Advice on making a holster

[Beatnik]

Hi all, I'm looking at holsters and I just can't see spending $150 to $200 on one when I've got a pretty complete array of leatherworking tools.
I've made wallets, vests, shoes, sheaths, basically enough stuff to make me think this shouldn't be that difficult. (I've even done some plastic thermoforming...)
Has anyone gone down this road before, and if so, where should I start looking for basics on how to make a holster?

Thanks in advance

 

[taurus9]

Beatnic,

You may not plan on spending $150 - $200 for a holster but you could very well spend in excess of $2000

That's how I started. Didn't want to spend the money or wait a year.

Anyway, Tandy has these books available (although they appear to be for cowboy rigs):

http://www.tandyleather.com/products.asp?number=6042-00
http://www.tandyleather.com/products.asp?number=6055-00

A good forum to check is here:

http://www.pistolsmith.com/viewforum.php?f=6

Something else to do is to browse the custom holster maker websites. Some are generous with pictures and details. Some will even help with pointers if you call or email.

The main thing to remember is that there is no substitute for trail and error, which leads to my kids having more holsters than I do

 

[Texfire]

I suspect that like most things, it's easy to do adequately and quite hard to do well. But I also suspect that the fun is in the trying. Might consider taking apart some old holsters and see how they did it.

As far as the price, if you are discounting your time then I imagine you can make an inexpensive holster, but if you figure in your labor it might just be the most expensive holster you'll ever "buy". Making your own to save money is probably a break even prospect. But if you want to make one because it makes your heart swell to wear something fashioned by your own hand then I imagine it will be quite rewarding.

I have a knife sheath with celtic knotwork that I made a long time ago, and even if I don't carry that knife anymore, I still have it because I'm proud of that beginner's knife sheath I made for it.

Tex

 

[Beatnik]

Ha! The thing I didn't tell you is that I've already got the racks of leather, the industrial sewing machine, the punches, the shears - from the other "cost me five times as much as buying it" projects from the last 10 years!

I'm looking to make a holster not to save money, but to have my last laugh at all the people who said the same thing about my authentic viking shoes 10 years ago!

Thanks for the links, all!

 

[Mike Sastre]

If you want to try some thermoforming, here's a link for info on iwb holsters. http://www.threatfocused.com/forums/showthread.php?t=637

 

[RyanM]

If you've got a lot of leather lying around, you should test for fit with some simple "pouches" before making the actual holster. Nothing worse than spending 3 hours drilling holes and stitching (I did everything with hand tools), only to find that the gun has to be pounded in with a rubber mallet, and the stitching sticks out inside when it's stretched that much. General rule is you should stitch 1/2" around the outline of the gun if you'll be wet molding.

I've come to the conclusion that good quality custom holsters are definitely worth the money.

 

[PCRCCW]

Well....way to much info to pass on here...If you want to you can call me anytime and Id love to help you out. Shoot well and god bless