Gave holstermaking a shot(no pun intended)

roadrash · May 26, 2008, 11:39 AM

After owning this pistol for almost twenty years,and carrying it in an Uncle Mikes nylon holster its whole life,I felt it deserved a leather upgrade!Well leather holsters for this specific pistol are kinda hard to find,so Tandy leather to the rescue.
My goals were to make a holster and mag pouch that were simple,rugged,secure,and functional,if it looked respectible that would also be a plus.
This holster will do duty as a range holster, and just general bumming around in the woods holster.
This pistol was my first handgun,and although it may not be the most popular .22 ever produced,it has served me well with many thousand of rounds of 22lr fired my myself and my children.It has dispatched many small critters,is extremley reliable,reasonably accurate,and just plain deserved a little pampering.
This is my first real attempt at holster makeing,and although the finish and overall quality might not compare with most of the bigger names in the holster industry I am happy with how it turned out.
I would like to hear your comments,both positive and positive,I would also appreciate any suggestions as to correct types of thread /dyes/topcoats in order to improve the quality of my work.
Thanks,Mike

fisherman66 · May 26, 2008, 11:47 AM

I'm impressed. I'm going to guess you used a sewing machine. I can't deduct man point due to application. Very professional looking!

If you forced me to find something I'd change it would the the barrel tip of the holster. I would trim the leather so it rounded instead of formed a point. Tiny to point out given the fantastic overall quality of work.

roadrash · May 26, 2008, 01:47 PM

Fisherman,thanks for the kind words!Now that you pointed it out,I probably should have put a little radius on the tip of the holter instead of simply folding the leather over.I hand stitched everything,I used a few hand tools that helped alot.

fisherman66 · May 26, 2008, 04:31 PM

Handsewn? Wow! I'm doubly impressed. How long did the project take?

roadrash · May 26, 2008, 05:27 PM

I probably have about 16 hrs into this project,couple full days!Hopefully as my skills improve so will my efficiency.

dipper · May 26, 2008, 06:01 PM

RoadRash,
If those are your 1st attempts ( and they are nice), you are on your way!!

Good job.

Dipper

roadrash · June 1, 2008, 10:20 AM

Here are a couple new items I made this week,I made this pocket holster and SS pouch out of thinner leather than I used in holster at top of page.Next will be a pancake for my G17 or a IWB for my G26!

K-Man · June 1, 2008, 03:37 PM

Nice job on the holsters. Recommend getting rid of the sharp points - they'll hurt like the dickens when your finger jams into one and they'll wear a hole in your clothing. Just round them off a bit.

roadrash · June 1, 2008, 04:54 PM

K-Man,Thanks for the suggestion,I really respect your opinion,I will modify this one, then I am probably going to play around with this whole pocket holster design thing more in the future.Its amazing how a pocket holster, which you would think would be the most simple holster to make ,has to be one of the toughest from a design standpoint.

Shorts · June 1, 2008, 05:04 PM

roadrash, the holsters look pretty solid. I really like the color on your second set. Nice job on the stitching as well. That can be a real booger early on to get nice even stitches, even with marked stitch lines.

Rich Miranda · June 1, 2008, 05:11 PM

Nice job, roadrash. For it being a first real attempt, they are excellent. I saw many for sale at the gun show today that weren't as nice!

Scorch · June 1, 2008, 07:46 PM

I make holsters, too, and about the only suggestion I have for you is to line the holster with lightweight vegatable-tanned leather. They will not rub the gun's finish like the rough side of the hide will. I use sheepskin skivers, as they are very soft and inexpensive. Nice work!

Shorts · June 1, 2008, 07:53 PM

Scorch, how light is light weight for a liner? Are you sewing in by hand or machine?

dave421 · June 8, 2008, 11:41 AM

Where do you guys get your leather and materials from? I've been making Kydex holsters for a couple of years now and I've been wanting to do some leather but I can't find anywhere to buy the materials without having to order in bulk or outrageous prices for material that's too small.

Any suggestions for good places?

roadrash · June 8, 2008, 07:08 PM

Dave ,Tandy leather has Veg. Tanned single and double shoulders of different grades.I have been useing the economy grade up till now.When its gone I will buy higher quality material.I figured I would work with the cheap stuff since I am learning and makeing alot of mistakes.

