MAC leather holster repros

[MitchWerbellsGhost87]

After searching feverishly for one of the original RPB m11 cut away shoulder holsters, I finally found one, but the one I found is a slightly different variation than the one I have been looking for (this one has the small logo, shorter flap that covers the gun and a few other minor differences)

the large logo variant is vertical orientation or belt only, the small logo can be worn vertical or horizontal or on the belt (I believe that’s why these were called “convertible” holsters), the small logo variant has a few more attachment points for the shoulder strap for the other orientations. I decided to add those additional attachment points to my repro that I made so it can be worn horizontally or vertically.

I have never worked with leather before, this is my first leather project, I taught myself just so I could make this damn holster as they are impossible to find!! I even got a custom cut brass Cobray logo stamp for it! I will be putting my own logo on the back as well, so that it is marked as a reproduction.

Waiting on a 1/2 ton arbor press for the stamp, next step gluing, snaps, stamp and stitching then a little polishing and cleaning up.

Original small logo RPB “convertible cut away” on the left, repro large logo work in progress on the right! I admit it’s a bit rough, first time i ever tried to make something out of leather but I think it will look good when it’s done! If the end result comes out decent I may consider making a few for other collectors, including the M11 and M10 hip holsters if there is any interest in these. Thanks for looking.

 

[Wetworks]

I have been looking for a m11 hip holster forever. I’m impressed that you have managed to collect all these variations.

 

[MitchWerbellsGhost87]

I have been looking for a m11 hip holster forever. I’m impressed that you have managed to collect all these variations.

When I first got the leather I decided to cut myself out an m11 hip holster pattern just to practice, I also tried out my stamp on it but that’s when I realized I was gonna need a half ton arbor press to do the stamp because the stamp is too large to get a good impression with a hammer, even if I soften up the leather. I do plan on making another one of these and completing it. Once I figure out how much work goes into a completed stitched example I may be willing to make some for other collectors. I’ll be polishing the leather with some wax as well to give it that same glossy look as the originals. The stamp will look perfect once I use a press to do it. I have all 3 of the original RPB holsters now, with the exception of the other style they made of the shoulder rig, but there was no variation with the hip holster styles as far as I know and I can replicate these pretty easily now that I got some practice with that cutaway style. I still have a ways to go, but I think I will have some decent holsters once I complete a few and get the hang of it. I do plan on putting my own small stamp on the back of them with the year as not to create a counterfeit of the originals.

 

[automaticlee]

Do you think any of them work with an M11a1 .380 size gun?

 

[Offmarksman]

Fieblings Resolene works good to protect the leather after dying. It helps seal the dye from leaching out when it gets damp in use. I usually apply it with a small airbrush. It polishes up nicely with some wax shoe polish afterwards if you want a high shine.

 

[CKxx]

I am absolutely interested in hearing more about an M11 hip holster. Pricing etc.

 

[MitchWerbellsGhost87]

Do you think any of them work with an M11a1 .380 size gun?

Yes, these will be made specifically for the M11 380.

 

[MitchWerbellsGhost87]

Fieblings Resolene works good to protect the leather after dying. It helps seal the dye from leaching out when it gets damp in use. I usually apply it with a small airbrush. It polishes up nicely with some wax shoe polish afterwards if you want a high shine.

Here’s the prototypes polished and ready to be completed, just waiting on some hardware, should have finished products within the next couple weeks. Mind you these are very rough test attempts. Now that I have a bit of an idea what I’m doing the next few will be of much higher quality, these also have not been burnished or sanded around the edges. I anticipate a nicely done product with the next few

 

[MitchWerbellsGhost87]

I am absolutely interested in hearing more about an M11 hip holster. Pricing etc.

They will be available within the next few weeks. The originals go for 500+, I will be listing the first few on gunbroker to get an idea of the market for them then take it from there, I anticipate they will be around half the price of an original.

 

[Offmarksman]

Nice work!

 

[Wetworks]

They will be available within the next few weeks. The originals go for 500+, I will be listing the first few on gunbroker to get an idea of the market for them then take it from there, I anticipate they will be around half the price of an original.

I will have to keep a lookout for that

 

[MitchWerbellsGhost87]

I finished a rough prototype of the cutaway style M11 380 holster today. I went with riveted construction as I’m just not set up to stitch leather like this and new to the entire craft in general. The riveted construction ended up being really solid and looks decent as well. Pictured next to a factory example (different style that they made) on the left.

 

[Wetworks]

Pretty cool. Looks like your off to a good start!

 

[sniperdoc]

If you're interested in learning to stitch leather, pm me

 

[booger hooker]

I would love to have a shoulder holster for my Mac-11A1, I'll keep my eyes open for updates on this thread.

 

[Gaujo]

Your embossing and general leatherworking is better than the original, but I'm guessing there is some room for growth in hole punching. Very impressive first try though, I'd wear it!

 

[MitchWerbellsGhost87]

Your embossing and general leatherworking is better than the original, but I'm guessing there is some room for growth in hole punching. Very impressive first try though, I'd wear it!

Yes I’m still trying to figure out a better way to cut those holes out cleaner, I did it by hand and the blade was starting to dull at that point a bit. I have since purchased an arbor press so they will be MUCH cleaner and properly punched out next time! Thanks!!

 

[MitchWerbellsGhost87]

I would love to have a shoulder holster for my Mac-11A1, I'll keep my eyes open for updates on this thread.

I do have the one custom repro I did of the original RPB shoulder rig but it was my first and only one that I’ve done so far. I traced and kept all of the pieces as templates so it shouldn’t be too difficult for me to recreate it now, I will be making another one soon!

 

[Kursk]

I'm definitely interested in hip and shoulder holsters for the M10 and M11/9

 

[Gaujo]

Ya I'm in for one!