Thanks a bunch everyone, I really appreciate your appreciation here
- PLEASE READ THIS POST -
But I want to make sure that you're not under the impression that these are "perfect". Do they look "better" than the originals? Absolutely. That's really the best we can hope for, right?
But make no mistake, that there will be imperfections here and there. Much like Stormrider's rubber FP knee project, the material used is so ridiculously thick, that there will be a bubble here and there. The "nemrod" logo is a bear to be specific. I've managed to perfect the process to where all of the detail on each casting's logo will be intact. It also has to be "pre-cast" like the strap (in the softer urethane) because it's more viscous than the holster urethane. But there may be a "nib" or two from time to time within the logo that has to be popped off with the end of a sharp exacto. The silicone was to blame for this, as the mold was too large to be put into a vacuum. Even with a print coat of silicone on the master, there were a few bubbles in the silicone that I couldn't avoid with thick brush on material. So this makes positive "nibs" in the casting. I will do my best to make sure they're all gone before shipping. But I thought I would give a heads up.
There is also a seam line that didn't appear on the original. It is placed on the hollow spear cavity of the front of the holster (forward section). But the seam line is moved toward the back of the holster where it cannot be seen when worn. There was no way to avoid this, as I said before, the original was injection molded (pressure injected with metal multi section molds). There is no way to get the same result with silicone molds, no matter how skilled you are. So even though I followed as many seams as I could off of the original, the new seam line had to be put there. It's a nice sharp clean line, but I also thought I would mention it.
The inside of the holster was also "fortified" a bit. Because of how thin the original was, to cast it in urethanes that "mimic" the original vinyl that these were injection molded with (for accuracy of feel), the castings would have been too thin to hold up to trooping. All of the detail still remains inside, it's just a little "thicker". The majority of you will be using them to troop in. SO you may thank me later, as the section that holds the belt strap would have surely lost your beautiful side-arm in a crowd for sure
Again, this material was chosen to mimic what is accurate to the originals. It may have been better to cast these in a "hyperfirm" type of rubber - but it would not look or feel accurate at all unfortunately.
GBH even said to me today, that "again", I am my worst critic or enemy. And where that may be true, I want to to make sure there is full disclosure here, especially with my reputation at stake.
This next part is VERY important ....
The most notable point of interest here, is that blasted strap. Let's not be under any misconception that we're out of the woods on those breaking, even though I developed a way to combine two different shore "D" resins (hardness/flex). These are after all, "semi-rigid" urethanes. They are by no means "rubber". They WILL still break. It's only a matter of time. I don't want there to be ANYONE unclear about this. Again, with my reputation at stake, I can't take the chance. Some of you may get lucky, and it might last for years. some of you, it could break in two hours. It all depends on the person. What I DO NOT recommend, is playing "Quick Draw Mcgraw" with them
I know that sounds absurd, because even as GBH pointed out today, those guns are a bit to awkward for that anyway. But I have to say it.
For all intents and purposes, these holsters are "AS-IS", and fully disclaimed. I consider them display pieces due to the fact that the molded strap will have a limited life if used constantly. The rest of the holster is virtually bullet proof. This most certainly doesn't come as a shock to anyone, because I've been preaching practically since this project started, that even the company who made them, made two versions - the second version with a separate "rubber" strap to correct the first version that was too brittle and broke. As a whole - we have "all agreed" that these will be made as I'm making them (accurate) , with the inclusion of the rubber strap as an accessory option to add to your holster when the molded strap breaks. It is VERY important that everyone understands this, because I can not be responsible for a faulty design not even of my own. I'm sure you understand. Casting these with molded straps was a bit against my better judgement, and I made no secret of that
But I don't want people to be unhappy with me over this project. I want people to be informed and satisfied. Just know, and I can't make this any more clear - if the molded straps break, they break. I know that is blunt, and I am sorry. But this project has become a bitter one for me. My worst nightmare would be 20-30 people PM'ing me wanting a replacement holster because it broke. If you're in doubt about any of this, please re-read the thread from start to finish to see what I have been saying about it. Essentially, these holsters are being supplied as they were originally designed (with the exception of the movie mods) with the understanding that it is a faulty design, and a backup plan is already included with your order (rubber strap and template)
EVEN MORE IMPORTANT ...
To those of you that are still waiting to order, or even if you have already paid for your order -
If would like to eliminate the future frustration of seeing your molded strap break, and having to replace it with the included rubber strap - you can speak up now. I would be happy to make the modification (adding the rubber ribbed strap) before shipping. You will receive a holster that would be considered a replica of the version 2 holster that the company originally produced. This holster, will be impervious to damage, or breakage - guaranteed. Keep in mind, that we cannot prove which was used on screen anyway. The holster as seen in the above and below pics, is primarily for the "purist" here that wants to take the chance
Beyond all of that - more progress was made today - I found snaps that will work for us
Next are the rubber belt hangers and speed rivets :wacko
Best,
FP