I've just recently got into NERF competitions, and so am woefully underequipped for competitions. For my first competition, I was using two guns, a Magnus and a Alpha Trooper from my friend. They were without sling and holster. I was fumbling around, especially since the Alpha Trooper uses clips. In the end, I kept the Magnus in my dump pouch as it's makeshift holster while I wreaked havoc with the trooper. Now, what does this have to do with my project.

Well, it highlights the need for a sling or a holster. My friend will be moving to another state, so I've got to bring my own arnaments to bear. I've requestioned a Recon and a Retaliator, but I still need a working sidearm. My best bet? My Maverick. I've had my Maverick for over 2 years or so by my estimate, and I've tried putting it on a sling, not advisable. So I've got too wondering, how in the world am I going to get a decent holster without forking over money. It was then that I saw a piece of Manila card. Now, by all means, it shouldn't be compared with cardboard. But in most aspects, they are similiar. I'm calling it cardboard for the purpose of this demonstration.

Step 1: Prep

To make this holster, you will need:

Maverick, for measurements (Shown)
Knife or scissors (Shown)Duct tape or some strong tape (Shown)
Manila Card or Cardboard(Shown) Addendum: If you are using cardboard, squash the air pockets by stepping or applying copious pressure to it.
Cellophane tape (Shown)
Stapler(Not Shown)
Sharpie/Pencil(Not Shown)

Step 2: Find the Balance

You want to make sure your finger slides in easily, for that extra few seconds faster time to make sure your enemy gets hit first, so go ahead and place your hand into a typical shooting postition, finger on the trigger and sdjust till you're happy. It only needs to be a rough adjustment as more finer adjustments can be done later on.

Step 3: Draw the Outline

Using a sharpie or a pencil, draw one half of the outline around the gun, it doesn't have to be perfect, but the closer you get to it the better.

Measure the width of the gun, which was around 2 inches for me. Draw it out before drawing out the other half of your blaster.

Now, for a little leeway for adjustments, you're gonna want to add the measurements shown in the last picture to the border. This will not only allow a stronger bond between surfaces (more materiel etc), but also helps give a better fit for your blaster.

Step 4: Cut and Connect

Using a pair of scissors or a sharp blade, cut along your outermost border.

After that, fold over the one inch side, this is for reinforcing the joint.

Wrap it around your blaster and secure with cellotape for a preliminary fitting. Once you're happy with the fit, staple it in place

Step 5: Preventing Dropout

Now if you're like me, you like the blaster to move a little so it'll pop out faster. Thats where this step comes in. Using a pair of scissors or a blade, cut out the four corners, as shown in the picture. For a better grip, hold it by pressing the holster onto the sides of the revolver chamber.

Once cut, you have to fold them down. I do the thinner ones first then one of the thicker ones.

Now, you will have some excess, fold it back in the direction of the joint aka doubleback. Then, fold roughly the same length of the other piece down, to form an interlocking joint. Staple it after you've tightened the joints as much as possible.

Step 6: Reinforcing the Lip

Now, slamming the blaster home into the holster will damage the lip quite a bit, so we better reinforce it. Cut a small slit anywhere around the lip, at about half to one cm deep, then fold over the entire lip. Slowly staple around the lip, but dont bunch it up. Keep the flat face inside with the two claws outside. The last step is optional but helps reduce unwanted snags. Use a piece of duct tape to go around the edge to smoothen the gap.

Step 7: Holster to Belt Attachment

To carry this thing around, you're gonna need to have it either clip on or slide on your belt, I chose slide on to give it a more stronger grip and less swing.

Measure out your belt width. Draw it out on the same piece of card. Extend the line till it's about 1 and a half inches, then draw it out by 2 inches on both sides, as shown in the third picture.

Cut it out with again, either scissors or a knife, then fold it along the inner line.

Fold another time in the opposite direction after about 1cm from the first crease. Repeat on the opposite side and you should be left with the following pattern.

Step 8: Holster to Belt Line

This step determines how good of a holster it's gonna be.

Hold your belt to the holster at a height you like, angle to if you want it that way. Press the band we made before on to it, pulling as taut as you can. Give it a little slack, but not enough for the belt to wiggle on it. Tape in place with cellotape. Then staple the top half as close as you can to the belt.

Now, using two bands of duct tape, mask it the same way as the last picture, to give it more strength.

Step 9: Reinforcement

You don't want a holster that falls apart after some use, so reinforce it! Reinforce with duct tape along the other two sides of the belt loop, making sure to push it under if you are going as close as you can to the loop. One more strand of tape around the bottom and that's all you really need. You can cover the whole thing in duct tape if it pleases you.

Step 10: Finished Product

The finished product, both with and without blaster.

This is my first Instructable, so please give some guidance if you can in the comment section. If you run into any trouble, comment below too so I might help you find a workaround. Enjoy your new Maverick holster, and happy hunting.

Introduction: Nerf Maverick Cardboard Holster