetail joint. The rail 76 defines a longitudinally extending socket 82 along the top of the piece 44, adjacent to the edge where the piece 44 joins with the other piece 42.

[0039] When the two holster body pieces 42 and 44 are assembled to each other, the two rails 74 and 76 adjoin, forming one body rail 84 that is laterally centrally located on the top (front) of the holster body 40. This one body rail 84 has the two sockets 80 and 82 on its opposite sides, on its laterally outer edges, adjacent to the upper outer surfaces 43 and 45 of the holster body pieces 42 and 44. This body rail 84 has an open end 86 at its end closer to the second end 54 of the holster 10, and a closed end 88 at its end closer to the first end 52 of the holster.

[0040] The dovetail element 72, itself, has a generally C-shaped cross-sectional configuration or appearance. It includes two longitudinally extending outer dovetail pins or tails 92 and 94 that are connected by two arching cross-bars 96. A trailing end bar 95 is at the forward end of the element 72.

[0041] To assemble the dovetail clamp assembly 70, after the two holster body pieces 42 and 44 are placed next to each other, the dovetail element 72 is slid onto the holster body 40, through the open end 86 of the rail 84, in a direction from the holster second end 54 toward the holster first end 52 (to the left as viewed in Figs 4 and 5). This is done before the strength band 100 is assembled to the holster body 40. The two pins or tails 92, 94 of the dovetail element 72 engage in and slide along the two sockets 80, 82 as this sliding movement occurs. The element cross-bars 96 slide atop the holster body rail 84.

[0042] The leading ends of the two clamp element tails 92, 94 eventually engage the closed outer end portion 88 of the body rail 84. This engagement stops the sliding movement of the dovetail element 72 in the direction of the first end 52 of the holster 10. Thereafter, when the strength band 100 is installed as described below, it is located adjacent the other (forward) end 86 of the dovetail clamp assembly 70, and blocks the open end, thus blocking movement of the dovetail clamp element 72 toward the second end 54 of the holster 10. As a result, the dovetail clamp element 72 cannot move longitudinally on the holster body 40.

[0043] At the same time, the C-shaped configuration of the dovetail clamp element 72 with its two cross bars spans the two holster body halves 42 and 44, and thus the clamp element 72 blocks relative lateral movement of the holster body pieces. The result is that the dovetail clamp assembly 70 helps to secure together the two holster body pieces 42 and 44. The dovetail clamp assembly 70 provides a laterally and inwardly directed clamping force on the holster body pieces 42 and 44. This force helps substantially to hold together the two holster body pieces 42 and 44.

[0044] This form of clamp assembly 70 provides a strong, low profile, simple, mechanical fastener for the upper rear portion of the holster 10, adjacent the entranceway 60. It eliminates the need for large, expensive fasteners at this location and the plastic features needed to support them, thus reducing the overall footprint, weight, and volume of the holster. It is small, lightweight, low volume, and easily assembled. The dovetail clamp assembly 70 is an integral fastener, not needing any external fasteners such as screws to perform its function of holding together the first and second holster body pieces 42 and 44.

[0045] The dovetail clamp assembly 70 is very efficient in terms of strength and size. The same or similar dovetail clamp parts can be used on many different holster embodiments, for different weapons, because this is an area of the holster that is rather generic, simply two holster body pieces coming together along a seam. It should be understood that other types of clamps could be used as the first end clamp, in place of the dovetail clamp assembly 70. Thus, the invention is not limited strictly to the use of only a dovetail clamp assembly 70 at this location.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the second clamp for the two holster body pieces 42 and 44 is a strength band 100 (Figs. 6, 7 and 9). The strength band 100 is configured as a C-shaped loop that wraps almost completely around the holster body halves 42 and 44 at a location longitudinally between the first and second ends 52 and 54 of the holster 10. The strength band 100 thus helps to secure the central portion of the holster 10. The strength band 100 has two end portions 102, 104 that are adjacent to each other on the body side of the holster 10. The end portions 102 and 104 overlie the body side piece 42. At the locations of and underlying the strength band end portions 102 and 104, the body side piece 42 has two T-nuts 62 and 64 with their threaded openings facing outward.

