Making a leather holster slightly larger, another question added

[Jebus35745]

Bamabiker made this holster for a Sig 365 with a 3.1” barrel, love the angle and the way it conceals the gun with T shirts in the summer. I just bought a Sig p365 X macro and the front of the gun is slightly larger than the old gun. It’s slightly longer also which may not matter, it’s a 3.7” barrel.

I need to make the holster a little taller and about 1/8” wider where the barrel fits. How can I increase the size to use it with the slightly larger barrel?? Open to suggestions, Larry

 

[Autonomous]

Not that much different from stretching leather shoes but still different.
Let the leather soak in water for an hour, put the pistol in a thin plastic bag and try to insert it in the wetted holster. Do not force it. It may take a longer soak and/or multiple insertions.
Keep an eye on the stitching, don't want any pullout.

Beware of using oil or saddle soap on a holster as they soften leather.

 

[Papa Lee]

That is a mighty nice looking holster. I'm thinking any effort to make it fit something it was not intended to fit would probably ruin it. I suggest you sell it and order another one from bamabiker to fit your new pistol.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Advice I received over the years from a couple holster makers..............

Wrap it in "Plastic food wrap" 2-4 layers force it into the holster [w/o the water]....... leave it sit for 3/4 days.

Still too tight... add a couple more layers..... and so on and so on.


soaking with water works if the leather on a thumb break is a bit to short!

 

[sparkyvega]

+1 on water soak

 

[GnarlsR2]

I've used Bickmore on two Mitch Rosen leather holsters for my P365s.

I coated the inside really well, inserted the gun really well, let it sit for a couple days, then repeated it.

Water may work but I've read that it may cause unpredictable results.

If it's possible to consult with the holster supplier or a leather expert, that may be a good option.

https://a.co/d/bnoz4gq

 

[Jebus35745]

Getting some good ideas. It only needs to be a hair wider and about 1/8” inches height. Not sure Bamabiker is making holsters now or has something the size of the X Macro to use making one.

Another question. The 365 gets covered with leather particles (dust) from daily insertion and removal at night and morning. Can the inside of the holster be coated with something to slow that down some? Will the leather conditioner mentioned work? Larry

 

[GnarlsR2]

Getting some good ideas. It only needs to be a hair wider and about 1/8” inches height. Ot sure Bamabiker is making holsters now or has something the size of the X Macro.

Another question. The 365 gets covered with leather particles (dust) from daily insertion and removal at night and morning. Can the inside of the holster be coated with something to slow that down some? Will the leather conditioner mentioned work? Larry

It did for my Mitch Rosen leather P365 holsters.

 

[Autonomous]

FWIW I did some work in a shoe repair shop as a kid. I don't remember the soak times before stretching shoes, but my instinct is to start with water for a limited time and if you do have to add soak time do not let it dry out between soaks.

I did successfully remold a nice bargain bin holster to fit a PPK.

 

[snubbyfan]

Soak it in hot tap water, stick the gun in a plastic bag and shove it in. The holster'll be kinda soft and squishy so you can work it with your fingers while it dries a bit. Leave it sit for 'bout half an hour then pull the gun out. Wipe away excess moisture and stick it back in.
The issue is that you may lose some of the detail of that beautiful carving.
I'll usually keep this up for a coupla hours.
Then leave the gun out and let the leather dry overnight.
The next morning, check it for fit and if it's good, let it sit for another night.
Then buff the finish with a soft paper towel to bring back the sheen.
For the leather dust, go on Amazon and order some Tankote. Apply it to the inside with a dauber and a cotton swab to get it in the seams. Leave that sit overnight to dry.
That's how I do it, 'cept I usta make custom holsters and have a box full of Blue Guns.

 

[Peak53]

Why not ask Bamabiker for his recommendations even if he is not currently making holsters?

 

[bamabiker]

Larry, I sent you a direct message. Let me know if you didn't get it.

 

[JB4570]

Wrap the sig with 3 or 4 wraps of wax paper, the type we use to use for sandwiches, press into holster and let set over night, if still just a tad tight add a couple of more wraps, been doing this for years works perfect,,,, stay away from and oil, grease, or any oil based saddle soap, those break down the leather over time.
Give it a try,, no cost involved unless you have to go to the store for the paper.

If you do it today, tomorrow you'll have a perfect fit.