Lobo

Howdy, all. I make quite a few holsters for the Smith & Wesson Chief Specials (lot of the little guys out there!), but mostly for the standard M36, M60, etc. with external hammers. Occasionally I get a call for the Centennial/Bodyguard styles (M38, M40, M442, M642, etc) with the shrouded hammer mechanisms. Some thought is required on designs, especially for customers who wish to have a retention mechanism in the holster. Last week I received THREE orders for these pistols! Customer #1 wanted a SOB (small-of-the-back) design for his M642 equipped with CTC Laser grips. Requirements included no interference with the laser itself (upper right side of the grip, about even with the rear of the cylinder), and no interference with the activation switch (front, inside curve of the grip). I made up a pattern piece showing how the revolver would ride, where the belt loops would be, and the clearances around the areas of concern. Mr. Customer said go ahead, so attached is a photo of the finished product (oiled, ready for final finishing). Customer #2 wanted a simple pancake style, open top, for his M442. Easy enough. Attached photo shows it with a M37 Airweight installed, but it is easy enough to see how the shrouded hammer model would look. Customer #3 wanted a pancake style with retention. Again, I did up a patter piece showing an adaptation of a thumb-break, but located at the rear, over the trigger guard, where the release tab (steel-reinforced) can be easily hit with the first and second finger of the drawing hand for quick and easy access. Attached photo shows the holster, ready for final finish. So, interesting week here at Lobo Gun Leather! I enjoy making people happy by giving them what they want, then getting paid for it!

David: I use 8-9 oz. shoulders for nearly all my holsters. For paddles, the holster itself requires some additional reinforcement to carry the weight of the pistol without shifting at the point where the paddle attached. I use 24-gauge galvanized sheet metal for paddles (readily available at most sheet metal shops, cheap, can be cut with standard sheet metal shears). I sandwich the metal paddle between two layers of leather, one layer 9-oz, the other layer 5-6 oz with rough sides out (this helps hold the paddle firmly in place by friction against the body and inside of the trousers). I also sew in a piece of the 24-ga. metal into the back side of the holster, extending down as far as practical and secured with the 5-6 oz. leather (placement of this piece requires some though so it doesn't interfere with the pistol's operating mechanisms, safeties, etc). Then I rivet the paddle into place with rivets passing completely through both pieces of the metal and leather covering them. Brass rivets will not damage the surface or finish of the pistol. The paddle, when fitted can then be bent over a mandrel to permit the proper clearance between the holster, belt, trousers, etc, and for the contour of the hip. I make 10 to 15 holsters per week for my customers, but I only get a call for paddle-style on one or two each month. As noted by others, positioning of the paddle is critical for the holster to ride at the desired angle. Hope this helps you. Lobo Gun Leather (serious equipment for serious business)

Howdy. Lobo Gun Leather, making serious equipment for serious business since 1972. I have viewed many of the posts here, and I realize that there are some very serious and excellent craftsmen here. I cannot hope to compete with most of you. But, I have customers still using holsters and accessories that I made for them over 30 years ago. And, I have customers who contact me every time they buy a new sidearm and tell me just what kind of rig they want to carry it in. So, just maybe I might have a little standing to talk about leather work. Right now, I am trying to find someone to take on some contract sewing for me. I currently make about 10 to 15 items per week, mostly stock designs but also a fair amount of custom work done to customer specifications. Now, this old retired copper is also a great-grampa and my hands are complaining about the strain of hand-sewing (saddle-stitch) all those holsters and accessories. So, if you are a serious craftsman and would like to take on some side work for me, I would appreciate hearing from you. Best regards, Lobo

Howdy. Lobo Gun Leather is my little business, making serious equipment for a serious business. Retired cop, I make holsters and accessories for law enforcement officers and others needing the means to carry concealed. For over 35 years I have hand-stitched every product. Now, my old great-grampa hands are having a heck of a time making it happen! Seriously, if you have the equipment and would like to have a little contract to sew my pieces for me, please let me know. Current production is about 10 to 15 items per week. I can order multiples of items that sell frequently, building up an inventory and making life easier for everyone. I would like to hear from serious craftsmen who would like to have a steady sideline of contract work for me. Lobo