Filler spaces ?

[BobbyF]

Still at planning phase of first holster for my Rugar new Blackhawk .357, 6.5 barrel.i don't understand the purpose of the filler spacer  on the edge below the trigger guard. How thick should it be, how long or even if it is needed. I am not interested in speed shooting, rather general field use. As always I thank you all for sharing your knowledge--BobbyF

[Camano Ridge]

Bobby F, I think you are refering to what is generally refered to as a welt. When I make a sheath I almost always use a welt to protec the thread. When I make a holster it depends on what type of holster, the gun I am making it for and to some extent personal preference. When I am making a western style I rarely use a welt. When I am making a field style holster for a large revolver I may use a welt to stiffen the main seam and or to build a pocket for the triger guard  to rest in. There will be varied opinions on this, I know one holster maker that says you need to put a welt on every western holster.  It would help us if you showed a rough drawing of the holster or a pattern so we would know the type of holster you were trying to make.

[BobbyF]

Thanks Camano Ridge and sorry for my poor description. I mean a strip of leather in between the front and rear leather pieces along the main seam from the trigger guard to the bottom of the holster,thereby increasing the thickness of the edge. I hope I'm making myself clearer. Thanks

[Camano Ridge]

Bobby, yes you are making yourself understood what you are refering to is commonly called a welt. Here are a couple pictures showing the welt. Again how thick the welt needs to be and whether or not you need one depends on the pattern, your intended need for the welt, the gun you are making the holster for and personal preference.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Camino's right, Bobby. I find welts mostly preference with some functional considerations. I've made them with and without. They can save wear on the finish and make it easier to draw or re-holster. I understand there were some holsters from the 1800's with them but I believe most were without.

[BobbyF]

Camino, Marshall Will,
     Thanks for taking the time, I got it and now understand the concept of "welt". I think I will use it.i will post when I get it made. Thank you
BobbyF

[Slowhand Bob]

I usually refer to them as main seam fillers also.  Opinions as to their value seems to be almost as varied as there are fokes carrying guns, some claiming it is a sign of quality and others claiming them to be useless?  Extra thick and heavy fillers were real popular during the fast draw era of holster making and usually served to open the pocket dramatically at the frame ahead of the trigger guard as well as serve as a stop/shelf for the trigger guard on cut down Hollyweird style holsters.  They can also be used to add a bit of extra room for an otherwise tight holster pattern.  Fish are biting, gotta go.

[BobbyF]

Thanks Slowhand, I like the idea of a trigger guard "stop/shelf". I'll let you know. Good luck with the fish. I'm headed back to Long Island, NY for stripers and blues in about two weeks (from Albuquerque).

[Bugscuffle]

Here is my first attempt at a holster. I made the gusset out of four strips of 6 oz. leather and made it as wide as the trigger guard for the length of the trigger guard and then balooned it out to the width of the frame for the length of the cylander. For the rest of it I just cut the gusset down to two thicknesses of leather out to the end of the holster. With the gun resting on its' frame and trigger guard against the gusset it's like having it in a form fitting case.


[img]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p155/JiminTexas/DSCF0125_zps8c25a042.jpeg[img]

[BobbyF]

Hi Bugscuffle,
     Thanks mucho for the picture, it's worth a thousand words and your words explained it very clearly. I like the whole concept. This forum is great for a rookie.i hope my first piece turns out as well. I also really like the colors. Are you doing a matching belt? Thanks Bugs