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CAS TOPICS => The Leather Shop => Topic started by: PAMuzzleshooter on October 14, 2023, 10:02:41 AM

Title: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: PAMuzzleshooter on October 14, 2023, 10:02:41 AM
A friend of mine wants to make his holster and belt into a drop loop type (Busquedero).  Looking for recommendations on how to make it.  I want to make it so it can be added and removed from the belt AND the holster if wanted.

He wants the top of the belt loop on the holster to be about 1” below the bottom of the belt.
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: 1961MJS on October 14, 2023, 01:06:03 PM
Hi
I'm by no  means the expert here, but being Captain Obvious, the first problem is that the holster you're showing is built for a belt.   Unless you build a new holster OR totally rebuild that one, it won't go over (into) the slot in a Busquedero  belt.  So right off the bat, you're building new holster.  If I had to meet your requirements, I'd build a Busquedero belt and a new Mexican loop belt.  Will Ghormley's new 3:10 to Yuma package deal has a way to  put a snap so that the holster won't ride up when drawing quickly.  I'd look at that idea.

Next kind of stupid idea, but based on experience.  You could build a belt with a hanging belt to make it a Busquedero rig.  I would connect using Chicago Screws somehow.  I tried building what is effectively a Molle version of the Busquedero belt using the large Tandy Snaps. 

A friend of mine has a light weight hunting backpack with Molle connectors on it.  He has an ancient S&W semi auto from the 1990's and an old belt holster made for that pistol.  I made 2 4 inch long belts to connect to the Molle gear, one with Snaps (the big Tandy ones).  When wearing the one with Snaps to old the end on, he slid down the hill and lost the gun in the holster.  He did find it in the morning.

Just my $0.02, and not worth much at all.
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: Johnny McCrae on October 14, 2023, 01:18:27 PM
Here's a goofy idea. It might look too hokey but one could remove the Holster?

You could also install the adapter inside the belt?
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: Major 2 on October 14, 2023, 02:00:50 PM
If it was mine, and I do like that holster....and I wanted to hang buscadero style ?
I'd be looking to fabricate something akin to a US or Duty Swivel holster style hanger.

Otherwise, like John said, you are building from scratch.

Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: PAMuzzleshooter on October 14, 2023, 02:24:49 PM
Johnny!!!!   WINNER, WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!!  That’s what I was looking for!  I was thinking along those lines, just couldn’t put it all together in my mind.

The guy doesn’t want a new holster.  I already did recut of the front of the holster for him.  I didn’t want to do it, but that’s what he wanted.

Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: Johnny McCrae on October 14, 2023, 03:23:02 PM
That’s what I was looking for!
Glad I was able to help.

In all the years, I have done only one Buscadero Rig. It was for a fellow shooter who has long arms. It was a lot of work and took me forever to finish it.
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: Coffinmaker on October 15, 2023, 08:18:56 AM

 :) PAM  ;)

First and foremost a CAVEAT:  I am not and never have been a Leather Crafter of any sort.  However:

ALL of my rigs are done with Drop Loops that slide on the belt.  ALL of my holsters are made with a skirt held at the bottom with Chicago Screws or a Jock Strap.  You problem child, with the Belt Loop being securely stitched to the holster caused me to think (very painful process).  I don't know how to draw it, but:

First make the drop loop.  Then add a second piece at the bottom that threads through the Holster Belt Loop and attaches to the bottom of the Drop Loop with Chicago Screws.  Artfully done, would look quite the Trix (I think)
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: PAMuzzleshooter on October 15, 2023, 08:59:34 AM
Coffinmaker, would your idea be similar to Johnny’s idea?

Major,  your ideas seem interesting too!  I’ll have to get a better idea/look at your two builds.
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: Johnny McCrae on October 15, 2023, 10:32:56 AM
Coffinmaker sent me back to the drawing board.

Just fasten the belt loop to the adapter with two Chicago screws?
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: 1961MJS on October 15, 2023, 03:09:44 PM
Hi
Johnny's first drawing is SORT of where I ended up, but on a backpack belt.  Chicago Screws are good for that.  Hate to mess up the purdy holster though.
Later
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: Major 2 on October 15, 2023, 03:39:16 PM
PAM, those are not my builds, I do dabble in making my own though.
I also have a modest collection of Military and Duty holsters.

The top one is JAY-ZEE Duty holster circa 1960's to early 70's

The 3" Duty belt passes through the upper
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on October 17, 2023, 01:10:11 PM
I made a buscadero-ish belt to accept a belt holster one time by attaching a U-shaped piece of leather to the belt with a Chicago screw at each end of the U. It simply slipped through the holster belt loop and got affixed to the belt. It worked great and no modification was needed to get a belt holster on it. I don't have any photos of it, though.
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: PAMuzzleshooter on October 18, 2023, 08:06:30 PM
This is what I came up with thanks to Johnny’s drawing.  Slide converter over belt.
Remove one chicago screw,  flip down drop loop, slide into holster belt loop, flip drop loop up and resecure.
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: Coffinmaker on October 19, 2023, 08:30:12 AM

 :)  PAMuzzleshooter  ;)

HUZZAH!!  Your "Slide Converter" solution is EXACTLY what I was trying to describe.  Gets the holster down off the belt which will give lots more clearance to get the gun out, as opposed to having the gun up to high for a comfortable draw with a long barrel.  Good On Ya!!
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: PAMuzzleshooter on October 19, 2023, 09:22:20 AM
Thanks.  He was happy with it too!  AND I got PAID!!!  HUZZAH!!
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on October 20, 2023, 06:42:54 PM
Outstanding! Looks good, pard. Nice design.
Title: Re: Convert to belt loop instead of over the belt
Post by: PAMuzzleshooter on October 20, 2023, 07:25:39 PM
Thanks all for your help, suggestions and comments.