1911 Holster Pattern

[Frank]

Hey All,

I'm definitely new to the forum but been around leather work for a while. I've made some saddles and some single action holsters and the like. I just got out of the service and my Chief is getting set to retire. I'm trying to get my hands on a Pike holster type pattern for a GI 1911 kinda like the one that El Paso Saddlery carries. Chief just bought the 1911 last year and I figured a nice retirement gift would be for me to make him a personalized holster for it. Any and all help would be much appreciated. Thanks again.

Frank

[TwinOaks]

Hi Frank, and welcome to Leatherworker.net. This is the best site on the internet, with pros and amateurs always willing to help out with questions.

1911 holster huh? I did a quick scan on El Paso's site, but didn't see the Pike holster pattern. Is it a clam shell (one piece wrapped) or a pancake (two pieces formed) type holster?

And, have you considered making a pattern for yourself? If you don't have a 1911, could you stop by a gun store and make a tracing? Lots of people here like to use file folders because they are stiffer than paper and you get a better leather pattern out of it- plus, it comes with a premade centerline (the fold). You can set the pistol on the sights (centered on the fold) then lay it to both sides to get a decent pattern for a clamshell. This method, which 'rolls' the pistol across the heavy stock file folder, gives a good allowance for the width of the pistol. Once you have the basic outline, you just allow some space for stitch lines, or tape some more pieces of file folder onto it to figure flaps, sweat guards, etc. Then transfer the pattern to leather and proceed as planned.

[Frank]

Thanks for the info. Evidently El Paso quit making them a while back. I really do not have the time to hit the gun shops around my area at all. I did find a guy that makes the holster similar to what I was talking about. The link is: Auto Holster

I'd still like the trigger guard cut out a little more than the one in the photo, but you kinda get the idea of what I am looking for. I was going to make my Chief a holster similar and a matching belt. Thanks in advance for any info you might have.

Frank

[TexasJack]

Interesting design - it appears to be a type of Mexican loop holster, with snaps added to the loop to make it easy to take apart.

I think Tandy carries a book of holster patterns and it should have a similar one in it. Instead of cutting a loop in the back piece, you rivet or sew two pieces on to the back piece to make the loop. The top strap is added the same way. Except for the loop and strap, the rest of the holster is one piece of leather.

The best resource is Chuck Burrows' DVD on holsters. (It's well worth the price.)

While typing this, I found the book: "How to make Holsters" by Al Stohlman. Page 14 shows how to do the strap, page 15 ("skirt holsters") shows how to do the rest.

[Frank]

Thanks again. I'll take a look at the book and see what I can come up with. I doubt I'll purchase the video since I'm fairly certain I wont be building many holsters for others, but I appreciate the advice.

[Jordan]

I made this one awhile back for my bersa and am working on a double magazine pouch for the opposite side. I used the holster making book and paper patterns mentioned earlier.

[Frank]

Thanks for the photo. It is somewhat similar to what I had in mind. I have a couple of months yet so hopefully I can come up with something.

[Greybeard]

I made this one awhile back for my bersa and am working on a double magazine pouch for the opposite side. I used the holster making book and paper patterns mentioned earlier.

Jordan, Sweet holster!

I too have a litl ol Bersa... If you cn find them the Wrap around Rubber grips are nice, Gits rid of the Rocking from the plastic ones.

[MBOGO]

Frank,

The Al Stholman book referenced by texas jack also has a 1911 (5") pattern in it, if you wanted the muzzle open you could trim about 3/4 inch off the bottom, and it does have the more open triggerguard you were referencing, it would be a simple matter to skirt it, and put a toe plug in it.

[Frank]

Frank,

The Al Stholman book referenced by texas jack also has a 1911 (5") pattern in it, if you wanted the muzzle open you could trim about 3/4 inch off the bottom, and it does have the more open triggerguard you were referencing, it would be a simple matter to skirt it, and put a toe plug in it.

Thanks much! I will have to go and grab the book this week and get started on the holster. I appreciate all of your comments and suggestions.

[TomLine]

I designed this one.

[Bronson]

If you cn find them the Wrap around Rubber grips are nice, Gits rid of the Rocking from the plastic ones.

Hey, I can help with that http://www.condorsflight.com/products/index.php?cPath=115

If you become a member at BersaTalk and get 10 posts you can ask the mods for a 10% discount code.

Bronson

[sinpac]

I made this one awhile back for my bersa and am working on a double magazine pouch for the opposite side. I used the holster making book and paper patterns mentioned earlier.

Nice Holster!