Eaglestroker

Matt, I'm sure there are a million different opinions on the matter. I've had a hard time researching sling design in general. You really have to learn and test as you go. I'll preface by saying I by no means consider myself an authority on the subject, many here much more knowledgeable. There are only a few different ways of doing this, you could skive it down and sandwich the lower strap in between two upper pad layers. You could also attempt to cut on solid piece I suppose but that would approach 70-80" cut. I cut about a dozen pads and 18 straps at once, the straps are cut at around 44" and I cut the thumb strap portion out of each piece so that the color matching is a little easier. On the simple slings the extra length is nice added with a conway buckle for simple adjustments. My earlier versions used 7-8oz leather but the thickness wouldn't allow me to really tighten even the smallest chicago screws I could find so I moved up to 8-10oz and much happier with the over all stability of the rigs. The appeal to mounting as is, for me, is the fact that the system is 'modular.' Not just a tacti-cool term for me, if a piece gets damaged I can send out a strap, pad, etc without having to replace the entire piece. Haven't had to but given enough time something will happen to someone. I use chicago screws but you could rivet them. If you cut any less slots for the strap to connect to the pad it would lose some of it's stability IMO, tending to shift around more than in it's current configuration. I can say that as is the platform is fairly rock solid. That 1895 in 45-70 gets lugged around on one of these slings and held up surprisingly well. I also love the thumb strap feature, it is exactly where I would grab the sling when walking around and very comfortable. To a purist these would be simply straps, a sling is used for stabilization during shooting. Hope this helps! -Robert

Thank you all, Merry Christmas!

Out of curiosity, does anyone know a reasonable source for the hardware needed. The only place I've found the double prong hook wanted almost $20 for the pair.

I finished these up yesterday and have a few more to go for friends and family members before the week is out, but I'm really pleased with the end result on a few new ideas I tried. I wish the entire leatherworker family a very Merry Christmas from my family to yours! It was this time last year I tackled my first project, oh how time flies. And a step back in time:

I love the color, fit, and finish on that third piece. Very nice sir.

That would be very nice. I've had to learn to get creative to make some of these revolver holsters. I'm not a big shot but my list would be: S&W J-frame 1 7/8" (Could use a 3") S&W K-frame 2.5, 4, 6" S&W L-frame 2.5, 4, 6" S&W N-frame (Need a 4-6") S&W Sigma 1911 5, 4.25, 3" (NEED a Sig/Railed Sig) Ruger Blackhawk 5.5" Ruger SP 101 3" Ruger GP 100 6" Ruger Mark III 5.5" Ruger Bisley 7.5" Dan Wesson Model 15 (all barrel lengths up to the 8") Colt 1903 Hammerless Colt SAA 4 3/4" Colt Python 4" Berretta Storm PX-4 Berretta 92fS H&K P7 H&K USP Glock 26 Glock 23 Makarov SA XDsc

Looks nice, Nate.

Most everything I dip dye now, but the only way I can consistently get nice light colors is with an airbrush. This piece was dip dyed but don't ask me how I did it! Each piece takes the dye differently is all I can say.

When I started sewing with the boss I didn't change a thing. The last time Particle posted a video I noticed he didn't groove for it, I tried it and have been happy with my results.

Beautiful as always, Ray. if I could get that color out of an undyed piece of hide I wouldn't bother dying brown!

That is beautiful, thank you for sharing!

Thanks for the reply to my questions Dick, I may have to try some drum dyed stuff before too long. I think in the long term it would be cheaper with better color matching, are you happy with it? You may laugh but I think the same thing about my black 277 thread vs white, maybe it's a trick of the eye but it just seems smaller. The swoop really stands out, I was wondering last night if it served a purpose and now I know!

I would like to know what the color is on that last piece. That combination with white thread and black edges looks perfect to me. How you dye the belt slots without ruining the holster is beyond me Truly exceptional design, work, and fit/finish.

Max, I do this for fun. This is for a local friend who is testing a few projects for me. Typically when I make something new I use it a good while. In that time I typically learn lessons that apply to any project, and Learn about what it is I have made. I agree too many people learn simply enough to make money. If that were me I'd make every style of holster under the sun but alas, that isn't my style. I thought my first sling was great, then my skills enhanced. I'm sure that will happen with this piece as well down the road but its a fun trip we are on.

I don't tend to copy others designs. If a need warranted me shortening it by all means, but 'Just cause' I've never seen one hardly means a design flaw. I'll eventually attempt a sewn on pad and it will allow me to use the same pattern for either. Thank you for the compliments, Jon. Max, I never claimed to be of any quality

Thank you.

I will agree, I don't comment on the OP's work much for this reason. Your leather skills are fantastic, but I make leather to be custom. You keep selling well so your doing something right!

Thanks, that's our hickory stack next to the smoker. Gotta stock up it's that time of the year! Thank you. I put a good bit of my work on here but really felt this was something special.

Thanks Matt, means a lot. It's all building up to a master project for myself

Thank you both. I think it's time to invest in some good stamps now.

The first sling and butt cuff I made, I made for myself. A local fellow he would like to have one for his Winnie. I'm waiting on the Neoprene to come in so I can stitch the pad on and it will be done, turned out so nice I'd like to keep it for my own. It also makes my first attempt look like child's play. Let me know if you see anything that you'd change!

The overall fit and finish looks better than a lot I've seen with more time under there belt, I'd say your a natural.

Sorry to be a pest but I'm glad I could help

It's probably the foot if your using a machine. Just my $.02 but I would leave it off if its not full length or run it back around the belt loop. Know it doesn't serve a purpose but it looks somewhat awkward. I really like the designs though!