I have a galco p226 holster that is extremely tight, so tight that I can't draw the pistol out of it. Any thoughts on how to soften it up a bit?
Suppressors Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
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Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
operator error.......
one should be able to run and jump and be upside down without losing your johnson..........
just sayin
operator error.......
one should be able to run and jump and be upside down without losing your johnson..........
just sayin
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
I've used saddle soap to help break in leather boots. I guess it would work. I used a hairdryer to warm the leather up.
I've used saddle soap to help break in leather boots. I guess it would work. I used a hairdryer to warm the leather up.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
Break it in like a baseball mit. Fold it, work it, sleep with it under your mattress. Saddle soap and mink oil helps condition and maintain the leather.
Break it in like a baseball mit. Fold it, work it, sleep with it under your mattress. Saddle soap and mink oil helps condition and maintain the leather.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
Per Matt Del Fatti...custom leather holster/gear craftsman extraordinaire..."insert pistol into plastic zip-lock bag, then insert bag and gun into holster for a few days, check fit after a few days and repeat if necessary"!
When I first got each of my holsters from Matt, they were so tight that holstering was only done with some effort and drawing the pistols took some serious effort. After a few days of the extra girth from the plastic bag, my holsters all fit like a glove. Even many, MANY years later they fit perfectly and the retention is just incredible. If the fit is REALLY tight, go with a double plastic bag and apply the same procedure.
Per Matt Del Fatti...custom leather holster/gear craftsman extraordinaire..."insert pistol into plastic zip-lock bag, then insert bag and gun into holster for a few days, check fit after a few days and repeat if necessary"!
When I first got each of my holsters from Matt, they were so tight that holstering was only done with some effort and drawing the pistols took some serious effort. After a few days of the extra girth from the plastic bag, my holsters all fit like a glove. Even many, MANY years later they fit perfectly and the retention is just incredible. If the fit is REALLY tight, go with a double plastic bag and apply the same procedure.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
http://www.mitchrosen.com/product_line/product_line.html
Click on Miscellaneous. It's called Leather Lightning. Works great.
http://www.mitchrosen.com/product_line/product_line.html
Click on Miscellaneous. It's called Leather Lightning. Works great.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
place gun in heavy plastic bag similar to what they ship them in, and then wrap with wax paper, that you may have in your cupboard. place in holster for 24 hours, remove and check fit, repeat as needed also the wax from the paper will begin to slick the inside of the holster after repeated drawing cycles
place gun in heavy plastic bag similar to what they ship them in, and then wrap with wax paper, that you may have in your cupboard. place in holster for 24 hours, remove and check fit, repeat as needed also the wax from the paper will begin to slick the inside of the holster after repeated drawing cycles
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
The big name leather holster makers (as in high-quality big) recommend against using anything that might soften the leather. And I think they, of all people, would know.
ORD already posted what Matt Del Fatti says about it.
Here is what Milt Sparks recommends (and his quality speaks for itself). Pay special attention to what he says NOT to do:
"Tightness in a new holster is not uncommon and is much preferable to the alternative. If the draw is a little stiff at first, it is recommended that you work with it to see if it doesn't loosen up with a bit of use. About 25 to 50 presentations should be a good indicator of whether the holster will break in sufficiently on its own or if maybe a little blocking out of the leather is in order. There are many variables as to why a holster would be excessively tight ranging from the texture of your guns finish, to slight changes in climate or humidity from where the holster is made. Regardless of the reason, a too tight holster can easily be remedied by the end user with a method we have been recommending to customers for over 20 years.
To block out (stretch) your new holster first UNLOAD your pistol or revolver and place the gun into the 4 mil plastic bag that your new holster was packaged in. Then carefully insert the bagged gun all the way into the holster (do not! I repeat, do not!! wet or spray the holster with any solution to aid in the stretching process). The blocking out process as described above will in no way harm the crisp detailed molding of your new holster, nor will it ruin its retention qualities. It serves simply to stretch the leather a few thousands of an inch larger than the gun. The amount of stretching time needed for satisfactory results range from a just a few minutes to overnight. Any clarifications or concerns on the above, or if you would rather we talk you through the process, then please call us."
