Abstract:
A holster assembly for a firearm includes a shroud ( 20, 92, 168 ) with a muzzle receiving space ( 31 ), a firearm holding member ( 100, 174, 246 ) and a bias activating assembly mounted in the shroud ( 20, 92, 168 ) for biasing the firearm into a stowed position against the holding member ( 100, 174, 246 ). A hood enclosure ( 166 ) is movable between open and closed positions. The hood enclosure ( 166 ) includes a pair of guide slots ( 188 ) within the shroud ( 20, 92, 168 ), a pivot pin ( 182 ) and a guide pin ( 186 ). The hood enclosure ( 166 ) may include an illumination device ( 238 ) mounted to the firearm, a hip mount platform ( 256 ) to mount a hip mount assembly ( 34 ), or a secondary stowage mount ( 270 ) to attach a magazine carrier ( 278 ), expandable baton carrier ( 266 ), etc. The shroud ( 20, 92, 168 ) includes a detent ( 178 ) that receives a locking safety lever ( 146 ) of the firearm. An L-shaped slot ( 138, 106, 162 ) receives a projection from a handle portion ( 132 ), a take down button ( 88 ), a safety lever ( 158 ), or another side extending projection of the firearm.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to holster assemblies and enclosures for portable firearms such as revolvers and semi-automatic pistols.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0004]     Notwithstanding massive increases in federal, state and local budgets to combat violent crimes against the general public in the United States as well as rapidly increasing physical violence against law enforcement officers, we are witnessing a worldwide presence of terrorist aggression. In most cases of threatened violence, police and other law enforcement agencies cannot respond in time to those in a dangerous confrontation to prevent injury or death. We are also witnessing the senseless self-justification of violence in the most current mental malady of the decade, road rage. Although the advent of the cell phone has afforded rapid communication to police, the violence occurs before police assistance arrives.  
         [0005]     In response to these threats, citizens have demanded that their local and state governments pass bills allowing the public to vote on the right to carry concealed firearms. In accordance with these demands, 34 states have passed concealed carry permit laws, which in some cases, grant reciprocity for out-of-state concealed carry permits issued to residents of another state. Additionally, legislation is being sought for the issuance of a federal concealed carry permit to qualified citizens who can exhibit proficiency in safe handling and use of firearms. Recently, both houses of the United States Congress passed, with a majority of bipartisan vote, legislation signed into law by the President granting federal authorization of 80,000 commercial airline pilots to arm themselves with pistols when piloting their aircraft. Furthermore, the staff on cruise ships include armed security guards, and even gated communities are arming their staff.  
         [0006]     Gun security and gun safety has become a necessity. A major shortcoming of a conventional holster is that a pistol inserted into the holster can be easily taken away in a gun grab attempt. Male and female officers are being killed by their own guns when they are disarmed by an increasingly violent criminal element. In response to these important realities, it is desired to provide a gun holster to keep guns secure from gun grab attempts and from unauthorized use by children and others.  
         [0007]     In order to accommodate the different methods of carrying and storing a pistol, it is an object of the invention to provide a holster that can be adapted for these different methods of carrying and storing a pistol. In addition, it is an object to provide a holster which supercedes all government-mandated procedures for safe gun carry and storage. In some cases, government procedures require police officers to carry a pistol in Condition One, with a round chambered when carried. In others, the government requires military personnel to carry a pistol in Condition Three, with a loaded magazine but no round in chamber when carried. Civilian carry, which is reputed to be more than the combined police and military use in the United States, is projected as half in Condition One and half in Condition Three. It is an object of the invention to provide a holster system that accommodates both methods of carry while providing multiple levels of constant safety unobtainable by any other holster. The holster system should be usable with revolvers and semi-automatic pistols of the open top ejection pistols currently designed by Glock, Sig Sauer, Heckler &amp; Koch and later versions of pistols manufactured by Walther and Beretta. Additionally, the holster should be height adjustable as well as completely ambidextrous. Illumination and laser combination modules, mounted to the trigger guard or dust cover rails of a pistol should be accommodated. The front and rear sights of the pistol should be protected from wear and misalignment when carried. Additionally, the holster system should incorporate a method of confirming the authorized possession in carrying a pistol specifically assigned to an individual that can be used in the case of onboard carry by airline pilots as well as cruise ship security.  
         [0008]     It is an object of the invention to allow the licensed person to carry his or her weapon loaded or unloaded in a safe manner as the pistol is totally enclosed in a locked holster, access to which is controlled by the licensed person at all times.  
         [0009]     In sum, it is an object of the present invention to provide a high security holster system that can be used with portable firearms, such as revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, that safely houses a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The above objects are satisfied with the holster according to the present invention. The holster for stowing a portable handheld firearm according to the present invention includes a shroud at least partially receiving the firearm therein with the shroud defining a muzzle receiving space at one end thereof. A firearm holding member is spaced from the muzzle receiving space. A bias activating assembly is mounted in the shroud for biasing the firearm into a stowed position against the holding member.  
         [0011]     In one embodiment of the invention a hood enclosure is provided and is moveable between an open position that allows for insertion and withdrawal of the firearm from the shroud, and a closed position which substantially encapsulates the firearm within the shroud when the firearm is in the stowed position. The hood enclosure is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis of the muzzle of the firearm with the firearm in the stowed position. The hood enclosure may include a locking pin that is received through aligned holes in the hood enclosure and the shroud when the hood enclosure is in the closed position for locking the hood enclosure in the closed position.  
         [0012]     The shroud may include a spring biased detent receivable in a detent recess in the hood enclosure when the hood enclosure is in the closed position. Additionally, the hood enclosure may include a thumb actuated slide lock that is engageable with the shroud when the hood enclosure is in the closed position. The hood enclosure may include an internal identification plate that uniquely identifies the weapon as well as the user.  
         [0013]     The hood enclosure includes a pair of guide slots wherein a guide pin of the shroud is received in the guide slots for guiding the movement the hood enclosure. The hood enclosure may include a space for receiving an illumination device, such as a small flashlight or laser of the firearm that is positioned beneath the muzzle of the firearm. The hood enclosure may further include a hip mount platform that receives fasteners for mounting a hip mount assembly for the holster, or a secondary stowage mount for extra magazine carrier or baton or the like.  
