Custom homemade leather holster (pics)

[Centurian22]

I had forgotten just how much I love working with leather. Haven't made anything in years and nothing practical in longer than that. Shopped for holsters the other day for possible open carry of my wife's Walther P22Q that could also accommodate the Crimson Trace universal rail laser. Found one at a LGS for $20 that fit tolerably well as it was meant for a bigger gun but I didn't care for how the retention strap velcrowed in place as well as the belt loop, just too much complication allowing the potential for too much to go wrong. Saw a couple holsters later at Walmart but don't know how they would fit the gun. So I dragged out my leather working tools and some very old (like 20 + years old) leather and started cutting and stitching. *Here's what I came up with:





Still might trim a little here and there and I still have to add the belt loop but the fit is absolutely superb! So much so that at this point I do not intend to bother with a retention strap. My apologies for the 'sideways' pictures, I try to never post them like this but didn't feel like fighting to out smart my smartphone tonight.

Any input on canted vs straight angle for the belt loop? I know it is almost entirely personal choice but would appreciate opinions. Also in regards to the retention strap, any comments or info as to if there could be any 'legal ramifications' if I were (god forbid) to need to use this weapon from this holster? It is such a tight custom fit that when held upside down by the edge of the holster and shaken the gun does not move.*

Thanks for any info and comments.*

 

[Centurian22]

No input or coments on this at all? Really?!?

 

[shafter]

Looks like a nice, practical holster. How is the leather, stiff or floppy? It looks thin but that may just be the camera.

 

[SEE IT LIKE A NATIVE]

Looks like a good serviceable holster ! Is it stiff enough to stay open after the draw ? Kevin

 

[Centurian22]

It is stiff enough to stay open, but it is a little thin/flexible (depending on what you're comparing it to, like say a belt).

 

[mdmorgan]

Looks pretty good. You might consider making it shorter so you can get a full grip on the gun. Also I recommend sewing on the belt loop before you form the holster. As for carry angle, I think for the style holster you have here I would leave it straight drop. I think it will ride better that way.

 

[Centurian22]

Thanks MD! I agree about trying to get more of a grip. I'll probably try to trim some down to see if I can get just a little more out of it. Hopefully sewing on the belt loop won't cause any problems with the form (I hadn't thought of that). If it does I'll just have to make another. Next project is for a raised cheek rest for my rifle, hopefully with ammo slots on the opposite side.

 

[Centurian22]

Yay! I was able to rotate the pictures in photobucket so they look right. Also an update: I finally sewed on the belt loop. I had to cut all my original stitching to open it up and be able to stich in the belt loop, then restitch the seam. Learned my lesson the long hard and occationally painful way on that one. The pistol holds in Very securely, it doesn't draw as smooth and clean as I'd like, unless I hold the holster with my off hand. Through training and practice I am making this part of the process. It will do for now because it's better than not carrying at all. But I foresee a pistol and holster upgrade in my hopefully not too distant future (like within two years).