So ... recommendations -- Slim Jim or Cattleman?

[Ace Lungger]

Dalton, Is the pair of holsters JJ? and the single a 49er? Those are very very nice holsters!

Bill, I like the way you went out side the box, very neat, and a early transition look, from the flap holster to the slim jim look with  a nicely done hold down flap!

Keep it coming Pards!!
ACE

[Slowhand Bob]

Here is the Slim Jim based on Wills Cheyenne Pattern that I like so well.  The gun on top is a '51 Navy while the bottom is a Cimmaron '60 RM conversion style.  I did change out the Conversions Army grip for Navy size.  In addition to the above guns, this pair of holsters are also used for my long barrel '58 Remingtons and SAA Colt revolvers.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Wow, pards. There are some great holsters showing here. I may have to make another pair. Darn nice stuff!

[RollingThunder]

Well, I started off by taking the measurements off of one of Will's sets, then drew up my own. I wanted it to look clean, and color match to the grips as close as I possibly could get them to.

Here's the final verdict. Mind you, this was rushed, rushed, rushed. So the stamping isn't as crisp as it should be, and the stitching is perdy awful. However, to Santee's delight, I did choose a piece of leather that was a bit beat up, and slicked the edge for a little wear. Hope ya'll like it! It's not great, but the Colt fits like a glove!



How do you make a long gun look longer? Picture it from this angle. Speaking of angles, instead of a stitch-together, or a toe-plug, I figured I'd leave the bottom open for when I shoot it, and it's still warm, it'll have ventilation to cool off.



And yes, I have a LOT of buffing left to do on this wax (Fiebings Leather Sheen aerosol wax). You can also see how I tried to hide the stitching in the crease lines with the scallop in between. I wasn't sure how this was gonna turn out when I did it, but I guess it looks ok. Well, as OK as can be for my hand-sewing.



Next one I do I'll take much more time on and do a much better job. This was taking a day off from other projects to try and get this done so I'll have a place to put my pistol while shooting, except for in it's soft case.

I wanna thank everyone, too, for all the great advice and great inspiration. I appreciate all you guys had to say about the Slim Jim. All in all, though it was nice to still have Will's pattern to have sizes for.

[JD Alan]

Bill, that is one fine looking holster-gun combo. I appreciate you sharing it

Dalton, you could quit what you do for a living and take pictures! (Unless you already do that). Your photography, like your leather work is always first rate!

This has been an interesting thred to read. Thanks for your question RT, I wish you the best of luck. With your saddle making skills, I'll bet making a holster is a, wait for it..................Cinch! I just embarassed myself with that one! JD 

[cowboy316]

RH
all i got to say is Excellent very nice
Cowboy316

[Dr. Bob]

RT,

That is one elegant holster.  Doesn't look like a hurry up job to me!  Well done Pard!!

[Johnny McCrae]

Howdy RT,
I certainly echo Dr. Bob's comments. That is one good looking and well designed Holster. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[RollingThunder]

Oh my stars and garters. I love NOTHING if not a good pun or bad joke. That was priceless Parson!

C316, thanks a bunch, buddy!

Dr. Bob, it may not look like it, but if you look closely, you can see some uneven spacing in the stitching, and the stamping isn't as crisp as if I'd let it sit for a day or so, then oiled it and let it sit, then did the little bit of dye to help color it up, and let it sit, then finished it, buffed it, and let it sit.

And you get the rest.

Thanks for the comments, too, Johnny. Without all of your input, I don't know as I would have even figured out what it is that I wanted to do as a holster. Now for a gunbelt, but that's next weekend's project. I have chinks, chaps and a gunbelt alteration to complete. Oy. And vey!

Happy weekend everyone!

[Dalton Masterson]

RT, I think you did that little ol Colt proud. That looks pretty good!!! I dont think that a guy making one for his new gun out on the range, would have worried about a little uneven stitching, or light strikes with a mallet. Thats what gives each piece its own character.

Ace, all 3 of mine are the Jesse James pattern, the one is just shorter.
JD, thanks for the compliments on the photos. I am sure the neighbors are probably a little more than concerned whenever I have the camera out, considering what I take pics of.
DM

[River City John]

I like it, RT. If your iron fits like a glove then the holster is doing what you need it to do.

RCJ

[RollingThunder]

So far anyway. LOL.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

                         Nice work RT, Your off and running now


                                      Regards

                                tEN wOLVES 

[Ace Lungger]

Howdy RT, 
Thats AWESOME!!! It looks perfect, you are as bad as me You are your worst to see your falts, and I see none!  You didn't let any grass grown under your feet on that one!

Thanks for Sharing!
ACE

[cowboywc]

Howdy RT
That is a good lookin holster.
WC

[santee]

Very nice.

[Danny Bear Claw]

Although I do have several Slim Jim rigs in my collection I actually prefer the Mexican Double Loop holsters.  There is just something about the clean lines of black powder revolvers that calls for a Slim Jim type holster though.
I mated up a cartridge converted Remington '58 with a Remington '75 and had a double Slim Jim rig made for them.
I also tote my Schofield in a Slim Jim.   

[RollingThunder]

I wasn't sure how I'd like the Slim Jim as far as how it hung and how easy it was to re-locate the barrel of the pistol after a round of shooting. However, I guess I got the drop close enough, because so far I haven't missed putting it back in the holster.

The neighbor wants his now. LOL. Oh well! He's paying for it, so I've got nothing to complain about.