Pair of Slim Jims for 1860s

[Steve75]

I got a pair of Uberti 1860s for my birthday, and figured a pair of holsters and a gun belt were in order.  I decided to go with a Slim Jim style holster, and created the pattern myself.  Just debating how to finish the muzzle area of the holster.  I plan on sharing the progress of my project.  Any advice or constructive criticism is welcome.

 

Edited August 12, 2016 by Steve75

[plinkercases]

Personally I like the Slim Jim/California style with the sewn in plug.

Second choice is squared but open then round sewn.

Why not try the sewn plug?

[Steve75]

I also like the Slim Jim.  Packing Iron has some good examples of the style.  I have seen two different tutorials, Ghormley's and Stohlman"s, on how to sew the toe plug in.  I was just toying with different design ideas.  The toe plug certainly would add some authenticity to the holsters.  I have not put a toe plug in any of the holsters I have made thus far.  I think I will give it a try on some scrap leather I have to gain some experience before trying on an actual holster.

[dikman]

Nice birthday present!! Wish someone would give me a pair.....

[Josh Ashman]

Looks like a great start Steve! Congrats on the pistols and the birthday! Sewn toe plugs are cool but I haven't been tempted to try them yet. I know from sewing cantle bindings that my awl blade doesn't always come through where I think it should .

Good luck with your holsters! 

Josh

[Steve75]

dikman, my wife has known for a while that I have wanted a pair of Army revolvers.  She told me I could get them for my birthday in June.  I quickly ordered them and anxiously awaited their arrival.

Thanks Josh.  I am going to try the toe plug on some 4 ounce scrap leather I have first.  If it turns out ok I will try it on the actual holster.  I will post the results of my experiment when it's finished.

Edited August 13, 2016 by Steve75

[plinkercases]

I would use more than 4oz and it was suggested to me also to double it up so there is a thicker edge to glue and stitch through at an angle.

At the risk of being a broken record the Stohlman holster book shows how to do it. I tried my first a while ago and it went OK . Not as tricky as I thought when I followed directions. Trickiest parts are awl angle to hit the grooves and then the aiming of the awl towards the "centre" (think spokes of a wheel) so the inside stitches are narrower than the outside stitches.

 

 

[Steve75]

Thanks for the advice.  I have some 9 ounce I can practice on.  I will also double up the toe plug.

[Steve75]

Practiced making and sewing a toe plug.  I used 9 ounce leather with a plug made of a double thickness of 9 ounce leather.  I now understand why some avoid these things like the plague.  They pose a real challenge in maintaining the proper awl angle.

 

Edited August 17, 2016 by Steve75

[plinkercases]

Not bad at awl.

 

[Steve75]

Thanks plinkercases.  I figure on doing one more practice run before I try it on a holster.  

[plinkercases]

if you put the stitch line a little closer to the edges you get a little more room for them on the plug.

[Steve75]

Thanks, plinkercases.  I appreciate the advise.  I have my stitch line at the muzzle of the holster and the toe plug at 3/16".  It seems like many of the pictures in Packing Iron show the stitch line is closer then what I am using.  I can try setting my stitch line for the muzzle of the holster and toe plug at 1/8".  I don't think it would be safe to go any closer to the edge.

I just completed a second trial run.  It was much easier this time.  I had an easier time getting the angle right on the awl.  I will have to revise my pattern as it will likely be to tight around the muzzle based on my two trials.  

Edited August 19, 2016 by Steve75

[plinkercases]

Looking forward to the results and shared lessons learned.

[Craig44]

 

Personally I like the Slim Jim/California style with the sewn in plug.

Second choice is squared but open then round sewn.

Why not try the sewn plug?

My preferences mimic yours.

Here's how I do a sewn toe plug, learning from Ghormley. I also set my stitch groove about 3/16" from the edge (on the holster). I pre-punch the holes in the toe at the same 7 stitches per inch spacing, before gluing/stitching the mainseam but I do it at a 45° angle. I make my plugs out of doubled 8-9oz with the flesh sides glued together. I make them a rough shape and then final shape them on the belt sander. Then cut my stitch groove closer to the edge than the rest of my work. I then glue the plug into the toe. I then carefully punch my holes with a smaller awl because the holes will be closer together than the outside. I still stitch with the same thread but use a smaller needle. I sometimes even work it out so that I stitch the mainseam and the toe plug with one continuous thread. I come around the toe and then backstitch four stitches up the mainseam.

Edited August 24, 2016 by Craig44
Typos

[plinkercases]

Nice job and good tips. I also continue around from the main seam. Goo trick to predo the holes on the body and use them as a guide for the plug holes with a smaller awl. clever.

[Craig44]

If you don't have a smaller awl, you can always penetrate the plug with "just the tip" of your regular awl. Rather than pushing it all the way through.