Troy I

Capt. Just make sure it does not extend too far above your front sight and that it fits between the front sight and rear sight.

Tape the dowel to the top of the gun to form the sight channel in the holster. I add a dowel rod to the top of my blue guns when wet forming the holster.

You use to be able to ship firearms through UPS as long as you were shipping to a licensed dealer or manufacturer...but I'm not sure if that has changed since 9-11 or not...the safest way would be to ask a dealer to ship the gun for you, but he will only be able to ship to another licensed dealer and then the customer will have to pick it up from them and fill out the proper paperwork. Hope this helps, Troy

Give Zach White's a call...they are in North Carolina.

The size of the summons that I used were the size of a legal pad... 8.5 inches X 14 inches. This was in Virginia.

On ebay the selling fee is 10% + approximately 5% for PayPal...at least that is what I figure...most of the time it is real close to the actual fees charged. Most items are free to list at this time...I think the limit is 40 per month then they will charge for the listing, which is 30 cents...I believe.

Chris J, Standard is their "grade A"....if you have any questions, give them a call or email them...they are good to work with.

Keplerts, I go up there about once or twice a year. My mother lives close to Altoona, so I kill two birds with one stone, get to visit with her and then drive up to Curwensville and get some leather.

Just buy a side from Wickett & Craig Tannery...good leather if you buy their top of the line. Minimum order is one side. They are based in Pennsylvania and use North America cow hides..so your hide might come from anywhere in North America, but is tanned in the U.S.A.

I agree Red...I started with W&C and have stayed with them for close to 5 years now...they have always treated me fair...and don't ever give me the runaround...some people have complained that they were shut down in July, but this happens every year, for maintenance, which is a nessaary business practice. Yes sometimes you might get a hide with some marks, but this is the nature of the business...not every hide is perfect...I dare say that there are few, if any, leather workers that have turned out a project without any mistakes. Filling orders at a tannery is the same...mistakes happen...if it is essential to have that perfect hide, then go to the place of purchase and pick it out yourself. I make a trip once or twice a year to Curwensville, PA to get my hides..at first I would go and spend hours picking out the ones I wanted...now...when I arrive they have all my hides wrapped and ready to go, I take them site unseen and I have yet to be disappointed with their selection. Also, you get what you pay for..if you purchased tannery run, it is hit or miss--that is the risk you take for a lower price. Sorry for the ramblings.

Always looking for more things to work with....by the way thanks for everything that you have already sent me.

Welcome...I live in the northwestern part of the state.

Very impressive...really nice...let us know how they work out...maybe you found a new hobby/business to support your leather working, which can be very expensive.

In my opinion all holsters will wear off the bluing, especially if the holster holds the gun in by friction...it is the nature of the beast. I line the ones I make with pig skin...what you need is a soft, but durable lining, that will not wear out guickly, because of the friction needed to hold the gun in the holster. If you are not wet forming the holster and line it with pig skin I would think the wear on the bluing would be minimal, but not eliminate. But you would have to add a strap to the holster for retention.

When I dip dye, I do not dilute my dye...depending on the color I want, I let it in the dye at least 30 to 60 seconds...sometimes a little more. I do prep the leather, sometimes not always, by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol. This get any surface dirt and wax that it might have picked up off the work surface. I only work with veg tanned leather...are you working with veg tanned? And yes you can get full penetration from dip dying, but it will take some experimenting and a longer soak...also note that this will make your leather real stiff...you will have to condition it well when you are done.

PM and email sent.

I get mine from Ohio Travel Bag.

This really stinks...

Try Ohio Travel Bag...I know they use to have every thing you needed to rebuild Birkenstock's---guess I spelled that right.

You could try acetone to loosen the glue, but use in well ventilated area.

God bless you Ray...and thank you for everything. Troy

The only thing with drilling is that you have to "clean" up the hole on the exit side after drilling...it usually comes out ragged.

A while back it was said on this forum that he was having some health issues...hope he is OK. I ordered my burnishers from him a few years back and receive them within two weeks. Still use them every day..they work great.

I would use a drill bit, also.

Very nice holster...