         [0014]     In one embodiment of the invention the bias activating assembly includes a plunger assembly mounted in the shroud, the plunger assembly including a moveable plunger engaging the firearm, and a spring biasing the plunger. When the firearm is in the stowed position, the spring will bias the plunger against the firearm whereby the firearm is biased into the stowed position against the holding member. The spring may be a wave spring mounted in the muzzle receiving space of the shroud and the plunger may be a face-plate on one end of the wave spring. Further the holding member may be a rear slide receiving recess on an end of the shroud opposite the muzzle receiving space, wherein the rear slide receiving recess receives an end of the slide with the firearm in the stowed position.  
         [0015]     In one embodiment of the invention the shroud further includes a detent that receives a locking safety lever of the firearm with the firearm in the stowed position and the locking safety lever in the safe position that prevents removal of the firearm from the holster until the locking safety lever is moved out of the safe position.  
         [0016]     In one embodiment of the invention the bias activating assembly includes slide-engaging platform preventing forward movement of a slide of the firearm past the slide-engaging platform. A frame and barrel of the firearm will move relative to the slide during insertion and withdrawal of the firearm into and out of the shroud, whereby a recoil spring of the firearm biases the barrel of the firearm against the holding member when the firearm is in the stowed position. The holding member may include an action locking lug mounted to the shroud and received through an ejection port, such as a side or top ejection port, of the firearm with the firearm in the stowed position.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment of the invention the shroud further includes an L-shaped slot on at least one side-thereof, wherein the L-shaped slot receives a projection extending from the side of the firearm. Each L-shaped slot may receive a projection from a handle portion of the firearm, or a take down button of the firearm, or a safety lever of the firearm, or another side extending projection. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1   a  shows a side elevational view of a typical revolver;  
         [0019]      FIG. 1   b  shows a top elevational view of the revolver shown in  FIG. 1   a;    
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a side elevational, view of a revolver holster shroud made in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a side elevation view of a plunger assembly of the revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 2   
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of a plunger assembly of the revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 3   
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a rear elevational view of the revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 8   a  shows a revolver being inserted into the revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 8   b  shows a revolver further inserted into the revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 8   c  shows a revolver fully inserted into the revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 2  with a compression spring pressed forward into the shroud;  
         [0029]      FIG. 8   d  shows a revolver fully inserted into, the shroud with the spring partially expanded pushing the trigger into rear portion of the shroud;  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  shows the revolver held firmly in revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 2  with a compression spring partially expanded;  
         [0031]      FIG. 10   a  is a top elevational view of the revolver inserted in the shroud locked into the holster with a locking pin and a combination lock;  
         [0032]      FIG. 10   b  is a top elevational view of the revolver inserted in the shroud locked into the holster with a hasp lock;  
         [0033]      FIG. 11   a  is a side elevational view of a compact revolver holster shroud made in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 11   b  is a top elevational view of the compact revolver holster shroud as shown in  FIG. 11   a;    
         [0035]      FIG. 12   a  shows a revolver being inserted into the compact revolver holster shroud shown in  FIG. 11   a;    
         [0036]      FIG. 12   b  shows a revolver fully inserted into the compact revolver holster as shown in  FIG. 11   a;    
         [0037]      FIG. 12   c  is a side elevational view of a revolver held firmly by a partially expanded compression spring into the compact revolver holster as shown in  FIG. 11   a;    
         [0038]      FIG. 13   a  is a top elevational view of a revolver locked into the compact revolver holster shown in  FIG. 11   a  by a combination lock;  
         [0039]      FIG. 13   b  is a top elevational view of the compact revolver holster with a hip plate assembly attached having a revolver locked into the holster by a hasp lock;  
         [0040]      FIG. 14   a  is a top view of an open top, large ejection port pistol;  
         [0041]      FIG. 14   b  shows a side elevational view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 14   a;    
         [0042]      FIG. 15   a  shows a top view of a side ejection port pistol;  
         [0043]      FIG. 15   b  shows a side elevational view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 15   a;    
         [0044]      FIG. 16   a  shows a side elevational view of a typical small side ejection port pistol;  
         [0045]      FIG. 16   b  shows an opposite side elevational view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 16   a;    
         [0046]      FIG. 16   c  shows a front elevational view of the pistol of  FIG. 16   a;    
         [0047]      FIG. 17   a  shows a side elevational view of a small side ejection port pistol with the slide fully forward;  
         [0048]      FIG. 17   b  shows a side elevational view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 17   a  with the slide partially to the rear;  
         [0049]      FIG. 17   c  shows a side elevational view of the pistol of  FIG. 17   a  with the slide fully to the rear;  
         [0050]      FIG. 18   a  is a side elevational view of a holster for small side ejection port type pistols made in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0051]      FIG. 18   b  is a bottom elevational view of the holster shown in  FIG. 18   a;    
         [0052]      FIG. 18   c  is a front elevational view of the holster shown in  FIG. 18   a;    
         [0053]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the holster shown in  FIG. 18   a;    
         [0054]      FIG. 20   a  shows a small ejection port type pistol being inserted into a holster slide shroud in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0055]      FIG. 20   b  shows the pistol shown in  FIG. 20   a  partially inserted into the holster shroud;  
         [0056]      FIG. 20   c  shows the pistol shown in  FIG. 20   a  fully inserted into the holster shroud;  
         [0057]      FIG. 21   a  shows a side elevational view of a holster shroud having attached thereto a shroud hip plate assembly in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0058]      FIG. 21   b  shows a side elevational view of the holster shroud with bolts attaching the shroud to the hip plate assembly having a semi-automatic pistol locked therein;  
         [0059]      FIG. 21   c  shows a reverse view of  FIG. 21   b;    
         [0060]      FIG. 22  shows a front elevational view of a standard smooth face pistol grip;  
         [0061]      FIG. 23   a  shows a side elevational view of a right-side and left-side of a pistol grip with side locking elements made in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0062]      FIG. 23   b  shows a front elevational view of the pistol grips shown in  FIG. 23   a;    
