Question About Leather Weight

[rccolt45]

I have noticed several holster makers web site say they use 8oz leather.

However, I have learned here that holsters come in 7/8 oz or 8/9 oz.

So when a holster maker says he is using 8 oz leather which is it, 7/8 or 8/9 or does it not matter?

I ask because I am making a venger holster and have 7/8 oz leather and was wondering if this would be ok ?

[katsass]

I have noticed several holster makers web site say they use 8oz leather.

However, I have learned here that holsters come in 7/8 oz or 8/9 oz.

So when a holster maker says he is using 8 oz leather which is it, 7/8 or 8/9 or does it not matter?

I ask because I am making a venger holster and have 7/8 oz leather and was wondering if this would be ok ?

FWIW and IMHO it sort of depends on the size and weight of the gun you are making the holster for. A sub-compact auto holster can be well made from 7/8 oz veg tanned, when molded firmly. Larger weapons would be more suited to using heavier leather. That said, I seldom use a single layer of leather. Most of my holsters are made from two layers of 4/5 oz stuff, glued up flesh sides together. For historically accurate holsters I most often use a single piece of 9/10 oz. This would be for something like an 1851 Colt or similar sized shooter. For a large framed auto pistol, I make my Avenger style from a layer of 4/5 oz (inside) and an outer layer of 5/6 oz. A pic of a typical avenger style of mine. Mike

[rccolt45]

Right now I am just building for full size and Commander size 1911.

I only use a single piece of leather for my avenger style.

So what do you think then 8/9?

[katsass]

Right now I am just building for full size and Commander size 1911.

I only use a single piece of leather for my avenger style.

So what do you think then 8/9?

Yes, I personally would go with a piece of 8/9 oz shoulder. Mike

[Shorts]

I'd use 7/8oz. If you want it good and strong, use a piece of back instead of shoulder. Edit: I didn't mean to sound antagonistic. I suggested the back instead of shoulder as the back fibers are very tight. Shoulders are strong pieces too. But they do tend to have more stretch than backs due to the anatomical nature of the piece.

What do you mean you only use a single piece? Is the belt slot tunnel the same piece of leather that wraps around the gun?

Edited November 21, 2010 by Shorts

[gregintenn]

I prefer 7/8 oz Veg tanned shoulder for most holster applications.

[katsass]

I'd use 7/8oz. If you want it good and strong, use a piece of back instead of shoulder. Edit: I didn't mean to sound antagonistic. I suggested the back instead of shoulder as the back fibers are very tight. Shoulders are strong pieces too. But they do tend to have more stretch than backs due to the anatomical nature of the piece.

What do you mean you only use a single piece? Is the belt slot tunnel the same piece of leather that wraps around the gun?

I simply meant that I would use shoulder leather, it's just my preference. Others like to use back leather. Either way is up to you. Mike

[rccolt45]

By single peice you are right - it really one piece for the body and one of the collor and the back.

I just meant I wouldn't be laminating two pieces together.

thanks for the good advice I will stick with 7/8 0z

[Shorts]

I simply meant that I would use shoulder leather, it's just my preference. Others like to use back leather. Either way is up to you. Mike

Umhm, precisely why I suggested what I did. Didn't mean to bend your bean.

[rccolt45]

Umhm, precisely why I suggested what I did. Didn't mean to bend your bean.

No bean bending - I did mean to sound snippy and I'm sorry if I did. I was just trying to make my self clear.

[Shorts]

No bean bending - I did mean to sound snippy and I'm sorry if I did. I was just trying to make my self clear.

It wasn't you I replied to - no worries!

[katsass]

It wasn't you I replied to - no worries!

Shorts....no offense taken....if you were pointing a me.....as it seems you were. I'm a grumpy old man; I do things my way, and I don't take offense to much anyhoo, BUT, when I do!........ Lord luv a duck. My mind gets going faster than my typing finger can move, so ultimately, I just don't do come backs very well..........so it generally isn't worth the effort to get stirred up..........besides, it gets nobody anywhere. Enjoy your turkey-day. There's no problem on this end. Mike

P.S. You do good work girl.

Edited November 25, 2010 by katsass