3-UNDER TAB - A PHOTO BUILD-A-LONG

[monkeyball]

Recently my buddy Frank(aka FMSCAN)and I were discussing shooting 3-under and which we preferred,that being a glove or a tab. I personally am a tab guy and I really feel it is even more of an advantage when you shoot 3-under.To me it only makes sense that one piece of leather will give you a smoother release than three. Just my opinion....

   I told Frank that I have been making my own tabs for awhile now. Nothing fancy,but they get the job done. He thought that a "how to with pictures" would be really interesting,so here goes.....

[monkeyball]

You can use any scrap of leather that is big enough. It can even be a tongue of your worn out old boots(my favorite one says Danner on it)to a fine piece of Cordovan. Use your imagination,it is your tab. You will also need a few tools- a couple x-acto knives and a rotary cutter are a big help and a hard surface to work on is a must.

   

[dan d]

I'm looking forward to it, because after you teach me, I'm gonna give it a try.
Dan

[monkeyball]

The next thing you need to do is lay out your pattern. I am using my present tab for this one.

 I am also right handed so when I lay out my pattern I always make sure that I draw it on the smooth or finished side of the leather. Frank is left handed so it is just the opposite for his. I will trace his on the rough side.

   

[monkeyball]

Now you need to cut out the pattern."Slow and steady" works real well here.You may have to pass over your outline more than once to get all the way thru.  Take your time and watch your fingers or you may be making a "2-under tab" next time around.

   

[monkeyball]

I cut the main tab outline out first,then the cutout for your finger to slip through next.
  Once you have the tab and finger hole cut out you can give it a cleaner look around the edges with the rotary cutter if you have one. If not you can also use some 100 grit sand paper or you can leave it in the rough. Your choice.

 

[monkeyball]

Next thing I like to do is take a leather punch and put a hole in the center of the "ear" behind where your finger slips through.Then I slip a piece of leather lace that is doubled thru the hole and pass the loose ends through the loop that you created.Now snug it up tight against the tab.

   

 What you are creating here is a lanyard that will keep the tab on your hand,and when adjusted right,will keep the tab in the same place as you shoot.

   The adjustment is made by tying a knot with the two loose ends of the leather lace.

[monkeyball]

Here is the tab with the lace in place:

       

[monkeyball]

Here is the tab on my hand.....


   

[monkeyball]

You can really customize these however your shooting style takes you. I like a thinner piece of leather and a little on the shorter side as far as coverage is concerned. I like to feel my fingertip in the corner of my mouth.

 Well guys I hope you liked it and I hope it may be of some help.Guess where this one is heading??

 
   

[fmscan]

Monkeyball, you sure are on the ball! The pictures and instructions are quite well done. I was surprised to see you followed through on my suggestion, most people never listen to me! Thank you for the gift, I will treasure it. Now I'm wondering what else you can make for me....

[ron w]

Looks just like the ones I make!!!

[Dirtybird]

Very nice!  

[Ydanny]

Thanks for sharing.  I like the looks of your tab.

[Ray]

You will no its time to quit Frank if you try using for a bottle opener.
 Nice job Craig.

[Green]

I like the drop on your tab that gives the side of your ring finger a little added protection.  Thanks for sharing.

[raghorns]

Very nicely done!

[JJB]

Neat project, nice work.

[monkeyball]

Thanks guys. Here are a few that led up to the 3-under tab.

   

[fmscan]

Monkeyball, Ray mentioned something about a bottle opener.... I would think if you build up the finger hole on one side, it would serve as a bottle opener... you could make mi$$ions!!! If that happens we aren't cutting Ray in on the deal.