Oil Tan Leather "Soft Covers" Holster? Sleeve? Not sure what you'd call em

Rick_Jorgenson · April-08-18 23:04

I have been getting some requests for these so I started making a few to see how they could be done.

I really wanted to use my newest sewing machine! I've had it for 4 weeks and haven't sewn a holster on it yet

Its a little "lighter weight" machine then our others. Soft Leather like this Oil-Tan is what it is made for.

I sourced some really nice Oil Tan Hides I thought those would work really well for this application. Super durable hide and easy on the gun.

"greyelky" sent some photos of a couple that he got from NAA and took the metal clip off of them. He likes them and customers have tried to buy them from him! The used ones!

The sizes (lengths) are pretty much worked out and there are 3 sizes right now that cover the most popular NAA's extra large can be made if requested.

Small... Pug, Long Rifle
Medium.... Magnum, Bug Out, Ranger II, Sidewinder

Large,.... Black Widow, Sheriff, 2.5" Sidewinder
Xtra Large..... Mini Master, Earl 3" & 4" , 4" Sidewinder

5 Shell Snap

I have some out right now for testing and waiting on feedback. There is only one color of these hides but they can be done "Rough-Out" and it is a lighter color and of course, texture.

Comments, Questions, Critiques, and Ideas are all welcome!

ex-mousekateer · April-09-18 00:04

Here's a pretty self-explanatory idea I've tossed around that might be well suited to your simple sheaths. The shorter LR rounds & loading strips are an even easier fit. It just seems like too good of a use of the space to mess around with little pockets of 5 loose rounds to fumble with. (Not just you, that's all anyone seems to make.)

PaPa K · April-09-18 06:04

I have one like this for my Pug and works very well. Thanks for rolling these out Rick, I had not found one I liked for the BW yet. When will these be available? Would need a fixed sight version if they are different.

grizzly · April-09-18 06:04

Personally I like them. I really like the 5 round shell pouch and would probably get a couple if you continue to offer them.

Rick_Jorgenson · April-09-18 08:04

Quote from: mousey on April-09-18 00:04
Here's a pretty self-explanatory idea I've tossed around that might be well suited to your simple sheaths. The shorter LR rounds & loading strips are an even easier fit. It just seems like too good of a use of the space to mess around with little pockets of 5 loose rounds to fumble with. (Not just you, that's all anyone seems to make.)

Do you carry the "Strip" in your pocket with no cover?

Would a "Sleeve" be useful? If so... with a snap or just open ended like the "holster"?

Would you need/want a "Sleeve" in your pocket for both the gun and ammo strip?

The 5 rounds in a little snap pouch works for those that carried them loose in their pocket (yes I have spoke to those guys

)

Thanks for looking!

. Your opinions do matter and help

ex-mousekateer · April-09-18 08:04

Quote from: Rick_Jorgenson on April-09-18 08:04
Do you carry the "Strip" in your pocket with no cover?

My CCL doesn't arrive for a couple weeks still, so no.

I wouldn't carry the strip unprotected, though. Really, the slowness of reloading makes carrying spare rounds semi-pointless, but if the space is there to build a storage compartment into a pocket style holster with hardly any change to the outer dimensions, why not have the added convenience and peace of mind? If you did need to reload, having the ease of the loading strips and twice as many spare rounds is a win-win!

QuoteWould a "Sleeve" be useful? If so... with a snap or just open ended like the "holster"?

With or without the snap would be useful. I'm envisioning something with a divider between the two pockets. Slide the gun out, then slide the loading strip out. The snap strap provides extra safety, but the sleeve is better suited to a pocket holster, where the quick draw aspect might be preferable.

QuoteWould you need/want a "Sleeve" in your pocket for both the gun and ammo strip?

Want yes, need no. I would either go with the minimalist sleeve or the proposed combo. The in-between of the 5-round pocket doesn't make much sense to me. Some might say it's better than nothing, but I think nothing (just the holster) is actually better. Now, the bandolier style holsters...that makes up for the lack of practicality with extra coolness.

lefty dude · April-09-18 08:04

Me Like !!! Will see ya soon!!!!

Canoeal · April-09-18 11:04

Back before I realized I didn't have the equipment or the talent for holsters, I made 2. One was a simple sleeve like one, modified from stuff at hand, and then I designed and made this one, based on another one I had bought. This one, unlike what I had bought, was designed to hold five rounds on the flat. The flap is facing the inside, so the appearance outside is smooth. Please, I know the stitching is old style, hand done, and nothing to brag about, but it is in your pocket... made from repurposed bag leather...

