How do you suggest I mold a holster for a pistol with a light?

[Lobo]

How to do it? My suggestion is to do it very carefully.

Many of the light units and laser sights are constructed of plastic that may not accept a great deal of pressure applied during the forming process. Some units have activation buttons or switches that might be damaged during the process. Other units may not be effectively water-resistant, so wet-forming may cause some problems.

Other than those potential issues, I've found that many of the popular units mount either to a rail under the dust cover, or to the forward portion of the trigger guard bow. Either way that space forward of the trigger guard may no longer be exposed sufficiently to cause the pistol to remain at the desired point in the holster, perhaps allowing the holstered pistol to be pushed lower in the holster body than designed (especially with open-bottom holsters).

Finally, with so many brands and types of lights and laser sights it would be very difficult (and expensive) to stock a sufficient variety to meet potential demands. A single-unit order from a local customer who can make his pistol and attachment(s) available for patterning and forming can be accommodated, but single-unit custom holsters are far more time-consuming than a general production piece for which a proven pattern is on hand. Also keeping in mind that you are responsible for any losses or damage to property of others while it is in your possession.

Since these devices became somewhat common (past 10-15 years) I tried to avoid such jobs. Before retiring I was completing about 2000 pieces per year (average about 40 per week), working in batches of 10 or 12 pieces at a time going through the various steps (cutting, dying, linings, assembly, stitching, edges, forming, finishing, hardware, drying, packaging, shipping). This allowed me to complete each piece with an average of 47 minutes of shop time. Custom one-of-a-kind orders frequently require far more total time, so we can find ourselves working for very little profit in comparison to the time invested in each piece.

Most jobs are interesting, some are challenging, some can just eat up a bunch of time for little or no return.

My thoughts, for what they may be worth.

Edited October 21, 2024 by Lobo