I purchased a holster recently, and am having some trouble with it. I have purchased many holsters over the years, and I have never had one this tight before. It took 2 days of soaking in the sun and pushing to get the model 4053 to go in until it was just about flush with the bottom of the holster. After much working, it still racks the slide (new recoil spring) when trying to holster the weapon. The snaps on the strap are still about 3/4 of an inch from reaching each other. On a hunch, I tried a model 3914, and it fits to perfection. The vendor is adamant that the holster is for the correct pistol, (photos sent) and it is up to me to do the stretching. So how can I stretch the leather that far? Also how can I protect the inside of the snap from rubbing on the finish, do I need to have another piece of leather sewn on there?

Attached Images

4053holster.jpg (81.6 KB, 137 views)

Even if you could, why should have to? My solution would be to return holster, dispute credit card charge and find a new holster maker...

I think I would agree with old bear on this. The few times I did need to stretch or loosen a holster I used a product from Amsoil called MP. I simply sprayed the interior generously and then fit the gun into the holster and let it dry.

Usually one treatment was all I needed. There was one occasion that I had to do this several times as the holster I was working on was not the correct holster for the gun.

Randy

PS. There is a generous amount of difference size wise from a 3900 series gun to your 4053 so I would still work with the maker if I could.

Over streching it will ruin the rig. Sell it to a 3913 owner and find another maker. You shouldn't have to take much trouble selling it if it fits the 3913 perfectly...sure someone here could use it...a slight discount of course.

__________________
Thirty characters. Exactly...

Hi:
I had a similar experence with a holster maker. I ordered a belt holster for a Glock 27 and the holster was also very tight. I contacted the Holster Maker and was informed that the holster was for a Glock 26 and not a Glock 27! (same weapon except for the caliber).
I oiled the outside of the weapon and worked the weapon in and finally was able to snap the safety strap. I let it set for a few days and now a perfect fit.
In the past the method was to wet the holster, wrap the weapon in plastic, and push the weapon into the holster, secure the safety strap, and let the holster dry. Take the weapon out and apply a mixture of glyerren (animal fat oil) and white grafite powder to the inside of the holster.
Now one had a holster formed to the weapon

Looking at photos online, the back of the 4053 slide looks to be about a half inch longer than a 3914. No wonder the snaps won't close! I'd sell the holster and get a new vendor.

ECS

__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

As the old sayin goes, "If ya don't know leather...At least know your cobbler!"


Su Amigo,
Dave

__________________
"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Thanks folks, I am going to take Sipowicz's advice and undo any stretching that may have occurred, confirm that a 3914 fits like a glove, then sell it here on the classifieds for cheap. The new holster vendor takes orders by phone, so it was refreshing to hear that he was aware that the 3rd gen DAO models are longer than their TDA counterparts.

For reference on anyone that searches this topic in the future, DO NOT wet a molded holster. You can ruin the molding done by the maker.

Two easy things for you to try:

1) Coat the high spots in Johnsons Paste wax and slide it in.

2) Wrap the gun in a ziplock bag and shove it in (you may need wax for it to insert). This is called 'blocking' if I remember correctly but the whole point is to stretch the leather. It may take a few hours or a few days resting in the holster before you get it perfect.

In any case if it's made for the wrong gun it doesn't matter what you do.

Would it fit a 3913LS? If so, PM me and let me know how much you want.

Thanks,
Pineappleshooter

__________________
Thirty characters. Exactly...

It does not have the correct profile for the LS contour, sorry. I have posted it in the classifieds now.

Eaglestroker has it right.

Bill Jordan used that method and had me do it to a duty model 66 in a new holster. Gave me all sorts of good advice about getting the holster to work well. Wet the holster good and let it dry with the gun inside. Once dry, oil the holster a couple of times and you are good to go.

Noooooooooo....that's not what he said....

__________________
Thirty characters. Exactly...

Can you believe it.

__________________
"Don't worry be happy"

I've had success with a sock, also.

__________________
2 Blessed 2B Stressed

Foe what it's worth, i've found a product Tha i use for stretching and reviving old leather. it's called Fiebing's liquid Glycerine Saddlesoap. It works miracles!!!!! Try this stuff on all leather. When I break in a new pair of boots, This is the stuff I use.