Viking

I Haven’t made a total fail in a while… I think I got in trouble because of the unique dimensions of this pistol - which has “suppressor height” sights, and a threaded barrel —- really added a lot more width than I was planning on. And it’s a fairly big semi-auto and I mostly make revolver gun leather. There is just no way to get a belt loop in the back side of the holster with that tiny stitch area. My plan going forward to modify the pattern is shown with the paper below the holster. Anyone ever use a welt on a pancake?

Very well done as always Dwight!

I’ll try that. That’s exactly the type of experience based type of advice I was looking for.

Yeah, that works. (I’ve done that with and straps and such) It wont work for the multicolored effect I’m trying to achieve.

Beautiful work & I love the theme. Do you use paints over the dye or some dyes for color too?

I designed it. But I’ve used the same basic design for revolvers for a couple years. I basically stretch it out for bigger frames and shrink it for smaller. I used a design I had for the same type (k frame) and modified my pattern with more room for the larger holes.

Made the holster yesterday & today - not the Gunbelt. The gunbelt I made about a year ago. (My first one) I wanted a holster for my S&W 66, as the holster I made for this rig originally is for a Cimarron .357. I’m not a fan of Colt clones as I much prefer Ruger Single actions. And I wanted the holster to ride higher than a traditional western holster. Those were some huge belt loops, but they seem to work just as well. I’m hoping it will see more use now, with a more practical gun. I always have trouble getting the vinegroon to apply evenly on at least a few spots. It doesn’t matter if I use a dauber, fleece pad or paint brush. (As you can see.) but I love the color of the vinegroon. do you think a higher quality leather would absorb the vinegroon more evenly?

Hello and welcome from SW Ohio!

Beautiful work. I love the inlay abound the buscadero loop.

Very well said, sir. There is nuance to this issue that some fail to appreciate. I for one, have traveled all over Mexico, central and South America during my time in the Service. I found the people there to be hospitable, friendly and part of interesting & fascinating cultures. Just like any other society, there is poverty and the crime associated with it. What I think many people in the US do not understand is the absolute & abject poverty that many of the people live in. It is truly not understandable unless you have personally witnessed it. Yes, we have poverty in the US, but this is people that live in miles and miles of squatter camps with unsound structures or favelas, with no running water or sewer or any other modern infrastructure. I wouldn’t fault any parent for trying to escape it, and it is difficult for those without any resources to do so in a legal manner. It doesn’t mean that that the US owes them entry, or anything else, I would hope that we could treat these, fellow people with human compassion and understanding, and not generalize or vilification of them all.

Spot on. In Ohio, we have a Concealed Handgun License CHL. Which means just that - a concealed handgun. Anything else concealed “as a weapon” violates the Ohio statute. My pocket knife or fixed blade knife is always carried as a tool. Know your local laws.

Josh you are an inspiration. The level of care and craftsmanship is top notch. Thanks for bringing us along & showing your process. A couple of days ago, ordered a set of Buffalo brothers grips for my Ruger Blackhawk... this will be the second set of grips I’ve ordered for that pistol. It usually takes be a few tries before I get the balance of looks, grippyness, weight and feel right! If I like them, I’ll get a matching set for my Pietta.

Friggin’ awesome & outstanding work. Congratulations!

That’s a complex and well done piece. It reminds me of the arm armor of a Thracian Gladiator.

That’s a really nice bag - great job bringing it back to life.

Thanks, I ordered a pair of scales for my Blackhawk, see if I like them then maybe I’ll order a set for my Pietta, too!

Keep it secret, keep it safe.

I for one, really like the cobra inlay. The front of the holster is very attractive. I agree with JLS that the belt slots are a bit close together. On a “traditional” avenger the leather that goes around forms an “L” to make a wider belt loop. The back of the holster is extends out past the trigger guard area & a slot is cut in both halves of the holster. This pulls it tight against the wearer. I for one, can’t stand a floppy holster. I like my field & concealment holster tight against the body.

Outstanding work. What scales on the Rugers? I love them.

I’d really like to see photos of your great grandfather’s old gun leather, if you would not mind posting them. There is a great book (sadly out of print for a long time); that I was able to borrow from inter library loan about these old rigs: Packing Iron: Gunleather of the Frontier West Richard Rattenbury To your question, I have only used the method of a leather strip through the same hole; And I do agree with you they can be slightly “not aligned” look.

Beautiful work. The color is great. I’m assuming very high quality leather with oil, antiquing & resolene? No dye?

I’ve ordered quite a bit during the pandemic from Tandy & like others my only complaint is the $12 shipping fee. I’m a hobbiest, so I wouldn’t eat that if I was running a business. However, they are often the cheapest option for things like fiebings dyes which go for a couple bucks more on Amazon. I wait until I need a few things to make it worthwhile. If I just need one thing, I try to find it elsewhere. Weaver charges 6.99 flat - but my experience is Tandy has a better selection of the things in need. honestly - I’m puzzled at how they stay in business with this retail store model. There is a lot of competition out there. My closest Tandy store is about a 45 minute drive - and I’d just rather pay the shipping & risk the quality on buying leather.

Shot little and carried less... superb work though!

Terry - are any of these still available? I really like the stag handled one. I’d love to order it.

Lacing & tooling are really clean, nice work!