Crafting Gunleather

[Odin]

I'm looking to stretch some leather for a couple of my sixguns and have a few questions for those of you with a bit of experience in these matters. Firstly, what weight leather do you prefer for building holsters? Everywhere I look I seem to find a different answer. Some guys seem to like a bit lighter weight, others swear by really heavy stuff. Do you use different weights for different size guns (say a lightweight Single Six -vs- a full size 5-shot Blackhawk)? I think I'm going to build something along the lines of a Lawrence #120 for my first attempt. Seems like a very well thought out design. Simple and effective.

What say ye?

[gregs]

I just finished an 8-9 oz single shoulder that was used to make four holsters for a Glock 19, 20, Government model 1911 and a FA 83 7.5" pistol.  The 8-9 was good.  I've seen as low as doubled up 5-6 used so really it is the makers choice.  I really like the 8-9 for general purpose because it is substatial enough as a single ply 1911s with a re-inforcement around the mouth and anything heavier (+42-45oz) can get a double ply glued together to add stiffness or support.  This last 8-9 oz dbl shoulder I picked up is actually 10-11oz and is difficult to form and work in detail.  I needed to finish off a mouth stiffner on an avenger style 1911 bucket and the bulk/thickness was abit difficult to work with.

  I think the remainder of the piece is going to get used in a TD Trapper travel bag.  Just finishing brainstorming how I'm going to build the wet mold form cause it is going to be a semi-hard case.

[Odin]

Thanks for your reply gregs, that makes a lot of sense. While I'm a bit leery of going too light (I have no desire for a shuck that's going to go floppy on me), I was more concerned that I'd go too heavy, leading to difficulty in shaping and a holster with a bunch of unnecessary bulk and weight.

I'd love to see the wet mold project when you get it finished. That process has always intrigued me.