Oblong Holster Holes

[dakotawolf]

I'm considering the 1 5/8" punch. i think that might be a happy medium. just slightly over 1.5" but not way over

http://springfieldleather.com/16571/Punch%2COblong%2C%23151%2C1-5-8"/

My only question would be how wide is the slot.

[cleanview]

I am expecting mine form texas custom dies any day now......3/8 by 1 5/8

[JLSleather]

Why are you boys determined you need such a wide slot?

[chiefjason]

I use a 1.25" round punch and a 1.00" wood chisel. First I punch my end holes with the round punch and then the chisel between. If I need a longer belt slot I use a wider chisel. Since I already had the chisels it made sense for me to go that route.

Same but I use a 1.5" skiving knife to cut between.

[tardis86]

According to springfield the slot is 1/4" wide. would that be big enough?

[Red Cent]

If a customer orders a pancake holster and he wears a hd gun belt, I will make the slots wider. That heavy belt will kink a holster and/or add some discomfort. I will, sometimes, bevel/ramp two sides of each slot. This allows the belt to lay flat and the holster will follow. I also make the slots around 1 3/4" long to make sure that 1 1/2" belt will go through the slot. No complaints and repeat customers. Some of my customers are serious about the CC holsters and like the "mods".
.

[cleanview]

just what seems to work with 1/4 inch gun belts.........have been punching holes and chiseling and like the 3/8 best

[dakotawolf]

According to springfield the slot is 1/4" wide. would that be big enough?

I'd say probably, if you're going to burnish the inside of the hole. Even if you're not burnishing you might be able to squeeze a 1/4" thick belt through. If you're making them for other people (who have 1/4" thick belts), they might not enjoy the extra friction and effort it *might* take to feed the belt through. I've never used the Springfield punch, so this is my best guess. If you try it, please report back the results.

[chiefjason]

I'm considering the 1 5/8" punch. i think that might be a happy medium. just slightly over 1.5" but not way over

http://springfieldleather.com/16571/Punch%2COblong%2C%23151%2C1-5-8%22/

I have one similar and don't use it. The taper leaves a hole that is narrower on the back and wider on the front. With the punch and skivving knife I get a slot that is more vertical front to back. Also found it hard to drive through the holster. I use one similar to this, might even be this one I just don't remember.

http://springfieldleather.com/24870/Knife%2CLeather%2CCSO%2CSz-1/

[stu925]

I have a C.S. Osborne 1 3/4" oblong punch which punches a slot 1/4" wide and seems to be perfect for me. My belt is 1 3/4" wide and fits perfectly in the 1 3/4" slot, a heavier duty belt might be an issue and need a wider slot, I haven't tried it yet.

Stu