T. O'Heir · June 8, 2008, 07:53 PM

"...Handsewn? Wow!..." It's way cheaper to hand sew holsters. A leather sewing machine costs a fortune. $1500US and up.
Tandy's has everything you need including books with patterns. They have one, that naturally I forget the name of, have it around here someplace, that tells you how to make your own patterns too. They're not the cheapest leather source though. A net search will turn up lots of sites with leather and tools. Mind you, the hole punches Tandy's sells don't do thick leather well. A 2" common nail can be filed to 1/8" wide and flat though. It is a lot slower, but it works.
Garment suede is good for lining holsters too.
What's the line of stitches along the front bend for? Just curious.

roadrash · June 9, 2008, 03:16 AM

The two lines of stitches along the front bend, are stitched in sight tracks!

Scorch · June 9, 2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Scorch, how light is light weight for a liner? Are you sewing in by hand or machine?

I sew by hand, either double-needle saddle stitch or safety awl. For the liner leather, I use 1.5-2 oz sheepskin skivers, although the ones I have lined in calfskin look quite a bit better and seem very durable. You can also try pigskin for lining, but it is not as smooth and there is not a lot of vegetable-tanned pigskin around.

roadrash · June 9, 2008, 04:09 PM

I use the double needle saddle stitch also,

Gary Gill · June 13, 2008, 05:02 PM

You're on your way. I began making holsters about five years ago to support my ammo and pistol addiction. It can be a lot of fun. I have a basket full of good ideas that just didn't pan out.

Desertfox · June 13, 2008, 10:14 PM

Roadrash, If you decide you don't like that holster and want to make a new one........ I own a S/W .22 like that with black grips.
You could always just sell me that one.

Nice job on both holsters! I am getting a bit green with envy over the first holster. I already see myself walking around my property with that on my side.

If this is your first attempt, You are going to be quite a craftsman!

Make another and sell it to me. Pleeeeasssssse

May 26, 2008, 11:39 AM	#1
roadrash Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 367	Gave holstermaking a shot(no pun intended) After owning this pistol for almost twenty years,and carrying it in an Uncle Mikes nylon holster its whole life,I felt it deserved a leather upgrade!Well leather holsters for this specific pistol are kinda hard to find,so Tandy leather to the rescue. My goals were to make a holster and mag pouch that were simple,rugged,secure,and functional,if it looked respectible that would also be a plus. This holster will do duty as a range holster, and just general bumming around in the woods holster. This pistol was my first handgun,and although it may not be the most popular .22 ever produced,it has served me well with many thousand of rounds of 22lr fired my myself and my children.It has dispatched many small critters,is extremley reliable,reasonably accurate,and just plain deserved a little pampering. This is my first real attempt at holster makeing,and although the finish and overall quality might not compare with most of the bigger names in the holster industry I am happy with how it turned out. I would like to hear your comments,both positive and positive,I would also appreciate any suggestions as to correct types of thread /dyes/topcoats in order to improve the quality of my work. Thanks,Mike

May 26, 2008, 11:47 AM	#2
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	I'm impressed. I'm going to guess you used a sewing machine. I can't deduct man point due to application. Very professional looking! If you forced me to find something I'd change it would the the barrel tip of the holster. I would trim the leather so it rounded instead of formed a point. Tiny to point out given the fantastic overall quality of work. __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

May 26, 2008, 04:31 PM	#4
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	Handsewn? Wow! I'm doubly impressed. How long did the project take? __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

June 1, 2008, 10:20 AM	#7
roadrash Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 367	Here are a couple new items I made this week,I made this pocket holster and SS pouch out of thinner leather than I used in holster at top of page.Next will be a pancake for my G17 or a IWB for my G26! Last edited by roadrash; June 1, 2008 at 11:10 AM.

June 1, 2008, 03:37 PM	#8
K-Man Member Join Date: June 18, 2005 Posts: 60	Nice job on the holsters. Recommend getting rid of the sharp points - they'll hurt like the dickens when your finger jams into one and they'll wear a hole in your clothing. Just round them off a bit. __________________ www.kdholsters.com U.S. Navy (Retired) May we always have the freedom to pursue our dreams.