         [0063]      FIG. 24   a  shows a side elevational view of the pistol grip of  FIG. 23   a  mounted on a small side ejection port pistol;  
         [0064]      FIG. 24   b  is an opposite side elevational view of the pistol shown in  FIG. 24   a;    
         [0065]      FIG. 25   a  is a side elevational view of a shroud designed to accommodate the new pistol grip made in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0066]      FIG. 25   b  is a top view of the shroud of  FIG. 25   a;    
         [0067]      FIG. 25   c  is a front view of the shroud of  FIG. 25   a;    
         [0068]      FIG. 25   d  is a front perspective view of the shroud of  FIG. 25   a;    
         [0069]      FIG. 26   a  shows a small ejection type pistol being inserted into a holster shroud in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0070]      FIG. 26   b  shows the pistol partially inserted into the shroud;  
         [0071]      FIG. 26   c  shows the pistol fully inserted into the shroud;  
         [0072]      FIG. 27   a  is a side elevational view of a large top ejection port pistol with the safety lever in the neutral mode;  
         [0073]      FIG. 27   b  is a side elevational view of the pistol of  FIG. 46  with the safety lever in the safe mode;  
         [0074]      FIG. 28   a  shows a large top ejection port pistol being inserted into a holster shroud in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0075]      FIG. 28   b  shows the pistol partially inserted into the shroud;  
         [0076]      FIG. 28   c  shows the pistol firmly held in the shroud with the safety lever in the safe position;  
         [0077]      FIG. 29   a  shows a right side elevational view of a semi-automatic pistol with an extremely small ejection port;  
         [0078]      FIG. 29   b  shows a left side elevational view of a semi-automatic pistol with an extremely small ejection port;  
         [0079]      FIG. 29   c  shows a side elevational view of a semi-automatic pistol with an extremely small ejection port stowed in a holster slide shroud according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;  
         [0080]      FIG. 30   a  shows a side elevational view of a mountable holster shroud with a slide block and a rotatable pistol-encapsulating cover in the closed position;  
         [0081]      FIG. 30   b  shows a side elevational view of a mountable holster shroud and a rotatable pistol-encapsulating cover in the open position;  
         [0082]      FIG. 31  shows a side elevational view of a pistol being inserted in the mountable holster shroud;  
         [0083]      FIG. 32  shows a side elevational view of a pistol further inserted into the mountable holster shroud;  
         [0084]      FIG. 33  shows a side elevational view of a pistol firmly held in the mountable holster shroud;  
         [0085]      FIG. 34  shows a side elevational view of a pistol firmly held in the mountable holster shroud with the safety lever in the safe position;  
         [0086]      FIG. 35  shows a side elevational view of a pistol firmly held in the mountable holster shroud with the rotatable pistol-encapsulating cover in the closed position having therein an engraved, non-removable lead plate;  
         [0087]      FIG. 36  shows a rotatable pistol-encapsulating cover modified to house an illumination device;  
         [0088]      FIG. 37  shows the rotatable pistol encapsulating cover shown in  FIG. 36  in the closed position;  
         [0089]      FIG. 38  shows a side elevational view of a mountable holster shroud with a wave spring and a rotatable pistol-encapsulating cover in the closed position;  
         [0090]      FIG. 39  shows a side elevational view of a mountable holster shroud with a wave spring and a rotatable pistol-encapsulating cover in the open position;  
         [0091]      FIG. 40  shows a side elevational view of a pistol being inserted in the mountable holster shroud having a wave spring;  
         [0092]      FIG. 41  shows a side elevational view of a pistol firmly held in the mountable holster shroud having a wave spring;  
         [0093]      FIG. 42  shows a side elevational view of a pistol firmly held in the mountable holster shroud having a wave spring with the rotatable pistol encapsulating cover in the closed position;  
         [0094]      FIG. 43  shows a top elevational view of a mountable holster shroud having a shroud hip plate assembly attached to a shroud hip plate assembly mounting plate;  
         [0095]      FIG. 44  shows a side perspective view of the holster assembly fitted to house an expandable baton;  
         [0096]      FIG. 45  shows a side perspective view of a mountable holster shroud having a shroud hip plate assembly attached to a shroud hip plate assembly mounting plate; and  
         [0097]      FIG. 46  shows a side perspective view of a holster assembly fitted to house a spare magazine holder. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0098]     The present invention provides a holster assembly for portable firearms such as revolvers and semi-automatic pistols with various types of ejection ports. Specifically, the holster assembly includes a spring-loaded assembly to safely house a revolver in either a loaded or unloaded state. Alternatively, the holster assembly includes an action-locking lug to house safely a semi-automatic pistol with any type of ejection port in an unloaded status. When withdrawn from the holster, the semi-automatic pistol can be automatically loaded and cocked by the user&#39;s shooting hand. In addition, a locking mechanism is provided for all embodiments of the present invention that provides for the physical locking of a revolver and semi-automatic pistol within the holster preventing withdrawal without unlocking the lock. Finally, an enclosure is provided to be used with the embodiments to allow for storage of a firearm.  
         [0099]     In a first preferred embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 2-7 , the holster assembly is adapted to accommodate a typical revolver having a hammer  10 , frame guard  12 , cylinder guard  14 , a cylinder  16  and front sight  18  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The holster assembly for revolvers is comprised of a revolver holster shroud  20  having incorporated therein a front sight protective indent  22 , a hex bolt end  24 , a hex bolt  26 , a spring compression chamber  28 , a non-marring compression plunger assembly  30 , a shroud compression plunger guide  32 , a frame guard locking pin port  34 , a revolver cylinder indent  36  and shroud hip plate assembly bolt holes  38 . The shroud can be comprised of a hard aluminum or a high-density polymer.  
         [0100]     The revolver holster shroud  20  also includes muzzle receiving space, a high-tension plunger spring  40  and a hammer stop indent  42 . The high-tension plunger spring  40  is wrapped around the threaded hex bolt  26 , which is held in place at the front of the holster in a countersunk hole. The non-marring compression plunger assembly  30  shown in  FIG. 3  and FIG.  4 , is moveable within the limits of the shroud compression plunger guide  32  shown in  FIG. 2 . The non-marring compression plunger assembly  30  bears on the high-tension plunger spring  40  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The front sight protective indent  22  provides a space to receive the front sight  18  of the revolver when the muzzle end of the revolver is pushed against the non-marring compression plunger assembly  30 .  
         [0101]     When a revolver is stowed in the revolver holster shroud, the hammer stop indent  42  located on the back of the revolver holster shroud  20  provides a space to receive the hammer  10  of the revolver as shown in  FIG. 6 . A revolver cylinder guard indent  36  of the revolver holster shroud  20  provides an interior surface for the revolver cylinder guard  14  to rest against when the revolver is secured in the revolver holster shroud  20  by the high tension plunger spring  40 .  
