Second try at a holster - S&W 65

[H.E. Pennypacker]

[falcn]

Wow nice.

How do you mold it to your gun? What thread are you using? using a machine to stich or by hand? Where ya getting your leather?

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Wow nice.

How do you mold it to your gun? What thread are you using? using a machine to stich or by hand? Where ya getting your leather?

Thanks.

I soak the holster in hot water and then stick the gun in. After that, it's just a matter of kneading it by hand or using a boning device - or both.

The thread is some wax-coated nylon...pretty thick. Probably too thick, actually, but I'll keep using it. I stitch by hand - I use a drill press to make the holes and then do a double-stitch sort of thing.

I got my leather from Tandy Leather Factory in Allentown. It's 7-8oz shoulder.

[Lucas]

Thanks.

I soak the holster in hot water and then stick the gun in. After that, it's just a matter of kneading it by hand or using a boning device - or both.

The thread is some wax-coated nylon...pretty thick. Probably too thick, actually, but I'll keep using it. I stitch by hand - I use a drill press to make the holes and then do a double-stitch sort of thing.

I got my leather from Tandy Leather Factory in Allentown. It's 7-8oz shoulder.

Good deal.

I didn't like the wax coated thread at first vs. sinew but after a lot of stitching the benefits of the wax start to shine.

[falcn]

Thanks.

I soak the holster in hot water and then stick the gun in. After that, it's just a matter of kneading it by hand or using a boning device - or both.

The thread is some wax-coated nylon...pretty thick. Probably too thick, actually, but I'll keep using it. I stitch by hand - I use a drill press to make the holes and then do a double-stitch sort of thing.

I got my leather from Tandy Leather Factory in Allentown. It's 7-8oz shoulder.

So does the leather harden into shape and hold pretty well (not collapse) once it dries? I guess so since it keeps the shape...

Do you do the molding before the drilling? Do you mark the outline?

looks kinda fun....I think a try at an IWB tuckable would be interesting.

[H.E. Pennypacker]

So does the leather harden into shape and hold pretty well (not collapse) once it dries? I guess so since it keeps the shape...

Do you do the molding before the drilling? Do you mark the outline?

looks kinda fun....I think a try at an IWB tuckable would be interesting.

Yep, it holds its shape really well. It is similar to plastic in that it gives a little under pressure, but just rebounds to its original shape.

I had it all stitched up before I molded it. The way I marked the outline was to cut out a tracing of the gun I had on paper and lay it on the holster. I taped it down so it wouldn't move, then I cut grooves into the leather about 3/8" outside of the tracing. I think I did a poor job tracing, though, because, as you can see, the stitches don't line up with the outline of the gun, especially in the trigger guard area.

[1blindref]

Nice.
Got any pictures of the 65 out of the holster?

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Nice.
Got any pictures of the 65 out of the holster?

Absolutely.

[1blindref]

OH MY!
She's a beaut! Thanks for posting those pictures!

[T3h H4t]

thats a great looking 65, and an awesome holster. Are you going to make them for sale? or is that just for yourself? I have 65 and have always wanted a nice holster for her.