Finally Trying That Gunbelt

[Brokenolmarine]

Last thing before taking my break was to install the large belt loop I had wet formed for the buckle end of the belt.  The billet end will tuck into the loop under the end of the belt to allow the billet and the buckle to engage.  I punched holes in the loop, then fitted the loop to the belt and marked the positions and punched holes in the belt.  Riveted the loop in place with rivets to match the silver conchos and buckle and hardware to come.

 

After that break, I'll mark the billets for holes for sewing, and get ready for final assembly.  Can't wait to see the belt finished.  Then on to the holster and the knife sheath to match.

[Brokenolmarine]

Late afternoon session.  I got the holes marked and drilled in the buckle billet, then marked the position and glued it to the belt.  I'll drill the holes into the belt tomorrow after the contact cement cures... and then saddle stitch 'er.  Yup.

 

I also got the holes drilled in the strap end billet, and fitted the silver decorative tip.  The strap end can be positioned AFTER the buckle end is sewn into place.  I have found I position mine correctly by putting the buckle in the center hole and donning the belt, then positioning the billet on the belt and marking the position.  I can then sew the strap end billet into position and know it will be correct.

 

Nearly done with the belt.  Next up, the holster and sheath.

 

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

Awesome. My first holster build was a gunfighter rig from Tandy's pattern pack. Because I carry such a long revolver I did the curved belly with a drop loop that I adjusted to ride even lower than the pattern suggested. It's hard to draw a 7½" barrel if the holster rides too high. I think this was my third project, maybe fourth because I got hooked immediately and dove into this leathercraft world has first into the deep end. I'll post a picture of the Hand of God (Russel Crowe) rig I made from the "3:10 to Yuma" movie. My client just happened to have the same model gun from the movie so I couldn't resist talking him into this build. He just wanted to show off to his "cowboy" friends in Texas when they drive cattle. 

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

Here's my first rig I built 7 years ago. 

[Brokenolmarine]

I'm going with the Uberti Birds Head 357 because I also have the Blackhawk with the same 4-1/2" barrel in the 357 / 9mm convertible and it would fit the same holster.  Haven't picked a knife to make the sheath for yet, but probably a stag skinner from the ones I already made... I have a couple. LOL.

[Brokenolmarine]

2 hours ago, DoubleKCustomLeathercraft said:

Awesome. My first holster build was a gunfighter rig from Tandy's pattern pack. Because I carry such a long revolver I did the curved belly with a drop loop that I adjusted to ride even lower than the pattern suggested. It's hard to draw a 7½" barrel if the holster rides too high. I think this was my third project, maybe fourth because I got hooked immediately and dove into this leathercraft world has first into the deep end. I'll post a picture of the Hand of God (Russel Crowe) rig I made from the "3:10 to Yuma" movie. My client just happened to have the same model gun from the movie so I couldn't resist talking him into this build. He just wanted to show off to his "cowboy" friends in Texas when they drive cattle. 

Love that Hand Of God rig, and the gun itself.  I looked into the grips, and found a few pairs, but just never pulled the trigger (pun intended) on a set.  I also wanted a set of stag grips, but never bought those either.  I love the single actions.  I did have some spalted maple grips made for my match .45 and made a knife to match.

 

[Brokenolmarine]

I'll eventually make a belt for this combo just for fun.  One thing I did later was replace the screws with a pair that complimented the grips.

That Springfield Armory Match Gun was built by a Master Pistolsmith and only the frame and slide are stock.  Jerry passed a couple years ago but only AFTER being admitted to the American Pistolsmith's Guild.  Quite the honor ... The .45 shoots better than I can...especially these days... but I won my share of matches with it.

 

[dikman]

It looks like you are going to stitch across the billets? Never a good idea as that will then be the weakest point.

Love the spalted maple, it's almost as nice-looking as antler (almost, but not quite ).

[Brokenolmarine]

3 hours ago, dikman said:

It looks like you are going to stitch across the billets? Never a good idea as that will then be the weakest point.

I'll keep that in mind for the rest of the belts I build.  Thanks

Quote

Love the spalted maple, it's almost as nice-looking as antler (almost, but not quite ).

The spalted maple came from a tree on our old farmhouse in VA, planted the first year we were there.  It grew from a stick they sent us when we ordered a silver maple from a catalog.  Twenty years later woodpeckers and bugs killed it and I had to cut it down.  When I started to cut it for firewood I noticed the spalting, and ran it thru my bandsaw mill and set it aside to dry.  Still making things from that wood.

Edited December 22, 2024 by Brokenolmarine

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

6 hours ago, Brokenolmarine said:

I'll eventually make a belt for this combo just for fun.  One thing I did later was replace the screws with a pair that complimented the grips.

That Springfield Armory Match Gun was built by a Master Pistolsmith and only the frame and slide are stock.  Jerry passed a couple years ago but only AFTER being admitted to the American Pistolsmith's Guild.  Quite the honor ... The .45 shoots better than I can...especially these days... but I won my share of matches with it.

 

Beautiful gun! I read dikman's response and I disagree. I like deer/elk antler anything just about, but I'd rather have those spalted maple grips any day. But then, spalted maple is one of my favorite woods.