         [0102]     The insertion of a revolver into the revolver holster shroud  20  is shown in  FIGS. 8   a - d.  Initially, the muzzle end  11  of the revolver is placed against the non-marring compression plunger assembly  30 . With a forward and downward force exerted by the revolver operator on the pistol grip, the front sight  18  enters the front sight protective indent  22  and the cylinder guard  14  enters the revolver cylinder indent  36 . The muzzle end  11  of the revolver presses on the non-marring compression plunger assembly  30 . A continued downward force indicated by the arrow A in  FIGS. 8   a  and  b  on the non-marring compression plunger assembly  30  compresses the high tension plunger spring  40  to allow the revolver to enter further into the muzzle receiving space  31  of the revolver holster shroud  20 . When the high tension plunger spring  40  is fully depressed, the revolver will be in line within the revolver holster shroud  20  pushed as far down into the revolver holster shroud  20  as possible as shown in  FIG. 8   b.  Additionally, the hammer  10  of the revolver is in line with the hammer stop indent  42 , and the cylinder guard  14  is in line with the revolver cylinder indent  36 . When the downward force on the grip of the revolver is relaxed, the high tension plunger spring  40  will expand, pushing the non-marring compression plunger assembly  30  upward causing the cylinder guard  14  of the revolver to bear against the revolver cylinder guard indent  36  as the hammer  10  enters into the hammer stop indent  42  of the shroud as shown in  FIG. 9 . In the above embodiment, the high-tension plunger spring acts as the bias activating assembly for housing the pistol in the holster. The revolver is held securely stowed in place in the revolver holster shroud  20  by the expanding force of the high-tension plunger spring  40 . Once the revolver is secured in the shroud, the cylinder release lever  46  is shown in  FIG. 9  completely covered by the revolver holster shroud  20 , protecting against the unauthorized removal of any cartridges loaded in the cylinder  16  of the revolver.  
         [0103]     The revolver is withdrawn from the revolver holster shroud by reversing the steps for inserting the pistol into the holster.  
         [0104]     A frame guard locking pin port  34  is provided to receive a lock to prevent unauthorized withdrawal of the revolver when it is stowed in the revolver holster shroud as shown in  FIG. 10   a  Preferably, the lock is comprised of a large head frame locking rod  50  made of steel, or other strong material, which can be inserted through the frame guard locking pin port  34  with the opposing drilled hole of the large head frame locking rod  50  accepting a combination lock  52  as shown in  FIG. 10 ( a ). Alternatively, a keyed hasp lock  54  can be used as shown in  FIG. 10 ( b ) to lock the pistol in the revolver holster shroud. Either lock when present in the frame guard locking pin port  34  prevents the downward compression movement required to clear the hammer  10  of the revolver from the hammer stop indent  42  and withdraw the revolver from the revolver holster shroud.  
         [0105]     In an alternative embodiment of the holster assembly for a revolver, a compact revolver holster shroud  56  is provided as shown in FIGS.  11 ( a ) and ( b ). The compact revolver holster shroud  56  is a reconfigured version of the first embodiment whereby the non-marring compression plunger assembly  30  is located below the muzzle receiving space  31 . The compact revolver holster shroud  56  is designed to accommodate revolver carriers that require the most compact way to conceal their handguns.  
         [0106]     A revolver is shown in  FIGS. 12   a - c  being inserted into the compact revolver holster shroud  56 . The muzzle  11  of the revolver must be placed in the muzzle receiving space  31  of the revolver holster shroud  20  with a downward force on the grip of the revolver as indicated by the arrow E in  FIG. 12 ( a ). The non-marring compression plunger assembly  30 ′ contacts the lower front portion of the frame  58  as shown in  FIGS. 12   a - c.  A downward force exerted through the grip of the pistol forces the plunger spring to compress under pressure of the muzzle  11  of the revolver. As the non-marring compression plunger assembly  30 ′ moves downward, the muzzle  11  of the revolver enters the muzzle receiving space  31  of the compact revolver holster shroud  56 . A downward pressure on the grip  71  indicated by the arrow e in  FIG. 12   a,  compresses the high-tension plunger spring  40  of the non-marring compression plunger assembly  30 ′. Relaxation of the downward force on the grip of the pistol causes the pistol to move back in the compact revolver holster shroud  56  placing the hammer  10  within the hammer stop indent  42 . The revolver is compression locked in place as shown in  FIG. 12   c.    
         [0107]     A barrel locking pin port  60  is provided to receive a lock, as shown in  FIG. 13   a - b,  to prevent unauthorized withdrawal of the revolver when the revolver is stowed in the compact revolver holster shroud  56 . The lock may be comprised of a barrel muzzle-locking rod  62  that is placed through the barrel locking pin port  60 . A hole is present at the end of barrel muzzle-locking rod  62  that accepts a combination lock  52  shown in  FIG. 13   a.  Alternatively, a keyed hasp lock  54  can be inserted through the barrel locking pin port  60  as shown in  FIG. 13   b.  Additionally, revolver holster shroud to hip plate mounting holes  34  are provided through which bolts  66  are to be inserted to secure the shroud hip plate assembly  68  to the revolver holster shroud as shown in  FIG. 13   b.    
         [0108]     In a second preferred embodiment, a holster assembly is provided that safely stows a semi-automatic pistol with any type of cartridge ejection port. Pistols with an open top, large ejection port  70  similar to the pistols manufactured by Glock, Sig Sauer, Beretta and later versions of Heckler &amp; Koch and other similar pistols are shown in  FIGS. 14   a - b.    FIGS. 16   a - b  show a pistol with a narrower side ejection port  72  similar to pistols manufactured by Browning, Sig Sauer, CZ, Star, Makarov and other manufacturers.  FIGS. 14   a - b,    15   a - b  and  16   a - c  all show a pistol having a barrel muzzle end  74 , a slide  76 , a trigger  78 , a front of a grip  80 , a pistol frame  82 , a rear of the slide  86 , and a take down button  88  for disassembly of the pistol into its constituent parts.  
         [0109]     A slide of a semi-automatic pistol is shown in various positions in relation to the gun frame and barrel as shown in FIGS.  17 ( a - c ). The movement of the slide  76  in relation to the pistol frame  82  is indicated by two vertical arrows marked G and H as shown in  FIGS. 17   a - c.  As the slide  76  of the pistol moves in relation to the pistol frame  82 , the barrel muzzle end  74  and pistol frame  82  remain in the same position relative to the slide  76 . The position of the slide  76  in relation to the frame  82  of the pistol is directly linked to the firing capability of the pistol.  
