Holster for New Vaquero - my first "loop"

[bedbugbilly]

This is by no means a "work of art" like some of you guys do with your fantastic tooling so keep that in mind!     I've made a lot of holsters/leather goods over the years - have shot BP for over 45 yrs.  I usually make my own patterns and did so for my cap & ball revolvers (had 8 at one time) but I never made loop holsters for them - usually full or half flap with sewn on belt loops.  For some reason, I "discovered" them new fangled "cartridges" this past year - shot 22s when I was a kid but that was pretty much it.  At any rate, I wanted to try a "loop holster" for kicks so used Will Ghormley's "West Texas" pattern for my New Vaquero - used the SAA Army 5 1/2" pattern.  I usually use 10 - 12 ounce leather but this one was just for "practice" to see how it would fit, etc. so used 8 oz.  To be honest, this was really going to be just a "practice" holster but I've got to say, I like it so much it's going to hang around I'm sure!  I told the wife I might have to buy another revolver though to "fill 'er up".  I have some "eye" issues which don't allow me to do the fine tooling that I could do years ago when I took some classes in college.  I'm pretty much limited to stamp embossing for decoration although I'm trying lots of new things and ideas to dress 'em up.  (My biggest problem is I can't see the lines well enough to use the swivel knife even though I use magnifiers, but hey, you do what you can and have fun wihile you're doing it!).  The fit was decent on the 8 oz. but the next one I'm going to use a heavier weight and alter the pattern to a full skirt as well as altering the top of the front of the pistol pocket.  All in all, I have always preferred "plainer" items - even on the custom longrifles I used to build (not a lot of inlays, etc.).  I don't shoot competition but I do kill a lot of empty pop cans and paper plates.     In my search for "plainess" - I'm trying to achieve a look for a "store bought" run of the mill holster that might have had some embossing to catch a cowboy's eye but still keep in his modest budget - something from the General Store or the mail order catalog.  The holster hasn't been "wet moulded" yet nor polished.  The pistol is going to get a new pair of stocks made out of some local Mesquite out here in AZ as soon as I get the time.  And before I forget it - a big thumbs up to Will's patterns - I think they are great!

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy bedbugbilly

    You did a grand job on this holster, and you needn't apologize, a lot of us have problems at one time or the other either carving or seeing what were doing, simple tooling looks great, and is probably more authentic any hoo, you did well, you'll  enjoy the Vaquero, good gun to say the least, good to have you with us pard, keep up the good work.

      tEN wOLVES  

[Boothill Bob]

Bedbugbilly. I think thats a verry nice holster, like the plaines.
As u I love the Ghormley patterns and the first I bought
was just the "West Texas" pattern, and I made a holster for my Remmy -58

[Johnny McCrae]

Ten Wolves expressed my sentiments exactly. Very nice! We look forward to seeing your future projects.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Just my $.02...

Will Ghormley is the bomb!

I have bought holsters and patterns from him ... and he has been a gentleman throughout as I pestered him with beginner questions that must have been like babyspeak to him. Throughout he has given sound advice in a gracious, gentlemanly manner .... I guess what i am saying is that when I grow up (if that ever happens), I would not mind being just like him ....

And BedbugBilly, I like how your holster turned out ... and I understand about eyes .. I am seriously tinking about adding this to my leathermaking tools ...

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2003216/1640/Magnifying-Lamp.aspx

[GunClick Rick]

Ilike that,has that old cap gun holster look. Way cool~

[Chuck 100 yd]

That holster is just fine. I`d be proud to own it!! 

We do what we can and that`s the Cowboy way pard. 

[Cliff Fendley]

Fine job, keep it up.

[JD Alan]

Looks mighty fine to me!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That looks really good, BBB. You can wear that one proudly. Nice work.

[Drayton Calhoun]

Fine looking holster. You really scored with the basic decoration and looks like it could have come off of a general store's shelf in any number of trail end towns in the 1870's, and I know what you mean by the eye issues.

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

bedbugbilly that is a really handsome rig, nice job.  I will be making my first holster in about a week and I will be thrilled beyond words if it is half that nice.

[santee]

Nice, BBB! It looks like a functional cowboy holster, all right.
I know this isn't exactly the forum, but when you get those mesquite grips made, make sure you post 'em somewhere on this CAS site.

[Kid Terico]

BBB I agree with every one else . Keep up the good work and keep showing your work. KT