DIY Leather

[Powertrip]

Can anyone suggest what oz leather to use to make my first holster?  I'm looking on Tandy's site but not sure what to get.  Plus they seem to be out of stock of the heavier weight pieces so if anyone can suggest a different retailer I'd appreciate it greatly

[1961MJS]

Hi
Generally 10 ounce leather is supposed to be the best.  My experience is limited,  but I did make a 6 ounce Will Ghormley Outlaw holster and its a bit floppy.  Springfield Leather out of Springfield Missouri has leather and they're decent to deal with.
Later

[Powertrip]

Thanks!

[Major 2]

You can get 4 and 6 Oz. and laminate backside to backside with Barge or contact cement
Makes a nice lined holster,  ideally you want the thinner hide on the inner side of the holster.

[Cliff Fendley]

Kind of depends but 8 through 10 oz is the norm. If going to line it I go with around 8 so it's not too heavy. 7-8 oz is generally more period correct for older holsters. Some people like more modern CAS stuff real thick and stiff.

[Graveyard Jack]

8-9oz vegetable tanned double shoulders.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I prefer 8-9 oz for mine, too.

[The original bad bob]

Just a suggestion.. I buy very cheap Herman oak 8oz flesh split leather from SLC and use it to make prototypes before I cut the good stuff.

The split leather is perfectly serviceable as a holster.. it just can't be tooled and doesn't look very nice.

[Trailrider]

For most of my CAS and repro unlined holsters I use 8-9 oz. Tandy/Leather Factory topgrain veg-tanned cowhide.  For lined holsters I generally use 6-7 oz with a 2-3 oz or even 3-4 oz veg-tanned, smooth side to the gun. Use Barge cement and weight down for several hours.  For heavy guns used for hunting, my #96X series holsters when unlined, I will use 10-11 oz.
Stay well and safe, Pards!