May 26, 2008, 01:47 PM	#3
roadrash Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 367	Fisherman,thanks for the kind words!Now that you pointed it out,I probably should have put a little radius on the tip of the holter instead of simply folding the leather over.I hand stitched everything,I used a few hand tools that helped alot.

May 26, 2008, 05:27 PM	#5
roadrash Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 367	I probably have about 16 hrs into this project,couple full days!Hopefully as my skills improve so will my efficiency.

May 26, 2008, 06:01 PM	#6
dipper Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Posts: 895	RoadRash, If those are your 1st attempts ( and they are nice), you are on your way!! Good job. Dipper

June 1, 2008, 04:54 PM	#9
roadrash Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 367	K-Man,Thanks for the suggestion,I really respect your opinion,I will modify this one, then I am probably going to play around with this whole pocket holster design thing more in the future.Its amazing how a pocket holster, which you would think would be the most simple holster to make ,has to be one of the toughest from a design standpoint.

June 1, 2008, 05:04 PM	#10
Shorts Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2004 Posts: 1,484	roadrash, the holsters look pretty solid. I really like the color on your second set. Nice job on the stitching as well. That can be a real booger early on to get nice even stitches, even with marked stitch lines.

June 1, 2008, 05:11 PM	#11
Rich Miranda Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2008 Location: San Antonio, not San Antone... Posts: 1,203	Nice job, roadrash. For it being a first real attempt, they are excellent. I saw many for sale at the gun show today that weren't as nice!

June 1, 2008, 07:46 PM	#12
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I make holsters, too, and about the only suggestion I have for you is to line the holster with lightweight vegatable-tanned leather. They will not rub the gun's finish like the rough side of the hide will. I use sheepskin skivers, as they are very soft and inexpensive. Nice work! __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

June 1, 2008, 07:53 PM	#13
Shorts Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2004 Posts: 1,484	Scorch, how light is light weight for a liner? Are you sewing in by hand or machine?

June 8, 2008, 11:41 AM	#14
dave421 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2006 Posts: 510	Where do you guys get your leather and materials from? I've been making Kydex holsters for a couple of years now and I've been wanting to do some leather but I can't find anywhere to buy the materials without having to order in bulk or outrageous prices for material that's too small. Any suggestions for good places?

June 8, 2008, 07:08 PM	#15
roadrash Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 367	Dave ,Tandy leather has Veg. Tanned single and double shoulders of different grades.I have been useing the economy grade up till now.When its gone I will buy higher quality material.I figured I would work with the cheap stuff since I am learning and makeing alot of mistakes.

June 8, 2008, 07:53 PM	#16
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...Handsewn? Wow!..." It's way cheaper to hand sew holsters. A leather sewing machine costs a fortune. $1500US and up. Tandy's has everything you need including books with patterns. They have one, that naturally I forget the name of, have it around here someplace, that tells you how to make your own patterns too. They're not the cheapest leather source though. A net search will turn up lots of sites with leather and tools. Mind you, the hole punches Tandy's sells don't do thick leather well. A 2" common nail can be filed to 1/8" wide and flat though. It is a lot slower, but it works. Garment suede is good for lining holsters too. What's the line of stitches along the front bend for? Just curious. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

June 9, 2008, 03:16 AM	#17
roadrash Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 367	The two lines of stitches along the front bend, are stitched in sight tracks!

June 9, 2008, 04:09 PM	#19
roadrash Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 367	I use the double needle saddle stitch also,

June 13, 2008, 05:02 PM	#20
Gary Gill Member Join Date: October 22, 2006 Location: Indy Posts: 61	You're on your way. I began making holsters about five years ago to support my ammo and pistol addiction. It can be a lot of fun. I have a basket full of good ideas that just didn't pan out. __________________ Gary

June 13, 2008, 10:14 PM	#21
Desertfox Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2006 Location: Arkansas-Oklahoma Line Posts: 336	Roadrash, If you decide you don't like that holster and want to make a new one........ I own a S/W .22 like that with black grips. You could always just sell me that one. Nice job on both holsters! I am getting a bit green with envy over the first holster. I already see myself walking around my property with that on my side. If this is your first attempt, You are going to be quite a craftsman! Make another and sell it to me. Pleeeeasssssse __________________ Teach a kid to respect wildlife, then teach a kid to hunt and fish.