RogueTS1 · April-09-18 11:04

QuoteDo you carry the "Strip" in your pocket with no cover?

Would a "Sleeve" be useful? If so... with a snap or just open ended like the "holster"?

I like the idea of velcro; no snaps.

ex-mousekateer · April-09-18 14:04

Canoeal, I know how tough leather stitching is to make look good, so you won't hear any criticism from me! Yours is a good illustration of the common wasted space I was referring to. The overall dimensions are dictated by the ammo pouch, but there's just as much unused space between it and the grip. Turn the pouch sideways and make it a slip-in pocket for a loading strip, and you've doubled your spare rounds capability, made it faster to reload, and not changed the form factor.

I'll probably give it a try myself. I've got lots of leather and heavy duty thread to play with. The trick is getting the stitching right to separate the two compartments.

Canoeal · April-09-18 15:04

I don't believe I could use, or would need more than a reload, and a reload will be after the shootin' is done. I have several pouches for carrying ammo and rarely take them out, unless I might get out in the woods...My BW is not a gunfight gun...none of mine are.

ex-mousekateer · April-09-18 17:04

Quote from: Canoeal on April-09-18 15:04
I don't believe I could use, or would need more than a reload, and a reload will be after the shootin' is done. I have several pouches for carrying ammo and rarely take them out, unless I might get out in the woods...My BW is not a gunfight gun...none of mine are.

That's why I said, "If you did need to reload, having the ease of the loading strips and twice as many spare rounds is a win-win!" There's simply no downside to making better use of the space, other than perhaps more complicated stitching.

I bet the loading strips cut reload time (for the rounds themselves, not necessarily the cylinder removal) in half or better, especially for Magnums where two at a time works well.

OV-1D · April-09-18 17:04

Personally a pocket full of loose ammo beats loading gadgets except at the range where they are convenient but not necessary .

ex-mousekateer · April-09-18 17:04

Quote from: OV-1D on April-09-18 17:04
Personally a pocket full of loose ammo beats loading gadgets except at the range where they are convenient but not necessary .

All that does is support my point that the 5-round pouches are not better than having a slimmer profile holster. They're an improvement that doesn't improve things enough to be worthwhile.

If you plan on shooting more than 25 rounds (a full cylinder plus the two loading strips that come in a pack), then sure, a pocket full of loose ammo is worth consideration. It's still going to be slower than the loading strips by a wide margin, though, and you could always double up by having the loading strips in with the pocket full of loose ammo.

No matter how you slice it, the loading aids are better if you have the space for them.

Canoeal · April-10-18 08:04

Mousey is just not listening to the polite version, so straight out: I do not need or want to carry a speed strip. Is it one more piece of bulk, whether added to the holster, or by itself, that I will not carry. I made that holster to carry a reload as inconspicuously as possible, a speed strip is not inconspicuous. Just what I did and what I like.

grayelky · April-10-18 10:04

Rick-
I like 'em! Of course, I am slightly prejudiced. I also like the orange thread. The rough out will help it stay in the pocket and the smooth side in will help the revolver to slide out when you draw it. I think they will sell good.

Bigbird48 · April-10-18 10:04

My thoughts are your never going to reload in a SD situation, so whats in the gun is what you got. I'll carry 1 reload in a little pouch so after the confrontation I can reload

. If I'm out plinking I just take a few boxes with me.

postalman · April-10-18 11:04

Years ago, my son bought some throwing stars in a nice little nylon case. Fast forward to today, no stars but a fine case for extra ammo, after the fireworks are over. It holds up to 30 rounds but I only keep 15 (thinner profile). Easy to carry in a pocket or use the belt loop to hang on my jeans. Maybe not for everyone, but it works for me!

Canoeal · April-10-18 11:04

Quote from: Bigbird48 on April-10-18 10:04
My thoughts are your never going to reload in a SD situation, so whats in the gun is what you got. I'll carry 1 reload in a little pouch so after the confrontation I can reload . If I'm out plinking I just take a few boxes with me.

Exactly.

ex-mousekateer · April-10-18 14:04

Quote from: Canoeal on April-10-18 08:04
Mousey is just not listening to the polite version, so straight out: I do not need or want to carry a speed strip.

