Nameless IWB

[Shorts]

Mike, looking forward to the pics and the friendly reminders of my options I have found that the 3.5 .45ap is the smallest I can go and still shoot comfortably and accurately (loved my Oacp). For some reason I could not hit the broad side of a barn with a 3" Springfield Micro Compact model. I don't know if it was me or the gun, but that was my first and last experience with a 3" .45. I should give it a fair shake again, maybe try a different model. I have started to consider bobtailing my Commander. I'm not real sure about taking that plunge just yet, but it's looking like a viable option. I will be doing some other work to it that'll require a refinish so it'd be the perfect time to include that modification. Have a good time at grandma's

Srigs, the Jockstrap IWB But you do have a point, boost the machismo with the name. Hmm, I'd could have a field day with that project! Your observation on the rear wing is exactly what I experienced.

ArtS, thank you sir

Edited June 14, 2008 by Shorts

[Shorts]

'nuther one. I extended the leather on the muzzle. And my stamp, courtesy of Dbar Leather

Edited June 18, 2008 by Shorts

[Jordan]

The harder I try to get my stitches to look that good, the worse they look. Real nice job.

[Shorts]

The harder I try to get my stitches to look that good, the worse they look. Real nice job.

Thanks Jordan. I'm sure your stitches will come along just fine. With me, some days are definitely better than others.

A little insight here...I must say I'm pretty methodical in my stitching. Overall, if I feel resistance on the needle, it isn't going through the punched hole correctly. So I back it out and try again. Otherwise it'll tear through where it's not suppose to and leave jagged edges on the stitch groove. I take about 2hrs to finish stitching a holster (45min active stitch per side, then take a break, rethread needles, etc etc).

In the production of the holster, the stitches get rolled over by the stitching wheel probably 2-3 times before it is dyed and sealed. The first time is immediately after stitching. I gently press the leather flat to smooth any raised areas from the needles or thread, then I run the lines with the wheel. The next time is after wet molding, usually about 30-1hr after leaving the holster to begin drying. I take the stitch wheel and run the lines again, front and back. This helps to mold and set the leather around the stitches into a uniform pattern again. Especially since the leather collapses and squeezes over the threads during molding. It makes a nice channel again and can make a big difference in the look of a finished product. That's often the last time I run the wheel.

Another thing is, I only have use of my right hand. Making a holster from start to finish is an interesting production. I have to be pretty precise and careful in each step. I think that a decent holster emerges because I'm concentrating so hard lol

[Shorts]

UPDATE -

I hvae been wearing this holster around the for entire morning. Got it on under a Tshirt and my loosefit Levis. I must say, it's pretty comfortable. I've been sitting and standing. I'm about to hit up some chores around the house and work on some other holsters.

I've been needing t odo a good wear review on this holster. So far, so good. I've got one one the table now for the 3" micro compact I recieved a day or two ago. That should disappear nicely.

[Srigs]

Very good design and execution. From what you said it sounds very comfortable and the Micro-compact 1911 will be every easy to carry.

[Shorts]

The micro compact is taking forever to dry. I went ahead and did another dipping in vinegaroon since the solution cured a bit more overnight and the holster was still a gray color. Those holsters take a while to dry and I'm getting impatient! The neat thing about them though is you can bone the heck out of them. The leather is a bit more forgiving to the boning tool. But it is tougher to press and mold without a hydraulic press. You win a little, give a little

On the micro compact I did need to trim down the top of the rear wing. The grip on the pistol is so short that it actually interferes withe the draw grip. I'll see how that adjustment takes. I haven't had the chance to even test fit the 1st one (no wing adjustment) but I have a 2nd one that's drying glue now with the adjustment. I'll find out soon enough I suppose.