Curious how you handle special order holsters

[JLSleather]

5 hours ago, LumpenDoodle2 said:

I can't claim to have done the hard work.  

That does sound like a lot of work.  Still, that could be useful for models which are truly custom.  If i don't have a particular gun mold - this does not make an order "special order".   To be a "special order" there would have to be something about it that I don't commonly do to all of them, or a color I don't use, etc.  

Oh, thanks for the reply, though. Some folks scared of their own shadow... they might share something useful with the next guy!  Pathetic, but true.  'Course, that don't stop most of 'em from readin' your tips, mind you.  I had seen that site (if there's a simple but accurate drawing of pistol models, I'd want to know that too) but didn't find anything useful there (some pretty pictures, but nothing to scale).

Edited February 4, 2017 by JLSleather

[LumpenDoodle2]

I think the problem with 'useful' pistol gcode files, is the blind panic everyone got into when they heard that you could 3D print a gun.    

Being new at that sort of thing, I'm very grateful that someone has gone to the bother of designing even a basic file and made it available for anyone to download.    Downside is, the files available  are fine, but certainly not extensive, and with the best will in the world, they all have to be tweaked.  

I think we need someone who knows what they are doing to get files out there which actually could be useful. Imagine if you had a special order, and you just downloaded an accurate gcode file, and printed it out prior to starting the holster.

I love the idea of printing out your own mould for wet forming leather to any design you want.   

Edited February 4, 2017 by LumpenDoodle2

[Tnhunter]

I handle new mold guns this way and has worked for me.  If the costs of the mold gun is $50.00 and the finished holster is $80.00, make the offer that if the client buys the mold gun, the finished holster is $30.00. If not, either refer to someone else or buy it yourself.

[AA3JW]

On 2/1/2017 at 9:14 PM, TrooperChuck said:

When I first started my shop I had no mold guns, so I had to take in the customer's gun in order to make their custom holster.  But, I soon found out it is illegal to do that!

Unless you have a Federal Firearms License you can not legally take a gun from the customer to make their holster!  As ridiculous as is sounds, taking a customer's gun and then giving it back to them after you make the holster is considered a "transfer" and to legally transfer a gun nowadays you need an FFL.  Crazy!  I know.  But, it's the world we live in nowadays.

So, I ended up getting myself an FFL, but I am also now buying mold guns to add to my collection of tools.  So, I've had to add a couple dollars to the cost of my holsters to help offset the cost of the mold guns.  Some mold guns can be used for a variety of gun models.  For instance, if you buy one Colt single action revolver mold gun you can use that to make holsters for any of the Colt clones and Ruger Vaqueros.

 

Actually that is not true in all states, here in Florida, no FFL is needed for private transfers.

[plinkercases]

Lumpendoodle2 the 3D printer is a great idea and I have been toying with it fro smaller items and seeing about making both the positive and negative mold/press parts.......also a good  suggestion to use a new mold to make a few "stock" holsters and put them on the general market.

I agree it is a cost of business..and tolls are a cost to figure into you tax situation.. I have bought custom stamps on a gamble that a guy could sell an item into a club he is a member of and it went no where.. others have paid for themselves over and over so...

And if they sit on the shelf too long then use the forum or others to sell/swap I have exchanged back and forth when I have something the other guy doesn't and via versa.. like a mold pool (not what it sounds like)

Edited August 12, 2017 by plinkercases

[SouthernCross]

On 2/1/2017 at 9:31 PM, CaptQuirk said:

@TrooperChuck- What can I say? I like being a rebellious outlaw. I also tore the tags off of my mattress, and there is nothing they can do to stop me!

Just an FYI - It's not illegal for the CONSUMER to remove the tags from their mattresses.  Read what it says.