Welt Construction Question

[Lobo]

In holster construction welted seams can serve a couple of purposes. The welt can add considerably to the strength and rigidity of the finished holster by reinforcing the seamed edge. A welt can allow some extra space to the holster interior that permits moving the stitch-line closer to the handgun profile without requiring the very sharp and abrupt forming that a similar holster without welt might require. Several of my holster designs utilize welts, which I usually cut from 7/8 oz. cowhide, and some designs can benefit from a doubled welt.

I recently made a duty holster for a local police officer (left-handed and having a newly introduced pistol that no holsters are readily available for). Used a holster body constructed of two layers of 5/6 oz. cemented and stitched together and a doubled welt of 7/8 oz. Stitching the seams involved 6 layers of leather, about 1/2" thick. The result was an extremely sturdy and rigid holster (laminating layers of leather seems to have an effect similar to plywood, with multiple layers yielding strength greater than a single layer of equal thickness). I doubt the new owner will ever have to worry about wearing it out.

As for leather weights to be used, I usually make my selections based upon the overall size and weight of the intended handgun, the intended function of the holster, and whether or not the holster will be lined. Speaking very generally, the smaller and lighter handguns can usually be accomodated well with a 6/7 oz. holster body, while medium size & weight handguns may require a 7/8 oz., and the heavier handguns may be better served with 8/9 or heavier. In the shop I always have 5/6, 6/7, 7/8, and 8/9 on hand for various uses (holsters, pouches, belts). Most unlined holsters are made in 7/8 oz., and lined holsters are frequently made of 6/7 oz. with a lining of about 3 oz. weight, which has worked well for most applications.

[Red Cent]

I added the screw many years ago when I removed half of the sight track/welt in the front. Much quicker out of the holster.

[harley45]

Who knew that this question would teach me so much! I just saw the holster and thought it would be kool to try! Thanks Guys

[Dwight]

C'mon, Red Cent, . . . you still can't out draw Matt...................

And if you did, . . . Festus would get ya.........

Not meaning any disrespect or add adverse feelings to anyone, . . . and I do know that sometimes they are probably necessary, . . . but the screw in the bowl washer, . . . with the rubber rings below it, . . . for tension, . . . it just throws the whole picture off for me.

Kinda like watching some cowpoke riding along in his Hoss hat, . . . on a purty lookin' bay, . . . got his vest and his chaps on, . . . six gun at his side, . . . rifle in the scabbard, . . . rope hanging off the saddle, . . . saddlebags in the back, . . . and totin' a turquoise transistor radio with the antenna extended up 48 inches, . . . blaring out some old rock N roll Beachboy's tune.

But that's just me, . . . probably don't have that effect on everyone.

May God bless,

Dwight

[vaalpens]

Comparable to an old Smith & Wesson holster of the 70s.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/redcent69/Leather/SWholster001.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/redcent69/Leather/SWholster002.jpg

Red Cent, What style of holster is that? I have seen a few pictures of the specific style and it look like it is only used for 1911's, and maybe for competition. Also looks like most of them are made by "M Davis". This following holster is similar, but without the welt. Do you know where to get the brass hardware for this style of holster?

Edited June 24, 2014 by vaalpens

[Red Cent]

That style was the cat's meow in the 70s.

The first picture is of a rig was made by Gorge M. Davis (recently deceased) of California for IPSC when it was in its infancy and before new rules came out. Made for me and serial numbered.

The next picture I took a few years ago showing different holsters.

The "Chapman High Ride" made by Bianchi and endorsed by Ray Chapman adhered to the new rules of that day. It is bottom line, second from the left.
Top far right and the next three going left are holsters used today and yesterday. Third one from the right is Kydex and the remaining three are leather. All built for speed and a couple built for bull barreled revolvers.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/redcent69/Leather/Holsters018_zps1eebeccd.jpg

I would say that those are Chicago screws with post binder extensions inside a metal tube. This method is popular in making kydex holsters. Male side of screw , extension which has male and female ends, and then the female side of the chicago screw. Small tube cut for aesthetics. I use the screw combination with black small diameter rubber tubing.

And you are correct about the 1911s. They ruled back in the 70s. What with the birth of the compensator, they needed a lot of hot gas and the 38 Super took the lead.

[harley45]

I love that davis and chapman rigs, I've been buying a lot of older 1911 holsters lately it's kinda an obsession and fun to reverse engineer them,

[vaalpens]

That style was the cat's meow in the 70s.

The first picture is of a rig was made by Gorge M. Davis (recently deceased) of California for IPSC when it was in its infancy and before new rules came out. Made for me and serial numbered.

The next picture I took a few years ago showing different holsters.

The "Chapman High Ride" made by Bianchi and endorsed by Ray Chapman adhered to the new rules of that day. It is bottom line, second from the left.

Top far right and the next three going left are holsters used today and yesterday. Third one from the right is Kydex and the remaining three are leather. All built for speed and a couple built for bull barreled revolvers.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee189/redcent69/Leather/Holsters018_zps1eebeccd.jpg

I would say that those are Chicago screws with post binder extensions inside a metal tube. This method is popular in making kydex holsters. Male side of screw , extension which has male and female ends, and then the female side of the chicago screw. Small tube cut for aesthetics. I use the screw combination with black small diameter rubber tubing.

And you are correct about the 1911s. They ruled back in the 70s. What with the birth of the compensator, they needed a lot of hot gas and the 38 Super took the lead.

Thanks for sharing your holster pictures and the history that goes with it. I was on a different continent in the 70's and did not even know what a 1911 was. I just love some of these old school holsters. What about the holster second row from the top, all the way to the right? It looks like one of the 70's 1911 type holsters, but then it has an old school look with the strap around it, like the old George Lawrence type holsters. The serialized Davis holster you have is a beauty.

[Red Cent]

That belongs to a cowboy rig made for a pair of Colts. That is many rigs ago:).