utility holsters

[Lobo]

From a business point of view there is always a good market share available for utility-type holsters, designs more attuned to protecting and securing the handgun while keeping it comfortably available.

An example of my usual comments about the 4 major factors of holster design; comfort, security, accessibility, concealment. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors. Each user must determine which factor(s) are most important and how much compromise is acceptable.

My time in the business was 1972 to 2015. Back in the mid-1970s I filled orders from hunters, guides, and outdoorsmen for full-flap holsters, usually for large handguns suitable for hunting or survival needs. That market remained steady over the years and as late as 2010 or 2012 I completed orders for customers literally all over the world including scientific, geological survey, oil exploration groups, most of them operating in remote areas and extreme climates. I remember another order from a motion picture production featuring pre-WW2 uniformed police officers using full-flap cross-draw holsters.

Another slice of the market, somewhat similar, is chest holsters for use by hunters, backpackers, recreational vehicle users, and others. Protection and security are primary factors with accessibility and comfort also considered.

For those trying to build a business it never hurts to consider product lines to meet customer needs. Many makers seem to concentrate their efforts on what appeals to themselves rather than focusing on what other people need or want.

My 2 cents worth for the day.

[TexasJack]

Very nice looking rigs!

 

[AlZilla]

@Thadrick, I'm curious about the rise/angle up from the holsters. Did you wing it, was it a pattern, maybe a specific angle or rise (so many inches in a foot)?

 

Thanks for whatever info you can provide.

[Thadrick]

The patterns I made out of paper told me the end needed to angle up in order for the holster to hug the hip without wrinkles. So yeah, I shot from the hip so to speak. Must be correct because I wore the black belt all day today hiking and riding my xr650 on the mountain. I had no pinching, slipping or discomfort no matter what I was doing.  I actually almost forgot I was wearing it except for the leg strap had to be adjusted a couple times.  

[Thadrick]

Maybe this will help? Its my best pattern so far. The belt is made out of 8 oz veg tan but I found that the back is a lot more comfortable if i use 2-4 oz suede. The suede helps keep the belt located properly on the hip when bending sitting or just walking.  Ive used veg tan on the back of the belt and found the pistol starts pulling the belt down my hip and when sitting it starts to slide around my cheeks

Edited July 25, 2024 by Thadrick

[AlZilla]

20 hours ago, Thadrick said:

Maybe this will help? Its my best pattern so far. The belt is made out of 8 oz veg tan but I found that the back is a lot more comfortable if i use 2-4 oz suede. The suede helps keep the belt located properly on the hip when bending sitting or just walking.  Ive used veg tan on the back of the belt and found the pistol starts pulling the belt down my hip and when sitting it starts to slide around my cheeks

Very nice. Thanks for the picture and explanation. Looks like a slightly steeper angle on the shorter end.

I've made a couple of drop holsters for my every day regular gun belt. For some reason, drop holsters just ride better than regular belt holsters.