Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

Gun Leather II - Western Leather

For details, call Donna Haddow at 719-846-5724.
Does not include leather, which you will need to purchase when you arrive
Continuing Education only - not for college credit

Gun leather II was created to expand methods and techniques learned by students in Basic Holster making. The course will take students to the next level of gun leather construction and will include an emphasis on Western and Cowboy leather techniques. Students will review principles learned in Basic Holster making with emphasis on development of a gun belt, holster, and associated leather for a complete gun rig. The remainder of the class will give students the latitude to develop projects of their choice associated with guns, knives, and cartridge retention. Students will be required to provide their own firearms and knives for project development.

Robert (Bob) Calkins is an active shooter, hunter and firearms collector who has made gun leather for himself, friends, and customers for over 50 years. In 1990, he and his wife, LaVon, decided to establish 3 Cross Custom Gunleather as a part-time business. Upon retiring from the Department of the Interior in 1994, gun leather became a full-time occupation. Bob crafts gun rigs for cowboy competitors, which has included State, National, and World Champion shooters. Hunters, outdoorsmen, casual shooters, and concealed-carry holders, make up the balance of his business.

At age 81, Bob has cut back on working hours, but still produces several holsters and gun belts every week. In his opinion, there are numerous good leather craftsmen. However, he believes an individual with a true appreciation of firearms and their use is essential to building a truly functional piece of gun leather.

Bob Calkins 505-598-0208 (h) 505-716-3233 (c) or three.cross@hotmail.com

Gun Leather Tool List:

Quality leather will be made available to students through the college bookstore. Costs will be based on projects to be developed. Students will go to the bookstore as a group at the beginning of class in order to pay for their share of the leather.
Needles, thread, oil, stamping tools, etc. will be furnished at no charge by the instructor.


(Please keep in mind that the tools suggested for each class are the minimum tools you should bring. Please feel free to bring any additional tools you feel you may need)

Three Dremel drill presses will be available in class
• ¼” light weight electric drill (optional)
• Dremel tool with sanding drums
• Clear safety glasses
• Sponge and quart size water container (large butter tub is great)
• Straight edge ruler
• 16: x 20” piece of ¾” plywood with smooth side
• Exacto knife with blades
• Rawhide #4 Mallet (such as Tandy #3300-04)
• Craft Tool Leather Shears (such as Tandy #3050-00)
• Grooving tool (such as Tandy 8074-00)
• Edging tool (such as Tandy #8077-03 or Osborne #127-4 preferred)
• Craft tool Overstitcher #6 (such as Tandy 8079-06)
• #14 Punch (such as Tandy 3777-14)
• #9 Punch (such as Tandy 3777-9)
• 12” x 12” Granite piece (minimum 1” thick)