Do-It-Yourself Holster from Gallon Milk Jug

[jgradyc]

BACKGROUND: I like front pocket carry, but most pocket holsters print noticeably because they are so thick and sometimes they come out with the gun instead of staying in your pocket. Without a holster, the handgun can shift so it is not easy to draw. 

Years ago, I wrote here about how to make a front pocket holster from a one gallon milk or water jug. I wanted a new holster for my P365 with laser so I decided to share the steps with TGO. 

When finished, your holster will...

• Weigh less than one ounce
• Add less than 1/16 of inch to the thickness of the gun
• Will NOT come out of your pocket with the handgun
• Can custom fit any handgun with or without a laser
• Can be adjusted for pocket depth and preferred cant in your pocket.
• Can be made in about a half hour 
• Supplies needed: Scissors, 1 gallon water/milk jug, photographers tape

To start, cut out the side of a gallon water or milk jug. Include the curved corner where the sides come together. 

 

When finished, your holster will be this thin!

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Edited April 23, 2022 by jgradyc
added photos

[jgradyc]

Next, wrap the curved piece around the barrel. 

Cut another curved piece and wrap it around the trigger guard and laser. Overlap the top piece and tape it in place. 

Tape the two pieces together. Adjust the tape until the handgun fits snugly.

Trim the end about 1/4 inch from the end of the barrel. If you want the handgun to sit higher in the pocket, leave a larger gap at the end of the barrel. If you want it to sit deeper, trim the plastic flush with the end of the barrel.

Edited April 23, 2022 by jgradyc
fixed typo

[jgradyc]

Next, roll two or three little cylinders of plastic to add a "hook" under the barrel. These hooks will keep the holster at the proper cant and prevent the holster from coming out when you draw. 

Put some tape on it to hold it together.

Tape it to the lower part of the holster.

Add a second cylinder under the first one. IMPORTANT: Big guys or big pockets might require a 3rd "hook" to hold the gun in the pocket. Put the gun in the holster and try it in your pocket. Adjust the hooks until the holster will absolutely not come out while drawing. 

Front the top, it will look like this. Note that the "hook" curves in and the hooks are smaller than the holster. This prevents the edge of the holster from printing. You'll see what a great job it does at the end. 

Edited April 23, 2022 by jgradyc

[jgradyc]

Assuming the gun fits properly in the holster you're done, you can now add the photographer's tape... also known as gaffer's tape. It's used to tape photographic lights to tripods or furniture WITHOUT leaving residue. This holster will look AWFUL if you use duct tape because the glue residue begins to show at all the seams and it will pick up lint. You can buy gaffer's tape on Amazon for about $18. 

In the photo below, I made two mistakes. I tore the tape instead of cutting it, which left a more noticeable line. That piece on the barrel end of the holster should have been underneath so I would have been invisible instead of on top. 

EDITED TO ADD: I think I'll use 3M carbon fiber vinyl wrap next time. It should look more professional.

Here is the end result. Notice how I trimmed the plastic so it does NOT cover the mag release button. I've done it with the mag release covered and pressure against the holster can cause the mag button to release. 

Only 0.7 ounces!

Very hard to see. Note that these are tight fitting pants and I'm a small guy. It would be invisible in baggy pants. 

 

Edited April 23, 2022 by jgradyc

[jgradyc]

After looking at these photos, I think I'll buy some 3M vinyl wrap in carbon fiber black and make another holster. I think that would look better than gaffer's tape.

[Gurn]

Would make MacGyver proud , if he liked guns. 

[Protongunner]

Throw in some duct tape and it would get the Red Green seal of approval. Very resourceful!

[ohell]

that pistol has a gold barrel and a fancy laser.  this is not the time to start recycling. 

[Snaveba]

Great write up !

[TGO David]

On 4/23/2022 at 8:27 AM, Gurn said:

Would make MacGyver proud , if he liked guns. 

@MacGyver when did you stop liking guns?!? 

 

 

[Quavodus]

Pretty neat

[MacGyver]

5 hours ago, TGO David said:

@MacGyver when did you stop liking guns?!? 

 

 

Right?

[Pelican]

On 5/6/2022 at 3:09 PM, MacGyver said:

Right?

Very thoughty!

[Pirate]

Someone has too much time on their hands. But very interesting.