Shooter McGavin

What spacing did you do the holes at? I use a #9 oblong and am afraid to space that any closer than 3/4" apart. If you did 1" spacing, you should be able to get a bigger punch in there.

I recently made myself a lined holster for my new Les Baer Stinger. I cut 4 pieces of 4/5oz and glued them flesh to flesh, so I ended up with 2 pieces 8-10oz leather that had the grain on both sides. I then continued as normal.

1: Cut blanks. top is 9" longer than measurement, liner is 5.25" longer than measurement. 2: Cut 5 inches off of drop off, split in half lengthwise for keeper(s). 3: Dye top layer to color. Hit edges as well. Dye keeper at same time. 4: Glue together. 5: Layout all holes. 6: Contour belt edges at fold-over. ( I step in about 1/8: on the inside of the fold over ). Touch up dye 7: Let glue and dye dry, usually overnight. 8: Quick run through warm water tub. 9: Strap punch billet end. 10: Sand edges on belt sander. 11. Creaser tool for stitch line. 12: Size 4 rounded edge beveler inside and out. 13: Sew. 14: Burnish edges. 15: Dye edges. 16: Punch all holes. 17: Sew belt keeper. 18: Reburnish edges if needed. 19: Wait till dry. 20: Neatsfoot oil inside and out. 21: Wait 24 hours or so for oil to abnsorb 22: Rub down all surfaces with wool shearling. 23: Wax edges. 24: Apply sealant inside and out. Dont forget the keeper! 24: Wait till dry. 25: Attach buckle and hardware.

I've got some belts on order if you want to come build them for me. I'll tell you how and you can do the work

That came out nice!

So how do you like it? What were you using prior? Learning curve? Controllable around the curves? ( which is my biggest concern.)

The biggest I've done is a 62" to middle hole, which makes it 71 from end to end. I used a Tippmann Boss. Next time I'll borrow your machine

I make mine .375 x 1.6

Very nice, as always.

Just wrapped up a Caiman tail inlay holster. I call this model a dual snapcake. This one is for the XD 9/40 Service model. Front piece is 2 layers of 4-5oz Hermann Oak. The piece that was removed for the inlay window was trimmed 1/4" on each side then glued to the inside piece of leather to create a "puff" for the exotic. It was beveled heavily with a French Edger before the caiman was glued on top and then the top piece of HO leather. It takes a few minutes to figure out the plan to stitch this all together. The rear piece of the holster is 8-9oz Hermann Oak. Fiebings Pro Oil Dye in black, then a 2:1 ratio mix of Springfields Pro Clear and water. Feel free to comment or ask questions. Thanks for looking

The water stain is pretty water resistant. However it does not really penetrate. Best used on top of a dye the same color IMO.

I am in dire need of a CZ SP01 myself. The 3" and 4" Springfield Operator guns. 2" Ruger SP101 .357

I have that gun. Have him shoot me an email. link below. Thanks!

Need a dummy gun for this CZ model http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-75-sp-01/ Anyone know what works or where to find one? Thanks!

I put a nice "care and feeding" instruction list on the back of my packing slip.

I've yet to locate horsehide strips that I can make belts out of.

Sometimes I groove, sometimes I crease. Usually depends on what I'm building.

Sent ya an email, need 2 more guns. Thanks!

Im with malabar^^^ I ordered every model that Blackhawk makes. Nicer than the blueguns IMO. Limited selection though.

I've noticed that most 1.5" buckles are better suited for the 1.4" belt blanks.

Wouldnt soaking it in water and allowing it to airdry shrink it up some?

Its nice to hold the bag down in the garbage can with.

Is there a right way? I would think it's based on personal preference. Of which, mine would be running it at a slight angle. When all else fails, talk to the customer and ask them which direction they prefer? Post pics when youre done. A sharkskin bike seat sounds sexy.

I really dislike using, making, and generally looking at, paddle holsters. However I have a friend who prefers them over all other options. So I started out with a spare Galco paddle and ended up with this. He was very happy with it. Drum dyed W&C 7-8oz saddle skirting, ostrich leg from Springfield. Attached to the paddle using #6 tee-nuts (sandwiched between the neg-tan backed ostrich leg and the main body) that engage into the holes in the Galco paddle and secured with some stainless #6 pan head screws and flat washers.

Done it a bunch of times, never had a problem. Shark, elephant, lizard, gator, ostrich, ostrich leg.... always accepted the dye nicely. I only use Fiebings Professional Oil Dye. You might have different results if you use different dyes.