[First attempt at a molded holster]

10 hours ago, papaleaf said:

Doc, 

Quick thoughts in case they're helpful...... I too have used the poor man's vacuum mold (aka FoodSaver) for several years now, while coveting a more sophisticated setup. I line the textured side of the bag as JLS suggests. However, I use a synthetic chamois (like you'd use for drying off a car). It doesn't make a noticeable texture change, and it helps wick away some excess moisture from the leather. I do as much molding as possible while still sealed in the bag. 

Thank you for the input 

[First attempt at a molded holster]

28 minutes ago, JLSleather said:

I would love to say DONT do that "vacuum bag" look .. but I find I actually don't mind it   Other hand, if you want to do away with the "bag" look without altering the process, just place the holster inside a piece of cowhide folded around it with grain side IN toward the holster/gun (rough side out, touching the bag).  You'll be transferring the grain of the leather, not the grain of the bag 

Not big on the rivets.. just don't like rivets at all and less on a holster (prolly just personal pref).  If you're going to use rivets, put one under the trigger guard, to keep the rig from opening over time (or add a row of stitches there).

In the end, though.. is this YOUR gun?  Comfort and ease of use FOR THE USER are the end goal, so if it feels good FOR YOU, that's a win!

This holster is a prototype and I actually intend to sew around the trigger guard on the next edition for further retention. I am mixed on the texturing of the leather, we will see what happens on the next one.

[First attempt at a molded holster]

31 minutes ago, PastorBob said:

interesting.  I have not tried the vacuum approach yet.  May in a few months.  What type of bag were you using?  What is your setup?  Not sure I care for the patterning.  Kind of takes away from the leather look.

I just went out to the big box store and bought a food vacuum bag sealer and I intend to get the smooth bags next time. 
 

[First attempt at a molded holster]

8 minutes ago, PastorBob said:

is that Kydex??

No Sir it’s 6 weight veg tan leather the impression you see on it came from the vacuum seal bag I used to mold it to my pistol.

[Ruger Security 9 IWB holster]

12 minutes ago, Somiskid said:

Question. How do you keep from pressing on the mag release? 

It’s flared around the release enough that it doesn’t press on it also I carry left hand so the release is not in my way.

[First attempt at a molded holster]

My first molded OWB holster.

[Hello from Iowa]

Just thought I’d say hello y’all and introduce myself. New to the craft and trying to learn as much as I can.

[Ruger Security 9 IWB holster]

10 hours ago, Bruce H said:

Welcome...You're hooked! 

Awesome!!!...Nice first run at it. Very Nice.

Now its time for prototype B...Be sure to keep us updated.

Thank you 

59 minutes ago, PastorBob said:

Wow.  Nice job of execution.  Very functional.  Welcome to the forum.  Stick around.  Lots of good info here.

Thank you 

9 hours ago, Charley1 said:

Nice holster for a nice handgun. Good to see an IWB holster with no carving or stamping.  It's concealed, nobody is supposed to see it!

Thank you 

[Ruger Security 9 IWB holster]

Thank you for the encouragement and I will keep you posted on how my leather work is progressing.

10 hours ago, HandyDave said:

Looks like a great holster specially for your first one. It looks alot better then my first attempts thats for sure.

Thank you 

[Cz holster]

Wow nice work 

[Ruger Security 9 IWB holster]

My first try at building a holster, still learning my craft.