Holster Metal Internal Clip

[ArtS]

Do any of you know what is used to make the type holster that I've included a picture of? Do they buy the metal clip on the inside? Do any of you know how to make one of those clips? It has to be flexible but still hold it's form.

Thanks,

Art

[Jordan]

just a guess but spring steel sandwiched between the leather or maybe aluminum? As a side note I think the rivet is a bit overkill as sewing would seem adequate for the belt stap.

[howardb]

Art,

The engineer in me says it's nothing more than a band of properly tempered spring steel. Know any ironworkers? They could certainly make these for you in small batches. Spring tempering isn't all that impossible if you know what you are doing AND have the right tools.

Start with a good low to medium carbon steel strip, anneal it to dead soft, form around the leather with the pistol in it, overbend it a hair, and then temper it. The maker in the pictures probably has jigs set up for various hoglegs to save time & make the springs consistent.

You can probably find strip spring steel places like McMaster Carr & other industrial supply places, local steel vendors, etc. Now you just need someone with a good forge... They'll know how to do it.

I'd have to take a SWAG at the gage of the steel. Very possible they use two thinner strips (.010" - .020") backed together, or a thicker spring (.030" - .040"). Would it be worth buying one of theirs and dismantling it? Maybe find a used one at a gun shop? I used to have one like that for an 8" S&W 44mag with the spring steel. (LONG time ago)... and yes, it's possible to hide something that huge under a suit jacket with a good shoulder rig. A .45 auto was a much lighter carry... I'm babbling again.

Good luck!

Brent

Edited March 7, 2008 by howardb

[ArtS]

I saw an old one on ebay I'll try to buy and take apart. I'll let you know what I find.

ArtS

[Billsotx]

Art,

I've taken several apart. It is spring steel. I don't know where you can get them. Dependent on cylinder size you'll need several sizes: J, K & N frame sizes for sure. That's still not going to cover everything, but it'll get the main stream. There's other springs systems but I don't know the source of those either. While your surfing watch for Hoyt and Berns-Martin. You probably won't (get) see a Berns cheap. The last one I watched went for over a hundred and it looked pretty beat. There's a Hoyt knock-off, but the name escapes me know. I'll go to ebay later and see if I can jog that name loose. Hope this helps.

Bill

[John D Dennehy]

KYDEX, even though it is a dirty word for leather sheath makers, would work as well. It's available through knife makers supply outfits and not very expensive. Cut your strip and heat it with a heat gun, wrap it around your mold to form it. When it cools it will act like a spring. If you don't like the way it turns out just re do it. For some it might be easier than trying to temper spring steel.

John D

[ArtS]

John,

I'm checking out their site. What thickness would you recommend?

Thanks,

ArtS

KYDEX, even though it is a dirty word for leather sheath makers, would work as well. It's available through knife makers supply outfits and not very expensive. Cut your strip and heat it with a heat gun, wrap it around your mold to form it. When it cools it will act like a spring. If you don't like the way it turns out just re do it. For some it might be easier than trying to temper spring steel.

John D

[John D Dennehy]

John,

I'm checking out their site. What thickness would you recommend?

Thanks,

ArtS

Hey Art,

The stuff I use is about 1/16". I will send a sample for your use when I return your knife pattern.

Edited April 15, 2008 by thewildirishrose

[Don101]

its a spring clip ive used them in the past from river junction they are very good, Don

http://www.riverjunction.com/catalog/guns/acc.html