New Galco Holster......

[RightWinger]

Alright, I just got my Holster in the mail and its for a 686 2.5 Inch. The holster is a owb. I also have the 1 and 3/4 inch Galco belt to use with the Holster. Heres the problem....this holster is soooo tight that I'm wondering if it'll ever break in. I own 9 other Galco holsters and all of them are for bottom feeders but have never had this kind of problem, is this normal, do any of you use mink oil to loosen the leather up? any advice would be appreciated!

[LoboGunLeather]

Mink oil should be avoided, as it can soften the leather if too much is used.

Well-fitted holsters will be quite tight when new. This allows for some stretching and conforming to the handgun and user during the break-in period.

Best method, if you can, is to simply wear the holstered handgun around the house for several hours every day for a week or so, drawing and reholstering the revolver a couple of dozen times.

If you are in a hurry to put the holster into service, try putting the revolver into a heavy plastic bag, then force it into the holster and leave it overnight. This usually loosens the fit considerably.

Using wax paper around the handgun, and repeatedly holstering and drawing can transfer some of the parafin wax to the holster interior. This can make the draw much easier.

The use of any oils or lotion-type products should be avoided on formed leather holsters. These will almost certainly soften the leather to an undesirable degree.

Hope these suggestions help you.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I think that there are several good ways (and a bunch of bad ones) to make a holster fit. Mink oil, I'm pretty sure, is one of the bad ones. Warm water, hand boning, proper drying, and correct protection of the revolver is probably a good one, but, for me, the easiest good one is Mitch Rosen's Leather Lightning. It costs thousands of dollars a gallon, but, fortunately, is sold in a ridiculously small quantity which, nevertheless, lasts for at least half a dozen holsters, probably more (I haven't used mine up yet, and I can't tell how much is left). I think it's silicone-based or something. Also, Galco sells something that may be similar or identical (Galco tends to do that).

Anyway, the Mitch Rosen stuff really works, and apparently it only allows the gun to be drawn, rather than also loosening up or wearing out your holster early. Use as directed.

[stoneman]

I have a Bianchi holster for my 686+. It also was very tight when new because it was made for a standard 686. After time it has come to fit the gun very well so don't loose hope.

[photoman]

What model holster? I've used many Speedmasters. Perfect fit for all of them.