Need advice making a gun belt and holster

[pepin1948]

My brother in law called me today and is excited about getting into SASS in his area (NH). He knows I'm a leatherworker and asked if I'd make him a belt and holster. Call me clueless and you'd be right, because gun holster making is something I've never even considered doing. But, maybe it's a good way to start.

So I'm taking all the info/suggestions/help you can give me!

[ksshane]

Im not really sure if this will help, but I was just reading this post, and it seemed to have some really good information in it.

http://www.leatherworker.net/forum/index.p...owtopic=246&hl=

[Coyotero]

Just did my first holster about a week ago. Really was surprisingly easy. Al Stohlman's holster book has some okay patterns, but it has really great stuff on how to make a holster from scratch with no pattern, which is how I did mine, maybe I'll get a photo up here.

[Tom Katzke]

Just did my first holster about a week ago. Really was surprisingly easy. Al Stohlman's holster book has some okay patterns, but it has really great stuff on how to make a holster from scratch with no pattern, which is how I did mine, maybe I'll get a photo up here.

I can recommend Jim R Simmons patterns from Hide Crafters. I looked in my old catalog but did not see a single pattern pack for just holsters unless you are looking for a shoulder rig, I can recommend that one. I think Yeehaa may have the information you need.

Hope Jim can chime in and let us know.

Tom Katzke

Central Oregon

[Jim]

Hey guys, Hide Crafters has a new batch of patterns that are holster and belt sets. Three of them are new shoulder holster patterns that are improved versions of the Brazos Jack. All of these include patterns for three sizes of holsters from 5 1/2" to 7 1/2" barrel lengths. They also include the Cross Draw pattern. All sets show the Lining Process in great detail which demonstrates how to make a holster without having to wet mold the thing.

Making a Gun Belt has never been easier! I have created a Size Chart based on measurements taken from a variety of people of different sizes. It shows Pant Size, Buckle to Center Hole, and Belt Length so you can double check measurements while making the belt. The Belt Templates place the Billets at a specific distance from the ends to ensure the belt fits correctly every time. Sizes range from 28" to 52" Pant sizes.

For those who want to design and make one from scratch; YeeHaa has the pattern making and lining instructions in the Holster Section. I recommend the CD Gunleather along with it because it shows how to add the Liner in greater detail than the book. (It's hard to do that with pencil drawings.)

Also, George finally talked me into shooting a video.

Have fun!

Edited September 1, 2006 by Jim

[pepin1948]

Sounds perfect! Thanks!

[$$hobby]

my first holster was too tight for the pitol i made it for. If youre going to make a leather lined holster, make sure you are generous with the addional matieral thickness. I think it said to add 3/4" to the size, but i had to add about 1". Of course it will depend on the leather thickness too.

there are a couple of books out there that give great info.

[Jim]

If you have your heart set on making a holster that fits, think a bit on "how do I know how wide the leather has to be?" (And this goes for any weight of leather) Take a 1" wide by 12" long strap of the leather of choice and then, if adding a Liner, bond a piece of the Liner leather to it. Draw a line 1/2" from a squared end and then use this to measure the pistol by placing the Mark at the edge of the trigger gaurd and then wrap the Strap around the cylinder. Make a pencil mark on the other end of the strap where it meets the end of the Marked End. Measure from the Marked End to the New Mark and this is how wide the Holster leather needs to be for a Lined Holster. Allow 3/16" from the edges of the shaped leather for the stitches, and you have one that will fit.

Oh yeah, did I mention to make a pattern first?

Holler at me.

[pepin1948]

More details:

Colt SAA (Single Action ArmY) 5 ½" Barrel

Loops in 45LC (45 Long Colt)

This is Greek to me but identifies the gun my bro-in-law is getting for SASS. Recommendations on a holster pattern for it? He was admiring the 49er pattern pack.

[$$hobby]

More details:

Colt SAA (Single Action ArmY) 5 ½" Barrel

Loops in 45LC (45 Long Colt)

This is Greek to me but identifies the gun my bro-in-law is getting for SASS. Recommendations on a holster pattern for it? He was admiring the 49er pattern pack.

You may want to get a book/pattern on holsters. It wili give you an idea(s). I found a pattern/info by: Will Ghormley called the "old west collection - cartridge belts"

Colt: Brand name.

SAA: Single Action Army (type of action. like the cowboys used)

5-1/2" Barrel: the lenth of the barrel. On revolvers or SAAs. Measured from the face of the cylinder (closest to barrel) to the end of the barrel. The cylinder is where they put the bullet in.

45LC. Its the cartridge name/caliber. 45LC is approx 0.45 inches in diameter.

if you get a pattern book they will ususally give you info on what length/spacing to use for 45LC. Or you can have your BIL give you some rounds to use as patterns.

BTW, some of the holster makers use spring steel inserts to give the holster shape and to minimize binding on the gun. you will also need to know what type of "rake" he wants on the holster. The "rake" is the angle, measured from vertical of the holster. Also, there is the "cross draw" holster too.