Reinforcing Mouth Of Iwb Holster

[Denster]

I would be most interested to know what method you use to construct a pancake IWB holster, with only a front panel reinforcement, that will not ever close up after the weapon is drawn, Seriously.

[supercub]

IWB flat back pancake w/integral steel band. A strip of 20 ga galvanized sandwiched between two layers of 4/5 0z on the front piece of the pancake. The mouth has shown no propensity to collapse when the pistol is removed. Please excuse the crude construction and finish. This one is a prototype with leather salvaged from the scrap bin.

[asbandr]

Very nice. Where do you get the steel and how do you construct this portion of the holster? Like stamping the steel and such?

[supercub]

Very nice. Where do you get the steel and how do you construct this portion of the holster? Like stamping the steel and such?

The steel is hardware store galvanized flashing. Lowes, Home Depot, or ACE usually has sheets of the stuff. Cut it out with tin sips. Since this holster is a flat back, figure out how long the strip needs to be to reach stitchline to stitchline. Sew (and glue) it between the two front layers and bend the front over the gun. Mold the front (wet) over the gun and let it dry. When dry, layout the stitchlines and sew it to the flat back. The metal strip is enclosed between two layers of leather and is captured in the form of a "bridge" between the stichlines. The steel is not all that thick and is fairly easy to bend to shape prior sewing. Once the metal is in final position, it can't move (since it is held between the stitchlines. I'm sure you could bend it out of shape if you exert enough force, but it seems to work pretty well to keep the holster mouth open.

[BHPshooter]

I would be most interested to know what method you use to construct a pancake IWB holster, with only a front panel reinforcement, that will not ever close up after the weapon is drawn, Seriously.

Well, let's be clear -- I'm not saying that it couldn't ever happen, I'm saying that it hasn't happened to me.

Just for demonstration's sake, here are some pics. I even cinched my belt an extra notch for these pictures. The holster in the first pic is 2 years old, the holster in the second pic is 1.5 years old, both made with 6/7 Hermann Oak. One-handed reholstering is a requirement for me, and these two meet that requirement.

Also, in pic #2, the dog says hello.

[Red Cent]

Supercub, is that flashing around 11 gauge?

[supercub]

I've used a variety of metal thickness. Some of the old Milt Sparks holsters used a 20 gauge piece (.0359). I found that to be a little too thick for my method. It will work, but it is a struggle to form it around the gun unless you build an envelope style holster. I will sometimes use a piece of metal strap ( banding) that measures .75" x .0239 (around 24 ga.). It works pretty well, but it is not galvanized, so it can rust.

The flashing I find in the big box hardware stores varies from 30 ga. .0120 up to 26 ga. The 30 gauge works okay, but it is a little thin and flexible. I have not tried to use a double thickness of the 30 ga., but don't see why it couldn't work.

If you have trouble finding workable thickness, try a heating and cooling outfit. They should have lots of scrap sheet from fabricating duct work.

[Dwight]

Supercub, is that flashing around 11 gauge?

C'mon, Red Cent, . . . 11 gauge is closer to tank armor than flashing,........ that stuff is an eighth of an inch thick, . . . well, . . . almost armor anyway

May God bless,

Dwight

[renegadelizard]

I got to chime in here and ask what is the purpose of one handed reholstering?...For anyone carrying inside the waistband, and yes, even in a law enforcement role, what purpose does it serve...if i have just pulled my gun on someone, i will not reholster it until the threat is no longer a threat...then i will reholster it with two hands, a trombone, a shoehorn and anything else i think i need to use..why, because the threat is no longer a threat...one handed reholstering, aka, "tactical reholstering", is a concept used and practiced by tactical units carrying outside the waistband, either for quick weapons transitions, or going hands on with a "live" threat..even then, they have a cover unit with a firearm still out and in the fight...ive been a cop for 20 years, and i have seen this mentality creep into the scene with much dismay....bottom line, "practics" or the practical application of equipment and personnel, will always beat tactics...maybe someday tacticool will grow up and be practicool....thus endeth my rant..lol..

[cleanview]

I got to chime in here and ask what is the purpose of one handed reholstering?...For anyone carrying inside the waistband, and yes, even in a law enforcement role, what purpose does it serve...if i have just pulled my gun on someone, i will not reholster it until the threat is no longer a threat...then i will reholster it with two hands, a trombone, a shoehorn and anything else i think i need to use..why, because the threat is no longer a threat...one handed reholstering, aka, "tactical reholstering", is a concept used and practiced by tactical units carrying outside the waistband, either for quick weapons transitions, or going hands on with a "live" threat..even then, they have a cover unit with a firearm still out and in the fight...ive been a cop for 20 years, and i have seen this mentality creep into the scene with much dismay....bottom line, "practics" or the practical application of equipment and personnel, will always beat tactics...maybe someday tacticool will grow up and be practicool....thus endeth my rant..lol..

At first glance I started to respond with the standard arguments in contrary to yours.......after reading it with patience and thinking about it you have a very valid point.........but then again I dont even know what two handed reholstering is.....