Safariland 002 - break in methods

[t0066jh]

What's the best way to break in this holster. My new basketweave 002 is just not usable as is.

 

[MKT]

The 002 is a tight holster and it doesn't loosen up much at all. Designed that way due to the fully open face which allows a straight forward draw and improved retention with the open face. If you have a bull barreled gun and did not buy the 002 for a bull barrel (they have one for regular heavy barrels and one for 1"+ diameter bull barrels) you can do a little tweaking. Basically you need to heat the holster evenly using a hot hair dryer or a heat gun (be extra carefull with the heat gun), warm the face opening and sides and when the material gets somewhat pliable holster the gun. This will allow the material to reform to the size of the bull barrel and will help.

Other than that there isn't much one can do. The Safariland laminate does not loosen over time like real leather will.

 

[KAC]

My technique is similar to MKT's. Holster the revolver first and then heat the holster. As you heat the holster tighten the adjustment screws. This will pull the bottom of the holster closer together while leaving the part around the barrel about the same as original. After the holster cools loosen the adjustment screws and you should find the holster fits your barrel better. Silicone spray, along with the heat treatment, will also help. Spray the interior of the holster, let it dry, and then insert the revolver.

KAC

 

[imashooter2]

For my 002, I backed the adjustment screws way out, heated the spine with a 1500 watt hair dryer, spread the sides and let it cool. Then I adjusted the screws to get the tension I wanted. Works perfectly now with a 686 or a 627, depending on what game I have at hand.