Oblong Holster Holes

[BHPshooter]

For 1.5" belts, I have a Texas Custom Dies oblong punch that is 1-5/8" x 1/4", which has been fantastic. I haven't had any issues with the width of the slot only being 1/4" wide.

The majority of the orders I get are for 1.5" belts, but I still have to use other methods when someone orders a holster for a 1.25" or 1.75" belt. I've considered trying Weaver's oblong punches for those sizes, since I've been pleased with their other tools... but I haven't made up my mind yet.

[tclaridge]

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.

I do this as well, punching two round holes (5/16" diameter) 1.5" apart on center. Then a 1.5" sharp wood chisel connects the two holes, hitting each hole tangent to the edge. Done carefully, this can make a pretty smooth, almost-finished slot. I then wrap a pen in fine grit sandpaper and give it a couple laps around the inside of the slot to smooth it up before burnishing. Like Fredo said, this is what I had laying around, so I skipped buying an oval slot punch. Good luck!