Craig44

Yep, it should have a screw in it to adjust tension.

Nice work! I really don't think the weight will be much of an issue. I hump over hill & dale packing a 3rd model Dragoon, extra cartridges and a big early bowie without a problem. A CAS match shouldn't be a problem.

Well there is no finer maker of S&W grips than Keith Brown. Your son in law is a talented man! http://www.kbgrips.com/

They look like Ahrends' grips to me too.

I know the original discussion was settled a year ago but it seems to me that steel linings are used in fast draw where retention is a long distant second to drawing speed. Where the holster is just a bucket to grab from. In 30yrs of using leather holsters, most good designs will retain the gun they're fitted to without retention straps or thongs. The last Slim Jim I made, for a Colt 1860, will hold the sixgun in place even upside down. I almost never use the retention on my Slim Jims, Threepersons, Austin or Mexican loop holsters or the Mernickle PS6 concealment holster but they're only used with the guns they're fitted for. Although the aforementioned sight lock or a sticky lining like pigskin might be a good idea. Definitely wouldn't want to use a smooth lining.

I love the look of stingray but have never worked with it. Would it be easier to keep the stitching straight punching the holes with an awl? I assume a groover wouldn't work at all.

I've never seen a Threepersons for a J-frame before. Nice job!