Rule of Thumb for Pattern & Lining?

[JD Alan]

Here I am, jumping into the fire again. I want to make a lined holster. I need to learn how to do this, because I have friends who want me to make lined holsters for them.

There's lots of info on lining holsters, including some great pics. One thing I can't find mintioned anywhere is how ro adjust pattenrs for lined holsters. Perhpas no adjustment is needed, but I don't think that's the case.

Any rule of thumb when adding liners to patterns that weren't draw for them?

Thanks much, JD 

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy JD

      I like to figure this way, if say you were going to use a W/G pattern and it called for 9/10 ounce leather, I would use two pieces of either 4/5 or 5/6 ounce leather and cement together, your trying to equal the total of 9 or 10 ounce leather, I do this and it works great, just remember you want to equal what ever ounce leather the pattern is calling for. I don't use different weight leather for my lining, unless I were to already have it on hand, using the same weight leather will allow you to use the same hide, just buy a little more.


                                           tEN wOLVES 

[JD Alan]

Thanks 10 Wolves, that sounds like a good plan. At this point I have quite a bit of 8/9 and 3/4, so I was going to use what I have. Some time ago I asked about lining material, and WC said he used 3/4 with 8/9, so I figured I wasn't going to go too far wrong! I look at WC like Churck B, if he says it, does it, or uses it, it's gold to me.

I guess I'm going to have to take the plunge and try it out, so thanks for responding. JD

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

         JD listening the to WC or CB you can't go wrong,


                                TW

[Slowhand Bob]

I kinda go a bit different direction to get to the same place with liners.  For a medium weight holster that is to be 9/10oz finished, I like to do the inner liner with 2/3oz leather.  There is a dirty little secret shortcut thet us lazy sorts take, the lighter liner will allow one to glue up flat with very little bunching inside the two main rolls.  I know, I know, not the most proffesional way but it does offer a couple of advantages.  It is fairly common for the laminated leather to be a fair bit stiffer than single ply and this within itself can affect gun fit but once again this seems to be less a problem when the liner is much lighter.

The downside to ultralight liners is, they are poor at hiding rivet or Chicago screw heads when you are trying to conceal them within the plys and can even lead to wear through at these locations when inside the holster.  I do like a 4/5oz liner under 8/9oz leather when doing a modern heavy duty competition style but this really requires a totally different set of patterns but opens the door to some innovative new techniques.

[JD Alan]

Thanks a lot Bob, I appreciate your perspective. My interest at this point, with a lined holster, is to make a heavy duty competition holster. I've got a pattern I'm working with now that I hope will fill the bill.

I'm also going to give one of Will G's patterns a try, the 49er. I won't line that one.

Thanks again, JD 

[Slowhand Bob]

JD, here is a little secret about Wills patterns, they are far more versatile than one might first think.  His "Hollywood Black Canyon Rig" can morph into a better than decent heavy competition rig.  Make an exact duplicate pattern of his original on paper board, for durability and speed of transfer,  and then you can whip out rapid duplicates for altering until you find your vision.  A couple of small French Curves will keep your alterations looking smooth and professional until you get the changes you desire in a competition holster. 

[outrider]

I have found Will's patterns to be on the tight side...so I usually add a little to the diemenions.  If I line it I definately add to the dimensions...about 1/4 inch per side

[JD Alan]

Thanks for that thought bob. I just started using a French Curve, and I can see that it works pretty good, if you have some patience with it! I do have the Black Canyon pattern, but at this point I'm not ready to try a Buscadero rig.

Outrider, I too have heard that WIll's patterns run a little snug, as he admits. I will make allowances for that factor. It seems to me that a guy could add a filler or welt to Will's patterns without a lot of harm, other than committing sacrilege! If I were to do such a thing, I'm not sure I'd admit it, unless directly confronted about it

[ChuckBurrows]

When enlarging a pattern for whatever need I generally plit it doen the middle of the holster and add 1/14-3/8" then adjust the top edge curve(s) if need be - sometimes the skirt may need to be adjusted but usually not....

[JD Alan]

Thanks for that tip Chuck, I do appreciate it. I'll probably try it as it is to begin with, to see how it fits. If need be I'll strech it out a bit.

And thanks for that great holster DVD! JD