Red Gun, ASP

[Shorts]

I'm considering using an ASP red gun to build a holster. I'm not 100% certain about it though. But ASP is the only one who makes this model (S&W3913).

Anyone used this model before?

How are ASP dimensionally off? Bigger?

[dickf]

I've used an ASP mold for an H&K before, and while it did the trick, it's clear that the edges are sharper and the overall detail is rough compared to Rings. Still, the gun clicked into place, so in my specimen it didn't seem off dimensionally.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Shorts, I have had to go through three red guns in the same model before I got one that was in spec. The problem is, they run large. If they ran on the small side, I wouldn't care. You may get one that is great, and you may get one that is too big, and there is no rhyme or reason as to why.

Talk to the sales person before you buy it and ask if they can mic' it for you, or let you exchange it if it is too large.

[Shorts]

Thanks, I'll do that.

What would account for different widths produced on the same model? Is their cast composition unstable? Cured different? Bad machine operator? ??

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

I really don't know. Maybe their molds are not aligned properly, or they have multiple molds, some of which are out of spec. It could be any of the reasons that you mentioned. I can tell you that their rubber is softer than Rings, so that might have something to do with it. What ever causes it, if they could get it sorted out they would sell a lot more dummy guns to holster makers.

Edited August 7, 2009 by BOOMSTICKHolsters

[Shorts]

I really don't know. Maybe their molds are not aligned properly, or they have multiple molds, some of which are out of spec. It could be any of the reasons that you mentioned. I can tell you that their rubber is softer than Rings, so that might have something to do with it. What ever causes it, if they could get it sorted out they would sell a lot more dummy guns to holster makers.

Agreed. They have a wider range.

[dickf]

They're really very sloppy in comparison. The witness lines are very evident, and as Jeff said, the material is much softer. I dunno, the 1 I have here is rough but dimensionally accurate (It's a P2000). I wouldn't go the ASP route if I didn't have to, but they have things that Ring's does not.

[Lobo]

Interesting information. I have several ASP Red Guns and all of them have been just fine.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Interesting information. I have several ASP Red Guns and all of them have been just fine.

Have you ever measured any of them against the real thing with a micrometer?

[Lobo]

Have you ever measured any of them against the real thing with a micrometer?

No, I hadn't even thought of that. Pretty good idea, though.

When I have made dozens of holsters using the same dummy gun, and customers keep telling me how good the fit is, I figure that dummy gun is pretty much good to go.

Occasionally, I will have a customer comment that the holster fit is very tight (this usually involves folks who have never experienced a hand-fitted holster). In those cases I provide a few tips on breaking in a new leather holster, and those customers have always been satisfied.

So far, I haven't received a complaint about a holster fitting too loosely.

If I ever start receiving excessive complaints about holster fit on items produced from the same dummy gun, then I think I will start suspecting dimensional problems (with that specific dummy gun).

Interesting post. Good to know that some have experienced occasional problems with one maker's products. It is also good to know that others have had different experiences.

[K-Man]

My experience with the ASP guns pretty much mirrors what Boomstick has experienced. In addition, every other custom holster maker that I have had the opportunity to talk with about the red guns, or have read their posted comments in a thread somewhere, mirrors that experience. You'll find an occasional red gun that does work for molding/holster-making purposes. And sometimes the end user of the holster may just be tolerant of the fit of their gun and not know any better with respect to a truly poor fit. The light bulb usually goes on though when they've had the opportunity to use a better quality, better fit, of holster.

[Jared]

Saw my first Mitch Rosen holster over the weekend. Having seen it and others, I can agree with K-man. Some people's standards are a long way from others. I'm sure this will upset folks, but I was completely dissatisfied with the "name brand" holster. Its fit would have no where near the retention I would be looking for, leather seemed overly flimsy, and I saw a few flaws. It was a surprise since all I heard from folks was glorious praise and perfection. Seeing the "perfection" up close I realize that a lot of people truly don't know or haven't found a truly good rig. Glad I have one, and value it all the more for seeing the high praised holsters.

[Tac]

Jared,

I own a Mitch Rosen holster that I bought almost 20 years ago. It is still in great shape and works better with use now than it did all those years ago. Mr. Rosen make some high quality gear. As of late, I understand that he has had to focus on quantity due to the expansion of his business. Your comment does not upset me, nor am I making excuses for Mr. Rosen, but rather just stating my opinion. He makes good gear, but very few of us in this life are perfect, myself incuded.

-Tac