My First Holster

[BConklin]

I couldn't find a holster that I liked for my Ruger Old Army so I decided to make one..

Though I've never done any leatherworking before I figured it might be something I'd enjoy...I was right!

I found there's a Tandy store not too far from me so I went up there, bought some leather and some tools et voila!

a calfskin lined, custom fitted field holster for my favorite gun!

The outer layer is 8 ounce veg tanned cowhide, the inside is 2 ounce veg tanned calf and the holster is hand stitched throughout except for two rivets on the rear flap to anchor those straps that come around the midriff and snap together. This setup enables me to take the holster off without undoing my belt.

From tracing a template from the gun onto manila folder stock to burnishing the edges on the finished holster represents a whole bunch of hours of work but I thoroughly enjoyed the process.

Though there are a few mistakes I'm quite happy with the outcome... especially since it's my first attempt. It's not bad looking at all. It's quite rigid and fits the gun perfectly and I think it'll do the job nicely.

I went a little overboard buying leather so I plan to keep busy making several more holsters this winter. Come spring, maybe I'll have a custom holster for every pistol I own. :D

Here's some pics.

Edited January 18, 2011 by BConklin

[RWP]

holy crap i wish my first attempt had turned out that well! mine will never see the light of day! lol you did a great job! looking forward to see more from ya!

[dirtclod]

Nice job !! Give yourself a Gold Star.

[TwinOaks]

That's really very nice. Can we see the back side so we can see how you did the belt loop?

[particle]

First attempt? Looks as good as most of the stuff for sale at the big-box gun store holster section! Nice job!

[dbusarow]

Let me add another Good Job!

Can't wait to see your 2nd, 3rd etc..

I would also like to see a photo of the back and a better shot of the main seam. Maybe we could critique your edging

Dan

[BConklin]

Thanks folks!

Here's a couple of photos of the backside.

I designed the straps so that they can pivot on the rivets when you pull the holster off through the belt. I figured there'd be less stress on them that way - but the result is that from the lining side the rivets look like they were placed haphazardly.

I don't have any strap end punches yet - these were all done with a draftman's compass and a nice sharp wood chisel.

I misjudged where the hammer strap should be placed and had to cut a notch in the strap so it didn't bind against the sharp edge of the hammer. Even though it's a mistake - I kinda think it looks cool that way.

I think next time I might groove the lining for the stitches as well - the stitches stand proud as they are.

[Haystacker]

Great looking holster. You got talent!

[BConklin]

and...as requested - the main seam.

So far it's only been burnished with a light pass using a felt wheel charged with beeswax in a dremel tool. Next trip to Tandy I'll get some gum tragacanth I guess...

Next time, I think I'll glue the lining in before I cut the pattern out and stamp the stitching holes.

With this holster, fearing the stitching holes would not line up on the main seam, I marked the template for stitching, folding it over to punch through both the front and back at the same time on the main seam. Then I scribed through the holes in the template onto the holster - thus ensuring the stitch holes would be aligned. Then I wet formed the outside to induce that curve - then glued in the liner. The result was glue spots on the main seam that won't take dye or darken with burnishing.

Question: next steps would be to finish the leather and then seal it? What products should I use? It's nice and stiff now and I don't want anything that will soften the leather but I'd like to use some home made preparation if possible.

Edited January 18, 2011 by BConklin

[Haystacker]

One thing you may want to try is to sand your main seam edges. I use a belt sander. If you dont have a belt sander you can still do it by hand. With my belt sander, I do first pass with 80 grit, evens everything up and gets rid of excess glue. Next i wet the edge slightly, and then give it a couple of passes on belt sander with 120 grit. This adds an almost burnishing effect. Then I bevel the edge and slick it up with glycerine bar saddle soap, rubbed in with canvas or denim. Then I give the edge a pass on the burnisher which I use a wooden drawer knob on a drill press.

When i did edges before the days of the belt sander, I would keep going with the sand paper until I finished with 400 grit. (80, 150, 220, 400) Thankfully those days are gone.

Hope this helps. You sure do good work.