Holster for Bersa Thunder Plus 380

[chiefjason]

Dwight and I do things kind of similar.  But I use one piece of 8-10 oz for the back and one piece of 8 oz for the front.  Click the pics and you should be able to view them on the photo bucket site.  They went stupid after I posted this. 

 

[bcraig]

3 hours ago, chiefjason said:

Dwight and I do things kind of similar.  But I use one piece of 8-10 oz for the back and one piece of 8 oz for the front.  Click the pics and you should be able to view them on the photo bucket site.  They went stupid after I posted this. 

 

Thanks for the Pics Chief

[wizard of tragacanth]

I finally got around to looking at that link for the leather. SLC is a good company but you are looking at the wrong item. When you buy these pre-cut project pieces, they are good, flawless leather but the cost is high. 

These are more appropriate for making journals, notebooks or such... that is, square projects that will use all or most of the leather. You would waste a lot of that leather making an irregular shape like a holster.

What you should probably be looking at is a single-shoulder. Cost per square foot is lower. The shape is irregular but this should be enough leather to make a couple of holsters out of. 

Personally, I started with single-shoulders, and I think many of us do. Then I graduated to double-shoulders, then half a cow, I mean Sides. Later, I started buying Bends. Really nice stuff.

BTW, the "hair side" is also known as the "Grain", so you don't get confused if you hear this down the road.

nick

Edited September 11, 2019 by wizard of tragacanth
not telling

[bcraig]

Thanks for the info Nick
Bout how much does a single shoulder cost and best place to buy ?

Craig

[JLSleather]

For that pistol, even with the laser, guy only need about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 square feet, assuming you don't have bad spots that need cut out.  I'd be for using 7/8 oz, or if you're laminating as some suggested, I'd probably go with 2 layers of 4/5 (I usually use 4/5 outside and 3/4 inside, but assuming you just want to buy ONE weight of leather here).

Single shoulder is more economical than a cut piece, both per square foot and by shape.  That's still going to be 5-7 feet, which is about 5x what you need to make ONE holster.  Doesn't hurt to have a bit in case of mistake (ask me how I know  ).  If somebody is willing to fix ya up with the piece you need, that's the best buy.  Unless you think you might use the rest of a shoulder for something anyway ...

 

[bcraig]

15 minutes ago, JLSleather said:

For that pistol, even with the laser, guy only need about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 square feet, assuming you don't have bad spots that need cut out.  I'd be for using 7/8 oz, or if you're laminating as some suggested, I'd probably go with 2 layers of 4/5 (I usually use 4/5 outside and 3/4 inside, but assuming you just want to buy ONE weight of leather here).

Single shoulder is more economical than a cut piece, both per square foot and by shape.  That's still going to be 5-7 feet, which is about 5x what you need to make ONE holster.  Doesn't hurt to have a bit in case of mistake (ask me how I know  ).  If somebody is willing to fix ya up with the piece you need, that's the best buy.  Unless you think you might use the rest of a shoulder for something anyway ...

 

Thanks for the information ,I appreciate it

[wizard of tragacanth]

13 hours ago, bcraig said:

Bout how much does a single shoulder cost and best place to buy ?

Craig

Well, you go to the Springfield Leather Company website and you search for Single Shoulder (Craftsman) and you find out it is $25. Here's the direct link. https://www.springfieldleather.com/Import-Single-Shoulder-Craftsman

Now that is not premium leather but it should be good enough for a beginner. The label of "Craftsman" grades is a common term for the lower grades that are offered, but the cost is low and they are perfect for practice. 

The "extra" leather that you get with the single shoulder will probably come in handy. Everyone makes mistakes and must re-cut pieces. Then, you may also want to use some of it to practice making holes, dying, edging, etc. before you make your project. 

Choose the weight of the leather that is appropriate for your project. A small holster may be okay in 6 oz. a medium holster in 8 oz and a larger one in 10. As JLS said, if you use 2 layers, then they would total that amount, like 2x5 oz = 10 oz.

This is just a general guideline. I have made a couple of holsters in 6 oz., just because I had it on hand, and I was not happy with them. BTW, Those were for me. I am a hobbyist and rarely sell my stuff. However, I do give some to relatives as gifts. 

If you get a single shoulder, you will have enough to make a gift or two, as well! 

BTW, if you have a Tandy Leather Store near you, I highly recommend that you go there and look at the leather in person. The first time I went, I didn't even know what veg tan was. It was a bewildering experience. Didn't have any idea what to look for.

I told the woman who worked there that I wanted to make holsters. She was not much help, I wound up with 12 Saddle Skirting. Would have been great if I was making shoe soles! I am not suggesting that poor customer service is the norm there.

You may find what you want there. Since leather is not a uniform thickness, it is usually listed with two weights, such as 8/9 or 9/10. Look for a shoulder with as few blemishes as possible. Look for as little fuzz on the back as possible. A shaggy back is not good. You want it to be as uniform as possible, front and back. They won't be perfect but that is the goal.

nick

Edited September 11, 2019 by wizard of tragacanth

[bcraig]

On 9/11/2019 at 6:47 PM, wizard of tragacanth said:

Well, you go to the Springfield Leather Company website and you search for Single Shoulder (Craftsman) and you find out it is $25. Here's the direct link. https://www.springfieldleather.com/Import-Single-Shoulder-Craftsman

Now that is not premium leather but it should be good enough for a beginner. The label of "Craftsman" grades is a common term for the lower grades that are offered, but the cost is low and they are perfect for practice. 

The "extra" leather that you get with the single shoulder will probably come in handy. Everyone makes mistakes and must re-cut pieces. Then, you may also want to use some of it to practice making holes, dying, edging, etc. before you make your project. 

Choose the weight of the leather that is appropriate for your project. A small holster may be okay in 6 oz. a medium holster in 8 oz and a larger one in 10. As JLS said, if you use 2 layers, then they would total that amount, like 2x5 oz = 10 oz.

This is just a general guideline. I have made a couple of holsters in 6 oz., just because I had it on hand, and I was not happy with them. BTW, Those were for me. I am a hobbyist and rarely sell my stuff. However, I do give some to relatives as gifts. 

If you get a single shoulder, you will have enough to make a gift or two, as well! 

BTW, if you have a Tandy Leather Store near you, I highly recommend that you go there and look at the leather in person. The first time I went, I didn't even know what veg tan was. It was a bewildering experience. Didn't have any idea what to look for.

I told the woman who worked there that I wanted to make holsters. She was not much help, I wound up with 12 Saddle Skirting. Would have been great if I was making shoe soles! I am not suggesting that poor customer service is the norm there.

You may find what you want there. Since leather is not a uniform thickness, it is usually listed with two weights, such as 8/9 or 9/10. Look for a shoulder with as few blemishes as possible. Look for as little fuzz on the back as possible. A shaggy back is not good. You want it to be as uniform as possible, front and back. They won't be perfect but that is the goal.

nick

Thanks for the information,appreciate it