I bought a used S&W holster for a revolver. When it arrived I found it to be in good condition. However, it has not had a revolver in it for YEARS.

I did force my revolver into it and got the strap snapped.

What is the best method of getting the leather re-shaped to hold my revolver without me having to use force to insert it??

My first thought is to wrap the revolver in clear wrap and dunk the holster in hot water; then insert the revolver until all is dry.

However, I'm betting there is a "better" way. LOL

I would stuff the revolver in it. The clear wrap is ok, but forget
the dip in hot water. Just leave the revolver in for a few days.
Spray the inside of the holster with silicone. Do about a hundred
draws and re-holsters. Someone will probably have a better idea
but that is what I would probably do.

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

I'd probably soak it in some hot tap water. Stick the gun in it and let it dry for a day or two. Honestly though, I have bunches of dummy guns for holster making and I'd use one of those.
After it dries, I'd treat it with a thin layer of Neatsfoot oil. Just wipe it on then wipe it off. Leave it to soak in over night then finish it with some Tan-Kote. After that dries, I'd give it a good buffing to make it all purdy and shiny.

__________________
Keep on Chooglin'

Thanks for all the feedback........... I'll pick up some supplies and work on it.

And you're sure the holster was made for the revolver you intend to use it with?

Mark

__________________
S&W Forum Member #721

If you are trying to shape a holster, do not leave the gun it it while it dries.

Wet the holster with water, or in the case of old leather, a "shoe stretch" fluid. Coat the gun in any kind of gun oil. Shove the oiled gun into the holster, and work the leather with your fingers or a rounded tool.

Remove the gun and set the holster aside to dry.

An hour or two later, re-insert the gun and go through the same routine.

Continue this drying/stretching process until the holster is dry. At that point dye can be applied if desired.

Finally, apply neatsfoot oil (or compound), mink oil, shoe polish, a coat of automotive wax, or other leather finish of your choice. Done.

Yep. It is a black S&W B21 32 for a 3" K frame and I'm stuffing a S&W Model 10-5 three inch in it.

It just hasn't been used in years and has fallen in on itself a bit.

I make holsters.
The way I mold a holster when I use the actual gun rather than a dummy gun is to dip the holster in hot water for about 20 seconds....then I insert the gun, wrapped in one of those thin bags from the grocery store produce section. After that, I mold it by hand or with my vacuum system and then put it in my food dehydrator for 6-8 hrs until it's dry and firm.
Follow up with a light coat of neat's-foot oil and Resolene.