How to slick/stretch leather holster?

Wee Hooker · Sep 7, 2009

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!

Hunt200 · Sep 7, 2009

Put a fine dress sock over the gun and place it in the holster for a few days. That should make it just right.

orangehole · Sep 7, 2009

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.

2000Z-71 · Sep 8, 2009

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.

7shooter · Sep 8, 2009

KG 9 works great. Brownell's has it.

crackerjack · Sep 8, 2009

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

xrmattaz · Sep 8, 2009

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.

sipowicz · Sep 8, 2009

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...

38-44HD45 · Sep 8, 2009

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.

sabashimon · Sep 8, 2009

Hunt200 said:
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

Wee Hooker · Sep 8, 2009

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

230therapy · Sep 16, 2009

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.

Kollin · Sep 18, 2009

Just use it. It will loosen up by itself over time.

Onomea · Sep 23, 2009

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...

HUGHP · Sep 30, 2009

Thanks for the sock tip. Tried it yesterday and my pocket carry holster is perfect now.

How to slick/stretch leather holster?

Wee Hooker

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Hunt200

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orangehole

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2000Z-71

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7shooter

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crackerjack

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xrmattaz

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sipowicz

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38-44HD45

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