Breaking in a holster?

[epj]

I have a couple of J frames I sometimes carry. More frequently a Colt Agent. I've decided I'm going to carry my M66 2-1/2". I have a decent IWB holster that fits and works ok, it I don't like IWB as well as OWB. I bought a Bianchi thumb break that was supposed to be lightly used. Must have been very lightly. I have a 1-1/2" Bigfoot gun belt with metal insert. I can barely get the belt to go through the loop on the holster. After working with it some and applying some Vaseline, I can get the holster on the belt. But, then the thumb break won't quite snap. It will snap with the belt removed though it is difficult. I have the same holster in 4", and it fits my 4" 19-2 just perfect. Any suggestions on how to accelerate the break in process?

 

[epj]

Surely some response? Too many experts on this board to go with no answer

 

[rednichols]

I have a couple of J frames I sometimes carry. More frequently a Colt Agent. I've decided I'm going to carry my M66 2-1/2". I have a decent IWB holster that fits and works ok, it I don't like IWB as well as OWB. I bought a Bianchi thumb break that was supposed to be lightly used. Must have been very lightly. I have a 1-1/2" Bigfoot gun belt with metal insert. I can barely get the belt to go through the loop on the holster. After working with it some and applying some Vaseline, I can get the holster on the belt. But, then the thumb break won't quite snap. It will snap with the belt removed though it is difficult. I have the same holster in 4", and it fits my 4" 19-2 just perfect. Any suggestions on how to accelerate the break in process?

I was the holster's designer. The problem is not with the holster, which was created around a 1-3/4" wide belt of modest thickness; it's the bloody huge belt you're trying to get into it. Change belts, such a thing is not needed for carry (an old wive's tale based on the 'if some is good then more is gooder' concept).

Dip the long end of the strap into hot water for a minute or so; bearing in mind that this will affect the finish. Snap it up over your hammer and let it dry. All fixed.

 

[epj]

Yes, the belt is purdy durn thick. I have some thinner belts, but they will not adequately support the holster. One thing I didn't make clear was that the strap will snap over the hammer with the holster off the belt. It is, however, very tight. Of course it needs to be pretty snug, but not quite that snug. I am on the search for a reasonably stiff belt that's not quite as thick as this. Maybe the same belt without the metal insert. The M66 is way heavier than any of the smaller alloy frame guns, but it isn't all that heavy. Thanks so much for the advise and congratulations on designing a fine holster. I've used the four inch version for years and really like it.

 

[Warren Sear]

Your choice of belt is fine.

I bought a Bianchi #80 that had the same very tight belt belt loops that you describe. What I did was used a wet sponge to thoroughly wet the belt loop area (outside only, but made sure the leather was wet all the way through). Then I got two composite/plastic shims (wood might splinter and stick to the leather). First push in one from one side, and then do the same with the other. Then I pushed the gun into place while the shims were there.

After the leather is formed, I took the gun out to avoid it rusting, but every now and then I put it back in to insure that the holster was drying with the loops formed the way I wanted them.

In a day or so the holster will be dry and the belt will fit.

 

[serger]

I routinely wrap the gun in saran wrap then put it in the holster.
Then I soak the holster with 90% isopropyl alcohol. Then I let
It dry. The holster will conform with the guns contour.

 

[Horn]

No Need To Break-in

I have a couple of J frames I sometimes carry. More frequently a Colt Agent. I've decided I'm going to carry my M66 2-1/2". I have a decent IWB holster that fits and works ok, it I don't like IWB as well as OWB. I bought a Bianchi thumb break that was supposed to be lightly used. Must have been very lightly. I have a 1-1/2" Bigfoot gun belt with metal insert. I can barely get the belt to go through the loop on the holster. After working with it some and applying some Vaseline, I can get the holster on the belt. But, then the thumb break won't quite snap. It will snap with the belt removed though it is difficult. I have the same holster in 4", and it fits my 4" 19-2 just perfect. Any suggestions on how to accelerate the break in process?

Since the the Kydex holsters came along I've quit buying leather ones. Kydex holsters require no break-in and no upkeep. The holster is made for a specific pistol and fits perfectly.
The exception is I have purchased two of DeSantis E-gat Slide Holsters__one for my P365 and one for my G43. They're leather but look like and pistol specific like Kydex.
Also very close to my most favorite holster of all time (Yaqui) and
for less that $25.... perfection.
Messing with the usual leather holster is too old time for me.
Stay safe
Poli Viejo

 

[chief38]

I would recommend sticking the gun inside a plastic bag and then putting both into the holster. Work it in and out many times, then leave the gun in the holster over night. Repeat until the gun fits in properly.

I would also not use any chemicals, oils or water - just working and stretching the leather naturally and use the gun (unloaded of course) to do this. After a few days the holster should have a perfect fit. By doing it slowly and without wetting it may take longer, however I have always found the results better.

 

[epj]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have ordered a new belt, which is very similar to the one I have except it lacks the steel insert. Hopefully it will be a hair thinner. Also going to do a bit of stretching.

 

[rednichols]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have ordered a new belt, which is very similar to the one I have except it lacks the steel insert. Hopefully it will be a hair thinner. Also going to do a bit of stretching.

Most of the other posts were made without even reading your original post. But they saw the title and wanted to rush in with the wisdom gained from other forum posts; which are wrong.

'Breaking in a holster' with a plastic bag is an old wive's tale. It's not the bag! Or else just stuffing the bag inside would do the trick. It's the gun!

The purpose of adding the bag has always been to ensure the pistol doesn't rust if you've used water to soften the leather. It does NOT 'break in' the holster. Which by the way, if your holster needs that kind of break-in, the maker has let you down; it's not natural or 'to be expected', it's the maker losing control of their processes.

 

[epj]

Yep, the gun actually fits the holster just fine. The problem arises when the really thick belt is introduced into the mix. The holster needs to fit tight. Otherwise the gun will flop around in the holster and cause a lot of wear.