         [0110]     A semi-automatic pistol is only capable of firing when the slide  76  is in the fully forward position as shown in  FIG. 17   a,  indicating that the firing chamber is locked and the ejection port is closed, thereby the trigger  78  is operational. Any slight movement of the slide  76  to the rear automatically trips the trigger disconnect bar off of its seat, which controls the functioning of the trigger  78 . Accordingly, when the slide  76  of a pistol moves partially to the rear of the pistol frame  82 , as shown in  FIG. 17   b - c,  the trigger  78  is automatically disconnected the trigger becomes inoperable. A pistol with the slide  76  fully to the rear, as shown in  FIG. 17   a,  indicates that the firing chamber is completely open. As the slide returns to the forward position, the bottom of the slide  76  will strip off the top most cartridge in the magazine to load it into the battery as the slide  76  moves fully forward thereby locking the cartridge in the battery and resetting the trigger  78  in the operational firing mode. As the slide  76  moves back and forth in firing in relation to the pistol frame  82 , the takedown button  88 , which is fixed to the frame  82  moves with the frame  82 .  
         [0111]     In the second embodiment of the invention, a holster assembly for semi-automatic pistols with small side ejection port-type pistols is provided and is shown in  FIGS. 18   a - c  and  19 . The holster assembly includes a holster slide shroud  92 , a front sight protective indent  94 , a rear sight protective indent  96 , a slide blocking face  98 , a barrel receiving space  102 , and an action locking lug  100 . Also provided with holster slide shroud  92  are entry ports for the takedown button indents  106 , a shroud takedown button channel  108 , and a shroud takedown button channel stop  110 . Furthermore, side shroud holes  112  are provided.  
         [0112]     The insertion of a semi-automatic pistol with a side ejection port type into the holster slide shroud  92  is shown in FIGS.  20 ( a - c ).  FIG. 20   a  show the pistol with the front of its slide  90  in contact with the slide blocking face  98 , which restricts the slide  76  of the pistol from moving forward in relation to the forward movement of the pistol&#39;s frame  82  when the pistol grip  80  is pushed forward in relation to the holster slide shroud  92 . The barrel muzzle end  74  protrudes slightly from the pistol&#39;s slide  76  as the pistol is placed into the holster slide shroud  92  with its chamber fully opened and the trigger  78  operational. In this position, the chamber of the pistol is cleared of any round prior to insertion of the pistol into the holster slide shroud  92 . A magazine is not loaded into thee pistol in  FIGS. 20   a - c.    
         [0113]      FIG. 20   b  shows the slide housed within the holster slide shroud  92 , wherein the pistol&#39;s frame  82  is in a forward position within the holster slide shroud  92  as the pistol&#39;s slide  90  is restrained from any movement by the slide blocking face  98 . The barrel muzzle end  74 , when in line with the opening of the barrel port  102 , will move in the same direction as the pistol&#39;s frame  82 . A forward force on the grip  80  will compress the recoil spring of the pistol so that the firing chamber of the pistol opens the ejection port  2  fully, placing the now open chamber in line to accept the side molded action locking lug  100  as the pistol&#39;s grip  80  is rocked into the holster slide shroud  92 . In this position, even the slightest opening of the ejection port  72  of the firing chamber, the trigger  78  of the pistol automatically becomes inoperative. When the pistol is maintained with its grip  80  fully compressed forward, the takedown button  88  for disassembly aligns with the entry port of the takedown button indent  106  as the pistol is rocked into the holster slide shroud  92 . The takedown button  88  for disassembly now is in line with the shroud takedown button channel  108 .  
         [0114]      FIG. 20   c  shows the result of the release of the forward force on the pistol, whereby the pistol&#39;s frame  82  under the expanding force of the pistol&#39;s recoil spring moves the frame  82  of the pistol rearward. In the above embodiment, the recoil spring acts as the bias activating assembly for housing the pistol in the holster. As the pistol&#39;s frame  82  moves rearward, the takedown button  88  for disassembly goes rearward in the shroud takedown channel  108  until it is stopped in the shroud takedown button channel stop  110 . The stopping of the rearward motion of the slide  76  of the pistol at this point allows the action-locking lug  100  to enter and bear on the ejection port  72  as the action-locking lug  100  captures the rearward motion of the slide  76 . This rearward motion is in unison with the further capturing of the slide&#39;s rearward spring expansion by the takedown button  88  for disassembly at the shroud takedown button channel stop  110 . The slide  76  is stowed within the holster slide shroud  92  and is kept under tension by the pistol&#39;s recoil spring. Moreover, as the pistol&#39;s frame  82  is connected by the standard barrel linking the slide  76  to the frame  82  in relation to force exerted on the standard recoil spring of the pistol, both frame  82  and slide  76  are locked into the holster slide shroud  92  until a maximum forward pressure is applied to the pistol&#39;s grip  80 . Also, the rear of slide  86  is still the same distance as is the protrusion of the barrel muzzle end  74  relative to the slide  76  positioned to the frame  82 . This is caused by the pressure of the action locking lug  100  bearing in the side ejection port  72  and further rearward movement of the slide  76  in relation to the frame  82  being restrained by the takedown button  88  for disassembly bearing on the shroud takedown button channel stop  110 . Because the slide  76  and frame  82  are restrained from fully closing, the trigger  78  of the pistol remains inoperative.  
         [0115]     A barrel locking pin port  104  is provided which lies directly in front of the barrel muzzle end  74 . The insertion of a combination lock with a steel rod insert, or hasp padlock, as previously discussed in the first embodiment, through the barrel locking pin port  104  prevents the pistol from being removed from the holster until the lock is removed to allow the barrel to move through a barrel port  102  when pressure is applied to the pistol&#39;s grip  80 . The pistol cannot be loaded nor fired because the trigger  78  is inoperable with the slide in the partially opened position.  
         [0116]     The withdrawal of a pistol from the holster slide shroud  92  can occur by reversing the same process used to insert the pistol into the holster slide shroud  91 . Prior to withdrawal of a pistol from the holster slide shroud  92 , a loaded magazine may be inserted in the pistol. Thereafter, the cartridge that is present in the magazine will automatically load into the battery chamber of the pistol. Additionally, any locking devices that is present in the barrel locking pin port  104  must been removed, thereby allowing the barrel muzzle end  74  access through the barrel port  102  when forward pressure is applied to the pistol&#39;s grip  80  to overcome the expanded pressure of the standard recoil spring of the pistol.  
         [0117]     The entry ports of the takedown button indent  106  of the holster slide shroud  92 , which depends on the make and model of the pistol, gives access to a shroud takedown button channel  108 , thereby allowing the takedown button  88  to be free to move within the shroud takedown button channel  108  relative to the movement of the frame  82  of the pistol when the pistol is placed within or removed from the holster slide shroud  92 .  