The big name leather holster makers (as in high-quality big) recommend against using anything that might soften the leather. And I think they, of all people, would know.
ORD already posted what Matt Del Fatti says about it.
Here is what Milt Sparks recommends (and his quality speaks for itself). Pay special attention to what he says NOT to do:
"Tightness in a new holster is not uncommon and is much preferable to the alternative. If the draw is a little stiff at first, it is recommended that you work with it to see if it doesn't loosen up with a bit of use. About 25 to 50 presentations should be a good indicator of whether the holster will break in sufficiently on its own or if maybe a little blocking out of the leather is in order. There are many variables as to why a holster would be excessively tight ranging from the texture of your guns finish, to slight changes in climate or humidity from where the holster is made. Regardless of the reason, a too tight holster can easily be remedied by the end user with a method we have been recommending to customers for over 20 years.
To block out (stretch) your new holster first UNLOAD your pistol or revolver and place the gun into the 4 mil plastic bag that your new holster was packaged in. Then carefully insert the bagged gun all the way into the holster (do not! I repeat, do not!! wet or spray the holster with any solution to aid in the stretching process). The blocking out process as described above will in no way harm the crisp detailed molding of your new holster, nor will it ruin its retention qualities. It serves simply to stretch the leather a few thousands of an inch larger than the gun. The amount of stretching time needed for satisfactory results range from a just a few minutes to overnight. Any clarifications or concerns on the above, or if you would rather we talk you through the process, then please call us."
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jedi5150</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The big name leather holster makers (as in high-quality big) recommend against using anything that might soften the leather. And I think they, of all people, would know.
ORD already posted what Matt Del Fatti says about it.
Here is what Milt Sparks recommends (and his quality speaks for itself). Pay special attention to what he says NOT to do:
"Tightness in a new holster is not uncommon and is much preferable to the alternative. If the draw is a little stiff at first, it is recommended that you work with it to see if it doesn't loosen up with a bit of use. About 25 to 50 presentations should be a good indicator of whether the holster will break in sufficiently on its own or if maybe a little blocking out of the leather is in order. There are many variables as to why a holster would be excessively tight ranging from the texture of your guns finish, to slight changes in climate or humidity from where the holster is made. Regardless of the reason, a too tight holster can easily be remedied by the end user with a method we have been recommending to customers for over 20 years.
To block out (stretch) your new holster first UNLOAD your pistol or revolver and place the gun into the 4 mil plastic bag that your new holster was packaged in. Then carefully insert the bagged gun all the way into the holster (do not! I repeat, do not!! wet or spray the holster with any solution to aid in the stretching process). The blocking out process as described above will in no way harm the crisp detailed molding of your new holster, nor will it ruin its retention qualities. It serves simply to stretch the leather a few thousands of an inch larger than the gun. The amount of stretching time needed for satisfactory results range from a just a few minutes to overnight. Any clarifications or concerns on the above, or if you would rather we talk you through the process, then please call us."
</div></div>
+1. You will not put on the skin lotion.
Plastic bag, time, prayers, and all will be better. And if the OP thinks that his Galco is a virgin bride, he ain't seen nothin' 'til he tries that trick with a Kramer horsehide product. Ye gods ...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jedi5150</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The big name leather holster makers (as in high-quality big) recommend against using anything that might soften the leather. And I think they, of all people, would know.
ORD already posted what Matt Del Fatti says about it.
Here is what Milt Sparks recommends (and his quality speaks for itself). Pay special attention to what he says NOT to do:
"Tightness in a new holster is not uncommon and is much preferable to the alternative. If the draw is a little stiff at first, it is recommended that you work with it to see if it doesn't loosen up with a bit of use. About 25 to 50 presentations should be a good indicator of whether the holster will break in sufficiently on its own or if maybe a little blocking out of the leather is in order. There are many variables as to why a holster would be excessively tight ranging from the texture of your guns finish, to slight changes in climate or humidity from where the holster is made. Regardless of the reason, a too tight holster can easily be remedied by the end user with a method we have been recommending to customers for over 20 years.
