Need some advice on IWB holster

[BroodyLeathercraft]

Working on a new holster and I could use some advice please. I’ve made a couple of IWB holsters before but I’ve always used 6/7 oz leather and never lined it. This time I decided to line one with 3/4 oz making it a 10/11. The problem I have is I haven’t even added a welt yet and it just feels almost too thick. Like thick enough the gun won’t fit. Will a welt help or hurt this problem? Should I even continue this project or should I scrap it and just go back to not lining it? Thanks in advance for the advice. Really appreciate it. 

[DieselTech]

I think a 6-7oz with a 3-4oz liner is pretty common for the leather. It should hold its shape nice with that thickness. I think in that 9-11oz is about right. But maybe I am totally wrong. 

I make mostly 6 shooter holsters, so I am not saying with confidence to keep going. 

I also would think if you thought it was going to be too tight/small you can add thickness to the welt. 

There is some awesome holster makers on the forum, so they should be able to give you more insight. 

[AlZilla]

It seems like a welt would open it up if the lining has made it smaller. Its probably worth continuing just because you don't know.

For me, 6-ish oz works for holsters. I know everyone likes a thicker leather because it wears better, but for me I like the lightness, it wet molds and holds shape. So why do I care if it wears?  I'll make another.

Edited October 28 by AlZilla

[Dwight]

You do not say what kind of gun is going in this holster . . . which is THE  deciding factor on the thickness.

I would never do a double thick IWB for a S&W Shield . . .  but I might do it for a full size Kimber 1911.

Most of my IWB holsters are 6 to 8 oz . . . and like AIZilla said . . . works out fine . . . my signature holster is in my avatar . . . a long eared pancake . . .  Ii call a cactus.

The added piece on the front of it makes it very stable . . . without needing to be double thick.  My carry holster is almost 20 yrs old . . . gets used at least once a week . . . 

May God bless,

Dwight

[Stetson912]

Im no expert by any means. Ive made a few holsters though.

I think your leather is too thick for an iwb. As Dwight mentioned the gun plays a factor. But I wouldn't go heavier than 8 oz personally. If you want to line your holster I'd recommend using the same weight leather for the liner and outer shell. This was taught to me by Chris Andre, in his class we used 2 pieces of 5 oz and used a glass slicker to press them together which compressed the leather a bit. His reason was that the same weight leathers added more strength. In your case, I'd use that 3/4 oz and make your laminated panels out of that. The issue with tightness could be due to the leather thickness too, as your stitch lines are based on leather thickness.

If you do the Facebook, look up holsters for handguns. it's a great group with a lot of people willing to help.

 

[BroodyLeathercraft]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Definitely made it too thick for it to be a concealed carry holster. Oh well. At least now I have a very nice template lol

[BroodyLeathercraft]

Thought I would post the final product. 
 

 

[DieselTech]

10 minutes ago, BroodyLeathercraft said:

Thought I would post the final product. 
 

 

Looks nice. I like your design. Great work.

[AlZilla]

Horsebutt strips were recommended to me once upon a time. Apparently they're very stiff for thickness. I haven't found any to buy yet.

[DieselTech]

55 minutes ago, AlZilla said:

Horsebutt strips were recommended to me once upon a time. Apparently they're very stiff for thickness. I haven't found any to buy yet.

Rocky Mountain leather has your horse rump leather!

[Stetson912]

14 hours ago, AlZilla said:

Horsebutt strips were recommended to me once upon a time. Apparently they're very stiff for thickness. I haven't found any to buy yet.

Maverick and tannery row(horweens public facing store) sell them. If I remember they are pretty cheap. I want to try them myself. I wasn't aware rm had it.

14 hours ago, BroodyLeathercraft said:

Thought I would post the final product. 
 

 

Looks functional. One thing that would add some rigidity is a band stiffener that wraps around the holster mouth. It's the folding of the holster and reinforcement band that adds rigidity

[AlZilla]

22 hours ago, DieselTech said:

Rocky Mountain leather has your horse rump leather!

The strips at Maverick are pretty affordable. Looks like even a half hide is $170. Kinda pricey if I end up not liking it.

[DieselTech]

56 minutes ago, AlZilla said:

The strips at Maverick are pretty affordable. Looks like even a half hide is $170. Kinda pricey if I end up not liking it.

Yeah I have not bought any yet either. It is high priced. 

[Stetson912]

1 hour ago, AlZilla said:

The strips at Maverick are pretty affordable. Looks like even a half hide is $170. Kinda pricey if I end up not liking it.

I think what rm is offering is different than what should be used for holsters. I can't say for sure, after all they are horse butt hides. It says they are good for boots and small leather goods that need durable leather. But it didn't mention molding or holsters. I think the temper of the hides rm may be too soft fir holsters. And given that you can get 8 horse butt strips for the same price, I think I'd rather try that. Tannery row has then for about $20 each, plain veg tan. Can be carved and molded. I imagine this is similar to mavericks offerings 

[Northmount]

On 10/27/2024 at 6:54 PM, BroodyLeathercraft said:

Working on a new holster

Moved your post to Specialty Leatherwork Gun Holsters, Rifle Slings and Knife Sheathes

[Yellowhousejake]

On 11/18/2024 at 8:00 PM, BroodyLeathercraft said:

Thought I would post the final product. 
 

But, did the gun fit or was it too thick when worn after the gun was in it?

DAve

[BroodyLeathercraft]

On 11/20/2024 at 9:48 PM, Yellowhousejake said:

But, did the gun fit or was it too thick when worn after the gun was in it?

DAve

The first one ended up being too thick. The second one ended up fitting perfectly.