Can a holster get too broken in?

[MattB]

I've noticed that over time my pistol gets easier to put into and remove from its Galco FLETCH holster (leather). Can a leather holster get too broken in to the point where it doesn't retain the pistol properly, and if so what is the best way to prevent this from occurring?

 

[Murray]

Yeah it can if it over streched. I carry most of mine IWB so this is less of an issue

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Leather is a natural product, consisting of a structure of cellular material modified and stabilized in the tanning process. When molded to a shape, vegetable-tanned leather will hold that shape remarkably well for extended periods of use.

That said, all leather products will experience some stretching of the fibrous structure, and the most tightly-fitted holsters will become somewhat looser with regular use and normal wear.

I make all of my production holsters as tightly fitted as possible, so that a reasonable period of break-in use results in a long-term snug fit.

The only problem I seem to have is customers receiving new holsters and complaining that the fit is too tight!

 

[Guest]

Lobo covered the basic subject pretty well but didn't go into the 'what to do'. Depending upon the particular holster if it is leather the leather can be dampened remolded around the gun. Then it needs to be allowed to dry completely and it could be just as good as new. Of course, this doesn't work well if the holster was poorly made to begin with or if it has been abused and has been allowed to go too long before being tended to.

 

[MattB]

I don't carry the gun that often so the holster really doesn't get any abuse. I was just more curious since when I first got the holster I could barely get the gun out of it but now it is much smoother to holster and unholster it. What do I have to do to take care of it? I use leather conditioner on the seats in my car but I'm not sure whether I should wipe down the exterior of my holster with it as well.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Originally posted by MattB:
I don't carry the gun that often so the holster really doesn't get any abuse. I was just more curious since when I first got the holster I could barely get the gun out of it but now it is much smoother to holster and unholster it. What do I have to do to take care of it? I use leather conditioner on the seats in my car but I'm not sure whether I should wipe down the exterior of my holster with it as well.

I am assuming that you have a formed leather holster (blocked/cased). For routine care:
1. general cleaning: if soiled, wipe off with a damp cloth and allow to air-dry thoroughly
2. minor scuffs and scrapes can be touched up with a little shoe polish in an appropriate shade
3. exterior can be dressed up with a little shoe polish of appropriate shade
4. avoid penetrating treatments (mink oil, lanolin), as these will have a tendency to soften the leather and the molded shape will suffer
5. saddle soap is okay for occasional use, but it can also unduly soften leather with excessive applications
6. should the holster ever become saturated by water, place it in an area with good air flow and allow to dry thoroughly at room temperature.

Finally, never store your handgun in a leather holster (or leather case). All leather products have a tendency to collect moisture and hold it, which we don't want held next to a good firearm. Get into the habit of removing your handgun after each use and wiping it down with a lightly oiled rag or silicone-treated cloth. Store the holster in an area with good air flow to permit any residual moisture to evaporate off.

Assuming your holster was properly finished by the maker (most are), it should provide many, many years of service with little maintenance.