Help With Avenger How To

[glockanator]

I have been trying to make avenger holsters for some time. I have bought a few patterns and had great success. My question is once you trace the firearm out is it still the same rule of thumb for spacing the stitch line? I have made two G23 avenger holsters and both have been so tight I could not get the gun non the holster. On one of them I was able to get the gun to fit but almost couldn't get the gun out. Thanks

[Josh Ashman]

I fold a piece of paper in half, lay the pistol upside down on the fold then "roll" the pistol off the center fold, this spaces the "top" about right. Then I trace the "bottom" of the pistol around the grip, trigger guard, dust cover etc and figure my stitch line by going 1/2 of the pistol plus 1/8" for the leather. You might have to play around with that a little to reach perfection but using that method I haven't had a first run holster that wasn't fine for use. YMMV.

Good luck, Josh

[Abram]

Here is how I came up with the patterns I use. Normally I allow half the width of the gun plus the leather of the thickness in a pancak style holster, well with the Avenger I could not do that so I came up with a new formula, it works for me but your mileage may vary. I take the width of the gun and add 3/4" to it, I still use the same stitch line measurements I would in a pancake holster around the trigger and lower part of the frame but the added 3/4 allows for the holster to wrap around the gun. I use 8-9 oz. leather and this may need to be adjusted if you use lighter or heavier leather.

[Red Bear Haraldsson]

Pictures always help, show us what you made, then we can mark up the picture and point out areas to adjust.

I have Will Ghormley's Johnny Ringo rig. I tried to adjust it in a little bit to make the pistol more snug, and had to add a bolster because I went too far in my adjustment.

Maybe you can cut the stitching, add a bolster (just along the bottom at the slide) and save the holsters?

[glockanator]

I ha e tried the folder trick where you put the gun on the fold and rub around to get your stitch line. Still to tight. I will try the 3/4inch. I usually use 6/7oz leather for my holsters. I have saved the two that have not fit right and will post pictures when I can get back to the shop.