Building an IWB Holster for a 4040PD Airlite

[UHSAK88]

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to share that late last week I placed an order with Old Faithful Holsters for one of their Level 1 IWB Stealth Tuck Hip Holster Kits, and I'm going to try my hand at making a holster for my 4040PD Airlite.

Old Faithful offers holsters for a 3913 but after calling to inquire about the slope of the dust cover (thanks to other people here!) I was told by a very helpful person at Old Faithful that their 3913 holsters are not molded for the sloped dust cover a-la the 3913LS and 3913NL - and also the 4040PD. Bummer, but at least they were honest, and their salesperson took a full 10 minutes out of her day to make sure and verify that fact for me, which gave me a very good impression of their customer service and honesty.

So.......I decided to spring for the unmolded Kydex Level 1 Kit version and take a chance that I couldn't screw it up too badly, could I?

https://oldfaithfulholsters.com/shop/unmolded-holster-kit-forward-cant/

I should receive the holster kit this week and I'll be getting to work with it over this coming weekend. I told Old Faithful that if I'm successful in molding my Kydex as per their instructions, I'll send my tracing back to them and they can use it to make 4040PD holster Kydex if they'd like.

For a little over $35 with shipping -- and with a 30-day unconditional money back guarantee -- I couldn't pass up the chance to build a nice IWB tuckable holster with the two clips and the Kydex.

I'll post pictures of the project as it develops. It looks like the big chore is going to be molding and then trimming/polishing/deburring the Kydex - but there are already some good videos on the Internet about how to accomplish those things, plus the ones Old Faithful has on its website.

No affiliation with them, just FYI here at the forum. And yes I still want those custom Crimson Trace lasergrips...couple more weeks...

 

[UHSAK88]

Update: I received the holster kit last week but was very busy with work and then the holidays, and haven't had time to do justice to the project of photographing it and getting busy with putting it together.

But everything looks like it's there and the leather feels nice and soft without being too soft. The kydex seems thick and sturdy. I'll be creating a new thread with pics. of the kit and the progress in the coming days.

 

[Lost Lake]

Well good luck!

I didn't know a kit existed so I have been buying horse hide and cutting it myself. The Kydex and parts are readily available online. Holsters cost me under $10 each to make and are fun to do. I think I like the thinner Kydex (it's like .065 instead of .080) for IWB, it flexes a bit easier.

Show pictures when you are done.

 

[snubbyfan]

Update: I received the holster kit last week but was very busy with work and then the holidays, and haven't had time to do justice to the project of photographing it and getting busy with putting it together.

But everything looks like it's there and the leather feels nice and soft without being too soft. The kydex seems thick and sturdy. I'll be creating a new thread with pics. of the kit and the progress in the coming days.

Looking forward to following your progress. It's a very satisfying feeling to do it yourself.

 

[D Rock]

I haven't done this, but here is a link where the builder does a full Kydex, front and back.
Custom Made Kydex Holster

If I had the time I think I'd give that a try.

Dave

 

[UHSAK88]

Well good luck!

I didn't know a kit existed so I have been buying horse hide and cutting it myself. The Kydex and parts are readily available online. Holsters cost me under $10 each to make and are fun to do. I think I like the thinner Kydex (it's like .065 instead of .080) for IWB, it flexes a bit easier.

Show pictures when you are done.

Thanks, I'll be working on it this weekend, with pics. from start to finish. It's a nice kit for the price considering that it all comes together with instructions and support, warranty, etc. Shipping was quick, and everything fit in the mailbox (mine was shipped in a flat US Postal Service Priority Mail envelope).

 

[andrewb70]

I am looking forward to the updates on this project. Also, thank you for turning me on to Old Faithful Holsters. I picked up some supplies to do a holster project for the inside of my GFs purse that I got her for Christmas.

Andrew