A Few Interesting Projects

[Lobo]

I regularly make half-a-dozen holster models with various options available to suit customer preferences. This is usually interesting enough and keeps me busy, but occasionally I like to work on something unique. Two customers recently provided some opportunities.

First was a retired US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer who requested holsters for his Colt Commander and his S&W K-frame 2.5" with full carving in the Sheridan style and incorporating the image of his CPO collar insignia. I consulted with my carver (a very talented artist) who advised that the details of the collar device would not lend themselves to hand carving, so he suggested using a laser-carved image combined with the Sheridan carving. The results are shown in the photos.

I am now exploring ideas for the use of laser-engraving for military and law enforcement images (unit crests & patches, badges, etc). The possibilities are limited only by the need for a clear and concise image to be scanned into the laser's computer control.

Second was a lady requiring holsters for her Springfield Armory 3" 1911 and S&W 686-P 3". Both holsters needed to provide IWB carry with cant adjustable from approx. 25 degrees to approx. 45 degrees for carry well behind the strong-side hip. Such carry angles, especially with shorter handguns, require that the handgun rides quite low. My concerns were that the revolver hammer/cylinder/recoil shield areas would be positioned so that belt pressure would prevent a smooth draw, that the hammer/rear sight might snag in the clothing during the draw; and that the semi-auto pistol would encounter similar obstacles.

My approach was to utilize envelope-style basic construction, 7/8 oz. leather for the holster bodies, and 8/9 oz. leather for an extended reinforced holster mouth. This provides an extended tunnel that is well reinforced, allowing the belt to pass over the bulk of the handgun without crushing down the holster in the area that needs to remain open for a smooth draw. This results in some added bulk to the package, but it is well contained within the waistband.

The forward belt attachment points are located high on the reinforced holster mouth using T-nuts mounted through the reinforcement but not into the holster interior. The rear belt attachment points (two on each holster) are located to adjust cant to the required angles, and the loop can be moved from one point to the other by removing a #6-32 screw securing the snap stud to the T-nut. The unused T-nut point is trimmed out with a screw and trim washer.

On both IWB holsters about the only part of the pistol extending outside of the holster are the grip-frames, and those are fully exposed for unobstructed grip during the draw.

So, a little added interest to the work over the past few weeks.

[rdb]

The first one shows what I call "Good figgerin'"!I like it a lot.I think you solved the problem. I like the second one, too. I'm not sure an IWb requires that little bit of adjustment, but it definitely gives the option. They always seem to find their own cant, but since I was wrong once or twice before...lol.

I've also explored the laser design issue, and if I had one, or was nearer to the one I know about, I would definitely use it more, especially for just the reason you did. Not sure mixing the carving, and laser is the best approach, but it accomplished just what you wanted, and you worked it into the lines of the carving well. I'm sure the customers will be well pleased.

[MBOGO]

As usual, stand out work.

[MADMAX22]

Hey Lobo on those first two designs for the IWB did you like wearing those by chance or have you gotten good feed back on them? It looks like a good design and I am interested in how it works out. Ive gotta make a couple for my personal use and am looking for ideas.

That looks like it shortens up the holster without adding much thickness to under the belt area.

[Lobo]

Hey Lobo on those first two designs for the IWB did you like wearing those by chance or have you gotten good feed back on them? It looks like a good design and I am interested in how it works out. Ive gotta make a couple for my personal use and am looking for ideas.

That looks like it shortens up the holster without adding much thickness to under the belt area.

Personally, I cannot tolerate IWB carry for any length of time. Customers continue to order IWB holsters so I continue to make them.

In this case the customer's requirements were for a rather extreme carry angle which, especially with shorter handguns, requires that much of the handgun be directly under the belt. With the revolver this requires encasing the entire hammer/rear sight/recoil shield areas. With the semi-auto this requires encasing the entire slide/hammer/rear sight areas. The heavy reinforcement was utilized to prevent belt pressure from collapsing the holster around the top, which could prevent drawing the weapon. The result is, in my opinion, a rather bulky package to stuff inside the waistband. But the customer is happy with them and that is the primary goal.

In order to make a business in holster making we need to provide what the customer envisions and wants. As long as what the customer requests does not involve inherent safety problems I will try to accomodate. Special orders and custom work amount to only a small percentage of my business, but these jobs do provide a nice break in the routine. The profit on a custom job can actually be less than for a similar amount of time spent on general production work, but the results can also be personally rewarding. Every special order also provides additional learning experiences, and occasional brainstorms that can be applied to other projects.

Best regards.