holster pattern for ruger bearcat

[Alice Cooper]

where might a fellow get a pattern for a bearcat holster?I have limited leatherworking skills, but the things i've put together with an"awl for all"have never failed...i love that piece of sewing equiptment...

[44 Man]

Can't help you with a pattern, but I put one together a couple of weeks ago.  After watching at my local sporting goods store for over 3 years for a holster that would fit, I cut down an old bianci I had at home for a single six.  Cut the stitching apart, trimmed about  3/8" off the back edge, folded it over and stitched it.  Trimmed the extra off the front side (probably 1/4") and it was done.  Looks simular to a slim jim now, and works very well.  After pulling the side over as I did, the safety strap did not even have to be altered.  Now I can carry my bearcat on my belt instead of dropping it into my pocket.  (and yes, I did it all with a sewing awl!)  Good luck.  44 Man

[Dalton Masterson]

Lay your bearcat on a piece of paper, trace a general line around it about 3/8" bigger than the gun. Then carefully roll the pistol over via the sights and onto its other side and trace again adding a bit more. That usually works for me. Good luck. DM

[Alice Cooper]

thanks, i'll give it a try...

[Dalton Masterson]

good luck, and don't forget to make a paper pattern and test it first! DM

[DB Leath]

Good suggestions on how to make a pattern.  I use paper grocery bags.. heavy enuff paper to work with and cheap to boot.


DB

[Roy Cobb]

To add to that pattern advice try this instead
Get a piece of brown paper a grocery bag would work well
fold the paper in half
lay the gun on its sights centered on the fold
then roll it over to the side preferrably the right side with the butt away from the you.
trace around the gun leaving a half inch of spaceonce you have your tracing you can cut it out by folding the paper you can be assured of getting both sides the same.
This was a custom holster for a single six I made the pattern in the way I just described

[Alice Cooper]

good tip, roy. that is a very professional looking job, by the way! did you sew that by hand?

[Roy Cobb]

Thanks for the compliment!
But I am an amateur
yes it is totally sewn by hand actually everything here was done by hand.

Also to cut the leather you might want to get a pair of the heavy duty shears that Tandy sells (a lot of control)

The holster shown here is lined so it is actually two thicknesses of 4-5 Oz leather glued together flesh to flesh all dye work and tooling was done prior to assembly then it was sewn by hand and wet formed to the pistol.

[CzaRon]

Get yourself a copy of Al Stohlman's book "How To Make Holsters".Lots of patterns and lots of other info including the details of designing your own, hand sewing and stitching, lacing and finishing with some instructions on how to basketstamp,borders etc.The other guys gave the basics but the book shows you exactly how to do it successfully your very first time.It also helps to have a "mentor"of some kind . Mine was the manager of the local Tandy store before he finally retired and the store closed.Some of you older crafters may remember the Mountain Man in their catalogs in the 70's when Buckskinning really took off, well that's the man who not only got me started in leatherworking but muzzleloading as well and I'm greatly indebted to him.He also makes some of the most beautiful flintlock rifles I've ever seen.

[jimmyjoe]

Howdy. I've been looking for a holster for my Ruger 22/45 WITH red dot. Couldn't find any that were satisfactory. Wondered how the heck to make my own. Fifteen minutes on the forum and I think I have the answers. You guys are GOLD! tx! jj