I picked up this Ruger Redhawk last week. I went to several local gun shops in search of a holster suitable for my hip. I found a nylon Passport but it just wasn't going to get the job done.
I wanted a leather holster and searched pretty heavy online but just couldn't find what I wanted. I have a rather large piece of leather that is about 1/4" thick that I had made a few axe head sheaths from and begin to wrap it in various ways to see if I had enough to attempt a holster. I grabbed a paper sack and started cutting on it till I had a rough pattern. I then cut the leather and started to work it for fit. I used Gorilla Glue to glue in a tapered rib where the top is to help with the wear from the front ramp and rear sights. I had read about water forming so I soaked the piece, wrapped the gun in wax paper and then wrapped the leather around the gun to form it to it's shape using spring clamps. The clamps worked but caused some marring. I then stuck it in our convection oven at about 175 degrees for 40 minutes to speed dry it. That seem to work very well. I then hand stitched it with a Speedy Stitcher and trimmed / shaped it.
I still have to add the snap and brass stiffener on the thumb break as well as treat it but I'm very happy with my results.
What I need to know is what do I treat it with for a good waterproof but that will not soften it? I need it to keep it's firmness or stiffness. I've read about a mix of hot beeswax and paraffin and pine pitch blended about 50/50
What's your experience with treating gun leather to maintain durability, waterproof but yet stay firm/stiff/formed?
Here's my first holster...
