cowboy action holster question

[MADMAX22]

Hey guys ive really wanted to make a old west style holster/gun belt and I was wondering if I make it per the pattern do I need the gun. I know most arent form fitted like the more modern style holsters but is it necessary to still use a gun to get the final fit?

I also looked for any blue guns of the old western style revolvers and didnt find any. Do they even make them?

Thanks for any info.

[fishguy]

It is best to have some kind of gun form. There are replica guns available of most of the popular western types. They are made of zinc alloy and run aroud $40-50, you can find them on ebay and on sites that sell replica swords, etc. I have had not problems with fit using them. Another option that I have resorted to for real custom jobs is to make a wooden model based on 3-vew drawings and measurements I found on the web. I actually enjoy doing it, but it is a bit of extra work. You can use dowels, etc. for the barrel so you don't have to carve the whole thing. It does not have to be super detailed, but you need to be sure that all the parts that stick out are present. If you buy a pattern set like those offered by Will Gormley you can be sure that it will fit, though you still might want to do a little rough stretching to open it up. This can be done with you hands, mallet handle, etc.

[TrooperChuck]

MadMax22:

I use the Will Gormley patterns for my CAS holsters and people seem to like the looks of them. As you mentioned, the old-time holsters didn't have the molded-to-the-gun appearance that modern holsters have, but I found that even with the patterns there's still a little bit of gentle molding and shaping that's needed.

Fishguy:

Thanks for suggesting the non-firing replicas. I never thought about using those. I guess, maybe because I never had any interest in a gun that couldn't be fired.

[Rayban]

I believe that if you're making one for a gun that Will Gormley lists in his patterns, make it according to his pattern and you'll be close enough. When you do get the gun in hand, wrap it in plastic and wet mold it....IF YOU WISH TO, don't have to....but again, you'll be close enough.

[wildrose]

I did one for my brother in law and didn't have a shape to form it on. He dampened it and shaped it to his gun when he got it, and was perfectly satisfied. I used the Gormley pattern pack.

[Rayban]

I did one for my brother in law and didn't have a shape to form it on. He dampened it and shaped it to his gun when he got it, and was perfectly satisfied. I used the Gormley pattern pack.

Well there you go....

[MADMAX22]

Cool thanks for the replies guys. Very helpful.

Those Will Gromely packs are some nice stuff, picked up all of them while they were on a pretty good sale, went back two months later and they were on sale for $0.99 a pack. Ah well lol.

[Lobo]

Try Duncan's at 989-894-6691. They have been making cast aluminum replicas of modern and antique pistols for years. Good quality, fast service, fair price.

Without a forming piece to make the holster to you are really spitting into the wind.

Best of luck.

[MADMAX22]

Thanks Lobo Ill have to give them a call next week. Besides everyone knows its pretty hard to dodge your own spit.

[338uwm]

Any certain cowboy action pistol you looking for? As I can ask around and trace what your wanting. Then try and figure out how the scaner thingy works and the upload dodad on the forum. Would volantier an outline of one of my Colt 1860s to be traced, but they are in anthor state getting tuned up. I have plenty of freinds with more pistols than you would beleave that would be more than glad to let me trace them. If your wanting to make a holster for SASS "coboy action shooting" There is a rule on the angle of the holster. No more than 30 degrees of angle. There is a couple of others that are just sliping my mind. Got to go to bed I'll try and figure out how to explain how I make my patterns for cowboy style pistol holsters. Whixh is close to the way Al Stohlman book shows how to.

Oh yeah I cann't get spell check to work for nothing so excuse my mistakes please.

Edited January 29, 2009 by 338uwm

[MADMAX22]

Any certain cowboy action pistol you looking for? As I can ask around and trace what your wanting. Then try and figure out how the scaner thingy works and the upload dodad on the forum. Would volantier an outline of one of my Colt 1860s to be traced, but they are in anthor state getting tuned up. I have plenty of freinds with more pistols than you would beleave that would be more than glad to let me trace them. If your wanting to make a holster for SASS "coboy action shooting" There is a rule on the angle of the holster. No more than 30 degrees of angle. There is a couple of others that are just sliping my mind. Got to go to bed I'll try and figure out how to explain how I make my patterns for cowboy style pistol holsters. Whixh is close to the way Al Stohlman book shows how to.

Oh yeah I cann't get spell check to work for nothing so excuse my mistakes please.

Its not the patterns thats the issue, thansk for the offer. Ive got all the packs of holster outlines and such I was just wondering about the forming was all. Nothing in particular just wanna try out a holster of this style later. I may end up making one for my MandP lol.