         [0118]     As shown in the perspective views in  FIGS. 21   a - c,  shroud locking bolts  126  can be used to attach a shroud hip plate assembly  120  to the holster slide shroud  92 .  FIGS. 21   a - b  show a side perspective view of a pistol on a right side carry.  FIG. 21   c  shows a reverse side perspective view of the pistol on a right side carry shown in  FIGS. 21   a - c.    
         [0119]     Another embodiment of the invention includes new grips that are specifically configured to access the holster slide shroud  92  to provide the same safety benefits of the holster. Some semi-automatic pistols do not provide in line accessibility to engage the takedown button  88  for disassembly because the pistol is sold with standard&#39;smooth face pistol grips  128  as shown in  FIG. 22 . These other pistols must have an alternative grip attached to allow it to be stowed safely in the holster slide shroud  92 .  FIGS. 23   a - b  show front and side perspective views, respectively of pistol grips  130  with slide locking lug  132  designed to function with the second embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 24   a - b  show a side elevational views of the pistol grips  130  with slide locking lug  132  incorporated into the design of the new grips.  
         [0120]     As shown in  FIGS. 25   a - c,  the holster slide shroud  92  includes a slide locking lug channel entry port  136 , a slide locking lug channel  138  and a slide locking lug channel stop  140 . During insertion of pistol with the pistol grips  130  with slide locking lug  132  as previously described and shown in  FIGS. 26   a - c,  the slide locking lug  132  can enter the slide locking lug entry port  136  when the frame  82  of the pistol is moved into a forward position in relation to the slide  76 . Once the slide locking lugs  132  enter the slide locking lug entry port, the forward force exerted on the grip of the pistol can be relaxed so that the slide locking lugs  132  move rearward through the slide locking lug channel as the frame of the pistol moves rearward due to the compression placed on the recoil spring. The slide locking lug channel stop  140  stops any further rearward movement of the frame  82  in relation to the pistol while not allowing the slide to lock fully forward thereby closing the chamber and activating the trigger, thereby compression locking the pistol in the holster slide shroud  92  in the stowed position as shown specifically in  FIGS. 26   c.    
         [0121]     A semi-automatic pistol with a large top ejection port  70  is shown in  FIGS. 27   a - b  with a frame mounted de-cocking and safety mechanism  146 . The frame mounted de-cocking and safety mechanism  146  can be placed in a neutral standby double action mode  146  as shown in  FIG. 27   a,  whereby the trigger  78  can be pulled and the hammer of a double action designed pistol will cock and release to discharge a round if a cartridge is loaded in the battery chamber. Additionally, the frame mounted de-cocking and safety mechanism  146  can be used to de-cock a pistol with a cocked hammer by rotating the mechanism  148 , thereby causing the hammer to trip forward without striking the firing pin. Furthermore, the frame mounted de-cocking and safety mechanism  146  can be pushed into an up position  150 , which activates a safety mechanism within the pistol to de-activate a double action trigger. When the frame mounted de-cocking and safety mechanism  146  is in the up position  150 , the pistol&#39;s trigger  78  cannot be operated until frame mounted de-cocking and safety mechanism is pushed into the neutral standby double action mode  146 .  
         [0122]     In another embodiment of the invention, a slide shroud de-cocking and safety lever detent  152  is provided in the holster slide shroud  92 . The slide shroud de-cocking and safety lever detent  152  receives a de-cocking and safety lever  148  when a pistol with a de-cocking and safety lever  148  is stowed in the holster slide shroud  92 . As shown in  FIGS. 28   a - b,  a large ejection port  70  pistol is being inserted into a holster slide shroud  92 . The pistol is placed in the holster slide shroud having a magazine out of the pistol, an uncocked hammer  154 , a trigger  78  in an operational mode and the safety de-cocking lever  148  is in neutral standby double action mode  146 . As shown in  FIGS. 28   a - b,  the pistol frame  82  is pushed forward and the slide blocking face  98  blocks the slide  76  from moving in the forward direction, and the barrel muzzle end  74  moves through the barrel port  102  of the holster slide shroud  92  thereby compressing the pistol&#39;s recoil spring causing the action of the pistol to fully open below the position of the action locking lug  100 . In this position the pistol is empty, the trigger is disengaged  124  and the hammer is cocked  156 . When the forward force exerted against the recoil spring through the grip and frame of the pistol is relaxed, the recoil spring expands, moving the frame rearward so that the side molded action locking lug  100  is fully within the firing chamber of the pistol. At this point, the pistol is now stowed in the holster slide shroud  92  and the trigger  78  is disconnected  124 . In accord with the invention, the pistol frame  82  cannot go any farther to the rear as it is blocked by the side molded locking action lug  100  in the chamber. The frame mounted safety de-cocking lever  148  in neutral standby double action mode  146  is adjacent to the slide shroud de-cocking and safety lever detent  152  as shown in  FIG. 28   c.  When the safety de-cocking lever  148  is placed in the up position, the safety de-cocking lever  148  is prevents the pistol from being withdrawal from the holster slide shroud  92  until the safety de-cocking lever  148  is manually pushed down out of the slide shroud de-cocking and safety lever detent  152  by the operator of the pistol. When the pistol is in this position in the holster slide shroud  92 , the pistol can be withdrawn from the holster unloaded by first removing the magazine and then the pistol. Alternatively, the magazine can be left in the pistol so that when the pistol is withdrawn from the holster, the pistol is loaded, cocked and ready to fire.  
         [0123]     In further modification of this embodiment, a holster slide shroud  92  includes a slide mounted de-cocking and safety lever entry port  160 , a slide-mounted de-cocking and safety lever channel  162 , and a slide mounted de-cocking and safety lever channel stop  164 , which provide a receiving space for the slide mounted de-cocking and safety lever  158 .  FIGS. 29   a - c  show a pistol with an extremely small side ejection port  2 , having a differently mounted combination slide mounted de-cocking and safety lever  158 . As this type of pistol is extremely small, an offset ejection port does not lend itself to accommodate a side molded action-locking lug  100  in its firing chamber.  
