Best way to break in a new holster?

[J274895]

Am I correct in assuming the best way to break in a new leather holster is simply to wear it? The damn thing is so tight right now that it pulls the slide back when I holster the pistol.

[J274895]

Am I correct in assuming the best way to break in a new leather holster is simply to wear it? The damn thing is so tight right now that it pulls the slide back when I holster the pistol.

[calvinbr]

Ironbar,

I used saddle soap on my supertuck. I have one buddy that used WD-40. I told him he was dumb for doing that, but it worked.

[Cocked & Locked]

I've done this several times and it works fine. Soak the holster in water. Coat your gun in oil and place it in a plastic bag.

Put the oiled and bagged gun into the wet holster and leave it there until the holster drys.

The bag adds "fat" to the gun to stretch the leather just enuff.

[cshoff]

It may help to know what kind of holster this is, ie: leather, nylon, kydex, etc.....

[Matt Del Fatti]

With no disrepect intended to calvinbr or Cocked & Locked, I would strongly advise against using any of the three methods suggested. Before you do anything, please contact the maker to ask what stretching method they recommend.

[J274895]

Originally posted by cshoff:
It may help to know what kind of holster this is, ie: leather, nylon, kydex, etc.....

I suggest you carefully re-read my initial post. I put the material type in secret coded language!

[J274895]

The Desantis Speed Scabbard for my M&P. They say to put your pistol into a dress sock, then stuff it in the holster and twist it a bit while doing it. Then leave it there for a day or so.

[xrmattaz]

Originally posted by Matt Del Fatti:
With no disrepect intended to calvinbr or Cocked & Locked, I would strongly advise against using any of the three methods suggested. Before you do anything, please contact the maker to ask what stretching method they recommend.

Thanks for stepping in, Matthew. I was starting to cringe.....

[Spotteddog]

Stuff the gun into the holster and literally "sleep on it". Trust me, your wife will be curious as Hell, but afraid to ask why! After 2 or 3 nights the holster will be broken in, your Wife will be ready to leave you and your back'll be killing you.

[cdr]

My Milt Sparks holsters were made to fit my guns perfectly simply by placing the gun in a plastic bag (I used the bags that the holsters came in) and leaving it in the holster for two days. As mentioned by Matt, always consult the manufacturer, but this methodology is recommended by Tony Kanaly of Milt Sparks Holsters and, equally important, it is mentioned that you should NEVER place anything on your holster to soften the leather as you can potentially destroy the delicate boning of your holster as well as the structural integrity once softened.

The only recommended treatment to protect your leather holsters is Renaissance Wax. I use this wax exclusively on my holsters and it protects without softening the leather. It is a British wax that has been used in museums throughout the world to protect Masters paintings. Also since learning that many people also use Renaissance Wax to protect their guns, I have found that this wax is far more effective in protecting against rust than any other gun oil method. Also, it eliminates finger marks...you should see what it does to a blued Colt Python. A small jar is expensive, but it liquifies with the heat of your finger and spreads very easily and will last you a lifetime. There is nothing better to protect your guns, holsters or gunbelts.

[Bob R]

simply by placing the gun in a plastic bag (I used the bags that the holsters came in) and leaving it in the holster for two days.

That is the method I have used to stretch all of my leather holsters that needed it. A heavy plastic bag, or a doubled zip lock bag works great. It is better to go slowly rather than go fast, you don't want to have it too loose.

bob

[J274895]

So essentially your instuctions are the same as stuffing the gun into a dress sock, except using a plastic bag, correct?

[Pisgah]

Originally posted by Spotteddog:
Stuff the gun into the holster and literally "sleep on it". Trust me, your wife will be curious as Hell, but afraid to ask why! After 2 or 3 nights the holster will be broken in, your Wife will be ready to leave you and your back'll be killing you.

I had to chuckle when I saw this. My break-in routine usually involves wearing the gun and holster all day on a Saturday when I am going to be around the house all day, doing yard work, house work, whatever -- and the routine always includes a nice afternoon nap. During the day I'll draw and reholster several times. By the end of the day, the holster is usually broken in well enough for regular use.

[Bob R]

Correct.

Use the heavy plastic bag the holster came in.

bob

[ENH]

I coat the inside with draw-ez (silicone) from Galco and then wear and draw the gun for an hour or so and everything is ready for real world carry.

[7shooter]

A local gun shop owner gave me a small bottle of KG 9 Leather Kote as I was having trouble with tight leather holsters. It works great and after several years appears to be a permanent fix. I've also used it with leather mag holders.

[cshoff]

Originally posted by Ironbar:

I suggest you carefully re-read my initial post. I put the material type in secret coded language!

Ahhh, my bad. I must have glossed right over that, or, perhaps my secret decoder ring wasn't working at the time.

Anyway, if it's all leather, I have always just "worn them in". If they are really tight, you can go the plastic bag route, but don't over do it as, once the leather is stretched out, there is not turning back. I would also recommend about 100 or so presentations of your gun from the holster (unloaded gun, of course) just to help the process out.

[Cocked & Locked]

Thanks for stepping in, Matthew. I was starting to cringe.....

xrmattz...sorry, but cringing doesn't help stretch a holster.