Duke - Western Holster Rig

[mattsh]

I saw this picture and wondered if anyone knew how the belt loop is made and the loop around the holster. Is the hammer thong just woven into the backside of the holster? Is the loop around the holster riveted or stitched or laced together? I really am just puzzled by the backside of the holster and how it all comes together.

If anyone has a pattern for this holster that would be great.

I am wanting to make this for my dad, brother and myself.

[Warren]

Matt the rear side of the holster comes up and over the belt to form a flap. Then the loop can either be sewn or riveted to the flap to make the circle that the holster body slips through. This in turn forms the loop for the belt to go through. There needs to be enough slack in the top of the holster(flap) to allow the toe of the holster to be placed in the riveted or sewn on loop. It can also be put through with the holster body wet which makes it more flexible, therefore easier. This is really just a variation of a mexican loop holster, the difference being slots aren't cut in the back flap to form the loop but made from another piece of leather and attached to the flap to do so. As for the hammer thong most I have seen and made started by simply punching a hole in the holster close to the lip and in line with the hammer. Then a thong is threaded through the hole to form a loop on the outside of the holster. Both ends of the thong are put through the loop and pulled tight. Then the two ends are tied together in an overhand knot leaving enough slack to fit over the hammer. If none of this makes sense let me know and I'll try to post some pictures.

Warren

[badger]

That looks like John Bianchi's work.

The belt is folded. That is, a double width of leather folded down the centreline and stitched along one edge.

To make a neater appearance on the inside, you could stitch the bullet loops through just the outer layer while the belt was still unfolded, same with the billets. This would leave the inside 'blind', not visible stitching. I think it's classier.

The belly band on the holster could be secured behind with a simple snap, like a line 24. It's up to you.

Remember to cut the pattern for the belly band on the bias, curved, or it wont fit around the tapered holster well.

Hope this helps,

Badger

[TimberWolf]

Matt,

Here is a similar holster I made recently for a Ruger Vaquero. I use a leather tie on the back skirt loop. Snaps and screw posts will work, but I think a simple leather tie looks more traditional.

TimberWolf

[dbusarow]

Matt,

Here is a similar holster I made recently for a Ruger Vaquero. I use a leather tie on the back skirt loop. Snaps and screw posts will work, but I think a simple leather tie looks more traditional.

TimberWolf

I like that. To make it even more traditional you could use the knot used on latigos. I don't know what it is called but it is really simple. 3 holes forming a triangle through both layers. Thread one end of the tie through each of the 2 "base" holes, and then feed both back out to the front through the top hole. Slip them both under the tie left by step one. Horrible description I know. Take a look at the rigging end of a latigo and you'll see what I mean.

Dan

[Billsotx]

I like that. To make it even more traditional you could use the knot used on latigos. I don't know what it is called but it is really simple. 3 holes forming a triangle through both layers. Thread one end of the tie through each of the 2 "base" holes, and then feed both back out to the front through the top hole. Slip them both under the tie left by step one. Horrible description I know. Take a look at the rigging end of a latigo and you'll see what I mean.

Dan

I think Dan is describing a bleed knot: http://www.rudedogleather.com/id183.html

[dbusarow]

I think Dan is describing a bleed knot: http://www.rudedogleather.com/id183.html

No. That I know the correct name for.

Here's the tie I mean

So what is it called, the tie, not the billet.

Dan

[tomcat]

Mattsh, Everything you asked how to do is shown is Al Stohlmans book "How To make holsters", and its on sale at Tandy's now for $7.50....You won't be sorry, it shows several thongs and how to fasten them, all kinds of patterns, sewing, how to attach, different holster angles, carvings, etc.

[mattsh]

I appreciate all of the help and tips so far. A couple of questions:

The belt - what weight is the suede?

The holster - what weight should it be ?

The billets that hold the buckle - what weight?

The holster - ideal weight for it?

Havent made any cowboy stuff before so this is a new arena for me.

[$$hobby]

Mattsh, Everything you asked how to do is shown is Al Stohlmans book "How To make holsters", and its on sale at Tandy's now for $7.50....You won't be sorry, it shows several thongs and how to fasten them, all kinds of patterns, sewing, how to attach, different holster angles, carvings, etc.

+1 on the book

its the one i used to learn how to make holsers.

here my version/inspiration of the "duke" rig. i use to make all black holsters since its easier to dye, but ive tried using some lighter colors on this rig.

this pic is the back side of the holster. i just used a leather loop and hand sewed it. i like to sew more then rivets since the rivet will eventually corrode.

here is the complete rig with the belt. i did the belt in the same color and lined. i havent added the hammer thong yet since im not sure where im going to put it. i do know from previous holsters, i want to keep it out of the way of the gun when drawen/holstered.