I heard you loud and clear. You're set in your ways and don't want to consider anything else. Just say that from the start. I attempted to explain that the 5-round pouch is an inefficient use of the space. You may not care for the proposed improvement, but that doesn't mean it's being forced on you.

QuoteIs it one more piece of bulk, whether added to the holster, or by itself, that I will not carry. I made that holster to carry a reload as inconspicuously as possible, a speed strip is not inconspicuous. Just what I did and what I like.

Now you're the one not listening... Ironic, huh?

Look back at my first pic in the thread. The loading strip adds no bulk in any direction. Nor would it be conspicuous in any way, occupying the same space as the 5-round pouches and being tucked in below the grip.

rustyzues · April-10-18 15:04

" Some people bring cheer to a room when they enter and some when they leave"

Bigbird48 · April-10-18 15:04

has he left yet

rustyzues · April-10-18 15:04

I'm looking Big Bird I'm looking.

gtgoldsmith · April-10-18 16:04

I believe they would be called a handgun scabbard.

Canoeal · April-10-18 16:04

Sorry guys, I tried being nice...My five rounds are well hidden. adding five more and a piece of plastic would not be well hidden and would be unneeded. Just the way I roll. Telling me I need to change a holster I made a while ago, and my thinking, when have no intention of remaking one, since I have bought better...IDK.
Sorry he didn't like my attempt.

Rick_Jorgenson · April-10-18 17:04

Quote from: mousey on April-10-18 14:04

Now you're the one not listening... Ironic, huh? Look back at my first pic in the thread. The loading strip adds no bulk in any direction. Nor would it be conspicuous in any way, occupying the same space as the 5-round pouches and being tucked in below the grip.

JMHO here on this one. (Yes, I looked at Mousey's first photo.....) First... I appreciate all ideas. Some I can implement, some I cannot.

Part of the size on my Pocket Holsters are to keep the gun in an upright position in your pocket so, even without the snap pouch the material width is still there for the most part but there is enough room for your fingers to get a full "Combat Grip" on the weapon.

I have put out a couple "narrow" Pocket Holsters. I use one myself that was a "Mistake" (Canoeal!) and I actually like it. It does stand the gun up pretty well.

Thinking outside of the box is a place where I thrive (don't get that mixed up with making money! There is very little money out here most of the time!)

I believe.... Once you wrap leather around the gun...... Stitch a seam...... Create another Pocket for the speed strip...... Stitch a seam to hold it in...... Add a method to hold it in (additional leather flap, snap, Sam Browne Button, Leather Button, Magnet, etc). You will far surpass bulk of a 5 loose shell pouch and create an obstacle (Leather) to be able to quickly & safely get your hand on the grip with a secure "Combat Grip" to draw the weapon.

I lay stuff out all the time to see if it is workable or not. There are dozens of "Idea" holsters under the work benches in my shop!

This may work for someone (Mousey) and I hope it does. Some of the best ideas for holsters come from users wants & needs, I appreciate the idea.

With my skills (or lack of) I don't think I could make it work well enough to put it out but again, I appreciate the idea!

I am not trying to defend the 5 shot snap pouch. It is a matter of choice to carry extra shells or not. I know many folks carry the "Sticky" Holster and I don't think they have extra shells! I wish I had their volume of orders! (oh... maybe not! lol!!)

These are ideas and all are looked at and appreciated. Some things work for some people and not for others. Its always worth a look and consideration!

ex-mousekateer · April-10-18 18:04

Quote from: rustyzues on April-10-18 15:04
" Some people bring cheer to a room when they enter and some when they leave"

"I am but a mirror, and this joint could use some self-reflection."

Quote from: Bigbird48 on April-10-18 15:04
has he left yet

Don't worry, my work here will be done soon enough. I can see it's eating at you.

Quote from: Canoeal on April-10-18 16:04
Telling me I need to change a holster I made a while ago, and my thinking, when have no intention of remaking one, since I have bought better...IDK.
Sorry he didn't like my attempt.

You guys have a bad habit of fictionalizing dialogue. I never said you need to change your holster, and I said just the opposite of not liking your attempt. I merely used it as an example of what I had just laid out prior to that.

Quote from: Rick_Jorgenson on April-10-18 17:04
Thinking outside of the box is a place where I thrive (don't get that mixed up with making money! There is very little money out here most of the time!)

