Attaching Back Flap

[JD Alan]

Gentlemen, first a disclaimer. The holster pictured is not my work; a friend sent it to me to demonstrate a few construction techniques.

What is the best method to attach the flap to the body of the holster if it isn't lined? I've done the Mexican loop, sewed a belt keeper on the back of a Slim Jim, and used a keeper strap around the body of the holster.

This picture shows a flap riveted directly to the body of the holster. .The inside has been skived down just enough to sink the head of the rivet into the leather so that the gun doesn't touch it.

Does anyone else do it this way? Is this an acceptable way to attach the two parts together? If not why not?

Thanks very much, JD     

[cowboywc]

Howdy JD
If that is the look you want from the holster and the rivits don't touch the gun then it works.
I would rather have a strap and buckle or a loop rivited to the back.
WC

[Dalton Masterson]

I tend to agree with WC.
The rivets could come in contact with the gun on the inside, so care must be taken in placement.
A simple leather strap wrapped around and riveted would probably be a better choice.
DM

[JD Alan]

That must be why I see so many keeper straps around holsters and not that many this way. I seem to have problems securing the flap tightly enough to the body of the holster.   

[Slowhand Bob]

JD, another thought on those rivets, always place them below the point that the cylinder mouth will rest on.  That is a quick and dirty way to put a low end holster together and if I am right it also has a belt keeper between the skirt and holster.  If these are not done with a bit of thought you WILL scratch the guns finish and the most common place I have seen these were to reinforce belt straps on Slim Jims and knife sheaths.  The splash rivet is not very popular, even amongst rivets, for quality leather work but I do like them and when they absolutely must show you can put a head on them for appearance.  On a lot of projects that you see me do with hidden Chicago Screws can also be done with the splash rivet hidden between liners and leather body.  JD, I do not try for really tight holster loops, causes problems with fit if to tight.  That rivet at the toe is important to my competition style holsters as it is where the real ock up occurs for rigidity.