It’s really important to have a good IWB holster, OWB holster or similar to carry your weapon as without one you’re simply asking for trouble. But, rather than go out and spend money on one that you kind of like the look and feel of why not make your own using a Kydex holster kit. Making your own gun holster has many advantages. First, you can specify it to how you want it. It will be a one-of-a-kind, unique design, that only you have. Second, it will serve its purpose exactly as it should and you know that in advance because you’re making it.
Why you need a holster
If you own a gun, you need a gun holster. The main reason you need one is that it covers the trigger guard, making it less likely for ‘accidents’ to happen. Holsters keep your gun stable while moving around too. Other reasons people choose to wear a holster is that it aids in concealment and is much more comfortable than simply resting it in your pants or pocket.
Either way, making a holster for your pistol will mean it’s much more personal to you and there are many kits available on the market to help you do just that. Here are a few of them to give you an idea:
DIY Holster Kit by MTO Holster
This Kydex holster kit is one of the lower priced ones on the market, but that doesn’t mean it’s of any lower quality. It includes everything you need and more to make your own personalized holster.
The kit includes:
- 1 piece of 10”x9” leather cowhide that can be easily cut to your requirements
- 1 piece of 6”x7” 0.080 Kydex sheet that’s ready to heat and be molded to your gun
- 2 J hook
- Hardware kit: 6 black oxide Chicago screws, 2 black oxide T-nuts, 2 undercut black oxide screws, 2 finish washers
There are three different colors of leather to choose from for the kit: tan, black, and sunset, and you get quite a lot of material. Overall, it’s a pretty good kit for the price and would suit anyone who’s a little bit creative.
Kydex Holster DIY Kit w/OWB Belt Loops by DIY Holster, LLC
Another of the lower priced kits, this single holster kit gives you just what you need to make your own pancake or taco style holster. It also comes with a little extra too just in case you do happen to make a mistake or want to make a smaller holster as well.
The kit includes:
- 3 pieces of 8”x12” 0.080 black Kydex sheets
- 4 – 1.5” closed belt loop, black
- 20 eyelets, 10 screws, 10 slotted posts and 10 O-rings
This kit comes with quite a lot of material and everything else you need to make your own holster. It’s relatively easy to use and good value for money.
Kydex Holster DIY Combo Kit – Basic Kit by HolsterSmith
This DIY Kydex holster kit is more of a mid-priced example and you get quite a lot for your money. As well as material and parts it also comes with some of the tools you need to complete the job.
The kit includes:
- 2 pieces of 12”x 24” 0.060 black Kydex sheets
- 1 Journeyman rivet/eyelet setter
- 1 Journeyman die guide
- 1 Kydex rivet/eyelet drill
- 10 Chicago screws, 10 slotted posts, 10 mounting screws
- 100 pack of eyelets
Don’t let the word basic put you off as this kit has more than enough for you to make a holster or even two if you’re careful. It may be slightly more expensive than some of the others out there, but with these kits, you get what you pay for and will have plenty of spares if you need them.
Kydex Holster DIY Combo Kit - Starter Kit by HolsterSmith
A step up from the average, this kit requires a little more investment than a run-of-the-mill kit will cost you. However, you won't be disappointed with what you get for your money.
The kit includes:
- 3 pieces of 12”x24” 0.080 black Kydex sheets
- 2 mount clips
- Step drill
- 40 mounting screws, 40 slotted posts
- 1 Journeyman rivet/eyelet setter
- 1 Journeyman die guide
- 4 heavy duty belt clips
- Drop clip
- 100 pack of eyelets
- and washers galore!
The clue's in the name with this one. This starter kit has all you need to get started making your own holster. With plenty of spares should make an error, you can soon fix it or start again. Yes, it’s another added cost to your gun, but will save you money in the long run.
Kydex Holster DIY Combo Kit - Master Series by HolsterSmith
Another fantastic kit offered by HolsterSmith, but this one is for the most dedicated of holster makers. By far one of the more expensive kits on the market, the Master Series Thermoform Molding Combo Kit leaves nothing out. With this, you can literally turn your hobby into a business overnight.
The kit includes:
- 1 holster molding press
- 1 Master Series professional flaring press
- 1 Kydex rivet/eyelet drill
- 1 medium punch set
- 1 small punch set
- 2 Master Series rivet/eyelet setters (¼ in.) (3/16 in.)
- 1 Thermoform heat gun
- Masking tape
- 1 Line-20 Master Series Die
- 1 Line-24 Master Series Die
This kit isn’t for the faint-hearted and will certainly knock you back a dollar or two. But, it will all be worth it when you start to turn some of that expensive into profit with your very own holster-making business.
Hopefully, this article will have armed you with enough information so that you can make an informed decision as to which Kydex holster kit will be best for you. You do tend to get what you pay for with these kits and all of them listed here are good value for money, with more than enough materials to get you started. So... happy shopping!