I bought a nice American made holster, did not want to mention the maker, as I like the quality and do not want to dog anyone or a company. This is a super hi-ride moulded to the gun (j-frame Smith) minimalist sewed leather holster, no retention strap. The gun could be held in with a bit more retention, as some holsters really grab on so good it is difficult to draw from. My question is can this be shrunk down a little by getting it wet-either spray a bit of water on it, or totally soak it underwater for awhile then let it dry good? Any advice? Thanks, JT.

For a new holster, I'd contact the manufacturer and see what they say.

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Science plus Art

I thought about that, I may call them Monday. Also trying to attach a couple of pics.

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Sometimes orders are not sent correctly. One time I ordered a holster from a famous boutique maker for a S&W 3913 and the holster I got was marked 3913 but the weapon swam in it. A model 4013 that I also owned was a perfect fit. Just kept it and bought a 3913 holster from a different maker as the wait time was four months.

I think the leatherworker used the wrong "dummy gun". Check to see how a Model 10 fits in that rig.

The holster has obviously been wet-formed (either by hand or in a press), and the cylinder fluting appears correct for a 5-shot cylinder as the J-frames have. Wet-forming is done using either the actual handgun or a replica (typically cast resin or aluminum), and the result should be a close fit to the piece used to do the forming work.

That would be my question; what piece was used for the forming? A number of holster makers adopt a "one size fits several" approach, using one forming piece to make holsters that will accept several handguns of similar size and profile. That approach requires that the forming piece used be the largest in all dimensions of all the handguns in that range, so some will fit a bit more loosely than others.

Handguns similar in overall dimensions and profile to the S&W J-frames include the Colt D-frame revolvers, Ruger SP101, Taurus 85 series, some Rossi's, and probably a few others. While similar in dimensions and profile, none are exactly the same and some have larger dimensions than any of the others.

A holster closely formed for the J-frames will not accept the Colt, Taurus, or Ruger. But a holster closely formed for these others will usually accept a J-frame (although not with a perfect fit).

The "dummy guns" frequently used by holster makers are made by several companies. Some are better than others in details and dimensions.

I suspect that the maker's forming piece is not a really close copy of the S&W J-frames.

All above are my thoughts as well. I still need to call them some time, or I might just soak it and dry it to see what happens, as I did not spend "alot" on it, $20 to $30, but is a pretty nice piece of handwork for that amount, compared to others that cost alot more and do fit better-yes, I know, you get what you pay for. Thanks for the replies. JT

Good luck but honestly, it looks to me like the stitching isn't close enough to the gun.
If you do manage to get it to mold and hold the gun better, chances are it'll wallow out and get loose again.

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Keep on Chooglin'

Wrap gun in saran wrap, mix rubbing alcohol and water ,half and half. Saturate holster (rag dunked in mixture). Insert gun, lay holster belt side up, let dry overnight. If you need more retention use clamp in trigger area. This dry overnight. I use this on all my holsters.

I too would recommend calling the Maker since there is no way I know of to permanently tightening the holster up. It sounds like it was either made of "loose" leather or was made too large.

A good quality holster will usually come very very tight and require a bit of break-in to get the gun in and out without force. After break in a good holster should hold it's shape and retention qualities for years to come.

The fit does not look right to me. Looks like it is made for a larger revolver.

I like a metal band at the top.

If you access to Detective Special it would be nice to check. Or an SP 101.

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Bull

Have you tried it with the holster on your belt? Often when you cinch up your belt it draws the leather much tighter around the gun, and that is why the maker left a minimal amount of clearance. Put it on and carry the gun around in it and see what the fit is and the draw is like, and how secure it is. I have one holster that fits the gun beautifully when it is not on the belt, but when on the belt, it pulls the gun in so tight I have difficulty getting it out.

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H Richard
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