Finally Trying That Gunbelt

[Brokenolmarine]

Got out yesterday and got the Buckle Billet sewn in place.  I saddle stitched it down.  Afterward I dyed the stitch groove to hide the raw leather and tone down the thread.  I was happy with the result.

Next up I got the buckle and silver belt loop assembled and riveted in place.  I was pleased with the outcome.  I think they will compliment the bullet loops at the back.

Next step is to determine the positioning of the tip billet, or whatever it's called.  So, I put the belt tip in the center hole and pull it tight in the buckle.  

 

[Brokenolmarine]

Now I put the belt around my waist, but with just a bit of looseness to accommodate the holster and sheath to come.  Satisfied with the position, I take the awl and tick ONE mark at the end of the billet to mark it's position, and take the belt off.  I place the billet in the position referenced by the mark, and trace reference points.  We are ready.

I grab my roughening tool and roughen the back of the billet behind the stitch lines and the area I marked on the belt.  AFTER rechecking the position to make SURE.  If you mess this up you can't go back, you can only hope you know someone who would like a belt that size. 

[Brokenolmarine]

Now I paint a layer of contact cement on both roughened areas, and allow it to dry fully.  After its dry I paint a second coat of contact cement and allow it to dry to tacky... then CAREFULLY put the billet in place.  You get one shot.

 

Clamp the billet and allow it to cure overnight to insure a good grip.

[Brokenolmarine]

Out this morning after breakfast to sew the billet down.  I used positioning pins at the back of the billet at the beginning to insure there was NO movement.  After sewing down one side, I could pull the pins and continue.  Once the billet was sewn, I did the dye thing, and moved on.

Next I added a pair of conchos beside both billets, and Boom, we are done.  I decided not to line this belt after all.  This is a working rig and I'll line the next fancier version.  I will wax the entire setup after I finish the holster and sheath.  They will get the LoneStar conchos as well to tie the rig together.

 

I can't wait to don the full rig with the Uberti in the holster.

[MarshalWill]

Looking mighty good. I look forward to seeing the completed rig.