Holsters #2 & #3

[ArcherBen]

Here are a couple of holsters I've finished in the last week. The pocket and the pancake holsters are the 2nd and 3rd holsters I've built. The pocket on the pancake holster is completely formed from the front panel, while the rear panel is flat. This was kind of a tricky design to work out, but I was able to get a nice tight stitch line and a snug fit by doing so. All comments, critique, and suggestions welcome.

Keltec P3AT Pocket Holster:

Springfield XD9SC Pancake Holster:

[DCKNIVES]

Looks pretty good considering your experience.As with most newbies, the problems usually involve fit and finish, and that comes with practice and learning good techniques.Spend a little extra time straightening up your edges and I would dye and seal the interior of the holster, if your not going to line it.Its all in the details my friend.Keep up the good work and practice on those details.Dave

[JRB]

How do you guys get the body contour like in ArcherBen's last pic.

[ArcherBen]

The owner/operator of my local leather shop taught me how to do this. Here's the process I used on this holster:

1- Design pattern around the gun.

2- Cut out the front panel.

3- Case the front panel and nail it to a wooden table.

4- Insert the gun between the table and the leather where you want to form the pouch.

5- Proceed with wet molding and boning.

6- Design pattern for the back panel based on the formed front panel.

7- Cut out back panel and proceed with assembly.

8- After front and back panels have been stitched together, case and mold again.

The purpose of the second molding is to mold in the sight rail, as I wasn't able to mold this part while the front panel was nailed to the table. Hope this helps.

[JRB]

So you're adding the arched contour after you've molded around the gun...Sort of a 2nd molding?

[ArcherBen]

I think I misunderstood your question initially. I thought you were asking how to form the pocket out of the outer panel while leaving the back panel flat. Now I believe you are asking how I formed the shape of the holster to curve with the hip. Is this correct? If so, I just kinda molded that curve into it during the second molding.