AW Brill holster

[StrawHat]

This is how a scabbard should fit a handgun!  I can hold it like this until my arm gets tired!  And yet a simple tug gets that revolver out of the holster.  No need for a retreat strap.

[StrawHat]

This is how individual a scabbard should be. This is the identical revolver EXCEPT for adjustable sights.  Still an N frame, 4” barrel, and 45 ACP.  Note how much higher in the scabbard it rides.

[StrawHat]

Gorgeous, Mike! The Brill holsters are of my favorite designs. That one is outstanding. Very, very nice work…

It is even better in hand!

…He should be very pleased with that.

I am very pleased!  Enough so I am considering a mirror image for when I need to carry on my off hip.

And one for a 6 1/2” Target revolver.

And one for a SAA.

And one for a Model 1917.

And one…

Kevin

[Marshal Will]

Thanks for those additional photos. That really shows the excellent work that Mike put into it. I would be very pleased, too. Like I mentioned before, the Brill is one of my favorite holster designs. It's as historically significant as any.

You mentioned the cuff attachment was an individual signature point. I'll have to start looking to see examples of how others did it.

[Marshal Will]

I just did a search to see different cuff attachments. You're right, I started to get a feel for which holsters were made by the same guy. I didn't know that before.

[StrawHat]

Another signature noted is the stitching on the front of the holster in the corner just under where the triggerguard sits. Mike put his cuff just a smidge high and covered that area. (Not a complaint, merely an observation.).

Kevin

[mike116]

The cuff is what determines the belt tunnel.    For a 1 1/2 inch belt the cuff is attached appropriately.    I thought about a narrower cuff but with the full carving on the band it looked better with a wider cuff.

[Len]

Thanks for the tutorial, Mike & Straw
There's more to a holster than meets the eye of a novice

[StrawHat]

Thanks for the tutorial, Mike & Straw
There's more to a holster than meets the eye of a novice

There is a whole lot more!  That holster is made from a laminate of thinner leathers and creates a stiffer holster that is lighter than any previous holster.

It was designed specifically for concealed carry work AND to be worn on a trouser belt.  This scabbard is a lot of perfection rolled into one holster.  I prefer it to any other.

It continued to evolve. Tom ThreePersons created a holster that bears his name.  In his words, “…I took the existing holster and pared away everything that wasn’t needed to hold the gun securely…”. He retained the welt, and gave up the cuff, folded fender, half lining and stitched toe.  He added a sewn on loop to attach the holster to the belt.  In my opinion a much lesser holster but some like it.

Kevin

[StrawHat]

Mike,

What weight leather did you use in the construction?

Kevin

[mike116]

Mike,

What weight leather did you use in the construction?

Kevin

Seven oz.  Herman Oak for the main body & cuff,  2oz. for the liner.

[StrawHat]

It is light on the belt.  Very secure. 

Yeah, I like it, a lot!

Kevin

[StrawHat]

Mike,

Do you have any moonclips for the 45 ACP cartridge?

Kevin

[mike116]

Mike,

Do you have any moonclips for the 45 ACP cartridge?

Kevin

No Sir,  I don't. 

[StrawHat]

I’ll send you a couple. 

Put your thinking cap on, I need something to use to carry one or two loaded moonclips on my belt. Currently using my old duty speedloader cases to carry them.  Would like something less ugly and less recognizable.

Kevin