[0047] The strength band end portions 102 and 104 have fastener openings in the form of through holes 110 that extend through the end portions and that overlie the T-nuts 62 and 64. The end portions 102 and 104 form integrated strength band securement points, utilizing the T-nuts and screws of the mount 20. When the belt loop 20 is secured to the holster body 40, the two fasteners 30 and 32 extend through the through holes 110 in the end portions 102 and 104 of the strength band 100 and are threadedly secured in the T-nuts 62 and 64 of the body side piece 22. As a result, the end portions 102 and 104 of the strength band 100 are secured to the body side piece 22 of the holster 10.

[0048] The dimensions of the strength band 100 are selected so that when the strength band end portions 102 and 104 are thus secured to the holster body 40, the strength band clamps together the two holster body pieces 42 and 44. The strength band 100 provides an inwardly directed clamping force on the holster body pieces 42 and 44. This force helps substantially to hold together the two holster body pieces 42 and 44,.

[0049] The muzzle end cap 120 is another one of the pieces that helps to hold (clamp) the two holster body 40 halves together to minimize the use of external fasteners. The muzzle end cap 120 (Figs. 7-9) is preferably molded from one piece of plastic material, which may be the same material that forms the holster body pieces 42 and 44. The muzzle end cap 120 has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the cap support portion 60 of the holster body 40. The dimensions of the muzzle end cap 120 are selected so that the muzzle end cap 120 fits closely over the cap support portion 60 of the holster body 40.

[0050] The dimensions of the muzzle end cap 120, including the front to back length of the muzzle end cap 120, are also selected to fit with the particular weapon that is being holstered. A weapon with a longer muzzle and / or longer light may require a longer muzzle end cap 120, while a weapon with a shorter muzzle and / or shorter light may require a shorter or differently shaped muzzle end cap 120. Because of this flexibility, as compared to a holster body where the muzzle end portion is built into the holster body pieces, a holster manufacturer can, much more easily, provide the correct and desired holster 10 for each user.

[0051] The muzzle end cap 120 has a side wall 122 that fits over the cap support portion 60 of the holster body 40, and an outer end wall 124. The side wall 122 of the muzzle end cap 120 has four locking slots 126 for receiving the locking tabs 61 of the cap support portion 60 of the holster body 40. Thus, the muzzle end cap 120 is configured and positioned to interlock with the holster body 40 when assembled as described below. The side wall 122 of the muzzle end cap 120 also has a through hole 130 on one side, the body side. The outer end wall 124 of the muzzle end cap 120 may include one or more openings 132 to allow debris, water, shell casings, etc., to exit the holster 10. The outer end wall 124 also includes a muzzle stop 132 for limiting forward movement of the weapon 12 in the holster, when it is being holstered.

[0052] After the two holster body pieces 42 and 44 are initially placed together, the muzzle end cap 120 is moved from a position off the holster body pieces 42 and 44, as shown in Figure 7, to a position on the cap support portion 60 of the holster body 40, as shown in Figure 8. As this movement occurs, the locking tabs 61 on the holster body pieces 42 and 44 engage in the locking openings 126 of the muzzle end cap 120. These are integral fasteners, not needing any external fasteners such as screws to perform their function of holding together the first and second holster body pieces 42 and 44 with the muzzle end cap 120.

[0053] This engagement holds the muzzle end cap 120 securely on the holster body 40. The dimensions of the muzzle end cap 120 and of the cap support portion 60 are selected so that the muzzle end cap 120 acts as a clamp and provides an inwardly directed clamping force on the cap support portion 60. This clamping force assists substantially in holding together the two holster body pieces 42 and 44 at the second end 54 of the holster 10.

[0054] In addition, the through hole 130 in the side wall of the muzzle end cap 120 when assembled is in a position overlying the T-nut 66 on the holster body 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the belt loop screw 34 (Fig. 9) is inserted through the opening 28 in the belt loop 20; passes through the through hole 130 in the muzzle end cap 120; and is threaded into the T-nut 66 in the holster body 40. This engagement not only secures the belt loop 20 to the holster body 40, but also helps to secure the muzzle end cap 120 on the holster body 40.

[0055] The combination of the screw 34 together with the locking tabs 61 provides a very strong connection for the muzzle end cap 120 to the holster body pieces 42 and 44. The parts will not come apart in ordinary usage of the holster 10. The muzzle end cap 120 can be removed only with one or more special tools to, for example, disengage the locking tabs 61. Again, all this takes place without the need for additional external fasteners such as screws and bolts.

[0056] The three clamps 70, 100, and 120 thus substantially provide the force needed to keep the holster body 40 together without hardware. This minimizes the volume of the assembled holster 10; every time there is an extra screw / fastener added, the overall space or volume of the holster needs to increase, which is not desirable. Such hardware in holsters often increases the overall volume of the holster by 20% to 25%.

