Custom Holsters -- where do I turn?

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BHPshooter

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I have been looking for a nice holster for a while.
First off, let me make clear what it is that I'm looking for: I'm looking for a nice black leather holster that is sort of "flashy" but not "pimpin."
I am not looking for a CCW holster, as I cannot carry legally at my age, but I am not opposed to one that is based on a OWB style. A high-riding belt holster or hip holster, with a little bit of decorative stitching/stamping, or maybe a silver medal thingy, I forget what they're called. :rolleyes:

Where can I go? Everywhere I find on the internet seems to cater exclusively to the CCW or the Cowboy Action Shooting crowd.

Any suggestions of a place to look?

What is involved in making my own? My dad has considerable knowledge with leatherwork, but I want to do most (or all) of it myself. Is this a realistic option?

Any and all info is appreciated. ;)

Wes
 
Yes, you can make your own....

Making your own holster is a fairly simple process. I just finished an IWB for my .38 snubby and it came out wonderful, at a fraction of the cost of a commercial custom made rig. Can't beat the fit because it is formed for MY gun and formed to MY body.

All you need is:

1. Some 9-10 oz leather (amout depends on how many mistakes you plan on making)
2. A leather knife (an X-Acto knife will do in a pinch)
3. A leather awl or an upolstery needle
4. Waxed heavy thread
5. A pattern

Tandy Leather has everything you need. All told it should cost you about $20-$30 in material, and however many hours you choose to put into it. Like most other projects, the quality of the end product is determined by the attention to detail you put into it. Take a look at a holster you like and then create a pattern that basically copies it and adds modifications that you want.

A website that gives a good general overview of the basic process is http://eightbits.home.att.net/

By the way, those "round silver things" are called Concho's.


LD
 
I go along with "LD." When I was you're age (a long, long time ago) I learned to make my own holsters because (1) I couldn't afford the store-bought kind, and (2) That way I could have exactly what I wanted in design and style. Over the years I've saved a lot of bucks too.

Since you're dad knows about leathercraft you are way ahead in he game because you won't have to buy a lot of tools. I believe Tandy offers at least one book on holster-making, and they have all of the supplies and tools you might need.

You didn't say what kind of handgun this holster was to be for, and that could make a difference. Then you can shop around the various makers' web sites and look for ideas and styles you like.
 
By the way, those "round silver things" are called Concho's.
Click to expand...

Yep, that's the one. ;)

The holster is for my 9mm BHP. I will probably have to look at that book about holsters at Tandy Leather.

Thanks for the help, guys. :D

Wes
 
El Paso Saddlery does beautiful basket weave, fish scale or floral stamping on their holsters if you choose. These guys are old time leather craftsmen and a pleasure to deal with.
www.epsaddlery.com
Get them to send you a catalog as they never have figured out how to make their website completely work.
 
Hey My personal favorite leather man is Big Ed Douglas in Tombstone, AZ. He builds custom all the day long. He can make whatever you can dream! He has a 20% off deal right now too. The custom becomes financially feasible. www.sanpedrosaddlery.com
 
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