Cutting holsters for optics

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labnoti

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I'm looking for a holster that will be cut for a red dot (like RMR). I can't get one for the particular gun, so I will need to cut one or otherwise modify one. I want to learn from the experience of others modifying different kinds of holsters and materials for use with an optic.

I have a Kydex speed holster for another gun that is open in the top/front. It seems to hold the gun mostly by pinching it with tension units. It does wrap over the muzzle.

I have a leather holster for another gun that has one tension unit near the trigger guard. It seems to be more dependent on the fixed circumference of the leather providing tension around the gun.

Basically, my choice is between cutting a leather holster with a single tension unit, or cutting a Kydex holster that has a couple tension units. Either way, it's about a $70 experiment. I would kind of prefer the leather but it seems less likely to hold the gun securely once I cut it for the sight.

Anyone had results from cutting a holster for a red dot?
 
Been there done that ...

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My advice ? Keep it simple ...
 
Kydex will be easier to cut a relief for than leather. Depending on how the kydex is shaped you may have to take off a little or alot. High grit sandpaper will give you the relief for a red dot if you only need to take off a few fractions of inches. More room would require cutting with a dremel or similar tool. After cutting smooth out the edges with sandpaper and maybe some spray paint to cover up areas or make a uniform finish.
 
Kydex will be a much better choice for this. Most kydex holsters have primary retention based on gripping the trigger guard which won't be affected by removing material for a red dot. I wouldn't expect a leather holster to react as well to cutting and modification.

There are a few ways to do this and it will in part depend on the design of the holster. For instance, it will probably be easier to work with a holster that does not have a sweat shield.

First mark on the holster what sections you want to remove (so you have a reference while cutting) and remember that it's always easier to remove material than add it back. So when you get close, make small changes and test fit a lot.

If you don't have many tools available, sand paper, a file, or a coping saw (depending on how much you want to remove) would do the job. If you have power tools available, a scroll saw and/or a spindle sander (or the edge of a belt sander) would do the same job faster and the material would likely be removed more evenly. After that, I would use a sisal wheel and a buffing wheel to finish up the edges (this can also be done with sandpaper, moving from corse to fine grit levels).
 
I really don't know why people post questions like this and intentionally leave out all the details. :confused:

You will probably run into fewer issues with Kydex or some other synthetic than leather. I've made holsters for guns with optics and it usually has to be designed around it. Of course, a slide mounted reflex is much easier to design around or adapt to.
 
I bought an Alien Gear IWB holster for my Glock23c that I had sent off to have an RMR installed. I saw a video that I thought was on their website that showed a Glock with an RMR in one of their holsters which added into the decision to buy one. It needed about 1/2" more clearance for the RMR. I called them, and I was told that for that amount of relief, if I cut it myself and it didn't impact any of the screw locations or anything structural other than the small area of the front of the holster, it wouldn't void the warranty. It was about 45 seconds with a Dremmel and a sanding disc.
 
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