Pocket Holster Question

[steelhawk]

I'm making a pocket holster and am just about ready to put the finish on it. I have been using Satin Sheen for my other holsters, but am wondering if this is the right finish for a pocket one. Never having made one or used one before, I don't know if it should be stiff or soft.

[Rayban]

I finish them same way I do a regular holster. I would rather they be stiff to start out and will break down somewhat as time and usage goes on.

[ShortBBL]

I'd think stiff to start with is ok too, IF you pull it from the pocket a lot to break it in faster. Also, I am thinking deep FORMING is not too good an idea with pocket holsters. I made one for an LCP and it's not easy to get the gun out! But, mine does not have the nice "hook" piece as shown above... that should catch on the pocket and keep the holster inside while the gun pulls out. Mine turned out nice, but, not effective... so it's a show piece.... not for carry! I need to make a proper one now!

[Rayban]

I'd think stiff to start with is ok too, IF you pull it from the pocket a lot to break it in faster. Also, I am thinking deep FORMING is not too good an idea with pocket holsters. I made one for an LCP and it's not easy to get the gun out! But, mine does not have the nice "hook" piece as shown above... that should catch on the pocket and keep the holster inside while the gun pulls out. Mine turned out nice, but, not effective... so it's a show piece.... not for carry! I need to make a proper one now!

See that little tab I stitched in at the top of the holster? If you push down on that with your thumb while you grip the gun, you disengage the gun from the retention in the holster. Then the hook feature finishes the job. After a little practice, it's a quick fluid motion.

But I agree with you about deep forming, not a good idea, and not necessary.

Edited October 16, 2010 by Rayban

[steelhawk]

Thanks. I will finish it like my other holsters. Pictures will come later. I did get carried away with the forming, though, as I was using 6-7 oz leather and it was easier to get more detail in. I hope it doesn't affect function in the pocket. Deep down I knew I shouldn't, but I needed the practice.

[K-Man]

Actually you do want to mold the pocket holster the same way you do the IWB and OWB holsters. That means applying the same detailed molding. There have been numerous reports of the gun coming out of the pocket holster that is done with less than that.

[Rayban]

Hey K-man......so what if the gun comes out of the holster...it's still in your pocket.....a little funny there.....other than that, we'll just disagree on the detailed molding....

I guess too much molding isn't for me...there's only a couple spots on a semi-auto where there is retention, all the other lines and stuff serve no purpose cept make it look like molded plastic. Just MO.

[K-Man]

The instances I was referring to happened with the gun also coming out of the pocket.

The detailed molding puts more of the leather in direct contact with the gun, and that's where you get the retention from. The less there is essentially, the less retention the holster has on the gun. It is, in my opinion, better to have more than less. You can easily loosen it up if the customer desires, but we leave that up to them.

Edited October 16, 2010 by K-Man

[gregintenn]

I've been happy with this one so far. I agree that the same amount of retention for a conventional holster should be used on a pocket holster, but i have no research data or anything else to back my statement up. It is only my opinion. I finished mine just like any other holster.

[Rayban]

I've been happy with this one so far. I agree that the same amount of retention for a conventional holster should be used on a pocket holster, but i have no research data or anything else to back my statement up. It is only my opinion. I finished mine just like any other holster.

So in your case, (holster), no retention at all works good for you....good to know.