ammo pouch

[Freedom]

Hi guy's. Was wondering if someone can help me out?? I am trying to make an ammo pouch that resembles the old percussion cap pouches. I would like to do it in two pieces but am having trouble with the pleats that form as you sew around it.

Any help of pictures would sure be appreciated.
Thank you
Freedom

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Let the expert weigh in, but I believe you form the outer part by wetting it and forming it over a shaped block. Cut it a bit large and clamp or tack it down the way you want it to look.  I've not done it, but did watch my bootmaker working on a project.

[Johnny McCrae]

Howdy Freedom,

Try this lnk:
http://w278.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w278.photobucket.com/albums/kk81/jvsaffran/Wet%20Molded%20Bullet%20Pouch/cb7104a7.pbw

It is a slide show showing how I wet-molded an ammo pouch. Please feel free to send a PM if you have any questions.

[Freedom]

Howdy Freedom,

Try this lnk:
http://w278.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w278.photobucket.com/albums/kk81/jvsaffran/Wet%20Molded%20Bullet%20Pouch/cb7104a7.pbw

It is a slide show showing how I wet-molded an ammo pouch. Please feel free to send a PM if you have any questions.

Thanks Johny!! I just wasn't getting it wet enough...guess I was in to big a hurry

[Johnny McCrae]

Hi Freedom,

I soaked the leather in water for a good ten minutes or so before forming it. When you first start the forming process it seems like an impossible task but you just keep working the leather and it eventually conforms to the mold. I'll admit that I was pleasantly surprised the leather would conform to a mold of these dimensions (4" x 3" x 1-5/8" thick).

[Jamie]

Thanks for the slide show, that was extremely helpful!
Jamie

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Johnny McCrae;  I'd love to see other slide shows;  e.g. toe plugs, which are something I am afraid to attempt.

[Johnny McCrae]

Howdy Sir charles,

I have never done a toe plug. You may want to check out the DVD called "Frontier Holsters" by Chuck Burrows. It is excellent and he goes into great detail  on how to install a toe plug. Here is the link: http://www.wrtcleather.com/tr-books/books-1.shtml

[Springfield Slim]

I've done a few toe plugs for customers. A few things I have noticed is that you should make the toe leather as thick or thicker than the holster, makes for a bigger target. Also make sure it is good pliable leather, as the drier stuff tends to tear and you lose the hole. The most difficult part is holding the plug in place while it is being sewn. I suppose you could glue it but then that part doesn't dye well if you get any excess. I would be interested in seeing a video of a professional do it, I just learn the hard way!. I got a bit of practice first by repairing a bunch of leg of mutton shotgun cases, kinda copied the technique. teh ends of the old ones are always tearing out. 

[Wild Billy Potts]

Why not make the ammo pouch more like the pistol cartridge box used during the Civil War and afterwards. Cap pouches wouldn't hold much ammo.

[Freedom]

Thanks for the help!  It holds a pretty good handfull of 45's or.... 10, 45-70's just perfect and silent.

[Johnny McCrae]

Howdy Freedom,

That's a good looking pouch and a great job of molding. I put about the same quantities and types of cartridges in mine. That looks like sheepskin for the lining. Many thanks for sharing this with us.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That looks good, pard. The lining is a nice addition to it. I have to confess, it never occurred to me to line one. Good idea.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Apparently the original issue cap pouch was issued with sheep fleece lining.  The one that were re-issued during the Indian wars had the lining pulled out to make room for more metallic cartridges.

[Wild Billy Potts]

Both surplus Civil War cap pouches and cartridge boxes were modified post war for cartridge guns. I own an original 1862 Allegeny Arsenal and they are barely big enuf to get my fingers in.