JWGlover Report post Posted October 31, 2010 I have a guy that wants a holster for a S&W .41 with a 9 1/2" barrel. I'm not sure I can do it because I don't have a pattern. Any ideas or suggestions? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big O Report post Posted October 31, 2010 Can you borrow the gun? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JWGlover Report post Posted October 31, 2010 Can you borrow the gun? I can probably borrow the gun but I guess my problem is that I have never made one for a gun that big. Is it fairly easy to build a functional holster for a gun that big? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big O Report post Posted October 31, 2010 I wouldn't think it'd be much more difficult. You'd have to be careful about more area of stitching, to be sure it isn't too tight anywhere, but, really, as long as it's tight ENOUGH in just two spots, there shouldn't be a problem. One thing I might consider with a barrel that long is speed of presentation, if he's using it for competition or even hunting. (Pretty sure combat use is out of the equation with a barrel that long - also, is that a .41 Magnum revolver, or a S&W MODEL 41, which IIRC is a .22?) With long barrels, you might consider some sort of cutout or split to reduce leather-clearing time. Along the front edge of the holster if it's a strongside, along the rear edge if it's a shoulder holster or vertical crossdraw. Front crossdraw should be fine as it is. Also, if it's the big revolver, it's gonna be HEAVY, so I'd make a large, sturdy belt attachment. Might even consider making a reinforced belt, or suggesting that he use one, anyway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JWGlover Report post Posted October 31, 2010 I wouldn't think it'd be much more difficult. You'd have to be careful about more area of stitching, to be sure it isn't too tight anywhere, but, really, as long as it's tight ENOUGH in just two spots, there shouldn't be a problem. One thing I might consider with a barrel that long is speed of presentation, if he's using it for competition or even hunting. (Pretty sure combat use is out of the equation with a barrel that long - also, is that a .41 Magnum revolver, or a S&W MODEL 41, which IIRC is a .22?) With long barrels, you might consider some sort of cutout or split to reduce leather-clearing time. Along the front edge of the holster if it's a strongside, along the rear edge if it's a shoulder holster or vertical crossdraw. Front crossdraw should be fine as it is. It's for a friend of a friend so I'm not sure on specifics but I'm guessing it's a .41 mag. Should I double up with 8/9 oz for weight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted October 31, 2010 Yes, double up, but only in the stress receiving areas- no need for that much leather for areas like the barrel. Around the receiver, the attachment points, etc., yes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hicks02 Report post Posted October 31, 2010 It's for a friend of a friend so I'm not sure on specifics but I'm guessing it's a .41 mag. Should I double up with 8/9 oz for weight. I don't think I would double 8/9 oz. I have made them before by lining 7/8 with 3/4 oz. The holster was firm and solid. Make sure the belt attachment is strong! also I would recommend a wide belt. 9 inch barreled guns are not made for quick draw. I would want to know the customers opinion and what he has in mind for the use. This is just my opinion and wish you good luck. JH Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JWGlover Report post Posted October 31, 2010 Appreciate the response guys. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katsass Report post Posted November 1, 2010 (edited) I don't think I would double 8/9 oz. I have made them before by lining 7/8 with 3/4 oz. The holster was firm and solid. Make sure the belt attachment is strong! also I would recommend a wide belt. 9 inch barreled guns are not made for quick draw. I would want to know the customers opinion and what he has in mind for the use. This is just my opinion and wish you good luck. JH IMO Hicks has it right. I make all of my holsters with two layers of at least 4/5 oz leather, they mold well and retain their shape well (because of the two grain sides) and are (because of that) smoothly lined. For a larger gun the 7/8 lined with 3/4 should work very well. Be prepared for a bit of stitching though. A pic or two of one of my 'little' wheelgun holsters, made with two layers of 4/5 oz. This one I use myself and is left handed. Mike Edited November 1, 2010 by katsass Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JWGlover Report post Posted November 1, 2010 IMO Hicks has it right. I make all of my holsters with two layers of at least 4/5 oz leather, they mold well and retain their shape well (because of the two grain sides) and are (because of that) smoothly lined. For a larger gun the 7/8 lined with 3/4 should work very well. Be prepared for a bit of stitching though. A pic or two of one of my 'little' wheelgun holsters, made with two layers of 4/5 oz. This one I use myself and is left handed. Mike I have 8/9 and 4/5 oz on hand, is that overkill? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbusarow Report post Posted November 1, 2010 (edited) I have 8/9 and 4/5 oz on hand, is that overkill? I did one for a model 29 (44 Mag) 6 1/2" barrel out of a single layer of 8/10 English bridle. The owner loves it. 2 layers of 4/5 should be even sturdier than the single 8/10. Dan Edited November 1, 2010 by dbusarow Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregintenn Report post Posted November 1, 2010 I've made holsters for N frame Smith and Wessons. 8/9 oz leather is plenty heavy with no lining. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katsass Report post Posted November 1, 2010 I have 8/9 and 4/5 oz on hand, is that overkill? I'd say that would be overkill. Although if it is an N Frame S&W, it may not be. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregintenn Report post Posted November 1, 2010 I'd suggest doubling the 4/5 oz if you want a lined holster. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JWGlover Report post Posted November 1, 2010 I think I'm gonna go with 4/5 oz doubled and maybe an extra piece of 4/5 oz on the inside of the belt loop. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