To block out (stretch) your new holster first UNLOAD your pistol or revolver and place the gun into the 4 mil plastic bag that your new holster was packaged in. Then carefully insert the bagged gun all the way into the holster (do not! I repeat, do not!! wet or spray the holster with any solution to aid in the stretching process). The blocking out process as described above will in no way harm the crisp detailed molding of your new holster, nor will it ruin its retention qualities. It serves simply to stretch the leather a few thousands of an inch larger than the gun. The amount of stretching time needed for satisfactory results range from a just a few minutes to overnight. Any clarifications or concerns on the above, or if you would rather we talk you through the process, then please call us."
</div></div>
+1. You will not put on the skin lotion.
Plastic bag, time, prayers, and all will be better. And if the OP thinks that his Galco is a virgin bride, he ain't seen nothin' 'til he tries that trick with a Kramer horsehide product. Ye gods ...
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
Saddle soap, shaving cream, etc. Put your guns down and step away so no one gets hurt. it is supposed to be stiff. I can't believe that the conversation is actually happening. It's a holster made to retain a pistol. It's not a god damn baseball mitt or saddle. If it's that stiff and tuff maybe you shouldn't use a gun. The recoil will be even more aggressive than that little strap. Let's think guys before we give shitty advice.
Out
Saddle soap, shaving cream, etc. Put your guns down and step away so no one gets hurt. it is supposed to be stiff. I can't believe that the conversation is actually happening. It's a holster made to retain a pistol. It's not a god damn baseball mitt or saddle. If it's that stiff and tuff maybe you shouldn't use a gun. The recoil will be even more aggressive than that little strap. Let's think guys before we give shitty advice.
Out
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
just work the gun in and out one day that you have 30 minutes to sit down and watch desperate housewives....
just work the gun in and out one day that you have 30 minutes to sit down and watch desperate housewives....
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
+1 to the plastic bag advice. That were the directions that came with my vm2 from milt sparks. I put my p220 in there and couldnt get it out (had never complained of that before). Put the holster on, and drew it, empty, for 15-20 minutes, and its like a glove right now. Dont wet it, dont put any soap on it, it will soften the leather and not retain its shape.
+1 to the plastic bag advice. That were the directions that came with my vm2 from milt sparks. I put my p220 in there and couldnt get it out (had never complained of that before). Put the holster on, and drew it, empty, for 15-20 minutes, and its like a glove right now. Dont wet it, dont put any soap on it, it will soften the leather and not retain its shape.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
I would search the FAQ of the company you got the holster from and see how they say to break it in. I would also suggest not getting the holster wet or using a heat gun. That could dammage the oils/finnishing materials the manufacture uses to tan the leather.
Leave the pistol in the holster and remove and draw the pistol multiple times. This will help break the holster in and fit it to your pistol. When you are not drawing, just leave the pistol in the holster.
I would search the FAQ of the company you got the holster from and see how they say to break it in. I would also suggest not getting the holster wet or using a heat gun. That could dammage the oils/finnishing materials the manufacture uses to tan the leather.
Leave the pistol in the holster and remove and draw the pistol multiple times. This will help break the holster in and fit it to your pistol. When you are not drawing, just leave the pistol in the holster.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
my brother had a similar problem he ended up using a ziplock freezer bag and put a thinmble sized amount of water in it sealed her up and left it in the garage for a week during the summer never had a problem after that just a note make sure you oil the hell out of the gun first better yet just dunk it in some good old 5w-20
my brother had a similar problem he ended up using a ziplock freezer bag and put a thinmble sized amount of water in it sealed her up and left it in the garage for a week during the summer never had a problem after that just a note make sure you oil the hell out of the gun first better yet just dunk it in some good old 5w-20
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
People, no fucking oil on guns when stretching holsters. The advice that is given by major manufacturers is the God's honest truth: place the gun in the shipping bag that the holster came in, jam it in the holster, and then let it sit for hours. Come back, check and see if it'll wedge a little further, etc., but you don't have to have an OCD attack shoving the gun back and forth, in and out of the holster like you're trying to impress it with your bulging forearms. It isn't a great mystery.