The life of an artist!

QuoteI believe.... Once you wrap leather around the gun...... Stitch a seam...... Create another Pocket for the speed strip...... Stitch a seam to hold it in...... Add a method to hold it in (additional leather flap, snap, Sam Browne Button, Leather Button, Magnet, etc). You will far surpass bulk of a 5 loose shell pouch and create an obstacle (Leather) to be able to quickly & safely get your hand on the grip with a secure "Combat Grip" to draw the weapon.

There's a good chance you're right, and that is the challenge I alluded to earlier (and why I mentioned it would be much easier to pull off with LR ammo, if that's what someone carries). I've been curious if it's doable, and only received my loading strips and Magnum ammo on Friday, so had barely had a chance to do a feasibility mock-up prior to this thread. I fully respect your willingness to look at ideas for their relative merit. You've got the patience of a saint catering to this crowd... You should release a line of leather adult diapers, custom embroidered.

PaducahMichael · April-10-18 18:04

There's a story about an old cowboy and a city slicker who are discussing their guns. The cowboy had a Colt .45 SAA. The slicker had a semi-auto 1911 style pistol.

Eventually, as they argued the advantages and disadvantages, the slicker said, "Well - My gun has 10 rounds in the magazine. That's four more than your six-shooter."

Cowboy says, "I ain't plannin' to miss that much".

We keep saying "shot placement", right? I was taught to shoot with a single shot rifle. Make every shot count.

seaotter · April-10-18 19:04

i really like the five round pocket. I carry my 22lr loaded with mini mags, but when I go canoeing or fishing or island exploring or cliff climbing, I replace the mini mags with shot shells from the ammo pocket. The option is always there. Sure, I could carry the rounds elsewhere, but it's awfully convenient to have them with me whoever I need them.
I almost hate to bring up "the strip" issue again, but it did get me thinking. I really don't see how a strip would be of great utility with a mini, as reloading the mini is slow no matter what. But I do use strips with my Taurus M85 38 snubby. I currently carry those strips in a bag in my pocket, but it would be interesting to see if a couple of strips could be carried on the holster in some kind of quick access pocket, kind of like the extra mag pocket on my pistol holsters. They would certainly be easier to carry than a couple of speed loaders. I am actually kind of surprised that I haven't seen something like that before.

ex-mousekateer · April-10-18 20:04

Quote from: seaotter on April-10-18 19:04
i really like the five round pocket. I carry my 22lr loaded with mini mags, but when I go canoeing or fishing or island exploring or cliff climbing, I replace the mini mags with shot shells from the ammo pocket. The option is always there. Sure, I could carry the rounds elsewhere, but it's awfully convenient to have them with me whoever I need them.

Good point, I hadn't considered that angle.

QuoteI almost hate to bring up "the strip" issue again, but it did get me thinking. I really don't see how a strip would be of great utility with a mini, as reloading the mini is slow no matter what.

I didn't time it, but with both LR and Magnums, the loading strips sped up the process significantly. The actual loading is only slightly faster with LR's (basically twice as fast with Magnums), but the handling is much, much quicker than dealing with tiny individual rounds. How much faster is fast enough to matter is still a valid question.

Uncle_Lee · April-11-18 04:04

No he/she ain't gone yet.
It's like a stray dog.
Feed it and it will stick around.
Quit feeding it and it will go to the neighbor's.
Quit feeding him/her.....

rustyzues · April-11-18 06:04

Well put Unc.

Canoeal · April-11-18 06:04

I use speed loaders for my Charter at the range, and am considering speed loaders for the BW. It does help me keep track of rounds into a target...A full gun, two speedloaders...next target...

Canoeal · April-11-18 11:04

"We keep saying "shot placement", right? I was taught to shoot with a single shot rifle. Make every shot count."

Yeah, I learned well too. My first hunting rifle was a break top 30-30. One shot, hit or miss, so don't miss.

ex-mousekateer · April-11-18 13:04

Quote from: Canoeal on April-11-18 11:04
"We keep saying "shot placement", right? I was taught to shoot with a single shot rifle. Make every shot count."

For sure, but we are talking about a platform whose two major criticisms are reloading time and ease of handling/aiming, so having the ability to get more shots off if needed is always a good thing. I mean, would anyone put just 3 rounds in their high capacity magazine for home defense, knowing that's all they'll statistically need in the majority of encounters?