Iwb - Sig P239

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Well, took a stab at an IWB for the first time. The customer has an El Paso Saddlery holster that he really likes for a different gun, and asked me to make something similar to it for his Sig. I didn't want to outright copy their design, so I made a few tweaks and built this.

Overall, I'm very happy with the way it turned out - although, it's VERY thick... Perhaps too thick? I suppose this design, with the location of the snaps, will have no choice but to be a tad portly. The customer wanted to make sure it didn't collapse, so I marched forward with my current stock of 8/9oz Herman Oak for all the parts. Thus, the overall thickness is about 2.2" thick... It's for a Sig P239.

Any comments/suggestions greatly appreciated, including preferred leather weight for projects such as this... My Don Hume IWB is maybe 5/6oz, and it doesn't have any problem staying open with it's leather-reinforced opening...

[Denster]

Eric

Nicely done. Good job on the stitched in sight rails. You might want to consider 5/6 for the holster body but all in all really good.

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Do you think 5/6oz is a good general purpose thickness for almost any holster? I'm about to run out of this current hide and need to order some more leather. Should I just go ahead and get 5/6oz this time, and maybe 2/3oz for linings?

[dickf]

I'm using 7/8 HO and I like it a lot.

[MADMAX22]

Nicely done. I must say those stitched in sight rails are a really cool idea.

[Denster]

Do you think 5/6oz is a good general purpose thickness for almost any holster? I'm about to run out of this current hide and need to order some more leather. Should I just go ahead and get 5/6oz this time, and maybe 2/3oz for linings?

I use 5/6 for IWB bodies, 6/7 and 7/8 for OWB envelopes with mouth reinforcements depending on gun size and 7/8 and 8/9 for OWB pancakes without reinforcements. I try to get away from lining holsters because it is more work and accomplishes nothing however if the customer insists I've got a couple of sides of 2/3 that I got on sale from Tandy that is pretty nice and I don't feel bad as long as Hermann is on the outside.

[BigRiverLeather]

Very nice. I might try to bring the curve of the leather up a little higher on the slide for a couple of reasons. It will bring the belt higher on the gun, closer to the center pulling it in tighter which will increase both concealment and comfort. Secondly it will cover the trigger gaurd a little more. What you have covers the trigger fine, but I'm learning that some people like the gaurd covered as much as possible.

I did a new one this weekend similar to your. After my thrid pattern cut out I found I got it deep enough for what I need. I think my next one I am going to make it even deeper bringing the leather higher up on the slide yet. There is still plenty of room to get a good grip if I do, then it will be concealed better and more comfortable.

EDIT: I forgot the reason I replied.

On this one I used 6-7 oz which I think is the minimum I would use. I normally work with 8-9 but I'm thinking on my IWB's from now on I will be using 6-7 or 7-8 depending on the model of holster and gun. I'm a big fan of 8-9 and have been using that on most of my IWB's except for those for subcompacts usually.

I was bummed when the dye did not turn out to be even on the reniforcement and the belt loop. If anybody asks, it was intentional. This was my first time using the airbrush and except for black, I am sold and this is the way all will be done from now on.

Did you try this one on and wear it? How comfortable was it for you?

I'll say this, your fit and finish appears to be awesome. Your edges especially look great.

Edited March 8, 2010 by BigRiverLeather

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Thanks for the feedback everyone. BRL - yes, I tried it on, and it rode very well in my opinion. It felt a little thick, but was comfortable. The muzzle put a little pressure on my thigh, but I have a good bit of muscle atrophy in my right thigh (BK amputee from a MVA about 15 years ago).

[Tac]

WoW! I would consider purchasing that holster myself... (if is could stand to wear IWB) You sir have a very good eye for detail and talent to match. Everything about that holster looks first rate, from your stitching, edges, design and finish. I wish I could get that perfect of an edge burnish and cut to my holsters every time. Also, your photography looks very professional as well.

Inspiring.

-Tac

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Thank you Tac for your compliments!

An update to the holster - the customer received it yesterday, and as BigRiverLeather suggested, I'm going to have to revise the top cut line and build him another one. He was very pleased with the quality of the holster, but it didn't sit low enough inside the waistband and it flopped out at the top a bit. No worries though - it was my first IWB attempt, and I learned a valuable lesson right off the bat with this one. I'm going to order some thinner leather before I build it again. Here is a quick Photoshop'd example of what I will be revising.

Before:

After: