Home made holsters?

[Texian]

I have been thinking ( I know that can get you into trouble) about trying to make my own holster. Not because I don't like any of the ones out there or any thing like that. I just want to see if I can do it and make it look good.

What I am looking for is if any of you have made your own holsters? If so what did you make them from?

Leather, Kydex, both, other???

What did you do about a pattern and where did you purchase your materials?

If you have any pictures that would be great.

Thanks

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I've made quite a few from both leather and kydex. I prefer leather.

You can get a side (half a hide) from Tandy, along with waxed thread or artificial sinew to do the stitching.

Go here for the instructions and templates to make my IWB holster. The instructions are deliberately written for someone who has no leather-working tools and doesn't want to buy any.

 

[Southern Rebel]

Uh, Vern..........

Now, I have been told several times in my low-road life as to where to go. Usually, though, the teller has been VERY specific as to the destination I should seek. Maybe I missed that part of your directions?

 

[Joemyxplyx]

Hey Vern - bad link

Go here for the instructions and templates to make my IWB holster.

Your link to the instructions for cutting and making the IWB holster doesn't work.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I just tried it and it works just fine for me.
Try it from here. The link is about 2/3s of the way down the page.
http://paul.desertskyone.com/gunstuff.html

 

[Daizee]

Many pages of a bunch of us making holsters. Some in-progress pix, and many many tips:

http://rugerforum.net/showthread.php?t=8415

-Daizee

 

[Sunray]

"...from Tandy..." Tandy's also has How-to books as well. One of 'em has instructions for making your own patterns. You won't need a whole half hide though.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I usually advise buying a whole hide, since you will probably want to make several holsters and magazine carriers, once you get started.

 

[Daizee]

I got a lot of mileage out of two single shoulders (two different weights).

-Daizee

 

[rcmodel]

Here is a good read on making leather holsters.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=358100

BTW: I generally don't recommend buying a whole cowhide for making much of anything except belts where you have to have the length. Even then, at least half of it will be waste leather unfit for making high quality holsters.

Most all of the hide on the belly & legs is soft & stretchy and won't hold it's shape for a holster.

A Double-Shoulder cut is the best part of the hide and although it is more expensive, it is well worth it.
4-5 oz for pocket holsters.
6-8 oz for most belt holsters.

rc