Colt Hammerless

Thanks Tony!

Have not been sharing much lately, so here's one. Just finished my first exotic holster. It's an OWB for the Colt 1903 with elephant skin coverage. It's 8 oz. Wickett and Craig russet saddle skirting dyed with Fiebing's Pro Oil Mahogany. I think the color of the elephant is what's called "Nicotine." It's mostly black with a subdued rusty color in the nooks and crannies. Finish is a couple of good dips in 50/50 Angelus 600. Let me know what you think! Paul

Here you go: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=22992&st=0&p=147075&fromsearch=1entry147075 Paul

Very nice Haystacker! Love the color too. Do you use any of RJF's Walnut, or Havana skirting? Paul

Good to hear. If you or I didn't show up, Matt would have nobody to talk to. I'll see you there. Paul

Yes, I'll be going to Wickenburg. I haven't decided yet, but I was thinking of going on the first day (the 14th.) Are you going? Paul

Here's Springfield's website: http://springfieldleather.com/ Click on where it says "Got Questions" on the top of that page and it will take you to a form where you can directly contact Kevin (the owner of the company.) He's pretty good at answering questions quickly. Paul

You may want to contact Springfield Leather Co. They sell Hermann Oak, and I am pretty certain they ship internationally. Paul

Just commented on these in your gallery too. Hard to believe that's you're first attempt! That's actually a really good concealed carry rig, because I spent so much time looking at the holster itself, I didn't realize there was a gun in it! Paul

"Holstering" is W&C speak for "plating" the leather, in which they press the leather (between rollers I believe) to compress the fibers more, which gives the leather a firmer temper. It seems most holster makers have this done, so they started calling it "holstering." In speaking with their sales manager Matt Bressler, I found that they even press it to different psi according to what the customer wants. I remember him saying that one of their big customers has them press it to 6000 psi. Another thing he told me is that if you get pre-dyed leather, some of it is struck completely through, and some is not. If you want it struck through (so that you don't need to dye edges) simply ask and they'll make sure you get one that is. Paul

I know the shoulders you're talking about. I'm working with one of those 35 dollar HO shoulders, and a B grade HO shoulder right now. The 35 dollar one is actually a little bit cleaner than the B grade I got (more fat marks on the . Although the B grade was easier to cut as it seems to have a softer temper. I'm anxious to see how it molds. Paul

I got some sample swatches from RJF some time back, but have yet to use their leather. They have some nice colors. Good to hear it's working well for you Haystacker. How rigid would you say it is after wet molding compared to HO and W&C? Chiefjason, I don't know whose leather you're thinking of using, but a dollar or more per square extra seems a bit much. I think W&C charges something like 15 cents more for drum dyed skirting. I think it's actually cheaper to have them do it than to dye it yourself, so you may actually save time AND a little money. I'm thinking that I may switch to drum dyed some day, although I like some of the colors that Angelus has and don't know if I'd want to give that up. I'll probably at least use drum dyed black though. Paul

Welcome, from another Paul T. in Arizona!

The orange tinting is what makes Saddle Tan different than the other tans. Put some neatsfoot oil on the piece, and that will darken it so as to be a bit more brownish-tan, while still having a hint of orange. Paul

Shooter, I absolutely love that bullfrog holster and mag pouches for the shorty 1911!! I don't know how many times I've looked at it! What color did the supplier call that bullfrog? Paul

George B, You mention the possibility of the dry climate causing the leather to shrink. Do you oil the holster after wet forming? If not, maybe oiling would keep it from drying so much that it would change the fit. Just a shot in the dark. Paul

That sounds like the best positioning for the snap. Probably the easiest to purposefully remove as well. Thanks. Paul

I've been considering doing the same attachment method as you have on the mag pouch. I've been concerned about having the snap on the bottom, as in my mind it could potentially unsnap when ripping that mag out in an emergency, and figured this would definitely be an area where a one-way snap would be critical. You've obviously thought the same way. I'm curious what direction you have the snap positioned to unsnap. I would think having it so that you have to unsnap from the bottom, or from the side would be good. Love your work as always. I've seen some of the snap loop designs that have the rear wing too far back to pull the grip in, and agree with where you have it. Paul

drof99, you can probably sand the edges to remove the gum trag, then dye it, then gum trag it and re-burnish in order to salvage this project. You probably don't need to sand much. If you want to continue using gum trag, definitely do as everyone else said and dye the edge first. Paul

Sounds like what you're referring to is a "Summer Special" style as originally designed by Bruce Nelson.

That thing is gorgeous! What finish did you use. Will the acylics like Resolene, or Angelus 600 series work? Paul

Thanks Benlily1. I didn't think it was just me. It's been like that for a few months now. There's actually been posts on their FB page since it started acting up, but I haven't seen it mentioned on there. I'm not a member of FB, or I would have said something on there. I'll have to try to find a phone number for them. Paul

Here's a place I found while searching the net a few days ago: http://www.leatherheadprojects.com/angelus-products.html They have Angelus dyes in quart size bottles for only $15. They also carry them in other sizes. I did a "trial run" in their shopping cart, and it looks like they charge a flat rate of $10.95 for shipping. Of course if you buy more than a gallon, I'm sure there's the $25 hazmat fee as well. They also carry other Angelus products. I haven't bought from them, but those are pretty good prices, and I haven't seen anyone else carrying quart size bottles. Paul

I've been trying for some time to view Thoroughbred's website, and keep getting a page that says "This Domain is for Sale." Before I call and ask them about their site, I'd like to know if it's just me, or if it's doing the same thing for everyone else as well. Thanks in advance. Paul