Again, no jerkin' Jergens, no neat's foot oil, no home plasters, no 30W, no synthetic blends, just plastic bag around gun and pressure from within. As I've said to many a female, don't worry, baby, with time it'll stretch out just enough to be snug and we'll both be happy.
People, no fucking oil on guns when stretching holsters. The advice that is given by major manufacturers is the God's honest truth: place the gun in the shipping bag that the holster came in, jam it in the holster, and then let it sit for hours. Come back, check and see if it'll wedge a little further, etc., but you don't have to have an OCD attack shoving the gun back and forth, in and out of the holster like you're trying to impress it with your bulging forearms. It isn't a great mystery.
Again, no jerkin' Jergens, no neat's foot oil, no home plasters, no 30W, no synthetic blends, just plastic bag around gun and pressure from within. As I've said to many a female, don't worry, baby, with time it'll stretch out just enough to be snug and we'll both be happy.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
I have 6 or 7 Galco holsters the only thing you need to do is work the leather fold it in half you can't break it do not add water or pee on it or jerkins or leather oil just beat it up for 10 minutes and put your gun in it.
I have 6 or 7 Galco holsters the only thing you need to do is work the leather fold it in half you can't break it do not add water or pee on it or jerkins or leather oil just beat it up for 10 minutes and put your gun in it.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
Okay, what you're going to do is add some Kraft Blue Cheese dressing to the holster. DO NOT under any circumstances use the Kraft Ranch. Fat free will NOT get your gun free. Remember that. Italian dressing is okay, Balsamic vinegarette is pushing it.
And a serious question to the OP...Did the holster come with a retention screw?
Okay, what you're going to do is add some Kraft Blue Cheese dressing to the holster. DO NOT under any circumstances use the Kraft Ranch. Fat free will NOT get your gun free. Remember that. Italian dressing is okay, Balsamic vinegarette is pushing it.
And a serious question to the OP...Did the holster come with a retention screw?
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
Install pistol. Wait. Remove. Repeat.
I have had a couple Galco Holsters and some Safariland that are tight when new.
The holster is form fitted to the weapon. Anything you do to soften it outside of normal use will adversely affect this fit.
When you are not actually using the holster, sore the pistol in it. If it's a "pancake" type holster. Tie 550 cord through the belt loops to pull them into the position they would be in on your belt.
Mink oil, saddle soap and all that other stuff is great for boots and jackets. It will jack up a quality holster.
Install pistol. Wait. Remove. Repeat.
I have had a couple Galco Holsters and some Safariland that are tight when new.
The holster is form fitted to the weapon. Anything you do to soften it outside of normal use will adversely affect this fit.
When you are not actually using the holster, sore the pistol in it. If it's a "pancake" type holster. Tie 550 cord through the belt loops to pull them into the position they would be in on your belt.
Mink oil, saddle soap and all that other stuff is great for boots and jackets. It will jack up a quality holster.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
stop feeding your holster viagra.
other thoughts are that it's stiff to keep the pistol properly retained. perhaps a wet fit once just to get the pistol to settle in a little better, trying to loosen up the leather, it's defeating the purpose.
stop feeding your holster viagra.
other thoughts are that it's stiff to keep the pistol properly retained. perhaps a wet fit once just to get the pistol to settle in a little better, trying to loosen up the leather, it's defeating the purpose.
Re: Extremely stiff leather holster, thoughts?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The advice that is given by major manufacturers is the God's honest truth: place the gun in the shipping bag that the holster came in, jam it in the holster, and then let it sit for hours.</div></div>
Yeap, that's what I did. Fits great now, thanks guys.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The advice that is given by major manufacturers is the God's honest truth: place the gun in the shipping bag that the holster came in, jam it in the holster, and then let it sit for hours.</div></div>
Yeap, that's what I did. Fits great now, thanks guys.
