MADMAX22 Report post Posted April 22, 2011 Hey everyone, been a while since Ive done a holster and have only done a few to begin with. Doing this holster for a buddy at work and wanted a little input as to how its progressing. The final one will be done in horse hide as he wanted. Pretty much the overall design is what he wanted for the most part. The only thing I have changed since this one is right where the rear site is the top layer of leather I trimmed back a little bit because when I was drawing the gun the rear site would catch on that top piece of leather. Anyways let me know what you all think. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rayban Report post Posted April 23, 2011 Hey everyone, been a while since Ive done a holster and have only done a few to begin with. Doing this holster for a buddy at work and wanted a little input as to how its progressing. The final one will be done in horse hide as he wanted. Pretty much the overall design is what he wanted for the most part. The only thing I have changed since this one is right where the rear site is the top layer of leather I trimmed back a little bit because when I was drawing the gun the rear site would catch on that top piece of leather. Anyways let me know what you all think. I like...good sturdy work, and design....can't help but wonder why he would insist on horse hide...what difference can it make for an IWB? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted April 23, 2011 Nice looking holster and bright grips so he can find it if he loses it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted April 23, 2011 Not sure Rayban, I think it was a mistake of mine actually. I told him I had both horse and cow. I guess that the one place he was looking at charged a hefty sum for horse hide so that correlates to better for most people. I dont mind either way and explained that one is not better then the other overall. The main reason he is having me make him one is the front site is a after market site that they dont generally make holsters to accommodate so I told him I would make him one for a small fee but that it wouldnt be quiet as nice as some of what you guys make. Dirtclod yeah I am not overly impressed with the grip. Its a pretty nice revolver for what it is but I think I would definitely change it out. The thing is super light though atleast without ammo in it. I imagine it kicks like a mule though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lobo Report post Posted April 23, 2011 (edited) I like...good sturdy work, and design....can't help but wonder why he would insist on horse hide...what difference can it make for an IWB? Horsehide tends to have a very dense structure that resists moisture infiltration more so than cowhide, which gives some advantage in IWB-style holsters that are subjected to moisture and body heat in use. A well sealed horsehide holster provides increased protection for the weapon, along with reduced tendencies for mold and mildew formation. The greater moisture resistance is evident during the wet-forming process, and also when dyeing a piece. Getting good, even color saturation can be a challenge. Horsehide also tends to have greater strength, allowing it to retain the molded shape, so lighter weights can be used. This offers another advantage in IWB-style holsters by reducing the bulk of the holstered handgun. I've had difficulty locating reliable supplies of good horsehide over the years, so I have been reluctant to offer horsehide holsters. No sense in advertising something unless you know you can fill the orders. Edited April 23, 2011 by Lobo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted April 23, 2011 One reason to use horsehide is that it's a bit stronger than the cowhide so you can use a thinner piece for things like IWBs and still maintain the same strength of the holster.....or so I've read. I see something I'm curious about and you might want to check on- That is the cylinder placement in relation to the belt. As it looks from the photo, the belt will be riding directly over the cylinder, which would place significant pressure on the wearer's waist. Think of it as strapping a large round lump of steel under your belt in comfort terms. If that IS the way it's designed (as an IWB) you may want to 'raise' the attachment points so the belt can ride above the cylinder, helping to lock the pistol in the holster. If it's where the customer want's it, be sure to remind him that he may need to wear a pants size larger to accommodate the thickness of the revolver. If it's somebody local, you might even have him come over and wear it around for a little while to see how it feels in it's current position. Also, as a personal design element, I try to carry the leather up the cylinder to the blast shield and cover the gap between it an the cylinder- it helps to keep any trash/debris from finding it's way in there. As it's drying, a little 'tweaking' with the fingers to flair the leather eliminates reholstering concerns, and once it's heat set, the leather will pretty much maintain that little flair. It's not a lot, but just enough to keep the edge of the leather from snagging when the gun is on the way in. Good choice to leave some room for the front sight, there's nothing like drawing the gun and trying to sight through a leather 'fuzzy'. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katsass Report post Posted April 23, 2011 (edited) Hey everyone, been a while since Ive done a holster and have only done a few to begin with. Doing this holster for a buddy at work and wanted a little input as to how its progressing. The final one will be done in horse hide as he wanted. Pretty much the overall design is what he wanted for the most part. The only thing I have changed since this one is right where the rear site is the top layer of leather I trimmed back a little bit because when I was drawing the gun the rear site would catch on that top piece of leather. Anyways let me know what you all think. Well Max, you always do a great job with any of the pieces you've shared with us. My only comments are; first, the grips, and I'll just leave it at that.Second; to carry a shooter of that size in an IWB holster most likely will require some new (larger) trousers. They just aren't an easy gun to conceal, unless you are a pretty big man. Now, I happen to carry (at times) a S&W Mod.