Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L

CAS TOPICS => The Leather Shop => Topic started by: Grenadier on January 31, 2017, 08:08:45 AM

Title: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Grenadier on January 31, 2017, 08:08:45 AM
Flipping through the holster bible, I see mostly sewn plugged toes on holsters but there is the occasional sewn through toe. I do not believe I have seen very many if any at all that were left intentionally open.

What's your preference?
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Cliff Fendley on January 31, 2017, 08:27:22 AM
Depends on the style of holster which it should have but I generally like the styles that have toe plugs.

FA Meanea's work is my favorite style.

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f67/30WCF/DSCN3250.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/30WCF/media/DSCN3250.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Good Troy on January 31, 2017, 08:28:03 AM
I like holsters with toes plugs.  Mainly because this helps keep the holster toe in shape, and acts as a stop for the barrel so the holster won't swallow the firearm if it is stretched or over sized.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Pitspitr on January 31, 2017, 08:33:52 AM
Personally I like sewn in toe plugs, especially for IWB holsters.(OK, OK I know I'm not talking cowboy, but...) On IWB it keeps skin flakes and lint out of the muzzle and action.

I like them on my cowboy holsters too, but I guess I don't have much of a reason why.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Coffinmaker on January 31, 2017, 11:56:22 AM
For a working class CAS holster, I prefer an Open Toe.  Most of my holsters are commissioned for specific sets of guns, length specific and fitted.  There are occasions however, when I substitute different sets of guns.  Sort of like substituting 4 inch barrel Snubbies for 3 1/2 inch Snubbies.  ;D.  Or perhaps subbing 7 1/2 inch Open Tops for my 4 7/16 inch Open Tops.  Big chunk of barrel hanging out the bottom.   ::)

Were I to go more traditional, such as a California Slim Jim, my preference runs to a Closed Toe, such as the item posted by Cliff Fendley.  That is one very Classy Holster.  I don't actually own any like that.  Mine are all Open.  Fer SPEED ya know.   8)

Coffinmaker
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Good Troy on January 31, 2017, 12:06:37 PM
For a working class CAS holster, I prefer an Open Toe.  Most of my holsters are commissioned for specific sets of guns, length specific and fitted.  There are occasions however, when I substitute different sets of guns.  Sort of like substituting 4 inch barrel Snubbies for 3 1/2 inch Snubbies.  ;D.  Or perhaps subbing 7 1/2 inch Open Tops for my 4 7/16 inch Open Tops.  Big chunk of barrel hanging out the bottom.   ::)

Were I to go more traditional, such as a California Slim Jim, my preference runs to a Closed Toe, such as the item posted by Cliff Fendley.  That is one very Classy Holster.  I don't actually own any like that.  Mine are all Open.  Fer SPEED ya know.   8)

Coffinmaker

Agreed...Cliff's holster pic is awesome!
Since my speed is "S  L  O   W " it doesn't  impact my holster selection!
 ;D
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Major 2 on January 31, 2017, 12:49:08 PM
Yeah...but your Holster work is TOP drawer...as is Cliff's

I have one of each of their fine craft  :)
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on January 31, 2017, 07:21:20 PM
I don't have a preference. It depends on the style, I guess. Very nice pic, Cliff. Love those Meanea holsters.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: santee on February 01, 2017, 08:42:00 AM
They are all nice. I'm with Coffinmaker, however. Depends on the gun I want to put in the holster, I might like the barrel peaking out the bottom.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Capt Quirk on May 29, 2017, 07:17:29 AM
I generally like open toe... not because I'm lazy or anything. I've done a couple of sewed closed toe, but never a plug. Working my way up to that.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Cliff Fendley on May 29, 2017, 11:29:14 AM
I generally like open toe... not because I'm lazy or anything. I've done a couple of sewed closed toe, but never a plug. Working my way up to that.

I don't like to carry a gun with an open toe unless it's a modern little conceal carry or something. Nothing that the barrel muzzle is extremely important on.

In my younger years I had a handgun muzzle get dinged pretty good when I was hunting and carrying it in a factory open toe holster. First thing I did when I got home was sew the toe shut on that holster and I've never hunted with an open toe holster since.

There's a reason makers of yesterday went through the trouble of sewing in toe plugs, I found that out many years ago. 
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Capt Quirk on May 29, 2017, 12:44:19 PM
When I make an open toe holster, I usually give at least an extra 1/2" of leather to cover the muzzle.  Nothing is banging my muzzle, unless I wanted it to.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Cliff Fendley on May 29, 2017, 02:26:56 PM
When I make an open toe holster, I usually give at least an extra 1/2" of leather to cover the muzzle.  Nothing is banging my muzzle, unless I wanted it to.

Oh yes it can if you are active or out exploring the wild blue yonder, crawling doing the big buck sneak, etc, etc. Had it happen. 
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Capt Quirk on May 29, 2017, 06:43:25 PM
Oh yes it can if you are active or out exploring the wild blue yonder, crawling doing the big buck sneak, etc, etc. Had it happen. 
Just how active do you think I am? Been a while since I was that active... no more Ninja Flips out of trees, flying kicks, splits and belly crawling, unless I'm on closing in on a critter  ::). But, even that is happening less. I suppose it is possible to still get to the muzzle, just never happened to me yet.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Cliff Fendley on May 29, 2017, 10:00:43 PM
Just how active do you think I am? Been a while since I was that active... no more Ninja Flips out of trees, flying kicks, splits and belly crawling, unless I'm on closing in on a critter  ::). But, even that is happening less. I suppose it is possible to still get to the muzzle, just never happened to me yet.

