Fitting a leather holster

[PWC]

OK, I have the source for the leather and I want to make a holster for a 1911. I plan on folding the leather over the top and using brass screws to hold the edges together. The carry method will be attached beforemaking the fold over.

How do I make the holster take on the ghost shape of the pistol? I know I have to soak the leather, put the gun in a strong plastic bag and insert it.

Is this sufficient or do you have to "tool" the leather?

I've seen some fine holsters here, so I know I can get good guideance here. TKS

 

[Wolfshead]

It would help (me at least) to have a picture of what you’re describing so that I could give you specifics as to how I would go about it.
You don’t have to tool anything if you don’t want it, and tooling may be (probably will be) lost if you wet form the holster to the firearm.
I’m sure this didn’t help much at all but like is mentioned if you had a picture of what you’re trying to get done I could help out more.

 

[earlthegoat2]

This video is one of the more insightful ones I have seen on holster making and it should answer a few of your questions on forming or boning the shape.

 

[doubleh]

The leather only needs to be mildly damp known as "cased" to form. How much forming you want to do is your option. Sara wrap is excellent for protecting the gun while the holster is drying. Let it dry naturally in the shade.

Leatherworker.net has a lot of excellent tutorials by professionals on just about any type of project that will help you out plus lots of pictures of work done by the members.

 

[PWC]

It would help (me at least) to have a picture of what you’re describing so that I could give you specifics as to how I would go about it.

The picture os in my head. The toolong I'm thinking about is the trigger outline/depression and the slide, especially the front.

I didn't think about saran wrap; thanks for the tip. I've watched the hand sewing process and I'm comfortable with doing that. Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.

 

[gobsauce]

The picture os in my head. The toolong I'm thinking about is the trigger outline/depression and the slide, especially the front.

I didn't think about saran wrap; thanks for the tip. I've watched the hand sewing process and I'm comfortable with doing that. Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.

Now I understand what you're talking about. My advise is to take your time, and do it slowly. Please post pics when you're done.

 

[AzShooter1]

You are going to have fun with this project. A lot depends on what weight leather you are using. Too thick and it's a real pain to form the leather.

I normally use two layers of 7 - 8 ounce leather. You don't need any fancy tools, just use the wooden part of one of your stamps to form the holster around your 1911.

As stated before let it dry slowly, over night or longer.

Remember to post pictures when you are done.

 

[Scout21]

If you've got Foodsaver vacuum machine I've heard of people putting the gun in the holster, putting the holster in the bag and vacuum sealing the whole thing. Supposed to form it pretty well.