Finished a couple of OWB holsters.

[markush]

While waiting for the CC law to go into effect here in Wisconsin I started making holsters for the guns I would carry. I started out with a couple IWB holsters for the 5906 and M&P. Then I made these OWB for the M&P and 1911.

The first is a copy of the Milt Sparks Axiom with Frogskin trim. I've never seen an Axiom in person but I think I did ok on it. It sure it comfortable and hides the full size M&P pretty darn good for an outside the waistband holster...with a proper cover garment of course. I'm working on one of these for a J-Frame snub next.

The next one is also a snap removable holster. I'm not sure who originally came up with this design but I know quite a few makers offer something similar. I've found the rear "Tab" doesn't need to be this long and will shorten it up on the next one I build.

All of my holsters have been Hand Stitched 8-9oz Hermann Oak leather that I color with a chemical process called Vinegar Black or Vinegaroon. Thanks for looking!

 

[BobR1]

Looks like you did a pretty fair job on them.

Bob

 

[sipowicz]

Nice job...on the second one did you mold the wings in towards the body? that really helps pull the gun in on this style rig...

 

[markush]

I did/do bend the wings in slightly on the holsters I've built to give them a head start on conforming to the body. This is all new to me and I am definitely still learning. Your looking at the 4th and 5th holsters I have ever made. That being the case I have a question for you or anyone in the know...

...how does bending the wings in actually make it pull the gun in closer? I would think just the opposite would be true...

...If the wings were left straight out wouldn't tightening your belt cinch them in against the body and therefore bring the gun in tighter also?

 

[bronco45]

Nice work, would like to see what you do with J frames.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I did/do bend the wings in slightly on the holsters I've built to give them a head start on conforming to the body. This is all new to me and I am definitely still learning. Your looking at the 4th and 5th holsters I have ever made. That being the case I have a question for you or anyone in the know...

...how does bending the wings in actually make it pull the gun in closer? I would think just the opposite would be true...

...If the wings were left straight out wouldn't tightening your belt cinch them in against the body and therefore bring the gun in tighter also?

Pre-forming the holster to approximate the body profile helps considerably with the break-in period of use, allowing the holster to fully conform to the body, the belt, and the weapon more easily.

Also, pre-forming the holster profile during the wet-forming process tends to preserve the fit of the holster "pocket" more closely, with less deformation during the break-in period.

Nice looking work, by the way.

 

[Chuck1217]

Nice work partner...good-lookin' leather.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Pre-forming the holster to approximate the body profile helps considerably with the break-in period of use, allowing the holster to fully conform to the body, the belt, and the weapon more easily.

Also, pre-forming the holster profile during the wet-forming process tends to preserve the fit of the holster "pocket" more closely, with less deformation during the break-in period.

Nice looking work, by the way.

Yup, what Ray (LoboGunLeather) said!

Congratulations, they look professionally executed. I believe the snap mounted holster design was first done, by Tauris Holsters, Mike Taurisano, quite a long time ago. A great cop, superior designer and craftsman....and a helluva man in every other respect too. We (Bell Charter Oak) have been offering those styles for nearly 20 years, as well.

The Co-Pilot

Keep up the good work in Wisconsin!

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[Frizzman]

I Like It

Very nice looking leather there. I have a Mitch Rosen in the style of the second holster and like it a lot. It conceals well and is stable on the belt and very easy to put on a take off. That is helpful for civilian CC when one might have to disarm at times. That is some handsome work.

 

[CWH44300]

you did a beautiful job

 

[markush]

Thanks everyone! I know there are things I could improve on but being able to make holsters almost as good as the ones that I could never afford to buy, or have the patience to wait months and years for is pretty darn cool.

Thanks for sharing that info Lefty, I like learning the history of things like that. It's interesting you posted that pic of a J-Frame cross draw rig...I made one very similar to that one as my very first holster. It's not all that pretty as I didn't get the stitch line spacing right but it's quite usable and very comfortable especially when driving.

I have a question for you though...is there a secret to getting this type of holster to conceal well? I have a soda belly...looks just like a beer belly and mine lays the butt right against the umm protruding part of my belly which conceals it pretty good. But if I didn't have the gut the butt would stick out like...well it would be really hard to miss it sticking out.

Again thanks everyone for the encouraging comments!

 

[Shooting Padre]

Very nice work. I'd look good in one of those. I carry a 3913, which I wore for the first time in Wisconsin this month. We in Minnesota also have been waiting for your new carry law. Congrats on the law and the fine leather work. I really like the decorative embellishments on these. Kind of modern outside the box look. Do you sell these? I have a Model 36 J frame that would like a new coat to wear.

 

[george minze]

Very nice finish work, I'm impressed..........