Best weight for holsters

[Flinch Morningwood]

What do you find is the best weight for making holsters? 

I have been using about an 8 oz but it seems kind of light and I am thinking about going to a 9-10.....

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I use 8-9 oz for most of my holsters. They make a great single-layer holster. If you want a little more rigidity, you can line them with 3-4 or 5-6 oz leather. As an experiment, I made one set for myself with two layers of 8-9 oz leather, top grain out both sides. They were a whale of a lot of work to bend around and sew, then to wet mold. I got the job done but it took a couple hours of fiddling. Those are the best holsters I have. The guns drop right in and the holsters hold their shape like steel. I suppose your using a little thicker leather would work just fine. If you are using a single layer, they would be fairly easy to work and the result would probably be good. It would be a preference call on your part. Heck, I may even try it myself one of these days. As always, be sure to post pictures if you make new ones.

[E.R.Beaumont]

Howdy Pards and Pardettes.

Little Al, Pard 8oz will make an adaquate holster, one for a first rig to see what you like.  To make an 8oz holster into a good one line it with 4oz, or more.  I make mostly lined holsters and I want the total for holster and lineing to equal 12oz or better.

I think that to be a good unlined holster it should be 11oz or more.  Sure it is difficult to sew the main seam but the resulting holster is usualy a keeper.  I only make holsters for myself, or to give away so I may not be an expert.  I do have a set or two of double 8-9oz and they are great.

The basic principle is that the thicker the holster the sturdier it is and the more abuse it can take before it breaks down.  An 8oz leather can be a good choice if you making a concealment rig for the city, or for a fancy BarBQ Rig, but I want something sturdier for an open carry rig as it gets more abuse.

That is all I think I know
Regards, Beaumont