Wet-forming a holster

[Ysabel Kid]

The first holster I ever wet-formed to the gun's shape I did for a Walker reproduction when I was back in college. I had read an article on doing so in a book from Sam Falada. It worked well. Almost 40 years later, and I did it again for a pair of holsters, again for Walker reproductions, ala "The Outlaw Josey Wales". What fun!

Anyway, when I ordered those holsters I ordered a third, hoping it would fit my Pietta "LeMat" clone. I had been searching high and low for a holster for that revolver, but the only ones I saw were darn expensive. I don't mind paying for a good holster, but why not give wet-forming a try?

Here is the result:





Now, the belt comes from Skillet Creek. You can find his stuff on Etsy and I have several of his holsters and belts - all top quality. I asked and he doesn't make a holster for the LeMat.

So, since doing the three, starting at the beginning of summer, I have done several more. Might as well make sure my holsters fit like a glove!

[Grizz]

that looks very good. and it sounds like a barrel of fun to load and fire the revolver too.

[gamekeeper]

Wow Jay, that looks awesome I can't remember ever seeing a close up picture of a holstered LeMat before, great job....

[Scott Tschirhart]

Very nicely done!!!!

[Bill in Oregon]

Nice, Jay! Are you just using your hands/fingers to "bone" the wet leather? I have used my hands, but also a piece of slick deer antler, although it has been a while.

[Ysabel Kid]

Nice, Jay! Are you just using your hands/fingers to "bone" the wet leather? I have used my hands, but also a piece of slick deer antler, although it has been a while.

Hi Bill. Just my hands. I had an old toothbrush handy, as I used that (the handle end) back 30+ years ago. But I didn't need it.

[Malamute]

Nice job!

A friend that was a ceramic sculpture artist used to use blocks of clay to wet form fit his holsters and hold them tight while they dried, it worked pretty well.

[Bullard4075]

What about vacuum packing the wet leather?

[Ysabel Kid]

I've seen that done on the internet, and looks like it works well. I just decided to use my hands to shape it while sitting in the recliner watching TV with my wife. Worked well too!

[stretch]

However ya did it, it looks great.

-Stretch

[Rube Burrows]

I make a lot of holsters. You done a good job on picking out that holster and wet forming it. Looks like it was made for it. One of these days I need to grab myself a Lemat.

[Ysabel Kid]

Thanks Rube!