mantotohpa

CowboyDan, I will get some Mop-N-Glo. I have read where other people use it. I am very pleased with the Tritium sights that came with this pistol. Also, concerning the front sight, I plan to do a careful paint job, so I don’t cover up the Tritium sight. I plan to paint The front sight carefully, something like what they did here: http://pistol-training.com/archives/1575

Nice shoulder holster design.

> Your idea for the lower attachment isn't bad. This was just an act of desperation. I learned on my old shoulder holster, that I did not like the attachment at the very bottom of the holster - it caused issues when I sat down. Attaching it further up on the holster allows the holster to "slide down" over my belt when I sit - hard to explain here. There are probably more elegant ways of doing this, but this was fast, and for this prototype, it got the job done. I must say, to drill the holes in the nice leather about broke my heart. The tie-down is critical - the pistol fits tight in the holster, and without the tie-down, it takes two hands to get the weapon out.

CowboyDan, Thanks for your response and advise! > That is definitely an interesting design. Everything about this holster is a prototype. Was not even sure the thing would be functional. But after several days of wearing it, I am generally pleased with it. It is not the disaster I expected. The design is a combination of ideas I found in pictures on the web. When I was building it, I took a large piece of leather, and long story short, cut away anything that I did not like. I wanted the rear sight to be protected. And I wanted to be able to get a good grip on the pistol with my hand placed properly on the pistol grips. Some of the design was by accident - but it worked out in the end. > then SNAP! And suddenly your holster is flopping around. Had that happen once with my old cheap holster I bought from the store. One of many reasons I decided to learn to make holsters that really function properly. > But, you upper attachment points aren't going to last very long. You are right. I knew when I decided to punch the holes for the latches, it was a bad idea. I really like your idea of using the rectangular steel ring. That will work well with the wide harness straps. Sometime I will replace the nylon harness straps with leather, but for now the nylon is working surprisingly well. Since this holster is mostly a prototype design, the next one will be built with your suggestions. > You will want to use a stitching groover tool. Yup. That is a lesson learned. That is one of the items on my shopping list. > Are those Trijicon sights? Did you get the Tritium ones? They are night sights, that come stock with the Springfield Armory Operator (LW). Not sure of the manufacturer. I like the sights, but with my aging eyes, in the daytime, I have a hard time seeing my sights. Probably will carefully paint the front sight with bright orange paint just so I know where the thing is at. The gun is similar (though not the same) as this one: http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/1911-mc-operator-45-acp/ Question: Currently I have put 2 coats of Fiebing's Dye 4 USMC Black, and two coats of pure Neatsfoot oil (almost too much oil I found out). I am puzzled what to finish it with. Since this holster is for concealment, I don’t want a shiny glossy finish... I prefer a dull finish that will blend in to the shadows under my vest. I have learned that wearing it without some kind of finish, the dye does rub off on my shirt and hands. So I am going to have to finish this up with something. If anyone has ideas for a "dull" finish, I am open for ideas. I have not burnished the edges yet. Another lesson I will be learning shortly. Thanks for your time and effort to look over my first ever leatherworking project.

Needed a shoulder holster with these requirements: 1. Full size 1911 pistol with rail. 2. Carry concealed all the time. 3. Excellent concealment with jacket or western-style vest. 4. Reasonably comfortable. 5. Civilian use - non-LEO, non-tactical. 6. Functionality is a priority. After looking at a lot of holster pictures /videos online, and reading this forum, I finally decided on ideas for a design. Obtained essential tools and supplies. Implemented the plan, made many mistakes, but completed the project with a workable holster. Nothing about this is for show - as my skills are primitive at this time. Much learned, and working on a second holster. Holster includes a sight-guide. Harness is heavy nylon straps that form an "x" across my back and attach to belt pants belt loops. Holster tie-down allows me to be in a sitting position and the holster rides over my belt for comfort, yet when standing it is secure for a reliable weapon draw. Welcome constructive comments, thanks for your time. - Respectfully, Mantotohpa