Need to shrink a canvas belt

[Baltimore Ed]

I've got an old WPG? blue canvas ammo belt that has been sewn together to make a bandolier. I think it was originally for 45-70 or 30-40 krag, don't remember anymore but I want to use it as Rico Fardan's 30-06 bandolier. And while it will hold the '06 cartridges they are a tad loose. Is there a way to shrink, tighten or stiffen the loops? Photos tomorrow in the daylight.

[pony express]

My first thought on reading the subject line was just put it in the closet for a few months or a year, and it will have "shrunk" when you try to wear it again. At least that's how it goes for me. Since you're trying to shrink just the LOOPS, I guess you could wash it in hot water and put it in the dryer. Hopefully that wouldn't over-do it.

[Abilene]

Or...what some including me have done with our .45 leather loops to hold .38's is to run a piece of rawhide or such through the loops, up one, down the other, for as many as needed then tie off.  You could probably get by with something much thinner, in a light color.

Like Pony Express, my first thought was regarding the waistline.  I was going to comment that I just did that at the last match with my canvas shotshell belt.  It's been a little loose, so I just stuck some bandanas in a Crown Royal bag, rolled it up, and stuck it under the belt in back.  Hassle, but it worked okay.

[Pitspitr]

My first thought on reading the subject line was just put it in the closet for a few months or a year, and it will have "shrunk" when you try to wear it again. At least that's how it goes for me. Since you're trying to shrink just the LOOPS, I guess you could wash it in hot water and put it in the dryer. Hopefully that wouldn't over-do it.

+1

[Baltimore Ed]

  I clarified my subject, the closet trick would usually work but for a bandolier to do that I'd have to live in a gym and lift things-and that ain't happening. Just boiled and partially dried my bandolier. Not quite dry so I'm hanging it with a weight to keep it straight.
Got dry and it did tighten up, the one worn loop is still loose but all the others hang on to the cartridges ok. Surprised no one suggested lighter boolits.

[Mogorilla]

Is the Lee Marvin photo from the Professionals?   It looks like it might be.  I ask as that set of saddle bags look to be a brown version of the ones Yul Brynner carried in the Magnificent Seven.  I have often sat down and planned on makeing a copy of them and realize I have 2 other sets of saddle bags and not sure how many I need.   Brynner's were definitely black, to match his outfit of course. 

[Dave T]

Brynner's were definitely black, to match his outfit of course.

Color coordination was important in the Old West, wasn't it! Well at least in Hollywood's West. Think of the Lone Ranger, Paladin, and some others I'm not remembering. (smile)

Dave

[Baltimore Ed]

Yes, that's Lee as Rico Fardan in the Professionals. Hell of a name if you ask me. A great film. I want a Lewis Gun so bad.

[Major 2]

you need the brown heavy ribbed knit shawl-collar cardigan sweater now

https://www.aransweatermarket.com/ribbed-two-tone-shawl-collar-cardigan

[Mogorilla]

Well, that saddlebag in two of my favorite movies.   Argh I have to see what leather is in the basement. 

[St. George]

Soak it - let it drip dry in the sun.

Scouts Out!

[smoke]

Now you need the gun belt Rico wore.



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