Custom Builds

Once folks see my holsters, they inevitably ask about custom builds, or projects for specialized applications. To be honest, it is just these types of requests that keep the creative juices flowing, sometimes also resulting in an addition to our product lineups.

Our ability to deliver on custom projects had caught the attention of the prop master for the top-rated CBS TV show, NCIS. We were asked to design a leather lunchbox for the character of Abby Sciuto (played by Pauley Perrette). This request came to us from the prop master after he had received a holster from us to help keep a handgun close to the body on a female character, so as to minimize printing. That holster was one of our Flatjacks. After the delivery of the lunchbox, we were again contacted to create a very close-fitting, high-and-tight shoulder holster for the character of Ziva (played by Cote de Pablo) so as to be able to conceal a J-frame revolver under a short bolero-style sweater. A short while later we were commissioned to build a bug-out box for the character of Abby — a small 12 inch long leather coffin in a Gothic style where she kept her "grab it and run" essentials. For NCIS: New Orleans, a crocodile-skin holster for Agent Pride (Scott Bakula). Our work has been commissioned for TV and films including:

Abby's Leather Lunchbox

After getting the general design ideas as described in the script, we took a look at the character of Abby, learned the character's backstory, and came up with the design for the leather lunchbox.

Ziva's Shoulder Holster

The design of this particular shoulder holster had to be one where "undercover" would be pushed to the limit. The script called for hiding a 5-shot J-frame revolver holstered in a shoulder rig, under a very small, form-fitting sweater.

The only way to accomplish this was to tuck the gun right up into the armpit, yet the rig had to be stable enough that the shoulder loops didn't slip off the shoulder. All this on an actress whose body is petite made this build particularly challenging. What we came up with is a very thin and lightweight shoulder rig (total weight of just under 6 ounces without the holster attached, 8 ounces with empty holster) that brings the gun right up into the armpit, with only a single elastic strap across the back to keep the shoulder loops snug to the body.

Luckily, we know a young lady whose shoulder/chest measurements are practically spot-on with the measurements of Ms. de Pablo, so not only were we able to get a perfect fit, we also have pictures of the rig being worn. The shoulder loops are adjustable for 3" in 1" increments, and the elastic tensioning strap can be adjusted a full 4" to accommodate women with petite to broad shoulders. The actual holster itself has a thumb-break to keep the weapon secure.

Jurassic World

After getting a few small jobs on Broken Horses and Fast and Furious 7/8, the prop master for those projects felt comfortable enough to bring us in on a large (for us) project. The work we did on Jurassic World included all-leather holsters/belts/tactical gear for the park rangers, leather "mittens" for the dinosaurs that Owen Grady (played by Chris Pratt) tended in the paddock area, and the favorites of cosplayers who love the films: the scout-style leather sheath for the "Hero Knife" that Chris Pratt wears on the small of his back, and the carry pouch for the Leatherman tool that he wears on his right front hip.

By purchasing a Dragon Leatherworks holster or accessory you hereby acknowledge that you have read the Warranties and Disclaimers, you understand that firearms are dangerous, and release Dragon Leatherworks, its owners, its associates, and employees from any and all liability for injuries or accidents relating to the use of the holster or any firearm. If purchasing as a gift, you acknowledge that the recipient/end user is knowledgeable in the safe handling and use of firearms.