Most Unusual Holster Requests?

[Lobo]

From time to time I receive unusual requests, some of which result in interesting projects and some of which are simply amusing. I thought it might be interesting if we shared some of our experiences.

Here are a few that I have dealt with:

Request: Convertible holster for strong-side and cross-draw, inside the waistband and outside the waistband.

Response: This may be possible to do, but I don't think the resulting holster would serve any of the intended purposes very well.

Request: Female officer who likes to dress well requested matching holster, belt, mag pouch sets in three colors (all for the same weapon) so she could coordinate with her wardrobe.

Response: Completed the order. This one was easy.

Request: Absolutely ancient S.D. Myres Saddlery holster (probably made by Tio Sam himself) with the stitching falling apart. Leather still in good condition. Could I restitch it?

Response: Done, using waxed linen thread, took about an hour to saddle-stitch it. Looked great.

Request: Federal agency receiving new pistols in three weeks, wanted 17 identical holsters with matching mag pouches delivered in time for issue with the new pistols.

Response: Completed and delivered in two weeks. Six follow-up orders for other products from individual agents so far.

Request: European agency, using S&W revolvers with German-made speedloaders, wanted holsters with matching pouches for the speedloaders.

Response: Send me one of your speedloaders and I will get it done.

Request: Pancake holster for 2" K-frame S&W; then a week later: change that to a 3" K-frame; then a week later: change that to a 2.5" L-frame; then while the 2.5" L-frame was in production: can I change that to a Glock 23?

Response: Made and delivered the Glock 23 holster, finished the 2.5" L-frame and sold it a couple of weeks later. Same customer has since ordered two more (I think he changes pistols like I change my socks!).

Request: Two dozen holsters, for assorted handguns and in different colors, to display and sell at a gun show.

Response: Sure, here is your price.

Second request: Will you do these on consignment?

Response: No, thank you.

Request: Special operations guy, deploying in a week, wanted one of my holster designs for a 1911-type pistol.

Response: I mailed him my personal holster the next day. So far, three of his friends have ordered similar holsters.

Request: Concealment holster for a Browning Hi Power, no markings on the holster, to be shipped to a post office box address in Tel Aviv, Israel, no name, payment received in cash (US currency).

Response: Done. Filled out the customs declaration with nothing but the address for the recipient's name, no problems.

So, some of these are fun, others are funny, some just make the mind wander a bit.

Tell us about some of yours!

[gregintenn]

As often as I get one similar to this, I don't guess it would be considered unusual, but I do find it odd.

Customer: "How much do you charge to make a holster?"

Me: "Usually around $40. What type of holster do you want?"

Customer: "I don't know."

Me: "What kind of pistol is it for?"

Customer: "I'm not sure. I think it's a thirty something."

I'm not a very good salesman I guess.

I've a friend who runs a gun store. I'm having fair luck just making what suits my fancy, and taking it to him to sell. He makes $10 each, and seems very happy.

[K-Man]

Here are a few that I have dealt with:

Request: Convertible holster for strong-side and cross-draw, inside the waistband and outside the waistband.

Response: This may be possible to do, but I don't think the resulting holster would serve any of the intended purposes very well.

That style/design is the most popular holster we sell to our customers - a few thousand over the last 2.5 years to be exact. Have not had one dissatisfied customer in it's ability to function as designed/advertised. The skill to design such a holster is easier for some than others I guess.

Edited February 19, 2010 by K-Man

[gregintenn]

Kinda like a fish/ski boat. It doesn't do either very well.

[K-Man]

Kinda like a fish/ski boat. It doesn't do either very well.

Why do you say that? What are you basing that opinion on?

[Luke Hatley]

I have no idea how this one will look, but the holster and knife sheath will be made together..... wish me luck.

[Randyc]

I had a request for a pocket holster for a Glock 19 with a laser site/light. I didn't have the actual laser so I frabricated one out of wood .

The customer loved the holster. I quess he had some good sized pockets.

[mdmorgan]

IWB for a four inch S&W 500. I said I would do it, but not for my normal IWB price. He didn't want to pay the difference so I didn't make it. It's too bad though, it would have been fun.

[Lobo]

Well, some good laughs so far. K-man is always good for a chuckle or two, isn't he?

Keep them coming!

[BillinOK]

Here's one that I remember. A guy called me and wanted to know if I "refinished" leather things. I told him it depends on what it is. He told me he had an old, old bible and cover that was in his family for over 100 years. I told him that I really didn't want to attempt that, but he insisted on it. He brought the bible to me and I just set there in awe looking. This cover was brittle and coming to pieces. I told him again I was too scared of making it worse, but he wanted me to try no matter what. It took better than a week to do this. I used 2-3 oz, stitched around this new piece of leather, dressing it up, then carefully glued to the old leather. I had to do a little at a time. I was really worried about the outcome, but he was happy as a lark with it. But for me, never again!