DoubleBarP

I have not visited the forum in some time but was looking to see if there was a pattern here.. Much to my surprise after 2 years the 1912, 1916 holster threat is still alive and well.. Kind of cool really.. Kudos.. Double Bar P

I don't get on here often but I did today looking for a mold. Wondering if you have a list of molds currently available? thanks... DBP

Anyone have a template / pattern for an 1858 Remington Cav holster pattern.. Rides butt forward on belt on strong side.. Thanks

something like this?

Thanks for saying..

Thank you.

A few more projects...

I have not posted in some time (or even visited). I've been really busy building holsters. For a while it almost seemed like a job (and I retired for a reason).. Just wanted to post a few holster projects to see what y'all think...

After I retired my wife urged me to GET a hobby. I had always dabbled in leather work since I was a young child. I decided on holster building as I had carried a gun for 36+ years. I knew very little about building one. I do have a friend who built holsters as a hobby while working... He is not one of those high end builders (most start over 190 - 240). I stopped at his place and asked him to teach me... He said I can't because it does not work that way. You have to actually do it to learn it. (at least based on the way my mind works). I picked up the Stohlman book and it give some basic info on holsters that are not the "main" stream ccw holster everyone wants. So my buddy helped me with a pattern and I started. In the last year and a half I have gotten much better and my friend has actually given me a positive complement. (I continually ask him to evaluate my work and he does with brutal honesty but we have that kind of relationship). I've been busy making holsters for lots of folks for a while now. I still consider myself a novice and have a lot to learn. I have a LOT of prototypes that I've built to get it right before sending it out the door. I try to build a holster I would use as a working LEO to carry a firearm to protect myself and my family... One of the things I've learned is a lot of folks don't know any more about holsters than I do and carry a firearm even less. Everything they know they learned on some forum and then want something that from a every day carry perspective it just not realistic. I listen to them on what they want and then try to put that into a product I would use. Good luck with the project. Get a gun mold so you know exactly what gun you are building a holster for. By the way in my first several visits with my friend I'd take notes. He looked me right in the eye and said he did not want to see any of our conversation on some internet forum.. I would pass this on for what it is worth as a good place to start your very first ccw holster....http://springfieldle...olster,5styles/ good luck... But be careful its addicting...

Very nice design...

The High Plains Western Heritage Center in Spearfish SD has a number of saddels on display including saddles that look like the one you have. Nice find..

When I was a kid a loooooog time ago.. My Grandpa owned and operated s shoe repair shot in the pacific nw. I got to work for him on Saturday's shining shoes for 4 bits a pair. I split that with the shop. I would have done it free. Gramps also did harness and tack repair work in addition he made orthopedic shoes. The whole place smelled like leather you know that smell. When I go down stairs into my basement shop, open the door, that leather smell takes me back to that special time with my Grandpa (we lived with Gramps at the time as my dad was overseas in Korea)…

JollyJ. I'm an armature at this holster building stuff so factor that in when listening to what I have to add. On the other hand, I have been carrying a handgun professionally for over 3 decades. As a firearm instructor, I teach my students to achieve a “shooting” grip on the gun while it is still in the holster. Based on your drawing I suggest you adjust your pattern to allow for that… In addition, a “cant” of 10-15 degrees will help with concealing the firearm and gaining a shooting grip while still in the holster. Individual body mechanics and where the holster is worn on the body come into play in this area. If you are looking for a good primer ask Dwight if he would be so kind to provide a copy of his student handout that he provides to his students when he is teaching holster classes. It is an excellent primer. You could also look at Adams leather works. He has some videos of how he builds holsters. Another good resource. Some of the best advice my mentor gave me when I started building holsters was this.. “I can’t give you a step by step formula that will lead to success. Building holsters is one of those things that you need to do with your hands”. I can give you a how to list but you need to do it to understand it”. It does get easier over time. Although I am not sure, how much better I have gotten… I keep trying though… Good luck in your quest to build a better holster. Be sure to post pics of your product so we can see how you have progressed… DBP

I like the rig. Looks like a zero cant holster which for me works real well... I just built a similar holster with a molded sight track. I cut the throat re-enforcement piece to include the sweat shield. That way over time that protion of the holster will not beging to break down and start to fold in covering the hoster mouth.. Not sure if that makes any sence or not... good job..

Years ago I had a sSafariland clipspringer which was not at all stable. I've also use a fobus that is ok until in broke in two at some training while rolling around in the dirt... .. Just depends on one's required level of concealment... I have built a couple of paddle holsters as an experiment. One design variation I liked and was pretty stable. Did not flop around and quite comfortable.. It also included a retention strap that kept the holster anchored to the belt to prevent the smash and grab mentioned before… Like all holsters designs there is always a balance between speed, security, safety, durability, and concealability. Will see if I can dig out a photo (if I can find it) and post same… (kydex covered paddle) I consider myself a novice and hope to learn more on the topic.

