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  #1  
Old 09-07-2009, 09:18 PM
Wee Hooker Wee Hooker is offline
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How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster?  
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Default How to slick/stretch leather holster?

Hi, not sure if this has been covered before but a search hasn't turned up anything real helpful so....

I've got a stock S&W 1911 that I love and use regularly for gun games. ( I.E. informal plate & pin shoots, PPC, etc) When playing, I use a Safariland duty style holster designated for "45 auto". This holster fits my needs well but I feel it grips my 1911 just a tad snug for my (non-serious) purposes. So, does anybody have any trick to stretch (or slick the interior) of a leather holster so the gun pulls with a little less effort?
All advice appreciated!
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Old 09-07-2009, 09:23 PM
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Put a fine dress sock over the gun and place it in the holster for a few days. That should make it just right.
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Old 09-07-2009, 10:12 PM
orangehole orangehole is offline
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The old plastic bag trick works fine. Insert handgun into plastic bag. A thicker type works best. Insert into holster and let sit for a few days. That usually works for me. Also Mitch Rosen markets "Leather Lightning" which really helps as well. I have a bottle from when they used to include one free with holster purchase. Now I believe they charge $12 or so. You only need a little bit to slick up the holster.
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Old 09-08-2009, 01:47 AM
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How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster?  
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A Ziplock freezer bag usually works. Put the gun in the bag and then put the gun and bag into the holster and let it sit for a couple of days. Galco also makes a product called Draw-Eze for conditioning the interior of leather holsters.
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Old 09-08-2009, 07:01 AM
7shooter 7shooter is offline
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How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster?  
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KG 9 works great. Brownell's has it.
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Old 09-08-2009, 09:33 AM
crackerjack crackerjack is offline
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Default holster

I wrap waxed paper around the pistol insert it in holster and leave it overnight .The next day work it in & out the holster with the waxed paper on it till you feel less resistance . If after trying pistol w/o paper , if it feels too tight then repeat the same process overnight again .
Frank
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Old 09-08-2009, 10:47 AM
xrmattaz xrmattaz is offline
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Another wax paper user. Leaves just enough undetectable "wax" on the leather to make things smooth and fast.

The manufacturer of my custom holsters said this is a perfectly acceptable fix, as it does nothing to harm the leather. He normally recommends using the plastic bag the holster ships in, as well.
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Old 09-08-2009, 12:50 PM
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Whatever method you use, start with the thinnest like saran wrap or wax paper and work your way up (you can double them up on the second round if need be)...a sock is good, but it is thicker and you may find you stretched it more than you needed so take your time...
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Old 09-08-2009, 03:30 PM
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Waxed paper. Use one layer, overnight. If need be, use two layers the next night, then three if necessary. I've never used more than that. Mitch Rosen's "Leather Lightning" is a great slickum, too. Avoid water, oil, and anything thicker than the waxed paper for minor stretching.
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Old 09-08-2009, 03:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hunt200 View Post
Put a fine dress sock over the gun and place it in the holster for a few days. That should make it just right.
I have used this method more than once with good results
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Old 09-08-2009, 09:38 PM
Wee Hooker Wee Hooker is offline
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How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster?  
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Default Thanks!

Looks like some great suggestions. I've had it stuffed in the holster since last night with a double layer of shopping bags on it. I'll switch that over to wax paper tomorrow. If that doesn't do it, I'll try some of the commercial solutions. My goal is to get it to fit a bit looser even after being stored for a while without the gun in it.

Thanks again!

Dave
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Old 09-16-2009, 09:31 PM
230therapy 230therapy is offline
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Heat. Leather will expand and contract around the object.

Put the gun in the holster and put the holster on.

Heat the entire rig with a hair dryer on the "hot" setting. The leather should be good and warm...uncomfortable to the touch. Let it cool with the gun in it and test several draws. Repeat as necessary, though you'll probably only have to do it once or twice.

Last edited by 230therapy; 09-16-2009 at 09:33 PM.
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Old 09-18-2009, 12:54 AM
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Just use it. It will loosen up by itself over time.
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Old 09-23-2009, 04:37 AM
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How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster? How to slick/stretch leather holster?  
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My Kramer pocket holster was too tight on my 640-1. It would come out of my pocket along with my gun. Then I read this approach, which loosened it up nicely: Twist the gun while it's in the holster. That'll loosen it up.

Worked with the Kramer pocket holster anyway...
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Old 09-30-2009, 08:27 AM
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Thanks for the sock tip. Tried it yesterday and my pocket carry holster is perfect now.
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1911, 640, commercial, galco, kramer, leather, ppc, safariland

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