Why did Gene Autry wear a double buscadero rig with only one holster?

Why did Gene Autry wear a double buscadero rig with only one holster?

P. J. Williams

Worcestershire, England

Jim Dunham, director of special projects at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, offered this explanation:

“When I was out in Hollywood for the Golden Boot Awards, I asked a number of old-timers that question; nobody had an answer. In fact, most were not even aware of it.

“My guess is that early in his film career the studio costume people gave Gene a double holster rig to wear, and Gene didn’t like the weight nor thought his character should pack two guns. I’ll bet he took off the left holster himself. Then he realized he had something unique, a double rig belt with one holster. It became his look just as Wild Bill Elliott and Rex Allen wore reverse style, and John Wayne had that high carry, forward slant rig.”

I reckon nobody ever thought to ask Gene himself.