HOLSTERS have played, and are still playing, a very important part in the history of man. And, since the making and manufacture of the first hand guns, methods for concealing, easier handling and carrying of these weapons have been devised. Trial and error being the surest way of improvement, holster making has now advanced to fill almost every need and requirement of the pistol user. Today, with the hundreds of Makes, Models, and barrel lengths of hand guns, it would be virtually impossible to reproduce holster patterns for each and every one into book form. The Holster Patterns presented in this book are a cross-section of a few of the most popular Makes and Models of the guns in use today; with alternate designs and added barrel lengths as space permits. Most of the Carving Designs presented can be altered for shorter, longer, or odd barrel lengths by adding or omitting a leaf, scroll, etc. The designs can also be used on similar holster patterns for other guns by “stretching” or “squeezing” the flowers, leaves, etc., to fit the confines of the border lines. With a little Imagination and Ingenuity, the Carving Designs in this book can be used on hundreds of holster patterns. Remember… the patterns shown will also fit many other similar makes and models of guns … too numerous to mention. The purpose of this book is to assist and instruct the craftsman in various methods of Holster Construction and Holster Pattern Making. Each phase is shown with clearly defined step-by-step photos and drawings. It is hoped that this book will aid the Self Taught Student, Instructor, and Professional Craftsman alike to further their knowledge of “How To Make Holsters” for Profit, Personal Satisfaction and Fun! A “special” thanks to my wife, Terry, who has devoted countless hours and painstaking effort to produce all of the photographs appearing in this book. Many thanks to Ralph Tiner . . . Sporting Goods Center, Hemet, Calif. … for his willing cooperation in supplying guns and information. Thanks to Lee Kelly, U. S. Forestry Service, and many other friends who have given unselfishly of their time and assistance. To the Leathercraftsman: Thanks for your patience in awaiting the first publication of “How To Make Holsters” .. . Many Happy Hours! Sincerely, Al Stohlman

Gunleather is an icon of American Western lore. PACKING IRON is a high quality pictorial celebration of the artistry & innovation of the craftsmen who designed the gun rigs of the old time trail driving Cowboys, lawmen & Hollywood heroes. This unique slice of Western Americana is presented in over 300 dazzling color photographs, plus almost 100 historic images. Standard trade discounts. To order write or call: ZON INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, P.O. Box 47, MILLWOOD, NY 10546. Phone: 914-245-2926. FAX: 914-962-1945.

Learn how to hand sew leather projects from master craftsman Al Stholman. Complete stitching instructions plus information on tools and materials needed to get started.

Dear reader: this is an unabashed picture book about gunleather. In particular, it is about the innovative holsters that were created by American men and women during the 20th century; specifically, during the saeculum 1905 to 1985 because that's when all the heavy lifting was done. And it's about their linkages . . . 'A Texas Ranger, born 1844, married a woman who, after she was widowed then married a Texas saddler 1908. 'That saddler in Austin employed a clerk who in 1912 began building unique holsters for the Texas Rangers. 'And that clerk, born 1872, bore a son in 1896 whose daughter married the Governor of Texas in 1940. 'That bride escaped the bullets fired at the President's car as she rode with him in November 1963. 'They were the McNellys, the Wroes, the Brills and the Kennedys.' 'Holstory' - a term the authors coined so they wouldn't be typing 'holster history' over and over again - is filled with just these kinds of linkages amongst real gunfighting lawmen like Capt. Leander McNelly and officer Tom Threepersons of Texas; D.A. 'Jelly' Bryce and J.C. 'Doc' White of the F.B.I.; and the gunleather makers like Sam D. Myres of Texas and Hermann H. Heiser of Colorado who supplied them. It's a tale that's never been told in quite this way. It is thoroughly researched and heavily footnoted so that you can delve deeper if you like. There are lots of full-color pictures of gunleather collectibles. This is the Book of Holstory that you've been waiting for.

“This book will save lives.” —Dick Conger. An all-encompassing manual that addresses safety, equipment, tactics, and the best practices for all shooters, here is an all-encompassing book of use to every gun owner. A result of twelve years of research, The Modern Day Gunslinger was written to meet the needs of the gun owner, the experienced shooter, those who own a weapon strictly for home and self-defense, and for the military member who wants to become a better shooter in defense of our country. It’s also for the law enforcement officer who risks his or her life going against the thugs of our society and for anyone interested in learning the defensive and tactical training techniques from some of the best and most experienced shooters in the world. This comprehensive training manual includes chapters on: Weapons and Range Safety Dry Fire Use of Force Living in a Battlefield Combat Mindset Shooting Competence Handguns Defensive Handgun Ammunition Marksmanship Stance Basic Kneeling Positions Ready Positions The Draw Strokes Grip and Trigger Control Visual Techniques and Sight Alignment Multiple Shots Follow-Through and Scan Loading, Reloading, and Unloading Malfunctions Low- and No-Light Shooting Concealed Carry and Holsters Learning Styles Training Fundamentals Shooting Drills The shooting skills taught in this book carry broad application in civilian, law enforcement, and military contexts. Common criminals, terrorists, assailants—the enemy and threat—all will find themselves outgunned in the face of a properly armed and trained gunslinger. Members of the armed services, government and law enforcement agencies, as well as civilians, will find that the close-range shooting methods addressed in this book can provide a decisive advantage.

Learn to shoot safely and effectively at home to protect yourself or your family. With easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and 385 illustrations, learn to plan your training, improve your accuracy and speed, shoot while moving, and clear malfunctions. Plus every manipulation needed for any semi-automatic pistol or rifle.

This is the first English language work to examine the subject in detail and the first in any language to identify, describe, and quantify variations and production figures for the models covered. The book focuses on the Czechoslovak Communist period (1948-1989), but reaches back into the 1930s in order to trace the history of the 6.35 mm Duo pocket pistol, which remained in production under the name "Z" until 1974 with a total of thirteen distinct marking variations, and the 6.35 mm model 1945, which had its beginnings as the model 1936. The 7.65 mm model 50 police pistol and its successor, the model 70, are covered in depth, documenting both marking variations and a significant number of design changes introduced during their thirty-three-year production life. The 7.62 mm model 52 Army pistol is given extensive treatment based on data drawn from over 2,000 specimens; in addition to descriptions of both standard and rare variants, significant discussion of the pistol s mechanical characteristics and potential safety problems is presented. Also covered are the more modern commercial CZ 75 and CZ 85, the military model 82, and the commercial CZ 83, as are small calibre target pistols and signal pistols.

Discusses grips, calibers, loads, and the care and fitting of a holster, and looks at the keys to the fast draw and successful gunfighting