Sorry to offend you sir but you don't have to be that active at all. Probably if a person is just talking CAS and walking around the range and shooting when it's your turn it's not a real issue.

I am speaking of everyday holster use along with CAS. If you say nothing can hit your muzzle with an open toe unless you want it to then I have to question whether someone is elbow deep in the same activities I am from day to day.

Around the farm there are gates with chains, crossing wire fences, all kinds of handles, knobs, and bolts sticking out on tractors and machinery, theres the hardware and buckles on horse tack, the nifty little latches that hold the seat up on tree stands are lovely for snagging and scratching a gun in the dark, theres a million things out there that can get you. The easiest thing to bump a muzzle is the seat belt buckle in a vehicle. If you carry a gun a lot while doing other activities it is exposed to things that will scratch it no matter how careful you are. Holsters are for carrying and protecting a valuable tool, one of the most important areas is the muzzle crown. I'm basing my opinion as I had it happen to me.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Capt Quirk on May 30, 2017, 07:41:25 AM
I apologize for being overly smart with my previous post. I don't actually do Cowboy shooting, I'm a Homesteader. I live out in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of 25 acres of woods. While I may have been nigh invulnerable in my youth, I have reached the realization that I'm not up to taking on a big cat, bear, or even a wild dog anymore.

So, out dropping trees, clearing brush, digging holes, none of that has really had an impact on the muzzle end. The grip end though, that is the end that seems to take the abuse. My muzzle doesn't extend past the toe, it sits back in it a good bit, at least a half inch or more. So sure, I guess even then, if everything was lined up against you, and the fates were out to get you ( I call those average days ;) ), it could happen. It just hasn't yet.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on June 01, 2017, 12:02:03 AM
I have to agree for a daily use holster. I remember as a kid on the ranch, it's easy for your feet to go out from under you just walking downhill on a cow trail. Sat down hard more than a few times. An open toe is an invitation for mud or a stick to get jammed in there.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Major 2 on August 19, 2017, 02:41:47 AM
I have to agree for a daily use holster. I remember as a kid on the ranch, it's easy for your feet to go out from under you just walking downhill on a cow trail. Sat down hard more than a few times. An open toe is an invitation for mud or a stick to get jammed in there.

Ha ! that conjures up a memory.... At my Granddads in the mountains of N. Carolina, walk'n' down hill in his back pasture , big old apple tree , I stepped ( heeled) a near rotted drop and skied on my heel about 10 feet before the wreck  , pride did not goeth before the on my ass that day.... happened WAY to fast   :o    
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Coffinmaker on August 19, 2017, 05:10:24 PM
THAT IS SO FRIGGING ANNOYING!!

I really wanted to gander Cliff's Plug Toe holster again.  Oh NO.  Those Ass Hats at Photo Bucket are holding it hostage.  What TRIPE!!
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: nativeshootist on August 19, 2017, 10:19:27 PM
I AGREE WITH COFFINMAKER, sorry for yelling.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Trailrider on August 19, 2017, 11:06:37 PM
I have to agree for a daily use holster. I remember as a kid on the ranch, it's easy for your feet to go out from under you just walking downhill on a cow trail. Sat down hard more than a few times. An open toe is an invitation for mud or a stick to get jammed in there.
I do not like open toe holsters at all!  I have and will make them at a customer's request, so long as the end of the holster extends at least 1/2" beyond the muzzle of the seated gun. I will NOT make an open-end holster for use in the field, such as my #96x series of hunting holsters, however!  When you have slid down as many mountains or sat down in a snow drift, you do not want the possibility of getting dirt, mud or snow in the muzzle! When I make an open-end holster, solely at a customer's request, I make sure they understand that I do not assume any liability for muzzles plugged up with dirt, mud or snow!

Plugged ends are more time-consuming to do, hence, slightly more costly, but are certainly appropriate for many styles of holsters, including military. The sewn-round ends are appropriate for a particular style.  The holster then needs to be wet-formed so the muzzle can extend properly to the end of the holster body.   
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on August 20, 2017, 05:11:05 PM
As an alternative to the toe plug, I like the sewn toe. It's a different look and just as secure as a toe plug.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Capt Quirk on August 20, 2017, 05:33:37 PM
That is a good looking toe Will. I need to up my game some.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Cliff Fendley on August 20, 2017, 06:39:46 PM
THAT IS SO FRIGGING ANNOYING!!

I really wanted to gander Cliff's Plug Toe holster again.  Oh NO.  Those Ass Hats at Photo Bucket are holding it hostage.  What TRIPE!!

I guess I need to figure out some other way of posting photos.
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Silver_Rings on August 20, 2017, 09:52:49 PM
Marshal I like the look of that to, I will have to give it a try. I want to make some slim Jim holsters and this should fit them just right.

SR
Title: Re: Sewn, Open or Plugged Toes
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on August 20, 2017, 11:25:26 PM
I guess I need to figure out some other way of posting photos.
Just upload them directly to the post. Here's how to do it:

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,15416.0.html (http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,15416.0.html)

Marshal I like the look of that to, I will have to give it a try. I want to make some slim Jim holsters and this should fit them just right.

SR
It's a good way to go if you don't like to do toe plugs. It's also historically correct if you like them that way. I like the way it looks as well as the function. If you want to put tie-downs on them (not necessarily historically correct but sometimes necessary), punch two holes on the back prior to stitching the holster. Then feed the leather thong through when it's assembled.