Randyc

Don One Word: WOW!!!!!!!! Keep up the great holster making. Randy

The first test in building holsters is to actually build one. You passed that test! You built yourself a functional holster. Like anything else, the more leatherwork you do, the more holsters you build, the better you get. Everyone on this forum started where you are. My first holster wasn't even functional so your one up on me. As far as holster making, there are few books out there. You may want to pick up Al Stohlmans book on holster making available through Tandy Leather Company. Your best bet for learning holster making is to study the posts and photos on this forum and ask questions. We have new holster makers through pro holster makers here.You will not find a nicer more helpful group of people then you will find on this forum. As far as your holster, and because of the wrinkles in the leather, I'm not sure if you used vegatable tan or chrome tanned leather. Always used vegatable tan leather for holsters. Chrome tanned leather won't hold up and the salts used in the tanning process will destroy the finish on your weapon. Your stitching looks nice and straight. Now study this forum, ask questions, get busy and build more holsters!!! Don't forget to post more photos of your work. We luvs dem pictures. Best of luck. Randy

Chicago Police Homocide Unit: "Our day begins when your's ends." Chicago Police Narcotics Unit: "If you huff and you puff, we'll blow your door down." Chicago Police Public Housing Unit:"If we have to come up, your going down."

Andy You did a real nice job on your holster. By the way, great stitch job too. Randy

Nice job on the holster! Randy

Guys I stitch then mold my holsters. If I'm building a holster that is only molded on one side, I still stitch first, then remove the bottom rubber pad from my press and only use the top pad to mold the holster. Randy

I've never been able to comfortably wear an IWB holster but none the less alot of people like that mode of carry. Like other guys have suggested, I plan to design my next IWB longer and wider at the top and bottom so that more of the holster is below belt line line offering more stability especially with the shorter, thicker automatic pistols. Mortarman, All is not lost with your holster. Try wearing the holster between your your belt and waistband. I've found that mode of carry comfortable and conceals well with the shorter length automatics, at least for my body style. Randy

Brian Great looking quiver! Semper Fi Randy

Dave Nice saddle! I live in the north east corner of Illinois. The holster area of this forum has been very active lately. Feel free to post some photos of your holster work there. Welcome to the forum. Randy

Nice looking belts. Keep up the good work. Randy

Hey Guys I'm a favorite contributor to the "Oh Shoot Club" and not in those exact words. I'm a lefty and have to think out of the box to make a right handed holster. My little NAA mini .22 holster shown on an earler post started life as a Glock Mod. 23 holster, scewed up, reincarnated as a Makarov holster, screwed up again and became the mini holster on the third try. Even tho I try not to screw up, it helps to know that I can usually just make another mini holster out of the mess. Randy

I see three good looking holsters. Nice boneing, stitching and desisn. Keep up the good work. Randy

Regis Is this holster for CCW only or a combination of CCW/Competition? Randy (contributing to the conglomerate)

Regis I'm glad things worked out for you. As I learn and progress in this business the wheels in my mind are always spinning trying to come up with profitable marketing ideas. It's tough to market a quality product at a profit in a public venue while competing with foreign mass produced junk. You my friend may have found yourself a great business venue. Randy

Nick Very cool job on your sheath. Great stitching. Maybe I should send mystuff to you to be stitched. :D Semper FI Randy

Hind site is always 20-20. I think Jordan is right. I don't think I would have had elongated stitches if I would have channeled my stitch lines with less of a curve along the trigger guard area. Regis That Makarov is one of the Russian commercial models Comrade Mike Work overtime, cuff and stuff bad guys, buy Artisan 3000, build lots of holsters, quit police department, then live happily ever after. Randy

Troy Great looking saddle and welcome to the forum. I may be having a bout of deja vu but was that saddle entered in the competition at the boot and saddle makers roundup in Wichita Falls a few years ago 2005 or 2006? I usually hang out the bootmakers but also admire the beautiful saddles. Randy

Nice looking holster. Did you glue your belt strap assembly to your reinforcement piece or just use the snaps to secure? I may borrow your 3 piece idea. I've been making my throat reinforcement pieces wider then I like because I had to allow for stitching around the snap posts. Are you using the 6/7 or 7/8 for for your belt strap assembly. Lastly, was the increased cost of drum dyed WC worth the additional cost? Because of the common bleed off problem with black, I'm considering switching to the drum dyed pieces. Randy

Hey guys thanks for the critiques. It's probably a little hard to see, but I actually beveled the edges. I eliminated the seam line totally on the holster body and it's pretty slick. I had a tougher time burnishing the single layer belt strap after beveling. Mike I used a 3000 for the stitching. I stitch my holsters prior to caseing and molding. I have no idea why my stitches lengthened around the trigger guard. After I grooved in my stitch lines, stitched, cased, then molded the holster, I discovered the holster was a little long. I considered trimming the bottom of the holster 1/2 inch, but decided against it because it would have eliminated my non-sewn stitch lines at the bottom of the holster and the sewn edge would not look good at the bottom. If it wasn't for my leather business and a private detective business I would not have been able to afford the 3000 either. Randy

After self-critiqueing and critique by you guys, I redesigned my between the belt and waist band Makarov holster. I's built rough side out, press molded only, and finished in Fieblings tan-kote. As always your comments and suggestions and laughter are welcome. Randy

Jordan Your P89 holster turned real well. The more ya build, the better you do get. Your stitching and overall design looks real fine too. At least in my neck of the country, the selection of holsters in a typical gun shop is pretty poor. Mostly kydex "tupperware" and Uncle Mikes "frabricware" holsters. It never ceases to amaze me how people will spend $500-$1,200 or more on a handgun and carry it in a "crap" holster." I've sold a few holsters to the guys I work with at the PD. I only charge then enough to cover the cost of the blue gun. One guy thought I was charging too much at $40.00, so no holster for him. Keep building then holsters. Randy

Jordan You are correct. Rule number 1 is making sure the weapon is unloaded. I train rookie cops. I should know better But, how do I make sure my drill press isn't loaded? Do I just remove the bit? Randy

Wildirishrose As much as I would like to say "Go For It" this sites kinda G rated. Now for the good news, we do have an adult area on this forum. Email the forum Admin. Johanna and request access to the adult area. You can post there. Randy

Jordan, I left step 9.5 out on purpose. I haven't figured out how to get my bore brush down the barrel of my blue guns. Bill, Thanks for expounding on wet molding. I even learned someting! Randy

John D Welcome to the forum. I've already checked out your post on the holster part of the forum. Randy