Author Topic: Holster break-in ? (Read 745 times)

labsrule · « **on:** May 21, 2003, 01:49:55 AM »

I have a new, fit to gun leather holster, and its tight enough where it fights the gun being put in far enough to snap the thumb break. Sure practice is going to loosen it up some.... but is there anything you do when you acquire a new holster? Any products you like for holster maintenance? Thanks!

jhm · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2003, 03:30:40 AM »

labsrule: the various holster manufactures usually will tell you what they recomend for their particular holster, I usually just use mink oil and I have read somewhere dont remember where but I saw something negative about using it , so see if you can get in touch with the manu. and they will tell you what to use.

JIM

labsrule · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2003, 06:48:57 AM »

JHM, Thanks... I went to several manufacturers and most essentially said, work with it. One suggested wrap some 4 mil plastic around the gun, such as the holster shipped in... stick it in the holster.... no liquids used. Overnight it should stretch a few thousandths and be just fine. One manufacturer (Mitch Rosen) said it would just work in, but they also sell an interesting product called Leather Lightening (sorry I don't remember who makes that). Its used inside the holster, is a surface treatment not absorbed by the leather nor harmful to firearm finish. Supposed to give a slick draw... I'd assume this is separate from the slight stretch my gun needs to apply by usage.

jhm · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2003, 01:59:10 PM »

Yes for the most part new holsters are kinda like new shoes they just need broken in.

JIM

Gatofeo · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2003, 02:59:17 PM »

An old trick is to wet the holster thoroughly with water. Then wrap your pistol in Saran Wrap or some other protective plastic numerous times and place the gun in the holster.
The wet holster will quickly stretch to mould itself to the gun.
I did this years ago with a reproduction Colt 1851 Navy revolver and it worked well.
If you're antsy about your gun being exposed to moisture, you can give it a heavy coat of oil before wrapping it in the plastic. Don't use a lubricant that will melt plastic, of course.

J.Solo · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2003, 01:56:27 AM »

A few years ago I picked up a clear liquid used to break in a new pair of shoes. It slightly softened the leather and the shoe break in period was cut by 75%. I don't remember the name but it may still be available at a shoe store or at a shoe repair store. I would not recomment using it on the inside of the holster as I don't know what the long term effects, if any, would be on metal. Use a little on the outside of the holster until you get the feel you are looking for. If you don't control it you may end up with a floppy holster. There should be some stiffness in a holster in order to keep its shape for easy re-holstering. Good Luck - J.Solo

daddywpb · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2003, 10:28:07 AM »

Put the gun in a couple of Zip Lock freezer bags, put it in the holster, and let it sit overnight. That will stretch it enough for you to use it, and using it will break it in.