Goverment 1911 Shoulder Holster

[johnggrg]

Hi everyone. I have a few questions. I had an old army 1911 shoulder holster (not a collectable). It's worn out and I wanted to get a new one so I decided to make one. Ok this would be my first real project using good leather. I have the old holster unstitched and getting ready to make a pattern out of it. I got to thinking about it and thought I could make a double one for each side. But would need a differant shoulder strap or rig that will take one holster on each side. Not sure how to do that with out changing the original design. Any thoughts on how it could be done? The only thing is I don't want to change the shape of the holster itself. Second what thickness would you recommend making everything out of 8-9 oz veg tan leather? Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. John

[TomLine]

Wouldn't go any heavier than 8/9 oz.

I used the handsome military shoulder holster design itself for some rigs with different strap configs. The single strap is most comfortable, but of course the strap is visible across your chest. I skipped the retention strap since the holster sits vertical anyhow but I did put a snap in case I wanted to add one later since adding a strap would be quick to accomplish. I built them as a challenge as I find I prefer a nice IWB holster. They fit a surprisingly wide variety of John Browning type guns including the 1911, Hi-Power, and Tokarev. You can reuse your buckles from the knock off holster. It's tempting to make the straps wider, but it actually makes them stiffer and less comfortable. I prefer wearing the one I made with the G.I. width straps. I have a couple real ones; one is really cheap leather, and the other is Latigo I think. It's extremely pliable but way tough.

The military had two shoulder designs. The M3 basic single strap is simple and best for use. The other more complex is the M6 with the strap that goes horizontal with snap across your chest. With some fiddling, the M6 straps can be re-arranged so the front chest strap goes under the right arm instead and hooks in the back to make a more police type strap configuration where there's no strap in front. The belt loop isn't used always depending on your build.

Hi everyone. I have a few questions. I had an old army 1911 shoulder holster (not a collectable). It's worn out and I wanted to get a new one so I decided to make one. Ok this would be my first real project using good leather. I have the old holster unstitched and getting ready to make a pattern out of it. I got to thinking about it and thought I could make a double one for each side. But would need a differant shoulder strap or rig that will take one holster on each side. Not sure how to do that with out changing the original design. Any thoughts on how it could be done? The only thing is I don't want to change the shape of the holster itself. Second what thickness would you recommend making everything out of 8-9 oz veg tan leather? Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. John

Edited December 30, 2010 by TomLine

[johnggrg]

Tomline thanks for the reply. Those look nice. What thickness leather are the originals 6-7oz? There not 8-9 oz I know that. The body of the holster will be the same right down to the Lift-a-dot fasstner. Not sure how to do the post for it but will read up on it. As far as the shoulder straps. I was hoping to get some advise on. Maybe someone has already done one and can help out. I hope so. Thank you. John

[johnggrg]

The original Goverment holsters were made from 6-7 oz leather right???????

Please let me know. Thank you. John

[johnggrg]

6-7 oz??????????? John

[Dwight]

Some years back, I purchased a shoulder holster for a friend, as I could not at that time make him one.

It was not any thicker than 5 oz, . . . was very, very rigid, . . . and was a well made holster.

Just relaying my experience, . . .

May God bless,

Dwight

[johnggrg]

Thank you for the responce Dwight. Happy New Year everyone. John

[johnggrg]

I have another question. Does anyone sell the U.S that is in an oval stamp? Like what were on the original. Someone mentioned a guy on ebay that sold them but that person had none for sale. Anyone know anyone that sells them????? Please let me know. Thank you and have a great New Year!! John

[johnggrg]

It's 8-9 oz leather on the original. Had a brain fart on that one!! All I had to do was put a 8-9 oz piece next to it to tell. I would like to know about the US stamp if anyone knows where to find them. John