[0057] In addition, since a mount of some type is almost always used with a holster, employing the mount fasteners 30-34 to secure the muzzle end cap 120 and the strength band 100 provides even more strength for the holster 10, without needing any further fasteners. The mount 20 connects the strength band 100 to the end cap 120 in a force transmitting relationship. The strength band 100 is solidly secured in the center of the holster 10 and is held on the holster body 40 with the two mount fasteners 30 and 32. The muzzle end cap 120 needs to be able to handle significant force when the weapon 12 is being holstered, via the muzzle stop 132. The mount 20 is a solid piece that does not allow movement between the strength band fasteners 30 and 32 and the muzzle end cap fastener 34. Thus, the mount 20 can take up the force of the weapon being holstered, and assist, in this manner also, in securing the muzzle end cap 120 on the holster 10.

[0058] Using the mount 20 in the manner described thus solidifies the system. The mount 20 overlies and hugs one side (the body side) of the holster 10. It connects with the holster 10 via the T-nuts 62-66. The T nuts 62-66 are secured in the holster body piece 42 and thus are effectively part of the holster body 40 itself. For purposes of the mount 20, the end cap 120 and the strength band 100 act as pass throughs for the fasteners that hold the mount to the portions of the holster that have the T-nuts 62-66. That is, the mount 20 with fasteners acts to hold those two pieces on the body halves 42 and 44, but also by doing that, by acting through those two clamps 100 and 120, the mount 20 simultaneously acts to secure the body halves 42 and 44 together. Thus, each of these parts is being used for multiple purposes.

[0059] From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A holster for a weapon such as a handgun, the holster having a first longitudinal end defining an entranceway to the holster and an opposite second longitudinal end for receiving the muzzle of the weapon, the holster comprising: a first holster body piece; a second holster body piece that is joined to the first holster piece; a first clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces adjacent to the first end of the holster; a second clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces at a location intermediate the first and second ends of the holster; and a third clamp that joins the first and second holster body pieces adjacent to the second end of the holster.

2. A holster as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first and second holster body pieces together form the holster body, the first clamp is a dovetail clamp assembly, the second clamp is a strength band, and the third clamp is a muzzle end cap.

3. A holster as set forth in claim 1 or 2 wherein the first holster body piece is a body side piece and the second holster body piece is a face side piece.

4. A holster as set forth in claim 1, 2, or 3 wherein the strength band is secured to the first and second holster body pieces with external fasteners from a holster mount, preferably wherein the holster mount is a belt loop.

5. A holster as set forth in claim 2 wherein the muzzle end cap is secured to the first and second holster body pieces with integral fasteners.

6. A holster as set forth in claim 5 wherein the muzzle end cap is also secured to the first and second holster body pieces with an external fastener.

7. A holster as set forth in claim 6 wherein the external fastener is from a holster mount.

8. A holster as set forth in claim 1 or 2 that is secured to a holster mount by a plurality of external fasteners, and wherein a first one of the plurality of external fasteners secures the muzzle end cap to the first holster body piece, preferably wherein the holster mount is a belt loop.

9. A holster as set forth in claim 8 wherein the strength band is secured to the first and second holster body pieces with others of the external fasteners.

10. A holster for a weapon such as a handgun, the holster having a first longitudinal end defining an entranceway to the holster and an opposite second longitudinal end for receiving the muzzle of the weapon, the holster comprising: a first holster body piece; a second holster body piece that is joined to the first holster piece; and a dovetail clamp assembly that joins the first and second holster body pieces.

11. A holster as set forth in claim 10 wherein the dovetail clamp assembly is located adjacent to the first end of the holster.

12. A holster as set forth in claim 10 wherein the dovetail clamp assembly is located on upper surfaces of the holster body pieces.

13. A holster as set forth in claim 10, 11, or 12 wherein each one of the first and second holster body pieces has a mounting rail with a socket forming part of the dovetail clamp assembly, the two mounting rails being adjacent to each other, and wherein the clamp assembly includes a clamp element with rails that slidingly engage in the sockets.

14. A holster as set forth in any one of claims 10 to 13 further including a strength band that blocks disassembly of the dovetail clamp assembly when the holster is assembled.

15. A holster as set forth in any one of claims 10 to 14 further including a muzzle end cap that clamps the second longitudinal end of the holster when the holster is assembled.

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