[W. C. Quantrill]

When making a holster, I find it important to shape it to the gun that will live in it. Here is how I do it.

Wet the leather, and fold it around the gun.

vac pack it over night

shaped.

Finished.


This is a light everyday carry shuck patterned after a Texas Ranger design of the late 1930's. Brill- Austin pattern. I see that Barranti has essentially this same holster starting at $150. I have $9 in leather and about 2 hours time in this one.

 

[kycol]

Cool I like leather holsters and that is a great looking one

 

[W. C. Quantrill]

This holster presents you with a proper grip, the gun sets high, and the loop band is set for a 2" leather belt, this holster stays put and doesnt flop around.

 

[kycol]

This holster presents you with a proper grip, the gun sets high, and the loop band is set for a 2" leather belt, this holster stays put and doesnt flop around.

I wish I had the talent and patience to do that, hats off to you

 

[winds-of-change]

Doesn't leather shrink a little when it gets wet?

 

[W. C. Quantrill]

Nothin to it, you just take a chunk of leather and fold it over and cut off what dont look like a holster. Its like grinding a knife blade, you just take a chunk of steel and grind off what dont look like the blade you have in mind.

 

[W. C. Quantrill]

It stretches when it gets wet, so that is why you vacuum it down, and let it set over night to form.

 

[HOSSFLY]

Doesn't leather shrink a little when it gets wet?

Not really but yes - Leather drys to what it "shrinked" to if that makes sense- If what its being shrinked "to" gives then well --- It conforms or moulds kind of like clay ? Dont wet a strip & put it tight around your windpipe tho

 

[winds-of-change]

Not really but yes - Leather drys to what it "shrinked" to if that makes sense- If what its being shrinked "to" gives then well --- It conforms or moulds kind of like clay ? Dont wet a strip & put it tight around your windpipe tho :eek:

I'll try not to.

 

[W. C. Quantrill]

Oh, I forgot to add, you can also do this to a store bought holster. Some of them are just a stiff boot, throw them in a sink of warm water for a little bit and when they are pliable, then put your plastic wrapped gun down in them and vac pack them, or belt them on and wear them dry. The holster will form to the gun. If you "work" it on the outside with your fingers, be sure and clip your finger nails close or it will have permanent cat scratches in it.

 

[HOSSFLY]

Oh, I forgot to add, you can also do this to a store bought holster. Some of them are just a stiff boot, throw them in a sink of warm water for a little bit and when they are pliable, then put your plastic wrapped gun down in them and vac pack them, or belt them on and wear them dry. The holster will form to the gun. If you "work" it on the outside with your fingers, be sure and clip your finger nails close or it will have permanent cat scratches in it.

Thats a fact- I've bought several of those $19.99 leather hunter wanna be holsters from Acadamey - Trimed them & wet moulded to fit whatever

 

[W. C. Quantrill]

Yessir. I just did one of the little Hunters for this little Single Six convertible. It made all the difference in the world.

 

[HOSSFLY]

Yessir. I just did one of the little Hunters for this little Single Six convertible. It made all the difference in the world.

I actually HAD to do one to fit my XD 45 Tactical cause leather is scarce for the 5" barreled XD's

 

[W. C. Quantrill]

That is why I make mine. I can buy a side of leather for $150. That will make 15 or so holsters and some left over. That is $10 per holster and a couple of hours. To buy one like I can make, would cost $100 at least. I can copy any holster that I have seen

Unless you put out the $ and buy a custom holster, or make your own, sometimes you just have to re-shape one that you can get your hands on, and if it works, then you won.

 

[Intheshop]

Have made a 1/2 dz or so.........went to extra effort blocking.

Never thought about "baggin" them.......duh.Thanks for the brain jog!

What are you using for thread?I've used dental floss and sinew(both natural and synthetic).

 

[W. C. Quantrill]

I happen to have a saddle maker close by and I just give him a call and run by and he sews them on the top stitcher using heavy saddle thread.

 

[BillyHart]

You can get a nylon waxed hand sewing thread in several colors from tandy leather.