[HoosierQ]

Just showing off if anybody cares. Used Sam Browne buttons instead of snaps. IWB.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu153/narmer_3100/leather_work/MP9c_IWB-1.jpg

[Dark Skies]

That's really cool. How did you mold the shape?

[HoosierQ]

I wrapped the gun up in plastic.
I wetted the vegetable tanned leather.
I inserted some popsickle sticks along the top and sides of the slide to give a little extra room 'cause it'll shrink a bit and be too tight.
I wrapped the wetted leather around the gun as tightly as I could.
I placed more popsickle sticks around where the seems would be and clamped the heck out of the whole package. Clamped as close as I could to each other clamp.
Let the whole thing dry for about 2 days.

This leather is very thick. The thing came out so hard that when i pulled the thing apart the two sides snapped back together with a pop. If you look on the left side a few stitches up from the bottom you'll see a dent where the wet popsickle stick kind of collapsed on me and there is an impression of the clamp.

It works great it is my EDC holster for my 9c.

RCModel gave me the finishing tips...100% vegatable oil applied before the dye which is "British Tan". Putting the oil on first makes the color very even. My stitches are pretty big and a little rough but as my grandfather would have said "they're all hell for stout". Glued together with Barge cement too.

[crebralfix]

HoosierQ,

Please give us some regular updates about the holster's performance and condition over time.

Also, would you post some pictures of it showing the mouth, back and muzzle area? Might be nice to get a pic of the gun in the holster too.

[HoosierQ]

Will do.

It carries great. I just figured out how to properly upload photos so I am going to take a bunch of this and other projects over the weekend. Watch this space for the views suggested.

Over on the knife area (Non-Firearm Weapons) I am going to be posting my solution the the Mora sheath problem as well.

[rcmodel]

Nice job HoosierQ!!!

Where did you get the Sam Brown button?

I have been making them myself out of brass rod because I couldn't find them anywhere!

rc

[HoosierQ]

We have a Tandy Leather Craft store here in Indianapolis. They have several kinds. These are screw-ins. I screw them in tight with Red Loc-Tite...maybe overkill but they're not backing out. The screw-ins come in two sizes and two colors (white and brass). There are also ones that hammer in with a set and expand.

I have a devil of a time getting snaps to set straight and quite frankly I like the Sam Browne buttons better anyway...they take a lateral force better.

I have never ordered anything on-line from Tandy because I don't have to but they have them on the Internet.

QB

[rcmodel]

O.K.!

Thanks for the info.

I must have missed them at Tandy the last time I looked for them.

rc

[HoosierQ]

They're over with rivets and eyelets and stuff like that.

[HoosierQ]

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu153/narmer_3100/hobby_1/P1010509.jpg

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu153/narmer_3100/hobby_1/P1010507.jpg

[crebralfix]

Nice!

Making holsters is lots of fun. I really finding a problem I'm having with carry and then figuring out a way to make a holster that solves that problem.

Be careful...because you're going to end up with several boxes of these things.

[230RN]

Wow. I'm impressed!

And inspired to try it myself.

Terry, 230RN

[flipajig]

great job are you taking orders.

[1814rob]

In the future, I'm sure you will build more, Tandy sells a groover that cuts a groove in the leather. Do that first and then make the holes. The thread will be sub surface and won't be subject to damage. I sew mine damp and the thread is imbedded in the leather and can't come loose. I'll have to post some of my work for reference. My latest is a set of OWB Ostrich holster and matching mag pouch that I use for IDPA.
Rob

[HoosierQ]

Rob

I will try that. Yes, my stitches stand proud of the surface. Sometimes I pound them flat but they only get just so flat and I didn't do that here. I will try that. Thanks.

I am still practicing and I would not feel right taking any orders...you are very kind to ask though. The only thing I have made for anybody else was a military or flap-style cavalry holster (for lack of the proper term) for a buddy's Ruger Blackhawk .45. I made it for him for materials and I think he likes it but it does not look professional even though I think it is pretty sturdy.

QB

[ZO6Vettever]

Very nice job! :)