Question on Will G Patternss

[BobbyF]

Hi Pards,

     I have three sets of Mr Will's holster patterns. Each set says they are designed to fit many pistols. Specifically, "Colt SAA 71/2" barrel", and "Colt  1851 Navy" 71/2" barrel". I have a 1851 Richards/Mason 71/2" Conversion .which do you think I should use? Are they the same ?

     I think I will make a cross-draw with a 25 degree angle, grip pitched to rear. I have little experience with cross-draw. Is angled "better" than straight drop for a rookie? My three guns are  71/2 " to 8" barrels, I love the long guns. Thank you all and be well-bobbyf

[Graveyard Jack]

Use the one for the 1851. The ejector will make a little room for itself when you wet mold it.

[Camano Ridge]

I have made slim Jim holsters for the 1851 Richards Mason conversion using 1851 Navy patterns, as CraigC said when your holsster is wet stuff the Richards Mason in and the ejector will definately make room for itself.

[BobbyF]

Hi Camano, Craig C,

     Thanks for taking the time to help me out with my question. On your cross draws, do you hang them straight down or do you angle them?
Thanks again and be well--BobbyF

[Camano Ridge]

Bobby my cross draws are usually hung at an angle, some times more sever then others depending on size of gun and shooters preference. Straight down with a longer barreled gun is more cumbersome to draw. Also body type can affect the angle and the draw. for some one to draw cross draw reaching arouund a larger mid section you may need a bit more angle to project the but out and forward enough to where it can be reached.

I would say the angles average range is 15 - 30 degree. If you are making it for anyone that shoots in aany club or discipline you need to check regulations for cross draw and degree of angle.

[BobbyF]

Thanks again Camano, you confirmed my suspicions. The straight up draw on the long ones is awkward  with my short mid section. I took another holster and just held it angled to the belt and it was considerably easier and more comfortable. I will play in that 25 to 30 degree range. Thanks again and be well- BobbyF

[St8LineLeatherSmith]

look at my avatar pic, that is the angle you want for a x draw

[BobbyF]

Thanks St8,

     Your avitar picture is what I have in my head,I appreciate the pic. St 8, I can't tell from the pic where you have your suspenders hooked to, the gunbelt, the pant belt, or the jeans themselves . Because of my shape, I will probably need them. Thanks again--BobbyF
.

[St8LineLeatherSmith]

my suspenders are hooked to my pants and that is actually across the shoulder holster I put a wide band on it so I could use a bullet pouch and cylinder pouches with it.

[Massive]

I feel like 25 is a lot.  But the real measure is the "why".  If you are standing up and drawing, then you want the angle your hand comes to the gun at.  If you have a design where you can get a grip on the grip while it is still in the holster, then you want the angle to be the angle your hand grips the gun at.  If your grip isn't fully accessible and you have to do some kind of two step to get the gun out, then you want to favour that.  Or if you have some other reason like clothes, horse, who knows.

The key with custom is you choose a custom angle based on the service, not on some abstract number.

If you use two guns, they can be set at different angles, like 15, 22.

[BobbyF]

Massive,
     Thanks for the wonderful reply.  Your explanation makes a lot of sense to me. The angle should be a result of how my arm  and hand grip the grip thereby "setting"the angle (with the 30 deg in mind). The function comes first. Such a simple and important tip--thank you and be well, BobbyF

[Slowhand Bob]

Wording of rules is the devil in the mix for competitive shooters.  SASS rules state "as worn", in relation to cant, and this can get one into trouble, depending on the tenacity of the locals who object to the cross draw period.  I never make one for myself that exceeds 20* of cant and use up to 15* on the strong side when wearing long barl pistols BUT being a fan of the California Slim Jim, my holsters are usually worn higher than the norm for many.  With stiff shoulders, elbows and hands it can also become important as to where you locate the holster around the belt line.   

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Slowhand Bob makes a good point. Most of us wear our belt below our extravagant display of wealth. The same holster hung on the strong side will tip a bit forward. This holster hung crossdraw will also tip a bit forward, but this time it may be more than we bargained for.  I have a holster made with only a bit of cant on the beltloop. It hangs straight strongside and an appreciable cant when worn crossdraw.

Your mileage may vary so try it out before investing too much time, material and money. Measure twice; Cut once!

[BobbyF]

Hi Sir Charles, Slowhand,

     Thanks for your advice. I take the "as worn" to mean like standing at attention and how things fall naturally. I can see why it is important to be conservative and allow for wiggle room(material shrinking, waist size changing etc). I am enjoying the engineering that is involved in the planning stage. I thank all you Pards for giving me plenty to think about. You all be well--BobbyF

[Slowhand Bob]

You will find that there are a small few who rabidly hate the cross draws and will work hard at interpreting the rules to disallow them at every chance.  Some years back I had a guy tell me that he was going to start calling the rule on fokes who were sitting at a table during lunch break.  My only comment was that when he did so, he would also be sending home most of the buscadero and double strong side rigs also.  Thankfully most are not that radically overbearing in their opinions. 

[BobbyF]

Hi Slowhand,

     Thanks for the "warning". Fortunately all Pards I've  met have been nothing but friendly, happy to share their time and knowledge and have fun. If I should happen to cross paths with the others, I'll just ignore them, that drives that type crazy. Be well--BobbyF

[Marshal Will Wingam]

If I should happen to cross paths with the others, I'll just ignore them, that drives that type crazy.