Zooker Report post Posted January 24, 2013 Hello everyone, I am very new to the craft and also new to Cowboy Action Shooting, but have always been a hands-on kind of guy. I would like to make my own rig (strong hand right and cross draw). My big question is, what would be the most appropriate cut to get enough to make it? I have seen a lot of debate as to the weight, lined/unlined, and was wondering if anyone would share their thoughts as to their preferences. Thanks, Zooker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Driften Report post Posted January 24, 2013 The pinned thread at the top of this board (cowboy holster tutorial) should be most of what you would need. Also check out the videos from Chuck Burrows on making frontier holsters. As for the type of holster for SASS/CAS I also started with a strong hand and a cross draw and I think a better way to go is with a right and left strong hand holster. If you get the shooting videos from Evil Roy he shows the best way of running them. Its easer to use and you don't have to turn your body to keep the muzzle on the cross draw down range when drawing. Its also faster... Good Luck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zooker Report post Posted January 25, 2013 Thanks Driften, I have read all the tutorials at the top, but also read a lot of conflicting thoughts on thickness and such. I guess my main question is really how much leather (and what thickness) do I need to buy to make a two holster rig, including the belt. I just ordered the Burrows video from Amazon and can't wait for it to come in the mail. I also spent a few hours with some local "cowboys" who make the same, two strong hand suggestion. I think I will go with it and learn from there. Thanks for the input! Zooker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
St8LineGunsmith Report post Posted January 25, 2013 (edited) I use 8 to 10 oz veg tan for most holsters 10 ox will be thick enough for a belt also. depending on your girth if you are a 36" waist you can use a double shoulder to get several belts and holsters. if you are larger than a 36" waist then you will need to get a side for it to be long enough to make the belt and a side will be large enough to make a lot of belts holsters and other acessories. if you are wanting a bare minimum of leather then you could get a tooling belly for the belt and a single shoulder for the holster and other accessories. Edited January 25, 2013 by St8LineGunsmith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted January 25, 2013 John Bianchi did a couple of videos on VHS, . . . and I suppose by now they are on DVD, . . . and what he shows you is really, really worth while if you want to make a Western rig or two. I make all of mine according to those instructions, . . . double layer belts, . . . double layer holsters, . . . the only thing different I do, . . . I use a laced cartridge belt instead of a sewn one. So far, . . . no complaints from any of my customers. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zooker Report post Posted January 25, 2013 Thanks Guys! St8line - that is exactly what I was looking for. Big help! Dwight - I will check out those videos. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katsass Report post Posted January 25, 2013 From the grump: I make most of my holsters from two layers of 4/5 and sometimes 5/6oz shoulder leather. Gunbelts, generally are made from 12/13oz saddle skirting, backed with 2/3oz. Here's a pic of a pair of matching (as close as I can get, and still under construction) holsters for SAA clones. Strong hand on the left -- cross draw on the right, and one of the cross draw on the belt. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Josh Ashman Report post Posted January 25, 2013 St8line pretty well has it on what you'll need although I wouldn't go with the belly for anything other then a liner and that's iffy. I always end up wanting to kick my own butt anytime I compromise on leather quality. Yes it's expensive but when it's all said and done if it's built on crappy leather it's kinda crappy, no matter how good your work turned out. Just my 2 cents.... Good luck, Josh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
St8LineGunsmith Report post Posted January 26, 2013 St8line pretty well has it on what you'll need although I wouldn't go with the belly for anything other then a liner and that's iffy. I always end up wanting to kick my own butt anytime I compromise on leather quality. Yes it's expensive but when it's all said and done if it's built on crappy leather it's kinda crappy, no matter how good your work turned out. Just my 2 cents.... Good luck, Josh Josh I tend to agree with you about using the belly Thanks Guys! St8line - that is exactly what I was looking for. Big help! Dwight - I will check out those videos. Dwight I am glad I was able to be of some assistance From the grump: I make most of my holsters from two layers of 4/5 and sometimes 5/6oz shoulder leather. Gunbelts, generally are made from 12/13oz saddle skirting, backed with 2/3oz. Here's a pic of a pair of matching (as close as I can get, and still under construction) holsters for SAA clones. Strong hand on the left -- cross draw on the right, and one of the cross draw on the belt. Mike Mike as always very nice work! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zooker Report post Posted January 27, 2013 Thanks to all for the help. I am going to start gathering materials and as soon as my guns get here I will get to it. I only hope I make something a fraction as good as the work you all produce. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
