shoulder holster elastic

[Pig Hunter]

With most older shoulder holsters that have elastic going around the opposite shoulder from the holster, those I have no longer stretch. Does anyone know of a source for heavy duty replacement elastic strap. Thanks, Mark

 

[MichiganScott]

I've been told that it is special elastic only used on shoulder holsters and is difficult to find. You might be better off changing it out to leather.

 

[armorer951]

If you are going to try to re-hab the elastic yourself, fabric stores usually carry elastic in different widths.......or you could try Amazon.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Over the past 40-plus years I have seen dozens and dozens of the Bianchi shoulder holsters with elastic straps that have worn out. Never was able to locate a source for really heavy duty elastic strapping, so I started making up straps using soft woven nylon strapping with sliding fasteners for length adjustment. These are not affected by perspiration and body heat as elastic is, so they retain their strength for years. Before retiring I usually kept two or three of these on hand for those in need, and I think I have one left. Send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll send it to you, then I'll have one less thing hanging around to deal with!

Best regards.

 

[ldausmc1369]

Would like to see a picture of the strap. Have 2 holsters need rehab attention to be useful. Thanks.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Got one about a year ago......... salvaged a otherwise +90% Bianchi X-15 holster...... it is now GTG!!!

Thanks Again Ray

 

[fat tom]

As suggested above,you could always replace it with leather,but you would of course lose the elasticity. I guess you could always remove the excess elastic and re-attach the strap to accomplish the same thing.
f.t.

 

[Derosa]

I, too, would like to see pictures. I have two shoulder holsters that need an elastic strap fixed. I tried nylon, but, that was a painful mistake.

Many thanks.

 

[Arisin Wind]

Those elastic straps are the weak point on shoulder holsters. The straps loose strength over time and are a bear to adjust. If you carry a heavy weapon like a N frame the straps are not strong enough to hold the rig in place comfortably.

I replace the weak elastic straps with a leather harness I made based on the Clark Spring Shoulder Holster #15 - aka Dirty Harry Holster. I used to make them and sell but I haven't done that in a few years. I used strap leather, 1 inch wide for the front and back straps. The leather is 25% wider than most elastic straps so it distributes the weight more. The piece across the back is 3/4 leather. I fastened the whole thing together with Chicago screws. Each piece has multiple points for the Chicago screw for adjusting. I also used nickle buckles and snaps. The buckles allow even more adjustment. Once set up it's very comfortable. No sagging, no fatigue. I use the same harness when I hunt and I carry a Redhawk. That heavy revolver rides very well with the rig.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Guys, sorry to break the news again but Old Lobo Hisself is retired! Other good people are now running the business. Just happened to have one strap set left on hand, and sending it to someone who needs it is better than having it lying around forever.

Best regards.

 

[ldausmc1369]

Thanks for the pictures. I'm going to try to rehab these holsters over the holidays. I now have an idea of how to proceed.

 

[koz5614]

I was able to locate a company that sold mil-spec grade elastic webbing (The name escapes me at the moment). Though they usually deal with bulk orders, they were nice enough to send me a couple "samples". It was the perfect width, and even heavier than the original material. A reputable shoe repair shop installed the new elastic in my old Safariland upside down holster. I am very happy with the results.

 

[DoubleAdobe]

I have bought some good quality elastic, heavy duty type off of Ebay. I bought a couple rolls of 12 ft., I think. I have used it for the above mentioned purposes and also for the back straps on mostly leather suspenders.While it doesn't last as long as a leather strap of course, it does add some comfort especially while sitting and bending over.

 

[DoubleAdobe]

I should also mention that the elastic you are likely to find in a sewing or fabric store is cheesy and pretty wimpy stuff that you probably won't be happy with.

 

[Chipmunk6]

Google "Strapworks.com".
They've sold me strapping and elastic that worked fine, and custom lengths also.
Chipmunk6