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Breaking in new leather

357luvr

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2006
Messages
286
Location
Barboursville, Virginia, USA
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Ok so I just got a new FED paddleholster made by Galco. I hate new holsters, especially leather ones. I've got the adjustment screw loosened up all the way and I still can barely get the darn thing in and out of the holster. Do you all have any suggestions for breaking the holster in other than just holstering and unholstering the gun a bazillion times? Thanks for any advice you can give me.
 

DoubleR

Campaign Veteran
Joined
May 8, 2006
Messages
689
Location
Fairfax County, VA, ,
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I had the same problem. I just kept flexing the holster frequently (anytime I went by it) and stored the gun in the holster when I was not carrying the gun. Pull, tug & twist it a bunch to help loosen and stretch it. I've heard about using water on the tight areas, but I was hesitant donig that, IMHO. My Beretta fits well and the thumbreak strap will now operate properly. Took a good 2 - 3 weeks, though.
 

Dutch Uncle

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May 11, 2006
Messages
1,715
Location
Virginia, USA
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I'm sure some will cringe at this advice, but I'd say just moisten the holster with rubbing alcohol, wrap the (well oiled) pistol in plastic and shove it in the holster 'til the alcohol dries. Repeat as needed.
 

molonlabetn

Regular Member
Joined
May 23, 2006
Messages
450
Location
, Tennessee, USA
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Many will laugh...

My only leather holsters are Don Hume 721 OTs... and I broke them in by sleeping with them strapped on (with gun inserted). It wasn't too comfortable at first, but they wear and draw quite nicely now. I also would place them in the freezer for a few hours at a time, with the gun inserted (gun well-oiled and wrapped in plastic). I sprayed a bit of Rem-oil on the inner surfaces, and wiped awayall excess (probably works similarly to the silicone-spray previously mentioned). I am still in the process of breaking in the new one I just got from Don Hume for my Sig 239, so I've got the imprint of a Hogue grip on my side right now... :uhoh:

I must say though, once they get broken in (takes about 2 weeks, I'd say), they feel like a part of me... Heh!

molonlabetn
 

livitup

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2006
Messages
171
Location
Culpeper, Virginia, USA
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I've heard warnings about water and leather, but on some old gun nut's advice I did the following, and was very happy with the results...

Get a couple paper towels good and wet. Not dripping, but just about. Get the gun in the holster and then wrap the holster in the paper towels. Let it sit a few hours or overnight and then take the paper towels off. The water should loosen up the leather enough to let it mold perfectly around the gun, then dry back up.

FWIW, the holster I did this to nearly 10 years ago is still my favorite holster for my USP. Of course I am not a leather smith, so do this at your own risk. Though I did stay at a Hampton Inn a few weeks ago on vacation. :)
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
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35,317
Location
Valhalla
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There is a product out there called Leather-Ez that I've heard is quite good but I've never tried it. I prefer a aircraft grade silicon assembly gel which was given to me by a heliocopter mechanic years ago. Everything takes time as the leather MUST streach slightly to allow a smooth draw yet remain secure. Personally, I like the hybryd hoster like FIST makes - kydex on the inside and leather on the outside. If you think something in leather is hard to break in, try one of these - it took me a month but wow is it great now!!!
 

MADISON

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2006
Messages
19
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I have a Bianchi X-15 Soulder Holster that the spring is so STIFF I can not get a gun in the holster. How do I weaken the spring [a little]?

This morning I E-Mailed Bianchi Internation this question and I hope I hear something within a few days.
 

MADISON

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Oct 4, 2006
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Grapeshot:

Yes, it doessound like I have the WRONG HOLSTER.

I went on to the www.bianchiinternational.com web sight and looked up the holster for my Glock 21. It was a #3. I wordered the holster they said was correct.

I got a #3 holster that was long enought for an 8 3/8 S&W. That is OK. I placed my Redhawk in the holster, after a lot of wiggling, sideways. It seemed to loosen the spring some, after a week. I put the Glock in the holster for several days and it fits considerably better. I think it is going to work.
 

DoubleR

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Joined
May 8, 2006
Messages
689
Location
Fairfax County, VA, ,
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Yeah, we all make the little bit of "smaller may be a bit better" :). With the leather holsters, the plastic bagsurrounding the firearm in the holster does work. Flexing the holster works, also. Give it a few days with the firearm in the holster, flex it as often as possible and it will ultimately fit properly. As many posts have indicated, I have more holsters for my carry gun than many ladies have shoes (nothing derogatory here, ladies!) Be patient, y'all, it'll be OK! IMHO, if all else fails, dampen the holster, place the fiream in a "baggy" and shove it in the holster (UNLOADED!). Follow the above instructions and it'll work. I just received aHIGH NOON IWB that was REALLY tight. I did the flexing and "baggy" thing, without any humidity, in 36 hours the fit is perfect, it is really sweet! ( Go for the Closing Argument, as it has a leather piece that is between the gun and your body all the way to the top of the gun at the hammer). There is a little time left for Open Carry with the winter about to set inhere in Virginia.
 

Rob Longenecker

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2006
Messages
16
Location
Houston, Texas, USA
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357luvr wrote:
Ok so I just got a new FED paddleholster made by Galco. I hate new holsters, especially leather ones. I've got the adjustment screw loosened up all the way and I still can barely get the darn thing in and out of the holster. Do you all have any suggestions for breaking the holster in other than just holstering and unholstering the gun a bazillion times? Thanks for any advice you can give me.


1. Insert gun in plastic bag and insert in holster overnight.

2. Rusty Sherrick'sHyde Glyde

]http://www.c-rusty.com/pages/other%20prod/hydeglyde.html][/url].

I don't recommend water or alcohol despite other recommendations.

Rob

http://www.TuckerGunleather.com
 

MADISON

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Joined
Oct 4, 2006
Messages
19
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The procedure for forming a gun to a holster is as follows:

[1] Soak the gun in warm water until it is sooft and pliable.

[2] Remove the wet holster and let drain for a few minutes.

[3] Spray the gun with an oil or something like WD/40 and place it in a ZipLock bag.

[4] Placethe gun in the holster and go over the holster with a "boneing tool". I know you don't have one so a kitchen fork or spoon will do.

[5] Allow theholster to dry, with the gun still in the holster. The longer the gun stays in the holster the tighter fit you shoould have.
 

Rob Longenecker

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2006
Messages
16
Location
Houston, Texas, USA
imported post

MADISON wrote:
The procedure for forming a gun to a holster is as follows:

[1] Soak the gun in warm water until it is sooft and pliable.

[2] Remove the wet holster and let drain for a few minutes.

[3] Spray the gun with an oil or something like WD/40 and place it in a ZipLock bag.

[4] Placethe gun in the holster and go over the holster with a "boneing tool". I know you don't have one so a kitchen fork or spoon will do.

[5] Allow theholster to dry, with the gun still in the holster. The longer the gun stays in the holster the tighter fit you shoould have.

How long does it actually take for the gun to be soft and pliable?

It could take a while. :lol:
 
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