How do you break in a new holster?

[prepgal]

I just got a new revolver and a leather holster. The gun fits VERY snugly in the holster making it difficult to draw. Someone told me to soak the holster in saltwater then put the gun in while holster is still damp. I have no intention of exposing my new gun to saltwater. Any suggestions on how to break in a new holster?

 

[armedindy]

maybe put your gun in a sock then stick it in holster and leave it overnight....

 

[foszoe]

neatsfoot oil rubbed all over

 

[sparkyfender]

Wear it, use it. Not trying to be smug, but a good holster will usually loosen up in a short period of time if you carry it. Practice your draw while you are at it.

What is your new revolver, if you don't mind telling? Always like to see or hear what other folk are carrying.

Good luck!

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Put your handgun in a freezer bag and leave it in the holster overnight. The holster will retain its shape but open up just slightly.

This is the process that is recommended by the paperwork that comes with Galco leather holsters and High Noon leather holsters, and its worked for me for years.

 

[prepgal]

Thanks for the suggestions. The gun is a S&W Governor. The holster is specially made for this model, so it is already molded to fit pretty well just tight. This revolver is a bit big to carry all the time, so the "wearing it in" method may take a while. I think I will try the sock then oil it up pretty good and wear it a day or two. I love this gun! I wanted it since it came out.

 

[drillsgt]

Put your handgun in a freezer bag and leave it in the holster overnight. The holster will retain its shape but open up just slightly.

This is the process that is recommended by the paperwork that comes with Galco leather holsters and High Noon leather holsters, and its worked for me for years.

BehindBlueI is right on, I use a thick freezer bag as well, sometime two, and just leave it, it'll stretch it out just enough for you.

 

[Hoosier Buddy]

Put your handgun in a freezer bag and leave it in the holster overnight. The holster will retain its shape but open up just slightly.

BehindBlueI is right on, I use a thick freezer bag as well, sometime two, and just leave it, it'll stretch it out just enough for you.

This is the best advice. Milt Sparks recommends using a 4 mil plastic bag for the above procedure.

 

[Leo]

Put your handgun in a freezer bag and leave it in the holster overnight. The holster will retain its shape but open up just slightly.

This is the process that is recommended by the paperwork that comes with Galco leather holsters and High Noon leather holsters, and its worked for me for years.

This is good advice. In cases where it needed more "adjustment" I keep the handgun in the bag and hold the holster over a pan of steaming water to make it more pliable. After you work with it, leave it cool with the bagged firearm still in it. Be sure to lay it in wax paper or something so that if any of the tanning die leeches, I does not leave permanent stains on the kitchen countertops.
Good Luck.

 

[mvician]

Don't oil it, don't soak it in anything. It will soften the leather, you don't want that.

 

[SERparacord]

I just got a new revolver and a leather holster. The gun fits VERY snugly in the holster making it difficult to draw. Someone told me to soak the holster in saltwater then put the gun in while holster is still damp. I have no intention of exposing my new gun to saltwater. Any suggestions on how to break in a new holster?

Use it, it will loosen up, never oil one, it will stretch. Saltwater will make it rock hard and useless.

 

[snowwalker]

Put your handgun in a freezer bag and leave it in the holster overnight. The holster will retain its shape but open up just slightly.

This is the process that is recommended by the paperwork that comes with Galco leather holsters and High Noon leather holsters, and its worked for me for years.

I like this site for the learning experience and today I learned something new again. My thanks.

 

[Exodus]

I use a thin sock. Buddy uses freezer bags.

 

[DungeonCrawl]

Just bought some new holsters for my Sig P239. Thanks for the thread and tips

 

[VERT]

Wear it, use it. Not trying to be smug, but a good holster will usually loosen up in a short period of time if you carry it. Practice your draw while you are at it.

This

Put your handgun in a freezer bag and leave it in the holster overnight. The holster will retain its shape but open up just slightly.

This is the process that is recommended by the paperwork that comes with Galco leather holsters and High Noon leather holsters, and its worked for me for years.

and also this.

 

[Pinchaser]

Wear it, use it. Not trying to be smug, but a good holster will usually loosen up in a short period of time if you carry it. Practice your draw while you are at it.

What is your new revolver, if you don't mind telling? Always like to see or hear what other folk are carrying.

Good luck!

This is the best answer you will receive. A holster is best "broken in" by using it. NEVER put oils of any kind on a quality holster.

 

[Classic]

Put your handgun in a freezer bag and leave it in the holster overnight. The holster will retain its shape but open up just slightly.

This is the process that is recommended by the paperwork that comes with Galco leather holsters and High Noon leather holsters, and its worked for me for years.

I think this is real good advice. I tried the Neatsfoot oil ONCE and it discolored the leather, made it go from a really pretty caramel color to a rather unattractive dark brown. OK I guess, but not what I was hoping for.

 

[Mark33]

Put your handgun in a freezer bag and leave it in the holster overnight. The holster will retain its shape but open up just slightly.

This is the process that is recommended by the paperwork that comes with Galco leather holsters and High Noon leather holsters, and its worked for me for years.

Best answer!

 

[MattyLite]

Learn something new everyday I guess. I have always been of the mindset to just wear it around the house until I feel it is ready, but I will try the freezer bag on my next one.

 

[prepgal]

OK, so I'm going with the freezer bag method and no oil. Thanks for the great info. And of course wearing and using it.