         [0124]     A third embodiment of the present invention is a holster assembly comprised of a rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166 , also known as a hood, connected to a mountable holster slide shroud  168  for carrying and storing a pistol in either an unloaded or loaded state. The mountable holster slide shroud  168  is a modified version of the previous embodiments of the holster slide shroud  92 . The mountable holster slide shroud  168  includes a barrel muzzle access port  170 , a bottom of slide stop bearing platform  172 , a detent for a locking safety lever  178 , and a holding member. The holding member is either an action locking lug  174  provided within the mountable holster shroud or, alternatively, a slide-capturing element  246 . Where a slide-capturing element  246  is provided, a rear of slide encapsulating and bear point space  244  is provided as shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39 . Alternatively, a wave spring is provided in the muzzle receiving space, thereby replacing the bottom of slide stop bearing platform  172 . In the above embodiment, the wave spring acts as the bias activating assembly for housing the pistol in the holster. Also provided in the mountable slide shroud  168  is an imbedded compressible ball bearing unit  196 , a locking pin access hole  202  and a raised element  191 . In addition, a fixed rotator pin  182 , load bearing plates  184  permanently affixed to interior sides of the holster shroud base, and a stainless steel load bearing pin  186  are provided with the mountable holster slide shroud  168 .  
         [0125]     The rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  includes a holster cover locking pin access hole  204 , a thumb operated slide lock release  190 , a receiving indent for the ball bearing of the compressible ball bearing unit, a rapid locking pin storage hole  200  and a rotatable guide slot  188 .  
         [0126]     The rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  is attached to the front of the mountable holster slide shroud  168  with the fixed rotator pin  182  and the stainless steel load bearing pin  186 . The rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  rotates about an axis that lies perpendicular to the muzzle of a pistol loaded in the holster system. The fixed rotator pin  182  provides an axis that the rotatable encapsulating holster cover  166  rotates about when moved between the closed position shown in  FIG. 30   a  to the open position shown in  FIG. 30   b.  In addition, the stainless steel load bearing pin  186  that is housed in the base of the mountable holster slide shroud  168  guides the rotatable guide slot  188  provided in the base of the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  while the rotatable encapsulating holster cover  166  is being rotated downward or upward. Load bearing plates  184  affixed to both interior sides of the holster shroud base provide structural support while rotating the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166 .  
         [0127]     In the closed position as shown in  FIG. 30   a,  the thumb operated slide lock release  190  locks over the raised element  191  to secure the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  in place in the closed position. Additionally, the ball bearing of the compressible ball bearing unit  196  is received in a receiving indent  197 . A rapid release ball bearing locking pin  198  is inserted through the holster cover locking pin access holes  204  of the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  and the locking pin access hole  202  of the mountable holster slide shroud  168 . In the closed position, the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  is perfectly aligned with the internal and external surfaces of the mountable holster slide shroud  168  thereby creating a frictional closure of the two parts so that the holster cover locking pin access hole  204  of the mountable holster slide shroud  168  is perfectly aligned with the locking pin access hole  204  of the mountable holster shroud.  128 ) The closed holster system is opened by first removing the rapid release ball bearing locking pin  198  from the holster cover locking pin access holes  204  of the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover and the locking pin access hole  202 . The rapid release ball bearing locking pin  198  can be placed ill the locking pin storage hole  200 . The thumb operated slide lock release  190  is pressed forward thereby releasing the slide lock  192  from the raised element  191 . Force is exerted in a downward and rearward direction to rotate the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  away from the mountable holster slide shroud  168 . The force must initially overcome the ball bearing of the compressible ball bearing unit  196  that is in the receiving indent  197  for the ball bearing. Additionally, the space provided during the downward rotation of the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  about the axis of the fixed rotator pin  182  allows the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  to pass over the top of mountable holster shroud  168  and the depressible ball bearing  194  resting the receiving area for the ball bearing.  
         [0128]     During the rotation of the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  between the open position and the closed position or vice versa, the rotation guide slot  188  guides the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  in a prescribed arc in relation to the stainless steel load bearing pin  186 . The load bearing plates  184  permanently affixed to the both interior side of the holster shroud base provide structural support to the holster assembly as does the barrel muzzle access port  170 , which houses the fixed rotator pin  182  and the stainless steel loading bearing pin  186 . Additionally, the bottom of the slide bearing platform  172  and the rotatable guide slot  188  for the load bearing pin  186  function to transmit the load pressure from the fixed rotator pin  182  so that the fixed rotator pin  182  is not under load pressure when the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  is in the open position. The increased strength of the combination of the load bearing plates  184  permanently affixed to the both interior side of the holster shroud base, the fixed rotator pin  182 , and the barrel muzzle access port  170  prevents the rearward action of rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  from causing damage to the fixed rotator pin  182 .  
         [0129]      FIG. 31  shows a semi-automatic pistol is being inserted into the mountable holster shroud  168  having an action locking lug  174  mounted to the top surface of the mountable holster slide shroud  168 , with the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster  166  in the open position. The muzzle end of the pistol is placed against the slide stop-bearing platform  172 . A magazine is not loaded within the pistol grip  206  and the battery of the pistol must been cleared before placing the pistol against bottom of the slide stop bearing platform  172 . The chamber of the pistol is closed  208 , and the safety lever of the pistol  210  is disengaged. However, the trigger  212  is operational because the slide is closed. The pistol is inserted into the mountable holster slide shroud  168  with a downward force as indicated by the white arrow.  
         [0130]      FIG. 32  shows a downward force being applied on the pistol grip as the muzzle portion of the slide  214  bears on the slide stop bearing platform  172 , which restrains the slide from continuing downward. At this point, the grip, frame and barrel continue in the downward motion as the muzzle end of the slide is held against the slide stop bearing platform  172  with the recoil spring compressing inside the frame of the pistol. In the above embodiment, the recoil spring acts as the bias activating assembly for housing the pistol in the holster. This movement of the slide is the standard operating procedure of the slide to frame action in loading and/or unloading or firing and/or ejecting. As the pistol grip is forced to its most forward position, the muzzle end of the barrel  220  passes through the barrel muzzle access port  170  thereby rendering the chamber empty and open  222 . The open empty chamber  222  provides a significant safety feature because all semi-automatic pistols will only fire if the slide is locked in a closed position relative to the frame with a round chambered.  
         [0131]      FIG. 33  shows the forward rotation of the pistol so the top of the slide presses against the interior surface of the top of the slide stop  180 , thereby positioning the action-locking lug  174  within the open empty chamber  222 . A lessening of the downward pressure on the grip of the pistol allows the recoil spring of the pistol to expand, thereby allowing the pistol-frame and grip to move into an upward position. The upward action of the frame allows the action locking lug  174  to enter the open and empty chamber  222  and is stopped by the action locking lug platform  224 . The pistol is locked securely within the shroud with the chamber partially open because of the action locking lug platform  224 , and the trigger is in a non-operational state  218 . Additionally, the presence of the action locking lug  174  depresses the top round of a loaded magazine in the grip so as to prevent any loading of the pistol while the action locking lug  174  and action locking lug platform  224  are within the chamber of the pistol.  