-24 3" .44. But I carry it in an OWB on a well reinforced 1 3/4" belt. Just for grins.....a pic of my 'big' snubby. Mike Edited April 23, 2011 by katsass Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Go2Tex Report post Posted April 23, 2011 Hey everyone, been a while since Ive done a holster and have only done a few to begin with. Doing this holster for a buddy at work and wanted a little input as to how its progressing. The final one will be done in horse hide as he wanted. Pretty much the overall design is what he wanted for the most part. The only thing I have changed since this one is right where the rear site is the top layer of leather I trimmed back a little bit because when I was drawing the gun the rear site would catch on that top piece of leather. Anyways let me know what you all think. Target sights on a pocket gun makes little sense to begin with, but since that's what you have to work around, it seems to me that you have little choice but to either have the sights dig into the person carrying it, or perhaps catch on the lip of the holster. I think the compromise comes down on the side of comfort for most applications. Obviously, the client is not one to be using this gun "on duty", so the fact that the sights might present a problem with holstering is of less concern. Concealment appears to be the ultimate concern of this user, (e.g. IWB), so I would attempt a design that would protect the sights but not leave them open. Just my thoughts.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted April 23, 2011 Thanks a ton for all the good advice everyone. That is some really good pointers all around. Yes he is local (work with him actually) so its all good. I am looking forward to having someone who carries all the time outside of work be able to give me some feedback on my work as well. I personally dont see how you could carry this beast around even if it is a really light gun. You put 6 rounds of 44 in there and its not light no more lol. I am getting close to being finished with the other one, Ill post that when I am done. Once again thanks for all the great input. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reaper Report post Posted April 23, 2011 Well Max, you always do a great job with any of the pieces you've shared with us. My only comments are; first, the grips, and I'll just leave it at that.Second; to carry a shooter of that size in an IWB holster most likely will require some new (larger) trousers. They just aren't an easy gun to conceal, unless you are a pretty big man. Now, I happen to carry (at times) a S&W Mod.-24 3" .44. But I carry it in an OWB on a well reinforced 1 3/4" belt. Just for grins.....a pic of my 'big' snubby. Mike This is a very VERY sweet looking cannon. I will admit that shooting it more than twice would be at the bottom of my list, unless it was into a bad guy.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Go2Tex Report post Posted April 23, 2011 This is a very VERY sweet looking cannon. I will admit that shooting it more than twice would be at the bottom of my list, unless it was into a bad guy.... You better hope you don't need more than 2 rounds from that piece in a bad guy. If you did, his name would probably be Griz. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reaper Report post Posted April 23, 2011 You better hope you don't need more than 2 rounds from that piece in a bad guy. If you did, his name would probably be Griz. Seriously... I have shot a 4 inch 44 magnum and a 44 special... The Special was easy and not bad at all... But a friend handed me his 44 magnum and a hand full of shells telling me to try it out. I shot three rounds and handed it and the unfried shells back and said done.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shooter McGavin Report post Posted April 24, 2011 (edited) Hey if were showing off our 44s here, can I post mine? S&W 629-6 3" ported barrel . Most people only shoot it once. I dont call it a range day unless I've ran 120 rounds through it. Note the .50AE ammo in the background Edited April 24, 2011 by Shooter McGavin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reaper Report post Posted April 24, 2011 Another nice S&W, this looks like the one I shot though it wasn't ported and it had rubber grips on it. I've been wanting a 625 cut for moon clips for a while now. Surprised how many 629's I come across but not any 5" 625's, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted April 27, 2011 (edited) Well finished the second try at this guy. This one is in horse (the ones from springfeild). I think it overall turned out a little better. Doesnt look any better lol but function wise its a little better. Forgot about covering up a little more of the cylinder like you guys had mentioned but ah well. Maybe next round. I think I could have forgone the reinforcement on the front but wanted to give that a try. It is already so thick whats another layer of 6-7oz leather right ...... I think next round it will be left off. I think I will have him try this one out for a while and give me feed back on how it performs and go from there. The best opinion is from actual user response right. Thanks for all the input previously. Oh and the extra holes are so he can move the straps down a half inch. May help and if not it doesnt hurt. Edited April 27, 2011 by MADMAX22 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rayban Report post Posted April 27, 2011 Looking good Mad......I really like the looks of horse when you leave it it's natural color. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katsass Report post Posted April 27, 2011 After all the sideline shooter pix.............you did a good job, Your buddy should be proud, as should you. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted April 27, 2011 Thanks guys appreciate the complimants, yeah like the horse natural. it wears reaLly nice over time Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reaper Report post Posted April 27, 2011 Very nice for sure... I noticed something the other day after leaving some Horse trimmings on a table outside the other night. The dew in the morning had wet the leather and the sun dried it out each night for a number of days before I actually got around to picking it all up off the table. It had turned a deeper richer saddle tan color with a light red tint to it, I think I am going to actually do this with enough horse butt to make a holster out of and skip any type of dying. Max from the looks of that there holster it should carry that BIG revolver easily and with comfort too! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted April 27, 2011 Funny you mention that Reaper, I made my fiancee a credit card holder out of horse and she ended up washing it and drying it lol. Well it is died brown but looked ten times better after the wash and dry then it did when I gave it to her. Had to throw some oil on it but other then that it seemed just fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
