Cheaper alternative to "Blue Guns" or "Red Guns?"

[SpringerXD]

The information still should be somewhat correct Springer. If there is a particular Blue Gun you are wanting to work with, let me know. I might have it and would be more than hapy to loan it to you.

Thanks, but I would have it for quite a while because I would be experimenting. I have the design about 80% complete in my head, but implementing it is another matter. So is finding a certain type of hardware.

I think if I get closer to trying it, I'll pick up a Blue or Red Gun based on one of my own guns and give it a go.

But thanks for the offer!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[loboleather]

I have dozens of dummy guns, and add others as demand requires. I have used Ring's Blue Guns, ASP Red Guns, and Duncan's cast aluminum. There really are no cut-rate sources for any of these. Typically, adding another dummy costs around $50 delivered.

As noted above, many suppliers catalog training guns but do not actually stock the pieces. They take the order, then have Ring's, ASP, or Duncan's produce it.

A substantial part of my business is holsters for vintage and out-of-production handguns, which are very seldom available as dummies. My personal collection includes several, and I will purchase actual handguns when there is good demand for the holsters. The handgun will be paid for with the first 8 or 10 orders and the cost is a tax-deductible business expense for me. Used dummy guns have little value to anyone. Good quality firearms only go up in value and demand.

Since the OP is considering making a holster or two for his personal weapons I would suggest simply using those weapons for forming the holsters. As long as the weapons are cleaned and oiled properly there should be no damage done, and the fit will be as good as it can get.

[TedBeau]

It's funny but I was actually thinking about this the other day. What would happen if say a customer wanted a custom holster made for a gun that the holster manufacturer did not have a blue gun for, and they struck a deal where the customer purchases the blue gun and ships it to the holster maker as partial payment for the holster. The customer pays the same total price because he gets credit for the blue gun and the holster manufacturer gets the blue gun for future use. Win, win?

[ttsail]

It's funny but I was actually thinking about this the other day. What would happen if say a customer wanted a custom holster made for a gun that the holster manufacturer did not have a blue gun for, and they struck a deal where the customer purchases the blue gun and ships it to the holster maker as partial payment for the holster. The customer pays the same total price because he gets credit for the blue gun and the holster manufacturer gets the blue gun for future use. Win, win?

It happens

[randyc74]

It happens

It certainly does!
I've worked a few deals where the customer requires a holster for a pistol that I don't have a mold gun for. If the model is not that popular, I offer to buy the Blue Gun if the customer buys 2holsters. Another win-win.