I recieved mine a few days ago & started using it. Trying to break it in & get used to having something besides a pocket knife or loose change in my pocket. After a few days of trying to "adjust", I am starting to wonder...

Is this thing going to break-in and form to the shape of my leg just a little better? Or is it going to stay stiff as a board forever? These things have great reviews everywhere I look, but this thing is stiff as a board.

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-Roger

I carry my 642 in a one and it took a little while to break in, but it does "mold"to your leg. (Mine was about two weeks, I think.)

A 642 in your pocket, whether in Galco leather or any leather, takes a little getting used to, regardless. Carry it every day, no matter what, and it will eventually work for you.

***GRJ***

I use one for my 1964 production 36, and the holster will conform after wear........

.............will soon be a very comfortable fit for you. They hold up well. This has many years and miles on it.

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LEX ET ORDO

I carry my 431 in my pocket, it took a while to get used to not reaching for keys but other than that I forget it's there.

I'd say keep trying. Horse hide is very dense and it if isn't out of the box with a curve to hug your leg, I can see that taking some time to form.

I've had mine for years, carry the Model 442 or M38 comfortably, but it does take a couple of weeks.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Thank you guys all for posting. I will keep using & breaking in this Galco, even though I really want to wear my Lobo OWB rig instead. I really just got this pocket holster for occasional use when my OWB just doesn't work.

Would any leather products available speed up the process?

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-Roger

I've carried an LCP in that same Galco holster for a year now, it never conformed to my leg and was always bulky in my front pocket. I upgraded to a Glock 26 inside the waste band and I find that more comfortable...and more comforting.

I bought some of the Galco break in oil with mine when I got it and it softened up the horsehide right away.

I also hit it with some Kiwi black...

The Galco is designed to be ambi-dextrous, so the ears are sewn flat. It took a couple of weeks for the ears to curl inward, making less of an outline. It always fit the gun nicely (Springfield XDs), and the holster has never come out of my pocket with the gun unless I pry it loose.

Yes. While reading this post I had to reach down and make sure mine was there.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

I gave up on mine. I don't think it will ever bend. Larry

I'm a fan of the micro pocket version by D.M. Bullard outta Azle, Texas.....less money and a fine holster.......My M&P 360 loves it.....

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Go big or stay home

Try

Galco Draw-EZ Holster Treatment 1/2oz Bottle

softened my Galco up after a couple of applications.

You can moisten it with plain water and wear it till it drys-with the gun in it- and you should be good then, or just be patient and get sweaty it will break in.

How about get a pice of 4 or 6" PVC pipe and lay it on it and wrap it up tight with an Ace bandage or something similar. Check it after a couple of days to see how it is. That should put a curve in it for a start,then let your leg do the rest. Can be done in conjunction with the oils, water, etc
Steve W

I concur. If you do moisten it with a sponge or spray bottle, and it is blued rather than stainless, you might think about a single wrapping of Saran Wrap around that portion of the gun contacting the leather. The plastic wrap is not thick enough to affect gun fit, and may prevent early rust spots from forming. After you wear the gun and holster dry or very nearly so, take the gun out and give it a good going over with an oily rag after first wiping away any traces of moisture. Then it would be a good idea to give the holster a light coat of PURE Neatsfoot oil (Neatsfoot oil Compound and products like Lexol contain petroleum products which do not bind well with the leather fibers). If nothing else is handy, simply use a good grade of olive oil. It is a natural oil and I have used it to oil many new saddles when I run out of Neatsfoot. Horse hide is just naturally stiffer than steer hide, and that is why some prefer it for holsters. It is mostly a matter of personal preference though. Hope this helps, good luck.

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I just need ONE more gun!

After 2 weeks of pocket carry in jeans, the holster did form itself a decent curve without using water or any treatments. I don't think I could have brought myself to put my gun in a wet holster anyways...

End result, I'm happy.

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-Roger

Glad it's working for you!

i too LOVE these holsters. have one for my J frames and now one for my LCP. well worth the money and the break in is not all that bad... now the hard part, finding pants/shorts that aren't low ride! when did dudes get so fashioney?

If you do this, and I agree it will work, soak the holster well. Then put your pistol into a waterproof plastic bag, insert it into the holster and it will mold to your leg.
NOTE: You're going to get a little damp in the process!
Jim

Finally got a couple pics. This is just from 3 weeks of pocket carry at home, in Wrangler jeans. No oils or water used at all.

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-Roger

I was looking to see what happened with the holster but keep getting sidetracked by the grips. Are they aged ivory or some artificial staining on something? Perfect, great coloring and medallion color, especially on a blued gun.

They are Altamont "antique aged ivory". They are bonded ivory, not real ivory.

Thanks for the compliment.

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-Roger

I bought one, several years ago, for my Smith 642.

Rigid as all hell, never softened, wouldn't release the gun at all. Uncomfortable.

Sold it to a friend, that was impressed by it's cost.

Bought an Uncle Mikes, never have looked back.

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NRA Instructor