A should holster is a one-of-a-kind firearm holder that gives you better concealment, 2 in one carry option and a snug firearm fit. Most often finding the right shoulder holster that fits snugly with your body can be a hard task. The best option, in that case, is to make one for yourself.
Making a holster yourself can also cost-effective than purchasing a pre-made holster, and allows for more creativity and customization in the design. With a few tools and knowledge, you can easily make one for yourself. We will provide you with every nickel of information so that you can make the perfect shoulder holster for yourself.
Materials Needed
- Leather or other sturdy material
- Hammer and clamps
- Needle
- Rivets or stitching tools
- Measuring tape
- Scissors or cutter
- Empty the Firearm and a mould of your gun made form clay or cardboard box
How to Make a Shoulder holster (Step-by-Step Process)
Here I am going to discuss with you the process in detail. You will get every nip and dram information here.
Part One: Initial Steps
Step 1: Taking Measurements
The first step in making a shoulder holster is to take accurate measurements of your chest, shoulders, and back. You will need these measurements to create a template for your holster and straps. So, now using a measuring tape you need to measure the following:
- Chest: estimate around the widest part of your chest.
- Shoulders: Measure across your back from one shoulder to the other.
- Back: Measure from the base of your neck to the bottom of your spine.
When taking your measurements, it’s important to take them while wearing some clothing. This will ensure that your holster fits properly and is comfortable to wear
Step 2: Create a Template
Using the measurements, you took, create a template for your shoulder holster on paper or cardboard. Your template should include the shape of the holster and the straps that will attach it to your body. Use a ruler or straight edge to ensure that your template is accurate.
You can give it any design pattern or put on some additional features if you have some in mind.
Step 3: Taking the Right Amount of Leather
The amount of leather you will need for your shoulder holster will depend on the design of your holster, the size of your firearm, and your body measurements. However, as a general guideline, you will need approximately 2 square feet of leather to make a basic shoulder holster.
Here’s a breakdown of the leather you may need for different parts of a typical shoulder holster:
- Holster body: Approximately 1 square foot of leather.
- Shoulder straps: Approximately 1 square foot of leather.
- Retention strap: Additional leather may be required for a retention strap, depending on the design of your holster.
Part Two: Stretching the Leather
Now we are on to the main section of holster making. Now, you have to remember one thing, the whole holster-making process might take a few weeks or days. But it is better to finish it as soon as possible because, with each passing day, the leather will become stiff making it harder to work with it.
No with that said here are the steps you should follow:
- You should start with a square of leather. If you’re operating with a normal handgun, 1’x1′ leather is a good measurement. If you have a larger pistol, cut it so that you can wrap it around your weapon.
This piece will be used to create the compartment that will hold your weapon. Curl the leather in half and place it on top of your gun. After doing this, the handle of the gun should stick outside the mould
- Now, Remove the top edges of your square leather. Cut triangles from the upper corner with cutters. For a revolver, your triangles ought to be one inch tall. You could perhaps slash up to 3″ off a bigger gun.
Double up the leather placed above your weapon with an inch to spare. Because it will expand, So.there will be a lot of substance to work with.
- Drench your leather in water for at least 30 minutes. The leather should become a bit flexible now. When this occurs, squeeze out the extra water.
Note: The inner layer of the leather is weak. This part will absorb water more nicely than the harsh part.
- Enclose this stretched leather around your pistol’s mould. Wrap the midpoint of the leather item around the barrel and underneath the trigger. Apply force to the material around the gun mould with stretching blocks and lengthen it.
You must have each block on every side of the leather, as near to the mould as possible. It will aid the leather to relax once the blocks are clamped in a spot. For this place the leather in the sun and let it sit there for a few hours.
Part Three: Making Inserts
Step one: Put the gun inside
Put the gun inside another block of leather to make inserts. Inserts will help the holster to stiffen.
Step Two: Cut the Inserts
You’ll need to make a right, left, as well as upper insert. Simply use a pointer to outline the edges and top of the gun onto the inner side of the leather. Trim it like the shape of your firearm.
Put a scrap of leather between the initial leather and the table. This shields both the cutter and the table. Make it bigger, not smaller. Snip outwards from the line you drew. You can then contest them together and trim them down till they’re just right.
Step Three: Get the holster Leather
After your holster leather is soaked up in the sun for few hours, go get it. It should still be moist when you remove the grips, yet it ought to be holding the structure of your mould. Put water on the holster’s external piece once more.
You want it to be about 3/4 times as soaked as the first time. This means that it will be slightly damp but will not end up leaving water on the hand.
Step Four: Put the Inserts
Put your inserts into the leather all over your gun. Here, use the unloaded weapon. This will improve the fit of the leather around the firearm. Put back the stretching blocks over your pouch with the gun mould and inserts within it. Take it back outside to soak it in the sun.
You should let it sit there for a day or two. The longer you leave it to rest and dry, the nicer the silhouette it will maintain on its own.
Part four: Stitching the Insert and finishing
After two to three days bring back the leather and examine it. Make sure the material is stretched properly and snuggly fits the firearm. Now, that’s done follow these steps:
- Attach the top insert into the holster with some glue. Clamp your blocks together with the gun holster and keep the top insert in their middle to assist the glue. Squish the skin with a razor blade to support the glue. In about five to ten minutes the glue should dry up.
- Now using a pronged punch and hammer create holes around the edge of the holster. If you don’t make holes, it will be too difficult to stitch the whole thing.
- Use a curved needle and string to stitch the inserts to the leather. Make sure you use a sturdy, high-quality thread that can withstand the weight of your firearm.
- Use a backstitch or saddle stitch to create a strong, secure seam. Make sure you stitch through both the insert and the leather to create a tight fit.
- Glue the holster’s side inserts in place. Allow the glue to dry for another 5-10 min. Once more, sew these inserts into your holster.
Part Five: Putting the Strings
Adding strips to your shoulder holster can provide extra support and comfort when wearing the holster. Here are some steps you can follow to add strips to your shoulder holster:
Cut the strips:
Start by cutting strips of leather to the desired length and width. The strips should be long enough to fit across your shoulder and attach to the opposite side of the holster.
Punch holes
Use a leather punch to create holes in the ends of the strips where they will attach to the holster. The holes should be evenly spaced and sized to fit the hardware you will be using.
Attach hardware
Depending on the design of your shoulder holster, you may need to attach hardware such as D-rings, snaps, or buckles to the strips and the holster. Make sure the hardware is sturdy and can support the weight of your firearm.
Attach the strips
Once the hardware is in place, attach the strips to the opposite side of the holster. Make sure the strips are positioned correctly and are securely attached to the holster.
Test the fit
Test the fit of your shoulder holster with the strips attached to make sure everything is in place and comfortable to wear. Adjust the length and position of the strips as needed to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