         [0132]     As shown in  FIG. 34 , the pistol is now stowed in the shroud by the force of the expanding recoil spring of the pistol which is exerting an upward pressure but is being blocked to its utmost closure by the action locking lug  174  and the action locking lug platform  224 . The pistol&#39;s safety lever  226  is moved into the no fire, up position  228  into the holster shroud detent locking surface  178 , thereby preventing the pistol from being pushed down. The pistol is now stowed in the mountable holster slide shroud  168  incapable of firing because no ammunition is present in the chamber and the trigger is disengaged. Additionally, the safety lever prevent the downward motion of the pistol, and the top of slide stop  180  and the action locking lug held in place by the recoil spring stops the upward motion of the pistol. The pistol can be stored safely and incapable of being fired in the stowed position with or with a loaded magazine  230 .  
         [0133]      FIG. 35  shows a pistol stowed in the mountable holster slide shroud  168  with the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  in the closed position. The rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  is held in place by the ball bearing of the compressible ball bearing assembly, the thumb operated slide lock  190  engaging the raised element  191  of the mountable holster shroud  168 , and the rapid release ball bearing locking pin  198  locks the mountable holster slide shroud.  168  and the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  together. The pistol&#39;s front and rear sights  232  are positioned within internal protective sight grooves  233  in the mountable holster shroud  168 . The pistol is not loaded and cartridges cannot be fed from the magazine into the chamber because of the presence of the action-locking lug  174  within the chamber. The trigger is disengaged  218 .  
         [0134]      FIG. 35  shows an additional embodiment of the present invention that provides an engraved, non-removable lead plate  236  with a double mirrored identification code that can be read by x-ray. By x-ray, the examination of the engraved, non-removable lead plate  236  can confirm the ownership of the pistol and the authorization to carry the stowed pistol in the locked holster assembly regardless of the side that the pistol is resting while being x-rayed. This embodiment is extremely useful to security guards, police, airline pilots and military personnel because they could be issued holsters that are coded to a identification number, which confirms that the holster assembly that corresponds with the identify of the carrier of the pistol and contains a pistol with a known serial number.  
         [0135]      FIGS. 36 and 37  show a further embodiment of the invention whereby the rotatable pistol-encapsulating holster cover  166  is adapted to enclose a illumination or laser module  238  affixed to the frame of the pistol by mounts  240 . The pistol an illumination and/or laser module  238  is protected from damage, misalignment, and environmental exposure when the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  is closed and locked to the mountable holster shroud  168 .  
         [0136]      FIGS. 38 and 39  show a further embodiment of the invention that provides a rotatable pistol encapsulating cover  166  wherein a pistol can be stored in a holster slide shroud  242  in a loaded condition with an operational trigger. In this embodiment, the holding member is a slide-capturing element  246 . A wave spring  252  is provided in the muzzle receiving space, thereby replacing the bottom of slide stop bearing platform  172  and a rear of slide encapsulating and bear point space  244  is provided as shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39  to receive the rear slide portion of the slide against the slide stop surface  180 .  
         [0137]      FIGS. 40 and 41  show the insertion of a pistol into mountable holster slide shroud  168 . During insertion, the barrel muzzle  220  is placed against the muzzle end bearing surface  250  that is attached to a wave spring  252 . A loaded pistol with a round in the battery with the safety lever disengaged  248  and the trigger in an operational state  212  can be inserted and stowed in this embodiment of the holster assembly.  FIG. 40  shows that the slide of the pistol, by way of downward force compressing the wave spring to its maximum compression, clears the slide-capturing element  246 . As shown in  FIG. 41 , releasing the forward force on the grip of the pistol allows the wave spring  252  to expand while the muzzle end of the pistol is still bearing on the muzzle end bearing surface  250  attached to the wave spring  252 , which pushes the pistol upward into the rear of slide encapsulating and bear point space  244  and against the slide stop surface  180 .  FIG. 40  shows the pistol stowed in the holster and incapable of withdrawal by upward force. Additionally, the safety lever of the pistol can be engaged  228  and is received in the holster shroud detent locking surface  178  thereby preventing downward force from moving the pistol. Also, the engaged safety lever of the pistol renders a pistol inoperative because the pistol cannot be fired with the safety lever engaged. In  FIG. 41 , the pistol cannot be withdrawn in an upward action by an assailant, nor can it be pushed down to withdraw it as the engaged pistol safety-lever will bind on the holster&#39;s shroud detent locking surface for the pistol&#39;s safety lever.  
         [0138]      FIG. 42  shows the stowed pistol in this embodiment of the holster configuration with the rotatable pistol encapsulating holster cover  166  in the closed position with the safety engaged, the rapid release ball bearing locking pin  198  engaged, the thumb operated slide lock  192  automatically locked, and the ball bearing of the ball bearing enclosure  196  bearing on the receiving area, thereby totally locking the pistol and holster in the closed position.  
         [0139]     Several secondary features of the invention are applicable to either alternative embodiment of the third preferred embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 43 , a hip mount platform  256  is provided in the top of the mountable holster slide shroud  168  to which a hip mount assembly  34  can be secured as shown in  FIG. 43 . The hip mount platform  256  as shown in  FIG. 43  has adjustable screw holes  258  to receive screws  258  to mount the hip mount assembly  34  to the hip mount platform  256 . The hip mount assembly includes ancillary locking pin storage holes  260 .  
         [0140]      FIG. 44  shows a holster assembly in a closed position with a secondary storage mount  270  to mount on an expandable baton carrier  262  with mounting screws that can be inserted through the mounting holes  264  of an expandable baton carrier base plate  266  to receiving holes  268  on a secondary storage mount  270  on the holster assembly.  
         [0141]      FIG. 45  shows a hip mount assembly  34  is secured to the hip mount platform  256  with screws  272  as shown in  FIG. 22 .  
         [0142]      FIG. 46  shows a spare magazine mounting plate  274  secured to the spare magazine carrier base  276  of a spare magazine carrier  278 . The spare magazine carrier base  274  dove tails into a secondary storage mount  270  on the holster assembly and is held in place with height adjustable screws that pass through mounting holes  280  of the spare magazine mounting plate  274  and are secured in receiving holes  268  in the secondary storage mount  270 .  
         [0143]     Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail in this application, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. The present preferred embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.