I had the same issue. turned out there was still some sediment in the bottom of the jug. Filtered it a couple of times and got rid of the junk / floaties.... It was a result of using 5% vinegar instead of the good stuff making my groon batch....

I've branded live stock and a hot iron will indeed burn the leather.. There are companies that make electric branding irons. I know a guy that made his makers mark (branding iron out of a coat hanger). He use a small propane torch to heat it up red hot and branded his work. Now it uses a stamped impression.. The cheapest way would be get a makers mark ( like the brand) and just stamp it on your work. Cost me 60.00..

evelynwolfe I built one like you described for a fellow who has some shoulder mobility issues. I based it on the US Army M7. Back in the day I carried one and still have it around here somewhere. It is comfortable, secure and you can dress it up anyway you want. The style has been constructed to fit both Pistol and Revolver. A 92 would not be an issue. I looked at Josh's rig and it is very nice. My observation is that there is a lot of hardware involved and that would raise the build cost. . If your interested I have an orgional Military Drawing of the M7. Send me a PM with your email address and I'll send you a copy. Its too large to post here (over 2meg). You can get it printed at your local Staples or Office max (its a PDF). I use to use one for work while working snowmobile patrol. Very secure. That same security slows down your draw and inside heavy winter garments also inhibits a "fast draw". Point is there are compromises one has to make with what one chooses to wear... DBP

Rock Island Arsenal Museum is being close.. "I have received some really disturbing news. There is a "plan" being proposed to close most of the 60 plus Army Museums. Some will become visitor centers (which mean no collection, just a few artifacts and some graphic displays). There will be only 14 Army museums and 32 Visitor Centers. We at RIAM are to become a visitor center by FY2017. Next year we are to pack up 10,000 of our artifacts and send them to a holding center (either Ft. Lee or Anniston, AL). The following year another 1,000 artifacts will be packed up. Jobs are supposed to go with the artifacts which will ultimately leave 1 person for the visitor center. Basically they are closing us. Now, when we were blindsided by this plan (thought up by the Center of Military History, the folks who own the army museum artifact collection) we balked. We are concerned that once the public hears about this that there will be major consequences. CMH assured us that they will help us handle the bad publicity of which we have doubts. Unfortunately local folks here at the Garrison level have gotten wind of this "plan" and have basically washed their hands of us and stated things like "when the museum closes" whenever we have asked for some help on something. So now, whether or not the plan actually happens it seems like the death bell has been rung for us. The person behind this plan, Dr. Charlie Cureton, (he calls it the hub and spoke plan...the 14 museums being the hub and the visitor centers being the spokes) has been trying to implement this for YEARS. Unfortunately now he is the main guy in charge and all of his detractors have either retired or left the Army Museum system. He has no more opposition besides us museums in the field that don't have the muckety-mucks behind them. There is a lot more going on than this brief synopsis but I just wanted to let you know. I would urge you to contact your local representatives to see if this will be affecting an Army Museum near you but I bet it is suppose to just be happening without anyone's knowledge. I know it will and already IS affecting us here at Rock Island Arsenal Museum." If you think this is a bad idea write to your federal elected official and tell them not to do this... DBP

Looks to be a version of the M7 military holster. Is it Right or Left hand? Nice work...

Looks a lot like an old HKS speed loader case. If it is similar then 7-8 oz leather is what they used I believe.. I would have to dig one out and measure to be sure tho.. When I get a chance I will and advise if it is different...

When I started in LE in the early 70's the old timers all recommended the "border patrol' style holster. I looked at the photos if the KSP link provided above. Sure enough it is a standard border patrol style holster. And yes a 4" model 10 S&W revolver was what carried.... Don Hume, Tex Shoemaker were popular back in the day. Hope this is helpful...

Ran: Welcome. There is a lot of knowledge and talent here. Someone is always willing to share... I'm about two hours south (west of Marshfield). I've got to head up to your part of the country real soon to deliver a holster I made for a medically retired Lincoln County Lieutenant who is a friend of mine. You mentioned wanting to get into tooling leather. I'm by no means an expert but I do have a couple of books I'd be willing to loan you as well as a few basic stamps if I have doubles.. Until you can get some of your own.... Let me know or send a PM and I'll see what I can dig up... Double Bar P

I like the overall design, and I'm no expert on building holsters. I do have over 3 decades of totin a gun tho. Based on my expireance, When I try to design a holster I try to keep a few things in mind. 1. Covered trigger, 2. shooting grip in the holster. Cannot tell what the stitches per inch are. Keep up the good work...

From the photos it appears to be a McClellan that has had some leather added to it. I have some drawing from Springfiled Arsonel of the Saddle and its construction specs.. The down side is they are mixed with other drawings. Send me a pm and I'll see what I can do about sending providing some info... If your interested that is...